You have chosen the simplest way to become HCPC registered as a biomedical scientist. Here is more information to get you started.
To register as a biomedical scientist with the HCPC, you must meet their Standards of Education and Training. This requires you to complete an IBMS Accredited biomedical science degree or apprenticeship (or HCPC approved Healthcare Science/Life Sciences degree) and successfully complete the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio (Certificate of Competence) in an IBMS approved training laboratory.
What will you study?
An IBMS Accredited biomedical science degree covers key clinical laboratory specialities, including:
- Medical microbiology (including virology)
- Clinical biochemistry
- Haematology and transfusion science
- Clinical immunology
- Cellular pathology/histopathology
- Clinical genetics
Where can you study?
There are 65 universities across the UK that offer IBMS Accredited biomedical science BSc degrees. Choosing one with a placement in a clinical laboratory where you will complete the IBMS registration training portfolio provides the fastest route to becoming a biomedical scientist.
Visit our IBMS Accredited university directory to see which universities offer accredited courses.
Entry requirements
GCSEs
Most IBMS Accredited biomedical science degrees require:
✔Grade 4 or above in English, maths, and double award science
✔Triple science is not usually required
A levels (or other relevant level 3 qualification)
The minimum requirements for A levels are typically:
✔ Biology – grade B
✔ Chemistry – at least grade C
✔ Another subject
Requirements vary, so check the admissions criteria for your chosen course.
Scottish Highers
✔ BBBB including two science subjects (e.g. biology, chemistry, health and food technology, physics, maths, psychology)
✔ One essay-based subject (e.g. English, history, modern studies)
✔ National 5 qualifications in biology, chemistry, maths, and English (grade B)
Why choose an IBMS Accredited degree?
If you want to become a HCPC registered biomedical scientist, choosing the IBMS Accredited degree pathway is the fastest and most direct route.
✔ Meets HCPC’s Standards of Education and Training
✔ Combines academic study with clinical laboratory training
✔ Provides the practical skills employers look for
Some degrees offer integrated or sandwich clinical placements, allowing you to complete the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio (Certificate of Competence) as part of your course—fast-tracking your registration.
If you are already working in the NHS, degree apprenticeships allow you to study while working as a trainee, associate practitioner or medical laboratory assistant.
Types of IBMS Accredited undergraduate degrees
BSc degree (without placement)
- 3-year course
- No placement – students will need to find a trainee biomedical scientist or medical laboratory assistant role post-graduation to complete the IBMS registration training portfolio after graduation
Sandwich BSc degree (with placement year)
- 4-year course
- Includes an optional placement, which may be in a clinical pathology or industry laboratory
- May not include IBMS Registration Training Portfolio completion
Integrated BSc degree (with clinical placement and IBMS registration training)
- Includes a clinical placement in an IBMS approved laboratory
- Allows completion of the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio during the course
- Graduates receive the IBMS Certificate of Competence, making them eligible for HCPC registration
Apprenticeship degree
- For NHS employees – earn while you learn
- Combines work-based training with an IBMS Accredited biomedical science degree
- From September 2024, mapped to the new Level 6 Biomedical Scientist apprenticeship standard
By choosing an IBMS Accredited degree, you can take the fastest and most direct route to becoming a biomedical scientist
Need more help?
If you have any questions about HCPC registration as a biomedical scientist please contact us.