As a biomedical scientist apprentice, you’ll play an important role in diagnosing and treating diseases by performing laboratory tests. Your primary workplace will be in hospitals, but you may also find opportunities in primary care, public health, and industry. This position is regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
During your apprenticeship, you will conduct various tests that help investigate medical conditions like cancer, diabetes, and blood disorders. You will work with advanced laboratory equipment and techniques, ensuring accurate results. Your daily responsibilities will include interacting with patients, healthcare professionals, and support staff, so good communication skills are essential.
You will learn how to use scientific tools accurately, maintain laboratory equipment, and follow strict procedures. This apprenticeship will help you develop your skills and knowledge, making you a key player in the healthcare team. You’ll also have opportunities for leadership as you continue to improve your professional abilities.
Once you complete the program, you’ll be eligible for HCPC registration, allowing you to work as a fully qualified biomedical scientist. Additionally, you may contribute to important research, evidence-based practices, and help develop the skills of others in the field. This apprenticeship is a great way to start a rewarding career in healthcare, making a real difference in patients’ lives through science.
What you'll do
- Safe Practice: You must work safely and effectively within legal and ethical boundaries. Understanding safety protocols is crucial.
- Personal Well-being: Taking care of your health is essential. Don’t hesitate to seek support if needed.
- Professional Judgment: You’ll need to practice independently and make informed decisions about your work.
- Inclusivity: It’s important to treat everyone fairly, respecting different cultures and backgrounds in your practice.
- Effective Communication: You will learn to communicate clearly while keeping patient information confidential. Proper record-keeping is also key.
- Teamwork: Collaborating with colleagues is vital. You’ll work as part of a team to provide the best care.
- Quality Assurance: Regularly reflecting on your work helps ensure you maintain high standards in your practice.
- Knowledge Application: You’ll draw on your training and knowledge to make informed decisions and apply key concepts in your work.
- Safety Environment: Establishing and maintaining a safe work environment is your responsibility.
- Health Promotion: You will focus on promoting good health and preventing illness within the community.
This apprenticeship is a great opportunity to build your skills and make a positive impact in healthcare.
What you'll learn
Embarking on a biomedical scientist apprenticeship offers a great opportunity to build a fulfilling career in healthcare. Here are the key areas you will learn about:
- Professional Development: Understand the importance of continuous learning to enhance your career and maintain high professional standards.
- Safeguarding: Learn the vital processes for safeguarding vulnerable individuals in healthcare settings.
- Regulatory Standards: Familiarise yourself with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) requirements, including codes of conduct and ethics.
- Consent and Capacity: Recognise the importance of obtaining informed consent and understanding patient capacity in healthcare decisions.
- Duty of Care: Explore your professional duty of care and how to practice it effectively.
- Legislation and Policies: Gain knowledge of relevant laws and guidelines that govern your practice.
- Health and Well-being: Learn strategies to maintain your mental and physical health to ensure you can practice safely.
- Communication: Understand the significance of effective communication with patients, including the use of interpreters when necessary.
- Laboratory Practices: Familiarise yourself with the protocols for specimen handling and the importance of data governance and confidentiality.
- Collaboration and Leadership: Recognise the value of teamwork in healthcare and the leadership skills you can develop.
- Research and Evaluation: Appreciate the role of research in improving practices and quality assurance.
By the end of this course, you will have a strong foundation in biomedical science, preparing you for a successful career in the field.
End-Point Assessment (EPA)
The Biomedical Scientist Apprenticeship is designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and behaviors needed to meet the standards set by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The training typically lasts for 36 months, during which you will work towards meeting the required occupational standards.
On-Programme Phase (36 Months)
During this time, you will gain practical experience and theoretical knowledge aligned with HCPC proficiency standards for Biomedical Scientists. You must complete all modules of an accredited BSc degree and achieve English and math qualifications as per funding rules.
End-Point Assessment (EPA)
Once you complete your training, you will enter the EPA stage, which includes an examination board’s evaluation. To qualify for the EPA, you must meet the following requirements:
- Completion of your accredited BSc degree.
- A signed Portfolio or Practice Assessment Document, verifying your training.
- Achievement of all necessary qualifications, including any recognition of prior learning.
The EPA typically takes place within a month, and it concludes when your Approved Education Provider submits the results to the HCPC. If you pass, you can apply for professional registration with the HCPC.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Apprentice: Complete all training components and meet gateway requirements.
- Employer: Support your development and confirm your readiness for the EPA.
- Approved Education Provider: Ensure you meet the required standards and oversee the EPA process.
Successfully completing this apprenticeship opens the door to becoming a registered Biomedical Scientist, allowing you to advance your career in healthcare.
Apprenticeship standard
For more information about the Level 6 Biomedical scientist apprenticeship course, please read the Institute of Apprenticeships’ information page.
