You’re passionate about studying the human body and how modern medicine helps prolong life. But you’re not sure if biomedical science is great practical-wise. Will you have other options in your career if you decide you want to explore? Is it even in demand today?
It definitely is! The Office For Life Sciences states that the UK Life Sciences industry employs around 268,000 people as of 2020. It’s a massive sector with a turnover of £88.9 billion. Biomedical science is robust and strong.
In this post, you’ll know what job options are available to you, what skills you will develop, and who your potential employers will be.
And, if you want to learn more about medicine before university then our medical courses in the summer are made for you.
What Is Biomedical Science
Biomedical science is the engine that powers most of modern medicine. The Institute of Biomedical Science states that biomedical science is responsible for 70% of the National Health Service (NHS) diagnoses. To give you a context, the NHS handles a massive 150 million samples in the UK. A year!
Based on the term itself (bio + medical), you can put two and two together that it combines biology and medicine to serve healthcare. Laboratory work will be your forte if you take the most direct career path and become a biomedical scientist. Think examining blood, urine, and tumour samples.
Is Biomedical Science A Good Degree?
Is biomedical science a good degree? If you want to explore a wide array of scientific fields, it’s a big “YES!” As a biomedical science graduate, you won’t have to shackle yourself to one career path. You can explore research, medical practice, sales, hospital work, and even forensics!
What Can I Do With A Biomedical Science Degree?
You will see in this section the sheer number of doors that will open to you with a biomedical science degree. What can you do with a biomedical science degree? Here are some of the many options:
Biomedical Scientist
When physicians and nurses take body samples from their patients, who are responsible for conducting tests on the samples? You’re correct. The biomedical scientists.
They are authorised to diagnose various ailments and diseases based on the results. Becoming a biomedical scientist is the most direct route you can take with a biomedical science degree.
Biotechnologist
Biotechnologists are inventors. They use biological knowledge to create technology (biology + technologist.) The goal? To improve the quality of human life.
Biotechnologists also aim to improve existing products. It’s easy to translate your biomedical experience to biotechnology. How? By having a firm grasp of biological principles.
Nanotechnologist
Nanotechnology manipulates particles of less than 100 nanometers to develop new technology. You’ll find nanoproducts in different industries. Healthcare, automotive, home and garden, you name it.
Biomedical science graduates can work in the field of nanotechnology for biomedicine. Or nanotechnology for other sectors!
Crime Scene Investigator
A crime scene investigator’s (CSI) job is to collect, preserve, and document physical evidence. You’ll be at the crime scene, working with the police.
A biomedical science degree can help you become a crime scene investigator. Why? Because of your familiarity with human samples.
Forensic Scientist
While a crime scene investigator collects samples, a forensic scientist analyses. They take the evidence and examine it in the laboratory.
Biomedical science graduates are skilled in laboratory work with human samples. So you can imagine why they make excellent forensic scientists!
Research Scientist
A research scientist works in the laboratory. There’s a research scientist for every field of study, including (you guessed right) biomedical science.
Your primary job will be to conduct experiments. Analyse data. Present results. In a nutshell, you carry science innovation to its future.
Toxicologist
You’d love toxicology if you’re constantly checking out ingredients to safeguard your health. Toxicologists investigate the possible harmful effects materials may have on living organisms.
Why is biomedical science a handy prerequisite, you ask? Because it makes you understand how substances affect the human body.
Neuroscientist
Neuroscientists study how the brain affects behaviour and cognitive functions. It’s an exciting intersection of anatomy, physiology, and psychology.
With a biomedical science degree, you’ll have the research skills you’ll need to probe the relatively new field of neuroscience.
Science Writer
Do you have a knack for breaking down complex topics? If you enjoy communicating science to the public, a career in science writing might be right up your alley.
Science writers write and edit several media forms. From scientific journals and scientific news to blogs and television. With a biomedical science degree, you’ll have the scientific knowledge and experience to back up your writing.
Medical Chemist
A medical chemist develops chemical compounds to create new drugs and treatments. They are cornerstones of the pharmaceutical industry.
Do you know why biomedical science graduates can dive deep into medical chemistry? Because they have immense experience doing research in the laboratory. Plus, they know what the human body needs to heal.
Food And Drug Analyst
A food and drug analyst works in the laboratory to develop and research new combinations to manufacture products. They also ensure product quality and safety for consumers.
Biomedical science degree graduates are familiar with bacteria, cell structures, and laboratory procedures. Having a microbiology background is necessary for food and drug analysts.
Other Potential Jobs You Can Have With A Biomedical Science Degree
- Analytical Chemist
- Teaching Laboratory Technician
- Scientific Laboratory Technician
- Genetic Counsellor
- Medical Sales Representative
- Medical Science Liaison
- Physician Associate
- Occupational Hygienist
- Dental Therapy
- Dietician
- Food and Drug Analyst
- Clinical Immunologist
- Nuclear Medical Technologist
How To Gain Work Experience
Do you want to stand out and increase your chances of finding a job you want to explore? Or maybe you want to enhance opportunities to get into further studies. If so, you need to gain work experience. How? Here are the most common options:
- Your chosen school may provide placements through laboratory work/research.
- You may need to complete your final thesis for graduation.
- Volunteering to do lab work for organisations is also a practical way.
Are you wondering what types of organisations will accept volunteers? Consider this list:
- Charities/government entities
- Forensic laboratories
- Private healthcare sectors with pathology laboratories
- Biotechnology/pharmaceutical firms
Skills You Will Develop
The skills you develop with a biomedical science degree determine your potential career paths, including:
- Working in a laboratory – be familiar with handling equipment and best practices.
- Scientific ethics – honesty and integrity to serve humanity.
- Project management – knowing how to handle workflows and collaborate with team members.
- Numerical and data analysis – necessary to interpret lab results.
- Entrepreneurship – the ability to communicate and solve people’s problems.
- IT – the knowhow to use laboratory technology
- Science writing – to write research papers and essays
Your Potential Employers
Who are the common employers of biomedical science graduates? Great question!
- Health Government Agencies (e.g. National Health Service, Medical Research Council, Health Research Authority, etc.)
- Research and pathology laboratories in private hospitals
- Exclusive private pathology laboratories
- Veterinary clinics
- Forensic Agencies
- Armed Forces
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Publishing companies
