IBMS degree assessment

I have a quick query for anyone who has had their degree assessed by IBMS or has knowledge of this process.

I will be graduating from a non-accredited Biological Sciences degree (whilst sharing many modules with the students from Biomedical Science) this year and will be starting an IBMS accredited Haematology MSc come September. I've had a brief look at the assessment form and some of the components they ask for such as Haematology and Transfusion Science, I am sure I will cover during my MSc.

However, I noticed the website said: "Masters degrees are not accredited by the IBMS for purpose of HCPC Registration."

Does this mean when they ask for evidence of me having studied a component such as Haematology, I am unable to use my masters and state I learnt it from there as it won't count?

Reply 1

alleycat393

21

They really are the best people to tell you so email and ask but my understanding of the statement above is that an IBMS masters degree alone isn't enough to apply for HCPC registration i.e you need to have done an IBMS accredited BSc and if not get your degree assessed by them.

Reply 2

Melissaff94

1

I agree with Alleycat393, I think its just that you can't do an Bsc in say Biology and then do a Masters in Biomedical Science and use just the masters to get HCPC accreditation.
I am currently undergoing the assessment process (Was sent 1 month ago and waiting to hear back), I did Bioveterinary Science so it heavily followed the Biomedical Science degree. Therefore I'm hoping I won't have to do too many top up modules (Maybe just Human A+P). After this stage I'm slightly confused as to what we have to do? I understand we have to complete a training portfolio.... Can we back date any lab skills required to stuff we learnt/ did at university? Or does this have to be completed solely at an external laboratory post graduation? Any information about this would be much appreciated as I'm a little lost... Also is anyone else having much luck finding trainee posts/ suitable grad entry jobs as currently I'm really struggling! They all tell me I don't have enough experience (Apparently I need 12 months+ despite the fact I'm a fresh grad and lab experience at uni doesn't count towards this!!!!!)

Reply 3

RegisteredBMS

16

Original post by Melissaff94

I agree with Alleycat393, I think its just that you can't do an Bsc in say Biology and then do a Masters in Biomedical Science and use just the masters to get HCPC accreditation.
I am currently undergoing the assessment process (Was sent 1 month ago and waiting to hear back), I did Bioveterinary Science so it heavily followed the Biomedical Science degree. Therefore I'm hoping I won't have to do too many top up modules (Maybe just Human A+P). After this stage I'm slightly confused as to what we have to do? I understand we have to complete a training portfolio.... Can we back date any lab skills required to stuff we learnt/ did at university? Or does this have to be completed solely at an external laboratory post graduation? Any information about this would be much appreciated as I'm a little lost... Also is anyone else having much luck finding trainee posts/ suitable grad entry jobs as currently I'm really struggling! They all tell me I don't have enough experience (Apparently I need 12 months+ despite the fact I'm a fresh grad and lab experience at uni doesn't count towards this!!!!!)

Your best bet is to take a Band 2 Medical Laboratory Assistant role and then ask the training supervisor at that laboratory if they will assist in you applying for registration. Most laboratories don't advertise trainee roles since 99% of them go to their MLA/AP staff with BSc's and PTP/Healthcare Science students.

Reply 4

louisaB

Original post by Melissaff94

I agree with Alleycat393, I think its just that you can't do an Bsc in say Biology and then do a Masters in Biomedical Science and use just the masters to get HCPC accreditation.
I am currently undergoing the assessment process (Was sent 1 month ago and waiting to hear back), I did Bioveterinary Science so it heavily followed the Biomedical Science degree. Therefore I'm hoping I won't have to do too many top up modules (Maybe just Human A+P). After this stage I'm slightly confused as to what we have to do? I understand we have to complete a training portfolio.... Can we back date any lab skills required to stuff we learnt/ did at university? Or does this have to be completed solely at an external laboratory post graduation? Any information about this would be much appreciated as I'm a little lost... Also is anyone else having much luck finding trainee posts/ suitable grad entry jobs as currently I'm really struggling! They all tell me I don't have enough experience (Apparently I need 12 months+ despite the fact I'm a fresh grad and lab experience at uni doesn't count towards this!!!!!)

Hi All, I wondered if anyone had converted from doing a Medical degree to becoming a BMS? Mellissaff94 your BSc sounds kinda similar to mine in terms of the medical component, how many modules did you end up having to complete?

I'm currently in my final year and know that lab work is definitely more for me. I'm not able to get my degree accredited/ assessed yet, so wondered if anyone knew any medics who had been through this? if yes, how many modules did you/they need to complete after doing Medicine?
Anyone know of friends/ MLA work colleagues who were in my situation?

