Biomedical Sciences advice :(

University course discussion for Biology, Biomedical science, Biochemistry, Genetics, Anatomy, Neuroscience, Pharmacology etc

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  1. RectalExamination's Avatar
    • Overlord in Training
    • Posts: 2,009
    Re: Biomedical Sciences advice :(
    (Original post by SimpleGirl)
    hm, well I'd really like to do medicine if I'm able to.
    I'm going to wait for my results and see whether they're good enough first - I was thinking that if I get AAA then maybe that's still not enough to take a year out? even though that's the typical offer, I should atleast apply with something better considering I'm taking a risk anyway...
    I mean, I'd still consider it but I'd be pretty reluctant as opposed to if I achieved A*AA which would put me in a slightly better position?

    So yeah, to be honest it's all down to my grades because as regards to work experience and UKCAT practice, I should be alright because I'll have a lot of time to get as much done as I can.

    Also, recently I've been considering the 6year medicine course (including foundation year) - do you know whether it's somewhat 'easier' to get into that or is everything pretty much the same?
    Ok im not sure how individual universities see it but your A level grades, as long as they meet the requirements, may not become a factor. You have to plan out very well, I looked at all the universities, where I can apply, what they want and what my chances are. I had AAAB so wasn't a blockbuster set of A levels however I more than demonstrated through work experience my understanding of what a career in medicine entails and my dedication.

    I applied to universities (such as Durham) where your grades didnt factor once you had gotten the requirement.

    Me personally I would say the chances of there being a biomed place available next year is not low, most likely (hopefully) you will get accepted into your biomed course or find a place at clearance. Its not a massive risk in that way, for me there is no reason to not take a gap year unless you are convinced you will be unable to improve your application over the coming months.

    Whether you have a good UKCAT and whether you can organise good volunteering / teaching / work experience placements for the next year in my mind is a much bigger determinant of whether you should reapply or not. You can do your UKCAT before you have to make a decision (but absolutely make sure you put 1000% into it) and it may help you decide.

    You should at least for now:

    1) Try and organise work experience from now
    2) talk to your school or one of the departments and see if they would be happy for you to mentor a few kids
    3) Prepare for the UKCAT after your exams
    4) Research in depth all the universities, their requirements and your chances of getting in
    5) Apply for jobs in the NHS
  2. emmy1313's Avatar
    • Junior Member
    • Posts: 46
    Re: Biomedical Sciences advice :(
    (Original post by wt88)
    This is very poor practice, I would have expected better. It is failing to equip students with the necessary qualification to enter into the Biomedical Science career path. Essentially a student from a very low tier university with an accredited degree with a lower class would be much better off then you, and more likely to secure a job (as a BMS in the NHS). However you would still be able to get a job just as easily outside of NHS Biomedical science or you could just contact the IBMS and ask them what modules you have to do so you pick the right ones. You would still have to get it accredited after you graduate but it would mean you wouldn't have to do any top ups.
    Hi thanks so much for the information - Biomed may be well be my choice at King's as I feel my med interview wasn't so great (still waiting to hear).

    I'm actually an int'l student, from the Caribbean - Trinidad and Tobago. Does IBMS accreditation only deal with BMS registration in Britain? I'm wondering if my country requires any of that to get a job you see.
  3. laura130490's Avatar
    • Benevolent Member
    • Posts: 774
    Re: Biomedical Sciences advice :(
    (Original post by emmy1313)
    Hi thanks so much for the information - Biomed may be well be my choice at King's as I feel my med interview wasn't so great (still waiting to hear).

    I'm actually an int'l student, from the Caribbean - Trinidad and Tobago. Does IBMS accreditation only deal with BMS registration in Britain? I'm wondering if my country requires any of that to get a job you see.
    As far as I'm aware IBMS accreditation only allows you to work as a BMS in the UK. If you want to work as a BMS in another country, you have to apply for accreditation there. Becoming accredited in another country may mean you have to take some form of test(s)/exam(s) or do a course or extra modules first.
  4. emmy1313's Avatar
    • Junior Member
    • Posts: 46
    Re: Biomedical Sciences advice :(
    (Original post by laura130490)
    As far as I'm aware IBMS accreditation only allows you to work as a BMS in the UK. If you want to work as a BMS in another country, you have to apply for accreditation there. Becoming accredited in another country may mean you have to take some form of test(s)/exam(s) or do a course or extra modules first.
    Ah thanks very much =) Well, I doubt I'd need that drama for back home - the most would be just applying for accreditation.
  5. mionoja's Avatar
    • New Member
    • Posts: 3
    Re: Biomedical Sciences advice
    Hello everyone,

    I just recently finished my degree in biomedical science and am currently working as a band 2 medical laboratory assistant (MLA). There weren't any trainee biomedical science posts at the moment so I opted for the post (MLA) to gain the necessary laboratory experience (to get a foot in the door). I have a few questions:

    - How long does it take to do your IBMS registration portfolio to get HPC registration?

    - What does it entail?

    -Is my course an accredited course?

    I' m confused.

    Any information will be greatly appreciated : )
    Many thanks.

    Michael.
    Last edited by mionoja; 19-03-2012 at 22:03.
  6. Ramram99's Avatar
    • New Member
    • Posts: 2
    Re: Biomedical Sciences advice :(
    Hi Michael,

    I know this is not related to your post but would you be interested in earning extra cash by being a biomedical science tutor ??

    Thanks

    Jess
    Last edited by Ramram99; 20-03-2012 at 15:37.
  7. BLineDisaster's Avatar
    • Exalted and Worshipped Member
    • Posts: 1,002
    Re: Biomedical Sciences advice
    (Original post by mionoja)
    Hello everyone,

    I just recently finished my degree in biomedical science and am currently working as a band 2 medical laboratory assistant (MLA). There weren't any trainee biomedical science posts at the moment so I opted for the post (MLA) to gain the necessary laboratory experience (to get a foot in the door). I have a few questions:

    - How long does it take to do your IBMS registration portfolio to get HPC registration?

    - What does it entail?

    -Is my course an accredited course?

    I' m confused.

    Any information will be greatly appreciated : )
    Many thanks.

    Michael.
    The portfolio is done in a year.
    It is a collection of evidence to show competence and satisfy the HPC "Standards of Proficiency for Biomedical Scientists"
    You can contact the IBMS to find out if your course is accredited.

    Im currently doing my portfolio so feel free to ask if you need anymroe help.
  8. Isabellalulu's Avatar
    • New Member
    • Posts: 2
    Re: Biomedical Sciences advice :(
    Hi everyone,

    I'm Isabella. I'm currently studying degree in Biomedical science of Northumbria University (2nd year) and I'm a newbie in this forum.
    May I know anyone of you from Biomedical Science degree in Northumbria University or anyone studying this degree please?


    Would love to hear from any of you soon. =)
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