Alex's membership journey

Alex Wildsmith was promoted to Senior Biomedical Scientist in the blood transfusion and haematology laboratories at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton in June 2026.

Alex credits his career progression to his IBMS membership. Find out why.

How it started

Alex completed supplementary top-up modules and the Registration Portfolio to register as a biomedical scientist in 2023, before completing an IBMS Specialist Diploma and a Certificate of Expert Practice (CEP). Here, Alex shares how being an IBMS member has helped him to develop as a biomedical scientist.

“My membership journey started in 2021 when I was working as a medical laboratory assistant in haematology. I really liked the work that the biomedical scientists were doing and the difference they were making to patient care. I wanted to be a part of that, but I didn’t have an IBMS Accredited degree.

I researched how to become a biomedical scientist and found out I needed to complete supplementary top-up modules to get my degree in human biology and infectious diseases up to the specification the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) required for registration. That’s when I became a member of the IBMS."

Building confidence as a biomedical scientist

"After completing the Registration Portfolio, I registered as a biomedical scientist with the HCPC. I then decided to do the IBMS Specialist Portfolio. It was a real turning point in my career. By doing this qualification, I got to understand blood transfusion and haematology to an advanced level. It gave me the confidence to be able to practice autonomously.

After I completed the Specialist Portfolio, I decided to do a CEP in quality management. I had a lot of support from the tutors on the course. The online course is flexible and targeted at working professionals. There are big windows where you’ve got time to complete the modules, which is helpful. And there were a lot of opportunities to learn from my cohort of 30 others who were all in the same boat."

Developing knowledge and skills

"I hope people get a clearer idea of what the IBMS offers when they watch the new membership videos that I’m in. I wanted to be involved in the campaign to show what working in blood transfusion and haematology involves and to spread the message that if someone is interested, they should consider it as a career path.

It’s important for patient care in the future that people who are passionate about biomedical science join the IBMS. Everybody gets into this career because we want to have a positive impact on patients. To do this, we need to continue to develop and grow as biomedical scientists.

By becoming an IBMS member, you have the support in place to build your skills and knowledge. I’m proud to be a senior biomedical scientist three years after qualifying. I wouldn’t be in the position I am now without the IBMS.”