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Meet Hannah. She's 25 and works as a biomedical scientist in the virology department of a hospital. Part of our Bitesize world of work series.

What are your day-to-day tasks?

My main tasks are testing samples and analysing the results. Some of the main tests are HIV testing, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C testing.

We process the samples, analyse them and report the results. We then communicate with the consultants and senior biomedical scientist staff to get the best care for the patient.

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What was your educational career path?

I did Triple Science at school as well as Maths, Geography and Sport. When I went on to college, I did Chemistry, Biology and Geography. Then, when I went to university, I did a Biomedical Science degree.

What soft skills do you use?

Time management is important as our current working hours are 9 to 5 and some tests can take up to five hours to complete.

What would your message to younger students be?

It’s a lot of work, very fast-paced and intense. Some days are really busy but the work is enjoyable. I absolutely love it!

Top tips

• Write to hospital and NHS Trusts and see if you can arrange a visit and observe what we do. I came for a placement in the laboratory when I was in college and I absolutely loved it

• Consider a sandwich course. A sandwich course is an option some universities offer. It is usually a four-year course, with the extra year spent as a placement in industry. When I was at university, it was optional to do any type of placement. I could have done an industrial placement or an NHS placement. I chose the NHS placement and that has had a huge impact.

What to expect if you want to be a biomedical scientist

• Biomedical scientist average salary: £25,655 to £45,839 per year
• Biomedical scientist typical working hours: 38 to 40 hours per week

What qualifications do you need to be a biomedical scientist?

To become a biomedical scientist you'll need a degree accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBS) and approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). You could get your degree through a university course, a degree apprenticeship, or as an NHS trainee. All of these routes require A-levels, or equivalent qualifications, to apply. Alternatives to A-levels include taking a T-level (England-only), which is equivalent to three A-levels. Check with your course provider which alternative qualifications they accept.

Sources: LMI for All, National Careers Service, .

This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the for the latest information and all the qualifications needed and the for more on T-levels.

For careers advice in all parts of the UK visit: , , and .

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