Recently Asked Questions

83 DMU students registered to attend the Go-N-Do it Path-Lab Training Open Day

Below are some of the popular questions asked. 

Jane Moore

How can I get HCPC registered without a placement?

Bryan Weiner

What job opportunities do I have after graduation and masters?

Warren Johnson

Can I work in pathology with medical science or biological science degree?
1. How can I get HCPC registered without a placement year?
You can start as a Biomedical Assistant (BMA) or Associate Practitioner (AP) in NHS pathology laboratories and use this role as a stepping stone to progress to trainee Biomedical Scientist positions.

Pathology departments often prefer to progress their own inhouse staff by offering them opportunitites to complete the IBMS pre-registration portfolio as in-house Trainee Biomedical Scientists.

Our employability training aims to prepare students and graduates for this alternative pathway to pre-registration training by helping them boost their employability potential for competitive BMA and AP roles.
2. What are the job opportunities after graduation and master’s course?
After completing your master’s course, job opportunities vary based on HCPC registration.

With HCPC Registration:
You can work as a Biomedical Scientist (BMS).
A Master's degree becomes essential for progression to senior roles at Band 7 and above, but is not required for entry-level band 5 positions as a newly registered Biomedical Scientist.
Progression to Band 6 Specialist Biomedical Scientist usually requires completion of the IBMS specialist portfolio however some Trusts may accept a master's degree as equivalent to an IBMS specialist portfolio. This is for career progression from Band 5 BMS to Band 6 BMS. 

Without HCPC Registration:
You can start as a Biomedical Assistant or Associate Practitioner in NHS pathology laboratories and use this role as a stepping stone to progress to trainee Biomedical Scientist positions.
A common misconception however is thinking that a masters degree makes up for lack of laboratory training or experience. Many undergraduates will do a masters degree for this reason.

A candidate with a first degree and evidence of employability training aligned to the NHS person specifications may be a stronger applicant in comparison to one with who has gained two academic qualifications.  A first degree and a masters degree are both academic qualification and so having these alone would mean that one still lacks evidence of laboratory training or experience.

these post graduate students may later fail to understand why being clearly over qualified they may still fail to get the desired outcomes from their applications for entry level pathology laboratory support roles.

Emploability training aims to supports academic qualifications by bridging the gaps for both undergraduate and post students and graduates.
3. Can I work in pathology with medical science or biological science degree?
Yes, the Band 3 Biomedical Assistant role does not require a degree qualification, while the Band 4 Associate Practitioner role requires a foundation degree or level 5 qualification.

These opportunities are acessible to medical science and biological science graduates who can further develop their careers towards becoming biomedical scientists if that is desired. Graduates can check with the IBMS about top-up modules to secure IBMS accreditation for their degrees, which would enable them to pursue pre-registration training and eventually become registered biomedical scientists if that was desired.

These graduates, who have pathology laboratory training and postgraduate qualifications, may qualify for Band 6 clinical scientist training programs through the national school of healthcare science. This can lead to registration as Band 7 clinical scientists with training delivered by clinical and biomedical staff grades in NHS pathology laboratory departments.

Our employability training program aims to boost the chances of securing positions in pathology laboratories by equipping participants with essential employability skills that are highly sought after by most employers. The program is specifically tailored to enhance the employability potential for pathology laboratory opportunities, ensuring that participants are well-prepared to stand out in the competitive job market.
4. Do you have any placements?
Go-N-Do it Path-Lab Training Academy does not offer placements but, focuses on employability training to improve your chances of getting placements or jobs in NHS pathology labs. NHS labs offer training placements to universities depending on their capacity to provide training, but spots are always very limited and highly competitive.

We imagine a future where CPD-accredited employability training could develop into IBMS-accredited campus-based pre-registration training in partnership with pathology laboratories. This would enhance the capacity of pathology laboratories to provide training through campus-based programs as an alternative to traditional placements.
5. What can we learn about NHS job guidelines.
NHS job guidelines accompany every job advertisement, detailing the role and required person specifications.

