HCPC Registration for Biomedical Scientists

Did you know . . ? “Biomedical scientist” is a protected title Anyone using the title “biomedical scientist” must meet standards set by the profession’s regulator – the HCPC It is a legal requirement for biomedical scientists practicing in the UK to be registered with the HCPC

The HCPC HCPC – Health and Care Professions Council The HCPC is the regulatory body for several health and care professions - including biomedical scientists The aim of the HCPC is to protect patient safety by keeping a Register of health and care professionals that meet HCPC standards

HCPC Standards HCPC standards of proficiency for biomedical scientists cover areas including: training knowledge, understanding and skills conduct performance and ethics service delivery Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

These standards are used to decide whether you are fit to work as a biomedical scientist in the UK Meeting these standards ensure that you practice biomedical science in a safe, effective and lawful manner and protect members of the public If you do not meet the standards for HCPC registration you will not be admitted to the Register and will not be able to practice in the UK You can find out more at http://www.hcpc-uk.org/aboutregistration/standards

HCPC registration and your career HCPC registration is a requirement for biomedical scientists working in the NHS HCPC registration is a requirement for biomedical scientists in private sector labs that provide services to the NHS HCPC registration is highly desirable for biomedical scientists working in the private sector

How to get HCPC registered You will need an IBMS Certificate of Competence This is the professional qualification that shows you meet HCPC standards of proficiency for registration as a biomedical scientist Once you have an IBMS Certificate of Competence you will be able to apply for HCPC to be registered as a biomedical scientist

Academic qualifications that meet HCPC standards of proficiency All IBMS and HCPC accredited undergraduate degrees meet HCPC standards of proficiency If your degree is not IBMS or HCPC accredited you will need to have your qualifications assessed and possibly take top up modules before beginning an IBMS Registration Training Portfolio You can find a list of IBMS accredited degrees at http://www.ibms.org/assessment

Choosing a biomedical science degree An IBMS accredited BSC hons degree in biomedical science provides all the scientific knowledge and training you need to begin a career in biomedical science IBMS accredited Sandwich and Integrated degrees also include laboratory placements The quickest route to HCPC registration as a biomedical scientist is with an IBMS accredited degree

IBMS Certificate of Competence You will be awarded an IBMS Certificate of Competence once you have: An academic qualification that meets HCPC standards of proficiency, and A period of laboratory training where you complete an IBMS Registration Training Portfolio

IBMS Registration Training Portfolio Completing an IBMS Registration Training Portfolio enables you to build up a record of evidence showing that you have achieved the competencies and standards set out in the HCPC standards of proficiency Your IBMS Registration Training Portfolio must be completed in an IBMS approved laboratory

Did you know . . ? An IBMS accredited Integrated or Sandwich degree includes a laboratory placement where you will be able to complete an IBMS Registration Training Portfolio You will be awarded an IBMS Certificate of Competence when you graduate and will be able to apply for HCPC registration straight away You can find a list of IBMS Integrated and Sandwich degrees at http://www.ibms.org/assessment

Completing a Registration Training Portfolio If your degree does not include a laboratory placement where you complete an IBMS Registration Training Portfolio as part of your course, you will need to find a Trainee position in an IBMS approved training laboratory You will complete an IBMS Registration Training Portfolio while you work as a Trainee You can find a list of IBMS approved training laboratories who have agreed to publish their details on the IBMS website at http://www.ibms.org/portfolio