Biomedical Scientist (Integrated Degree) Apprenticeship - Level 6

Study an engaging Healthcare Science programme and specialise in Life Sciences.

Biomedical scientists are mainly found working in hospitals, but they may also be found working in other healthcare settings including primary care and in public health. Biomedical scientists may also be employed in industry working in laboratory and research facilities and there maybe opportunity for employment in higher education.

This occupation is regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council and biomedical scientist is a protected title. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, including the HCPC approved degree or the HCPC approved Certificate of Competence delivered by the IBMS, the apprentice will be eligible to apply for registration with the HCPC as a biomedical scientist. Biomedical scientists can apply to be members of a professional body e.g. the Institute of Biomedical Science.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to carry out a range of laboratory and scientific tests to support the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Biomedical scientists investigate a range of medical conditions, including for example cancer, diabetes, blood disorders (e.g. anaemia), meningitis and hepatitis.

Biomedical scientists perform a key role in screening for hereditary and acquired diseases, identifying those caused by bacteria and viruses and monitoring the effects of medication and other treatments.

They must be able to work with computers, sophisticated automated equipment, microscopes and other hi-tech laboratory equipment and to use a wide range of complex modern techniques in their day-to-day work.

What will I achieve?

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will achieve:

BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science (Life Sciences)
Biomedical Scientist Degree Apprenticeship Certificate

You may be eligible to become a registered Biomedical Scientist with the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)

Who is it for?

The Biomedical Scientist (Integrated Degree) Apprenticeship is for new and existing employees who are working within an approved clinical laboratory setting.

It has been designed to provide apprentices with the knowledge, skills and behaviours to apply for registration as a Biomedical Scientist working within a clinical pathology laboratory setting.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science (Life Sciences)

Location: Stoke-on-Trent campus
Duration: 3 years
Start date(s): October

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Course content

The apprentice will study a diverse range of topics over the duration of the programme:

Modules

Year 1

Professional and Practical Skills for Biomedical Scientists 1, 2, 3
Building Blocks of Life
Cells to Systems
Global Health

Year 2

Genomics, Data, and Bioinformatics
Health, Disease, and Detection 1, 2, 3
Applied Healthcare Science 1, 2

Year 3

Contemporary Issues in Biomedical Science
Diagnostic Healthcare Science
Research Project
Good Scientific and Clinical Practice

Professional accreditation

Council: Health and Care Professional Council

This qualification confers eligibility to apply for registration with the Health and Care Professions as a Biomedical Scientist upon graduation.

Entry requirements

To be eligible, apprentices will need to evidence the following:

Achievement of Level 2 Maths and English (GCSE, functional skills or equivalent) OR be demonstrating that you are functioning at Level 2 in both Maths and English, this would be determined by an initial assessment conducted by University of Staffordshire.

Fees

For levy-paying organisations the cost is paid from their digital account at a rate of £27,000 per apprentice.

For non-levy paying organisations there may be a financial contribution on 5% which equates to £1,350 per apprentice.

Delivery and assessment

Delivery

The programme is delivered using a variety of methods, primarily a blend of on-line and workplace learning together with study days based within the Science Centre at our Stoke-on-Trent campus. Weekly on-line learning materials, discussion boards and collaborative activities will be provided together with integrated work-based activities.

There are frequent online interactions between the tutor, teaching staff and fellow students supported by on-campus study days in which apprentices will undertake laboratory practicals, tutorials and collaborative sessions.

Assessment

A range of formative and summative assessment methods are used across the modules including portfolio course work, workplace competency assessments, assignments and exams.

Apprentices achieve the BSc (Hons) in Healthcare Science that includes an integrated End Point Assessment to complete the apprenticeship. In addition, apprentices work towards completing the Institute of Biomedical Science Registration Portfolio which confers eligibility to apply for registration as a Biomedical Scientist.

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills); written English (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy); academic writing (including how to reference); research skills; critical thinking and understanding arguments; and revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management).

Additional support

Our AccessAbility Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment or learning difficulties. You will also have full access to our support services such as Student Guidance.

Feedback

Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

Responsibilities

The employer must not ask the apprentice to contribute financially to the direct cost of learning
Ensure apprentices are given a minimum of 6 hours per week in off-the-job training
Enter into a contract with University of Staffordshire
Participate in reviews with the apprentice and university, providing evidence and feedback on progress at work and success in meeting apprenticeship milestones
Provide a safe, healthy and supportive environment, which meets the needs of the apprentice
Provide apprentices with a contract of employment for the duration of the apprenticeship on the first day of their apprenticeship and be paid at least a wage consistent with the law for both the time they are in work and in off-the-job learning
Provide the apprentice with paid time to attend off-the-job training, including additional support for English and Maths, or support accessed for learning difficulties and/or disabilities
Recognise that the apprentice must complete the apprenticeship within their working hours
Support the apprentice to gain new skills

A citizen of a country within the European Economic Area (EEA) or have the right of abode in the UK and have been ordinarily resident in the EEA for at least the previous three years on the first day of learning
Able to complete the apprenticeship in contracted working hours
Be an employee (have a contract of employment for the duration of the apprenticeship) on the first day of their apprenticeship and be paid at least a wage consistent with the law for both the time they are in work and in off-the-job learning
Be in a new job role (nine months or less), or in an existing job role, where significant new knowledge and skills are needed - employer statement of justification needed (relevant to the apprenticeship)
Be in full-time employment for at least 30 hours a week (37.5 for nursing apprenticeships)
Has the right to work in England
Maintain a safe, healthy and supportive environment, which meets your needs
Not be enrolled on another apprenticeship at the same time
Participate in reviews with the employer and university, providing evidence and feedback on progress at work and success in meeting apprenticeship milestones

Administer the funding and running of the apprenticeship standard to an acceptable standard of quality and in compliance with the ESFAs requirements
Agree jointly between the University, the employer and apprentice, an individual learning plan (ILP) ensuring that satisfactory progress is achieved and to ensure that the contents of the ILP fulfil the requirements of the apprenticeship standard
Provide a safe, healthy and supportive learning environment, which meets the needs of the apprentice
Provide off-the-job learning and assessment and oversee the on-the-job skills development as detailed in the ILP
Provide support on the selection of the endpoint assessor, if applicable. The endpoint assessment will be completed by the learning provider for all integrated degrees

Careers

You will have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team who support you with professional branding, career mapping and realising your potential.

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To join a higher degree apprenticeship programme or recruit an apprentice for your business, enquire with us today.

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