Applications are shortlisted based on how well candidates meet the person specification criteria, with a focus on essential criteria as the baseline and desirable criteria as bomus points.

Shortlisting is blind to promote fairness, with names revealed only for selected candidates. Interviews assess candidates according to the same person specification criteria. The top-scoring candidate receives the job offer, with runners-up considered as backups.

Our training program helps prepare candidates for roles like biomedical assistants, associate practitioners and trainee biomedical scientists where HCPC registration is not a pre-requisite.

We offer guidance on applications and interviews to enhance job prospects.
6. Is the BMS level practical training course appropriate for me as a 1st year student?
This training is designed for students new to pathology laboratories including both undergraduate and post graduate students and graduates.

The practical training in intended to provide an experiencial knowledge and appreciation of the unique role of a biomedical scientist through selected hands-on tasks typically performed by a biomedical scientist, enhancing your laboratory knowledge, understanding and employability skills.
7. Are employability courses important for first year students right now?
Developing the habit of engaging in CPD early on not only enhances your career awareness but also prepares you for the job market well before graduation.

Demonstrating the proactive approach to CPD in your applications for placements during your academic study and job opplications after graduation showcases your commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. Continued access to the training materials means you can always keep yourself updated as needed.

This quality is highly valued by employers and can give you a competitive edge in the job market.
8. Can you clarify the course costs, payment plans, and deadlines?


1. The Bundle:

    3x BMA, 3x AP and 3x BMS competences, 10 days training:

  • £850   paid as one-off single payment in full
                 by 31st May 2024
  • £900   paid as a payment plan over 2 months
                 £450 by 31st May  + £450 by 30th June 2024
  • £975   paid as a payment plan over 3 months
                 £325 by 31st May + £325 by 30th June + £31st by 3rd July 2024.


2. Associate Practioner Course:
    3x BMA + 3x AP Competences

  • £600  paid as one-off single payment in full
                By 31st May 2024
  • £650  paid as a payment plan over 2 months
                £350 by 31st May + £300 by 30th June
  • £700  when paid as a payment plan over 3 months
                £325 by 31st May + £325 by 31st June +  31st July 2024.


3. Biomedical Scientist Course
3x BMS competences
  • £650  paid in one-off single payment by 3rd June 2024
  • £700  paid as a payment plan over 2 months
                £ 350 by 31st May + £350 by 30th June
  • £750   paid as a payment plan over 3 months
                £350 by 31st May + £200 by 30th June  + £200 by 31st July 2024


NB: While full training will be provided before full payment is made in the case of paymant plans, competency certificates and signed-off competency documents will be released when full payment is complete.
9. Any tips for extracurricular activities to boost chances for lab internships or jobs?
Work Experience:
Any work experience, even outside a pathology lab, is better than none. All jobs offer transferable skills like teamwork and communication. Pursue placements rather than focusing solely on academics.

Employability Training:
Utilize employability training programs to improve your personal statements, interview skills, and networking abilities.

Relevant Activities:
Volunteer in healthcare settings where possible, attend industry seminars, and join professional associations e.g. affiliate IBMS membership for students. These activities demonstrate commitment and keep you informed about industry trends.

By participating in these activities, you enhance your personal statemets and develop a well-rounded skill set, making you a more attractive candidate for future job opportunities.
10. In what areas can we volunteer/complete internship?
Volunteering and internships are limited in pathology labs due very high training burden on departments to keep up with the training needs of their own staff.

Volunteering opportunities seem more accessible in clinical areas where some go to gain valuable patient care experience in healthcare support environments.

Employability training provides relevant skills and experience aimed at enhancing your employability potential for pathology laboratory opportunitites.
11. What about NHS laboratory experience for international students?
Foreign-trained HCPC-registered international students often face challenges due to the lack of UK experience, with many opportunities requiring a minimum of six months' UK experience.

