Is Biomedical Science worth it?

I’m trying to figure out which course I want to do at university, I was set on Biomedical Science at first but after a little look around I’ve seen a lot of mixed opinions on it. Lots say that it’s mainly just used as a leg up to Medicine for those who didn’t get in, but I don’t plan on doing Medicine after, so can I get a good job with just the Biomedicine Bachelors degree, or would I need to get my Masters?

Reply 1

Vermillionred

4

Original post by unethical-allowa

I’m trying to figure out which course I want to do at university, I was set on Biomedical Science at first but after a little look around I’ve seen a lot of mixed opinions on it. Lots say that it’s mainly just used as a leg up to Medicine for those who didn’t get in, but I don’t plan on doing Medicine after, so can I get a good job with just the Biomedicine Bachelors degree, or would I need to get my Masters?

If your Biomedical Science degree is IBMS accredited (check the uni website) then you can become a Biomedical scientist (BMS) at the NHS with added training and completing a portfolio on the job. I have switched from doing this job and successfully into medicine this September.

I decided to switch because although there are several promotions available (Band 5 BMS -> Band 6 Specialist BMS -> Band 7 Higher Specialist BMS -> Deputy Service Manager Band 8a) I just couldn't see my future there. The masters is only required for the DSM position but not the positions before.

Some colleagues definitely enjoyed it and I can see them being there for life.

There definitely is competition for the BMS positions and a lot of people get caught out by not doing an IBMS accredited degree, having to pay out of pocket and sitting many exams to get their degree accredited or completing a 4 year degree apprenticeship (despite already having a degree).

I do think if your degree is accredited it is better than a subject like biochemistry cause of the job potential.

Some people do it to get a leg up into research PHD others go into the STP programme (quite competitive) and become a clinical scientist. The clinical scientist STP programme gives you a masters and Band 6 pay from the start - you need a 2.1 bachelors to get in I think this is definitely a promising programme.

I wouldn't do a Masters until you are certain or after you've obtained a BMS position and decide you want to become a DSM. For job applications most have a heavy preference for working your way up (Band 2 MLA in reception -> Band 4 Associate practitioner -> Trainee Band 5 BMS) so don't assume its an automatic BMS job from the bat post graduation.

Let me know if you have any more questions.

Reply 2

HealthcareSci

10

Original post by unethical-allowa

I’m trying to figure out which course I want to do at university, I was set on Biomedical Science at first but after a little look around I’ve seen a lot of mixed opinions on it. Lots say that it’s mainly just used as a leg up to Medicine for those who didn’t get in, but I don’t plan on doing Medicine after, so can I get a good job with just the Biomedicine Bachelors degree, or would I need to get my Masters?

What type of job/career are you looking for? Because that's the most important part. Many biomedical courses have 100 graduates every year and only a couple would go onto Graduate Entry Medicine.

Reply 3

unethical-allowa

OP

3

Original post by HealthcareSci

What type of job/career are you looking for? Because that's the most important part. Many biomedical courses have 100 graduates every year and only a couple would go onto Graduate Entry Medicine.

I would really like to go into research, possibly into Genetics, I recently visited Sheffield open day and one of the Biomedical Science professors there told me Biological Science may be a better course for me if Genetics or Molecular Biology is my passion, as it is broader, and has more modules on Genetics. I guess what I am really trying to find out is if Biomedical Science or Biological Science is better for me, if I want to go into research surrounding Genetics/Molecular Biology?

Reply 4

HealthcareSci

10

Original post by unethical-allowa

I would really like to go into research, possibly into Genetics, I recently visited Sheffield open day and one of the Biomedical Science professors there told me Biological Science may be a better course for me if Genetics or Molecular Biology is my passion, as it is broader, and has more modules on Genetics. I guess what I am really trying to find out is if Biomedical Science or Biological Science is better for me, if I want to go into research surrounding Genetics/Molecular Biology?

If you are interested in genetics (which is a very important area) then I would study genetics. There are lots of options and it will give you a stronger application to compete against other graduates when you are applying for jobs after.

Is Biomedical Science worth it?

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