Thanks for the advice :smile:

Reply 5

RegisteredBMS

16

Original post by louisaB

Hi All, I wondered if anyone had converted from doing a Medical degree to becoming a BMS? Mellissaff94 your BSc sounds kinda similar to mine in terms of the medical component, how many modules did you end up having to complete?

I'm currently in my final year and know that lab work is definitely more for me. I'm not able to get my degree accredited/ assessed yet, so wondered if anyone knew any medics who had been through this? if yes, how many modules did you/they need to complete after doing Medicine?
Anyone know of friends/ MLA work colleagues who were in my situation?

Thanks for the advice :smile:

I've not come across people wanting to change from a medical doctor to a Biomedical Scientist but it will be pretty straight forward but you do have other routes available to you. Consider the Scientist Training Programme (STP) to become a Clinical Scientist or you always have the option of specialising to become a consultant in a pathology area a few years done the line.

I'm not sure what the IBMS result will be of your top-up modules but you will definitely need some.

We had somebody at my laboratory who was a full-time MLA and was given time off when they had to do top-up modules. She essentially reverted to part-time for a little while. Most laboratories will support you I'd home, mine does. You need to be working in an accredited NHS laboratory in order to gain your HCPC registration. Begin applying for Band 2 MLA roles whilst you're waiting for the IBMS to get back to you.

Reply 6

RegisteredBMS

16

Original post by Melissaff94

I agree with Alleycat393, I think its just that you can't do an Bsc in say Biology and then do a Masters in Biomedical Science and use just the masters to get HCPC accreditation.
I am currently undergoing the assessment process (Was sent 1 month ago and waiting to hear back), I did Bioveterinary Science so it heavily followed the Biomedical Science degree. Therefore I'm hoping I won't have to do too many top up modules (Maybe just Human A+P). After this stage I'm slightly confused as to what we have to do? I understand we have to complete a training portfolio.... Can we back date any lab skills required to stuff we learnt/ did at university? Or does this have to be completed solely at an external laboratory post graduation? Any information about this would be much appreciated as I'm a little lost... Also is anyone else having much luck finding trainee posts/ suitable grad entry jobs as currently I'm really struggling! They all tell me I don't have enough experience (Apparently I need 12 months+ despite the fact I'm a fresh grad and lab experience at uni doesn't count towards this!!!!!)

To add, you can't back date laboratory skills and there are graduates like myself who graduated with 12 months laboratory experience. It is why the NHS are pushing the Practitioner's Training Programme for Biomedical Scientists.

Reply 7

louisaB

thanks TraineeBMS for the tips,

Yes I am looking into the STP and will be applying this year, I'm just getting all my ducks in a row and making sure I don't miss any opportunities - the Clinical scientist route is crazy competitive. I'm planning to apply for MLA roles, but was concerned about being at a disadvantage compared to biomedical scientists, who have far more lab experience than myself.
But I guess you don't know until you try..

Original post by TraineeBMS

I've not come across people wanting to change from a medical doctor to a Biomedical Scientist but it will be pretty straight forward but you do have other routes available to you. Consider the Scientist Training Programme (STP) to become a Clinical Scientist or you always have the option of specialising to become a consultant in a pathology area a few years done the line.

I'm not sure what the IBMS result will be of your top-up modules but you will definitely need some.

We had somebody at my laboratory who was a full-time MLA and was given time off when they had to do top-up modules. She essentially reverted to part-time for a little while. Most laboratories will support you I'd home, mine does. You need to be working in an accredited NHS laboratory in order to gain your HCPC registration. Begin applying for Band 2 MLA roles whilst you're waiting for the IBMS to get back to you.

Reply 8

RegisteredBMS

16

Original post by louisaB

thanks TraineeBMS for the tips,

Yes I am looking into the STP and will be applying this year, I'm just getting all my ducks in a row and making sure I don't miss any opportunities - the Clinical scientist route is crazy competitive. I'm planning to apply for MLA roles, but was concerned about being at a disadvantage compared to biomedical scientists, who have far more lab experience than myself.
But I guess you don't know until you try..

Most Biomedical Scientist's will be applying for Band 5+ roles unless it's their first post-registration role and they're struggling to get a job, in which case a Band 2-4 role can be suitable to get a foot in.

The MLA's at my laboratory range from women in their 60's with no degree to early 20's with a degree.

Reply 9

louisaB

okay, that's really encouraging to know - thank you for all the advice!

Original post by TraineeBMS

Most Biomedical Scientist's will be applying for Band 5+ roles unless it's their first post-registration role and they're struggling to get a job, in which case a Band 2-4 role can be suitable to get a foot in.

The MLA's at my laboratory range from women in their 60's with no degree to early 20's with a degree.