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Become a biomedical scientist

Start your journey to become a biomedical scientist

Each year in the UK, biomedical scientists carry out over 1 billion diagnostic tests. Working in healthcare laboratories, they contribute to over 75% of NHS diagnoses.

To practice in healthcare laboratories, biomedical scientists are legally required to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). 

To become HCPC registered as a biomedical scientist you must first successfully complete either an IBMS Accredited BSc biomedical science degree course, an HCPC approved honours degree, or have your non-accredited qualifications assessed by the IBMS to identify any supplementary education/top-up modules required to meet HCPC standards of education and training. 

An IBMS Accredited degree course in biomedical science focuses on human biology and disease, teaching you how to investigate, diagnose, monitor, and treat various conditions while developing your scientific knowledge and practical laboratory skills.

Choose your journey

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IBMS Accredited BSc degree with registration portfolio

The most efficient way to become a biomedical scientist

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IBMS Accredited BSc without registration portfolio

Are you an accredited graduate without a portfolio?

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Non IBMS Accredited BSc degree

Are you a non-accredited graduate?

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Equivalence route

Are you already working at the level of a biomedical scientist?

 

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Clearing 2026: IBMS Accredited biomedical science degrees

If you're applying to university through clearing, choosing the right course could make all the difference to your future career.

An IBMS Accredited biomedical science degree is the simplest way to become registered as a biomedical scientist in the UK. Accreditation means the course meets the standards expected by the  Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) for professional registration.

Visit our degree course directory to search for universities across the UK offering IBMS Accredited courses. 

IBMS Accredited courses directory

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Last chance - Win one of five passes to IBMS Congress 2027

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Our 2026 Membership Survey is still open, but time is running out. The survey closes on 17 August, so don't miss your opportunity to share your views.

Whether you're a current member or a former member, your feedback will help us better understand what's important to biomedical science professionals, identify where we can improve, and shape the future services, support and benefits we provide.

As a thank you, everyone who completes the survey can enter a prize draw to win one of five one-day delegate passes to IBMS Congress 2027.

Take the survey