Studying Biomed with the open university ?

I'm 28 and looking for a career change, i've had the pleasure of working in life science/ medical supply industry for the last 5 years building and testing products for labs and distribution.

However, i seriously want to advance to gain higher ed that allow me to work in microbiology etc, i see the open uni have a Biomed honours or diploma BUT not IBMS accredited...bit concerning ? Do you think this would be silly to pursue? The great benefit of open uni though is flexibility, distance learning and no entry requirements... i know i'll need a IBMS portfolio to be successful later on so this worries me.

Any advice welcome

Reply 1

linaliali

Original post by username7073521

I'm 28 and looking for a career change, i've had the pleasure of working in life science/ medical supply industry for the last 5 years building and testing products for labs and distribution.
However, i seriously want to advance to gain higher ed that allow me to work in microbiology etc, i see the open uni have a Biomed honours or diploma BUT not IBMS accredited...bit concerning ? Do you think this would be silly to pursue? The great benefit of open uni though is flexibility, distance learning and no entry requirements... i know i'll need a IBMS portfolio to be successful later on so this worries me.
Any advice welcome

Hi

I am planning to do Biomedical Science degree too this October, after reading a lot of messages here and done my research, I believe if you want to do pure biomedical science and qualify as one + working for NHS straight away after graduation and registration then you need IBS FULLY QUALIFED DEGREE. IN THIS CASE OPEN UNIVERSTY does not provide this, in my case I will be doing Masters in Physician Association straight after this degree . therefore I have no concerns.

Reply 2

HealthcareSci

Most important question- do you want to be a biomedical scientist? Because then the OU degree won't get you what you need as you need the IBMS accreditation to do the portfolio.

If you want another career path like the poster above, then the IBMS accreditation is not important.

If you are looking for a supported degree though, I would consider an apprenticeship and apply for roles like this: https://www.healthjobsuk.com/job/UK/Manchester/Manchester/Manchester_University_NHS_Foundation_Trust/Biochemistry/Biochemistry-v6343722?_ts=10415

BMS degree is fully funded (no student loan) and you get time to do it while being paid. I'm aware you already work so this might be a pay cut, so calculate the cost of the degree and make sure it is feasible for you.