Biomedical Science vs Healthcare Science

If they're both accredited by the IBMS then you will be qualified to work in an NHS lab but probably in different roles. It really depends on what you want to do after. Either way experience is key so having placements is good. Go with the more interesting course.

False, you require HCPC registration to work in the NHS as a BMS. HCS practically a BMS course. The difference is integrated placements to allow portfolio completion. It wouldbe very stupid to overlook HCS if you want to be a BMS.

And what kind of biomed degree do you need to do to be eligible for HCPC registration? An IBMS accredited one. So as I said before both pathways can lead to careers in the NHS.


Posted from TSR Mobile

Yes, but why on earth would you do that?

You can do an IBMS accreditted degree, find a job as an MLA and then wait for the workplace to agree to put you through your portfolio, and then complete your portfolio. Dependent on the NHS Trust, some will put the MLA through the portfolio pretty fast and some will make their MLA's apply for it internally, I personally know someone who did not get their registration until 6 years after his graduation due to this.

Or

You can do an IBMS degree with HCPC portfolio work integrated into it (3 years) and graduate and become a Band 5 BMS, instead of graduating and working as a Band 2 MLA for 12-18 months.

I know which I would rather do, and that's the second option i.e the Healthcare Science route. It takes less time. You're guaranteed a placement. You're guaranteed to be given the opportunity to complete your portfolio, graduation is actually dependent on it. The Department of Health didn't design the Practitioners Training Programme to work in this way for no reason.

All routes of the programme except genetic sciences are is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science and Health Education England and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The genetic sciences route is approved by HCPC only.

In health care science, why is genetic science route only HCPC approved not IBMS? Yet all the of the other routes are both, IBMS and HCPC approved? I'm just curious, as you seem to specialise in this field.

I have a place to study for Biomedical Science at Plymouth University. I've also been offered an interview for Healthcare Science next Tuesday.
I'm having a bit of difficulty working out the difference and wondered if anyone coulx help?
Both are accredited by IBMS but only the Healthcare Science qualifies you to work in an NHS lab afterwards. However the Biomedical degree offers students who obtain a 1st an automati interview with Peninsula for post graduate entry medicine. It means you don't have to sit yh3 MCAT but isn't a guaranteed place by any chance. The biomedical degree is 4 years with a year inindustry the health are science is 3 years with multiple placements throughout.

I'm a bit lost. Can anyone offer any insight?

Appologies for the spelling mistakes I am writing this on my phond in my lunch break!

Hey!
Just interested to know which course you ended up choosing?
I'm a third year HCS student at Plymouth University so if you have any questions feel free to ask

Tara

Heya was wondering how you find the course in general? I'm a chemistry student but really not enjoying it and find it so hard so thinking of applying to do HCS instead. Would you still say the course is scientific and enough to stretch yourself academically? (but it still being bearable !)

I'd argue HCS stretches you more than most courses. In final year you're doing the same amount of academia as those on other courses alongside your HCPC portfolio and your responsibilities whilst on placement. Final year was hectic and hard work, but worth it to walk into a job as a Biomedical Scientist.

Did you enjoy the course? I don't mind hard work so long as it's still slightly enjoyable!

To an extent yes. I was eager to get into work and placement gave me a taste. You're a small group in lectures which is nice. Could relate lectures to placement which was nice.

What uni did you go to? and did you feel like you still got the uni experience even though you had to go on placements?
any insight you could give me would be much appreciated because I've already done one year of the wrong course don't want to get it wrong again !
I do feel like this course is well suited to me though because it still looks really sciency but it also prepares you for and launches you straight into a healthcare career which is something I'm really keen to do