State registered biomedical scientists

Anyone out there with experience becoming a state registered biomedical scientist?

I've been trying to figure out the correct process to get registered, and I've been getting some conflicting answers from the organizations.

1.  Degree assessment by the Institute of Biomedical Scientists (IBMS) because I did not complete a UK biomedical science degree.  (obviously, my degree is from the US)
2.  If top up classes are required (ex. hematology, clinical immunology, etc), take those.  Re-assess degree once missing modules are completed.
3.  Complete a portfolio.
4.  Once portfolio is completed, get assessed by the IBMS and if successful, get a Certificate of Competence.
5.  Submit an application as an international applicant to the Health Professions Council (HPC).
6.  If successful, obtain state registration and ability to practice in the UK.

That's how I understand the process to be, but I also heard you can apply directly to the HPC and skip going through the IBMS.  But with the HPC application fee, I would rather not go directly to the HPC to have them say to go back and get a certificate from the IBMS.

If anyone has any experience and can comment on this, I would be most grateful.  Thanks in advance!! 

Hi Aquila,

I did my HPC registration back in late 2005 from the US. I applied as an international and was approved straight away. I never bothered with the IBMS and in retrospect am super glad I didn't because they are a RIGHT pain in the ass.  

At the time I applied I had been working in my field for 11 years. I really went overboard and documented everything. They asked for a letter from my current boss? I sent them a letter from each boss I had. They asked for evidence of CE? I sent them a huge amount. I have no idea if it helped but I got through.

I have heard that your chances of getting through the HPC are fickle. Sometimes they take foreigners easily and sometimes they don't. But I would put money if you go the IBMS route that you will end up doing a lot more. They hate everyone. I work with a girl who is stuck doing top up modules on her IBMS approved degree because the IBMS was not satisfied!

What is your degree in? Have you already worked as a med tech? If not, you may be stuck doing the IBMS thing. You could try and get a job as a trainee BMS and do your portfolio on the job.

I know a woman at my work who did her master's but the IBMS advised her to do top up modules because they also weren't satisfied.  I spoke to the IBMS and they were like "Ooh, we're not sure your degree is good enough.  You better make sure by having us assess it and advising you what courses you're missing.  Oh, and that'll be a hefty fee, of course."

I have a bachelor's degree with a major in biological sciences and minor in chemistry.  I've taken the basic biology and chemistry courses, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, virology, immunology, organic chemistry, statistics for science, calculus, evolutionary biology, cell biology, genetics, medical ethics, and a few others I can't remember off the top of my head.  I think I had a Bish average.  I worked for a biotech company in the US for about 3 years doing research/development as a research associate.  I'm now working on a contract doing research/development at a hospital as a medical technical officer.  I've been working in the same field since graduating university in 2007.  I'm an author on 3 published papers in the field and am working on another 2 right now.  I've been doing CPD by attending seminars and lectures on topics related to my field at the hospital and local university.

I don't know if that's sufficient to directly go to the HPC or if I should go the safe (though long and costly) way and go through the IBMS first.

As I said, I would hate to spend all that money on an HPC application only to have them say "your degree wasn't assessed by the IBMS."  

It's a £420 gamble, isn't it? Are you willing to take the time to build a pristine application to the HPC and risk that kind of cash? I am pretty sure if the HPC turns you down the first time, you can appeal.

Have you calculated what the time/cost would be if you went the IBMS route? Also, how would being HPC registered change your salary prospects? Are you willing to slog through the IBMS bullshit only for them to move the bar as they are known to do?

At the end, it matters what the HPC think of your qualifications, not the IBMS.

The IBMS route is definitely more time and a couple hundred pounds extra money and as you said, they move the bar frequently so I could pay for the IBMS degree assessment, be told to do top up courses, and by the time I've completed the extra modules, get assessed and told they've updated their standards and I still don't meet them.

It's just that with all the visa costs these days, it's a lot of money I don't want to lose if I take the gamble with HPC, but it will definitely help my career prospects when my contract is over and would boost my salary (though exactly how significantly, I'm not sure).

Thanks for all the advice.  This is really great hearing from a fellow American gone through it; all my colleagues went through a UK route and have understandably only been able to comment on that.

I'm happy to be a sounding board. To me, your qualifications sound very HPC-worthy but I can't tell you to gamble if you don't feel comfortable. 

Of course I am very biased and no one I know likes dealing with the IBMS. I'm supposed to be writing a letter to challenge my status with them, but I simply can't find the energy to write something I know has a good chance of being shot down. They are so demoralising!

Good luck with your decision!

Aquila-- Just wondering where you ended up on this or can provide any updates?

I'm currently considering a bit of a career change, but everything's saying HCPC registration is required.   I'm interested in getting registered as either a Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist in Clinical Biochemistry.  (Not quite sure what the actual difference in roles is though..) ** ETA: Found the HCPC Standards of Proficiency, and think the Biomedical Scientist would be more appropriate for my case.**

The process seems a bit confusing, and I'm not sure if I will actually need to do some sort of conversion course or another Masters or something to be considered proficient.  I'd obviously prefer the route of getting a job, doing on the job training and then registering,  but am not sure where to find a job that might allow this (and pay a reasonable salary in the meantime).

If you can provide any updates, let me know!! Thanks

These sites may give you some information, PickledSakura:

https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/biomedicalscientist.aspx

http://www.prospects.ac.uk/biomedical_scientist_job_description.htm

Hi there.

How did it work out for you Aquila and PickledSakura ?

I'm in the same boat! 
I would like to get registered with the HCPC but am really reluctant to go thru the IBMS route as it seems to be very similar to the HCPC route.  After reading these comments, I REALLY don't want to deal with the IBMS.  But I sure don't want to waste 450 pounds either if my degree/experience isn't enough.  Ugh.   I have a degree in micro and have been working in research and pharma for the last 10 years, name on published papers, etc.

From anyone's experience, should I just go for it and try with the HCP or do you have a better idea?

On a lighter note, where can this west coast yankee get some decent Mexican food near the South coast? 

It's really the same situation as before. The HPCP is who you need to get your certification from. The IBMS is only a professional body.

Make your application as strong as possible and remember that you have a right of appeal.

Good luck!

Hi Courtney,

Thanks for sharing your experience.  I've found your posts very insightful.

I am currently preparing my HCPC application and I am a bit uncertain on how to structure my course information form.  More specifically, I'm having a hard time understanding what level of detail is necessary and what specific information I should include for each course.  Would you be willing to share an example of one of the courses you submitted? 

Thanks for all your help!

Hi KT,

It's been 9 years since I did my original application so I am not sure if the forms or requirements have changed but I am happy to help in any way I can. If you PM me your email address I can send you a scanned copy of my course form.