Helen Phillips - Wimbledon High School 1977 - 1989

Biomedical Scientist (BMS)

Having failed to get into medical school I was looking for a related career and I took a BSc in Pharmacology and Toxicology at Kings College London.  As part of my degree I took a year out to do research in the pharmaceutical industry and I soon realised that research was not for me.  Therefore, once I had finished my degree, I applied for a job that would enable me to make an everyday contribution to people’s health, as a Biomedical Scientist (BMS).
To become a state registered biomedical scientist you must have an accredited science degree that meets all the requirements of the Health Professionals Council.  You begin working in one of the four main disciplines Biochemistry, Haematology, Microbiology or Histology as a trainee.  The time spent as a trainee depends on the type of degree you have and can range from one to two years.  During this period you work under supervision in a laboratory, complete a logbook and at the end of the period undertake a formal practical assessment.

Once in the profession, starting as a basic grade BMS or Grade 1, it is possible to progress to Senior, Chief and finally Senior Chief BMS.  This progression is based on experience and further study, both scientific e.g. MSc in your discipline and management qualifications, as well as membership at Fellow level of the Institute of Biomedical Science.

I am a senior BMS in the Histology department of a district general hospital in London.  We cover both histology, the study of tissues, and non-gynae cytology, the study of cells.  Day to day work involves the cutting of surgical specimens with a pathologist and the preparation of stained sections that can be viewed under a microscope to aid in the diagnosis of diseases.  Some hospitals use different techniques such as electron microscopy and immunological staining of sections.  At the senior level there is also involvement in the management of the laboratory, budgets and training.

If you are interested in becoming a BMS it is very important to check that your degree will be suitable for you to apply for a trainee post, so early contact with the Health Professionals Council is vital.

I am happy to be contacted via the Minerva website but due to hospital rules am unable to offer work experience.