Locum Biomedical Scientist Careers Toolkit - The Definitive Guide to Working as a Locum Biomedical Scientist
Biomedical scientists are an instrumental part of healthcare, testing medical samples taken by doctors and nurses to help with diagnosis. In the UK, it is a career path with lots of room to grow and specialise, giving you a chance to focus on areas such as infection sciences or genetics. Locum work is an incredibly effective way to advance your career as a biomedical scientist - and there are plenty of other benefits, too. In this guide, we’re going to discuss how agency biomedical science works, the perks it offers and how to work in the UK as a locum biomedical scientist.
About Biomedical Science in the UK
Biomedical science is an important aspect of healthcare in the UK as it supports medical diagnosis and research. Biomedical scientists typically work in laboratory environments to test various samples provided by researchers, doctors and nurses. Although most work is conducted in the lab, it can be quite a varied role in terms of what you specialise in. You can choose to specialise in many different areas, including cellular sciences and blood sciences. If lab work isn’t for you, many other roles are well-suited to individuals with a background in biomedical science.
Many employers in the UK employ biomedical scientists, but the National Health Service (NHS) is the biggest and spans the entire UK. To work in biomedical science in the NHS, or in the UK generally, you’ll need to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
To register as a biomedical scientist with the HCPC, you must show you meet their proficiency standards. This involves having the right academic qualifications and completing clinical laboratory training. During the training, you work on a Registration Training Portfolio. After successfully finishing this and getting verified, you receive an IBMS Certificate of Competence, allowing you to apply for HCPC registration. You will also need to perform continuous professional development to stay updated about the latest approaches to biomedical science.
What is Locum Work?
Locum work is a unique way of working that lets you choose where and when you work. Locuming is a fantastic platform to develop your career as a biomedical scientist, as it lets you target specific roles to gain relevant experience. For many people, the many benefits of working in the UK as a locum make it the ideal working arrangement. So, let’s discuss some of the main advantages that locuming as a biomedical scientist has to offer:
