Biomedical Scientist Review

I am a Biomedical Scientist in biochemistry, analyzing blood samples, urine samples, faecal samples and bodily fluids. On a day to day basis I ensure machines are maintained and giving correct results. I then release results to requestors on the computer systems as well as verbally giving out results over the phone if necessary. I also deal with queries from service users over the phone.

Since gaining my degree in biomedical science many years ago I have learnt a lot in my role. I have taken further qualifications to gain more knowledge surrounding the theories behind what, how and why we measure the analytes we do. This includes the IBMS specialist portfolio and now my apprenticeship in leadership to help me progress further in my career.

I am enjoying my programme a lot as it is opening my eyes to many skills needed as a leader or a manager that I was not aware of. The self awareness and emotional intelligence aspect has been especially useful to me so far in my work. It is exceeding my expectations and the support from my tutor has been great.

I am finding the programme is very well structured. We had an induction which explained what was expected and how to use our learning platform which was very useful. I have had regular meetings with my tutor who has always been happy to help at anytime. The tasks are uploaded to the bud system and there's never too many at once to overwhelm us.

Due to the nature of my job most of my study so far has been in my own time at home. On the odd occasion I have had a workshop or meeting with my tutor when I've been at work, my manager has been very supportive of this letting me use her computer and giving me time out of the lab. She has also made allowances for when a workshop has meant I would be a few minutes late into work.

My tutor has said from the start if I need any help with the tasks that have been set he is happy to help. I have had some work that I haven't been able to complete in the deadline set and he was very supportive throughout this. He always provides feedback when I've submitted work to help me see I'm going in the right direction.

Yes what I'm learning helps me a lot in my role. The biggest area I've seen this in is being self aware and more empathetic towards other people and their emotions. I am not currently a leader or manager but these skills I am learning will definitely help me get there.

At work I believe there were some extracurricular activities organized before the pandemic began. However I never took part in these due to my commitments outside of work. I play for 3 netball teams, attend the gym, have two dogs which I enjoy taking on long walks and also go horse riding 4/5 times a week.

Yes

The course has been very well organised with a lot of support given from paragon skills and in particular my tutor. The tasks set are reasonable and can be fit in around your work and social life. The tutors and people giving the lectures are very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the topics they teach.

Go for it! The application process for myself was very simple as some of it was done through my workplace. Due to the pandemic learning and workshops have been over teams which I think has been unfortunate as for me personally in face workshops would benefit me more. I haven't yet had any assessments as such but if its all as well organized as the tasks and workshops I can imagine they'll be straight forward to complete with lots of support given.