Applied Biomedical Science (Distance Learning) (Degree Apprenticeship) University of Portsmouth

Overview

If you work in a supporting role in a pathology lab environment and want to register as a Biomedical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), this three-year, full-time by distance learning BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science degree apprenticeship is for you. You'll study alongside your existing job, and won't need to pay anything towards your course fees.

When you successfully complete the apprenticeship, you'll be eligible to apply for registration as a Biomedical Scientist with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You'll have a vital, in-demand, skill set that can open up a variety of routes within pathology. With the right experience and postgraduate training this could lead to a career as a consultant biomedical scientist and future pathology leader.

Course highlights

• Learn about the main pathological disciplines, including haematology, blood transfusion, microbiology, clinical biochemistry, histology and immunology
• Explore an apprenticeship that is fully integrated into the workplace - capitalise on your practical experience to contextualise the theoretical elements of the course taught at university
• Form a community of practise with your apprenticeship peers and learn from and with other healthcare students to appreciate your collective roles of the multi-professional team
• Develop your knowledge of current and emerging technologies that underpin the practise of a Biomedical Scientist and understand how the data provided by the tests you run can impact on patients' lives
• Have the opportunity to apply for membership to the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS – subject to accreditation approval), opening up a further portfolio of training courses, and the potential for future professional advancement
• Improve your communication skills in scientific and analytical writing, learning how to communicate complex scientific concepts to a broad audience
• Earn a degree qualification while you work, with the Government and your employer covering your tuition fees

Accreditation

This degree apprenticeship course is accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), the professional body for Biomedical Scientists (subject to approval).

Successful accreditation of the course ensure that you'll learn the knowledge and skills you need to meet the Health and Care Profession Council (HCPC) standards of proficiency for Biomedical Scientists.

Careers and opportunities

Whether it's processing tests for diseases such as coronavirus or providing diagnosis services to GPs, accident and emergency departments and other health services, registered Biomedical Scientists play a key role in public health.

They analyse fluid and tissue samples from patients in order to identify diseases or evaluate the effectiveness of different treatments. In fact, more than 70% of NHS diagnoses are based on lab findings by biomedical scientists, so it's a profession that's always in high demand.

When you graduate, you'll be ready to work in a Band 5 Biomedical Scientist role in areas such as:

• Main pathology disciplines, such as haematology, biochemistry, blood transfusion, microbiology, histology or immunology
• Molecular medicine
• Genetics
• Government and professional research

With further training and experience, this qualification allows progression to roles such as:

• Section leader
• Laboratory manager
• Consultant Biomedical Scientist

You'll also be able to continue onto qualification routes such as:

• Master's
• PhD
• Professional Doctorate
• IBMS professional qualifications (subject to accreditation approval)
• The Scientist Training Programme (STP)

Entry requirements for this course

Contact University of Portsmouth to find course entry requirements.

View foundation and pathway programmes to help you meet academic and language entry requirements.