Biomedical Science/Pathology funding (undergrad)

DizzleUK

I agree with Impet Limpet in that if you are unsure which area interests you, you should try to get some experience. We often have group visits from the local colleges and unis (for some unknown reason, out of every group you ALWAYS get one that passes out lol) The 7 departments vary quite wildly in some ways and are very similar in others.

Histology for example, not everyone is cut out (lol) to deal with foetuses amongst other things (I've not worked in Histo, but I have seen some specimens). Some don't like handling poo (you get a lot in Micro and I've seen every colour, smell and consistency imaginable).

First step would be to Google each of the departments and see if anything takes your interest.

For ease of finding a way in though, Biochemistry requires the most amount of people out of all the sections.

catnap53

DizzleUK wrote: »

If you want to start at the bottom (at any age) and have an aptitude for the job, there is no reason why anyone can't work their way through the qualifications until they become a fully qualified BMS and beyond.

A few years ago when promoting Healthcare Science awareness at a stall outside the hospital canteen, the Chairman and Chief Executive stopped to see what was going on. I told them it wasn't too late for them to change career.They didn't take me up on it.

Don't expect a high profile, few know or care how their tests get done, apart from the lab gets the blame when
a) the doctor doesn't label the sample (but definitely knows which of the bottles with the red blood in was the one he took)
b) puts it in the wrong bottle,
c) goes off to lunch with it in his pocket and the ward keep phoning because it isn't ready yet

Glad you are enjoying it though, Dizzle and Impet Limpet.

Catnap

Jami74

satankidneypie wrote: »

No I dont. But I'm in the process of working out how to rectify this situation. Even if I can get into a Uni on "alternative" qualifications, I dont want too, I want to have a level playing field if/when I started a degree.

What does that mean? I'm doing an Access to HE in Biomedical Sciences in September. Would that be too 'alternative' for you to consider?

Impet_Limpet

Catnap,

I have to say I LOVED laboratory work, I've moved 'sideways' in my career now, I'm still in the NHS in healthcare science, but I'm an associate practitioner in cardiac investigations. Paywise it's between a senior cardiographer and cardiac/clinical physiologist. I did my foundation degree (FdSc is 240 credits rather than BSc 360 credits) in a group consisting of staff from pathology, audiology, cardiography, gastroenterology, etc we had a ball!
Having worked since I left school in laboratories I had never worked in a role that was 'customer facing' so I was a bit dubious when I applied for the role.

satankidneypie, as catnap said don't expect the high profile. The media and general public think the NHS consists of doctors, nurses, porters and cleaners.

I wondered if these pages would be of some benefit to give more information, depending on what you decide to do.

http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/details/Default.aspx?Id=235

http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/details/Default.aspx?Id=238


Wishing you all the best in your careers. :T

DizzleUK

catnap53 wrote: »

Don't expect a high profile, few know or care how their tests get done, apart from the lab gets the blame when
a) the doctor doesn't label the sample (but definitely knows which of the bottles with the red blood in was the one he took)
b) puts it in the wrong bottle,
c) goes off to lunch with it in his pocket and the ward keep phoning because it isn't ready yet
Catnap

LMAO this is so true! I could list a few more of these, but it's all part and parcel of the job.