To overcome this, you could try applying for pathology lab support roles like biomedical assistants or associate practitioners, excluding your HCPC registration to avoid being overqualified.

Gaining initial UK experience in these roles can be valuable and could lead to more professional opportunities later. Working as support staff helps you build relationships and demonstrate your skills, making it easier to advance your career within the organization.
12. What career opportunities are available in research and healthcare for a Master's student in biomedical science with a Bachelor's in microbiology and no work experience?
Research is a distinct aspect of biomedical science compared to pathology lab work.
To pursue a career in pathology laboratories, start with roles like biomedical assistant or associate practitioner to gain experience.

Liaise with the IBMS to determine which modules are needed to convert your microbiology degree to an IBMS accredited degree. Your MSc in biomedical science could prove beneficial in this regard.

An accredited degree and department experience would put you in line  for pre-registration training as a biomedical scientist as opportunities become available.

For research careers, seek opportunities in research labs and consider employability training for practical skills.
13. How can I get an HCPC certificate.
To secure an HCPC certificate and become a registered Biomedical Scientist, you'll need an IBMS-accredited Biomedical Science Degree from a university with IBMS accreditation. Additionally, completing the IBMS pre-registration portfolio is necessary. Traditionally, this involves training in an accredited lab, typically during a sandwich year placement between the second and third year of study.

Some Biomedical Science programs, like Applied Biomedical Science and Biomedical Science Apprenticeships, include this portfolio training, leading to HCPC registration upon graduation.

The Biomedical Science Apprenticeship, for instance, is directly offered by pathology laboratories to qualifying school leavers. They are employed by the department, receive payment, and pursue their degree studies one day a week over four years. Their work contributes to the IBMS portfolio, preparing them for HCPC registration and roles as biomedical scientists.

Alternatively, if your program doesn't integrate training, you can start as a biomedical assistant or associate practitioner and progress to in-house pre-registration training. Our employability training has been designed with these students and graduates in mind to provide the training support they need to bridge the gap between academic training and the practical skills they need to meet employer expectations.

14. What are new/growing areas in the industry? 
Emerging areas include molecular diagnostics, genomics, personalized medicine, and digital pathology. These fields are rapidly advancing and offer new career opportunities.
15. What does a typical day look like in a pathology lab?
A typical day in a pathology lab is fast-paced, with a constant influx of patient samples. Staff process samples using automated analyzers and promptly report results to clinical areas, prioritizing urgent requests.

They also handle constant phone calls, visitors and deliveries. In blood transfusion labs, issuing blood products is crucial, especially in emergencies. Staff ensure smooth operations by managing routine tasks and maintaining quality standards and procedures, regulatory and house keeping standards each person playing their part.
16. Are pathology labs to do with patient samples + results or research?
Pathology labs focus on processing patient samples and providing test results crucial for diagnosis and treatment. They adhere to strict standard operating procedures to ensure patient safety, making them unsuitable for experimental research. Research typically occurs in separate labs, where experimentation is more feasible.

However, validated methods from research labs can be adopted in pathology labs after validation studies ensure safe integration into routine practice.

Research in pathology labs may involve studies using patient results obtained from validated routine methods.
17. What degree do you need to get a job in a pathology lab?
Band 3 Biomedical Assistant:
No degree required.

Band 4 Associate Practitioner:
Foundation degree or Level 5 qualification.

Band 5 Biomedical Scientist:
IBMS accredited BSc in Biomedical Science.

Band 6 Specialist Biomedical Scientist:
IBMS Specialist Portfolio

Band 7 Biomedical Science Seniors/Managers:
Master’s degree.
18. What are the career pathways for a BSc degree in Biomedical Science?
A BSc in Biomedical Science, ideally IBMS accredited, is specifically prescribed degree programme intended as the academic component to the training of Biomedical Scientists. Other career pathways outside of this may include teaching, research, further studies (such as medicine or a PhD), and various roles in scientific laboratories.
Created with