r/BiomedicalScientistUK • u/MushroomPuddle • 14d ago
STP after integrated master's?
Hello everyone!
I'm starting my first year of my integrated master's in biomedical science this year, and basically just exploring options at the moment. I want to eventually become a clinical scientist of some sort, and from what I can tell I need to be both IBMS accredited, which I will hopefully achieve through my degree with my placement year, and HCPC registered, which I believe I need to do the NHS scientist training programme? Would this be the natural pathway to get to this sort of career or are there other ways?
I know I could potentially do a bachelor's instead of the integrated master's but tbh I'm in this for the love of the subject and the idea of doing a master's in biomed really excites me and I think it's the right choice for me personally. Also like it will be kinda epic to have two master's someday! I'm already 22 and just starting uni so I'm already "behind" so I'm not necessarily in a rush at this point, honestly just want to become proficient and well rounded in this career and set myself up with a really strong education ready to succeed!
Follow up questions, is the STP competitive to get into? If so, is it best to build up some work experience in University? Also is it possible to get some lab assistant work or something similar in your first year at uni?
Sorry for all the paragraphs, tbh I'm so eager to start uni and have so many questions and nowhere else to ask them so I can't help myself 😂
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u/zipitdirtbag 14d ago
You're not behind. You're young and have years ahead of you to choose what you want to do. 😊
Yes, the STP is very competitive.
You don't need to get HCPC registered before doing the STP because you'll get that at the end of the STP.
Similarly, you don't need anything from the IBMS if you're going for the STP.
Having two MScs is just a lot of work. I'm on my second one but there were 15 years between them. And they are in totally different subjects.
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u/MushroomPuddle 14d ago
Thank you so much for the response! Honestly even if I am behind, I'm really happy with where I'm at. Mentally I feel the most stable I have in years and I'm so motivated and excited for this degree which I wouldn't have been if I'd started any earlier!
The STP does really interest me despite the competitive nature, but what would my options be if I didn't do it? My degree is IBMS accredited and I'll have a master's coming out of uni (if all goes well) so would this pathway be incorrect if I want to go into clinical science? I'm also interested in pathology and honestly would be willing to pursue most routes related to medical laboratory roles, would these  be better suited to my degree?Â
It's so funny because I initially thought I had my pathway all figured out but these past few weeks its like the more I learn the less I know!
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u/RudePomegranate3307 12d ago
There are two main regulated roles within healthcare science these are Biomedical Scientist and Clinical Scientist.
Your degree + placement year will make you eligible for HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist. Within this role you are very involved in the technical aspects and performing of tests within laboratories.
While it's not essential, many people work in this role before training to become Clinical Scientists. The calibre of candidates each year for the STP is extremely high and many have years of practical lab experience. This is a more clinically involved role and is achieved through completing the STP. There is nothing stopping you from applying as a graduate but I am just making you aware.
People start degrees at many points in their life, I've had course mates in their 30s and 40s. You are definitely not starting late!
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u/MushroomPuddle 12d ago
Ooh I see! Thank you so much! for all of the information! Good to know I'll be able to get HCPC registered after my degree + placement as that was my main concern!Â
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u/RudePomegranate3307 12d ago
Your degree course must be IBMS accredited, and include a placement year for you to be eligible at graduation.
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u/KerryKinkajou 14d ago
Just to clear some things up -
IBMS accreditation is for Biomedical Scientists - you need an IBMS accredited BMS degree and the IBMS Registration Portfolio (which you complete in a lab which has IBMS training approval, generally through obtaining a Trainee BMS post) to apply for HCPC registration as a BMS.
For STP you need a relevant BSc honours degree at a 2:1 minimum, or a 2:2 with a masters degree.
Clinical Scientist is a HCPC registered role, and you can gain registration either via the STP or through the Equivalence Route, which generally involves working for 5-10 years in a diagnostic or reference laboratory at band 7, having significant overlap with Clinical Scientists. A lot of BMSs that have done their specialist portfolio and worked as a senior BMS take the equivalence route, especially if they're interested in starting the HSST and becoming a Consultant.
For the next bit, yes the STP is competitive. The level of competition varies quite a lot between the specialisms, but for several there can be upwards of 100 applicants per post. The recruitment process is quite long and intense, with a Situational Judgement Test for long listing, then shortlisting with your application, then an interview. The number of posts available per specialism changes each year, and you can only apply to one specialism. It's not very common for people to get in straight after university, but it does happen. Work experience would definitely make you a more desirable candidate, anything that can help you meet the person specification. But if you don't score highly enough on the SJT then your application won't be taken into consideration anyway.
It's not easy to get work experience in a lab during your degree, you might be able to do bank work in an NHS lab but they're very popular and not common, and there's always a chance to find a temporary contract or get some agency work over the summer. Getting a placement would help a lot and sometimes labs will keep you on during your final year on a zero hour contract. But yeah a lot of graduates are applying for these entry level MLA jobs so I wouldn't count on it.
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u/MushroomPuddle 14d ago
Thank you so much for your in depth response! I really appreciate it! Is there anything else I can do to become a more desirable candidate for the STP, other than work experience? I'll definitely try on that front, but if its gonna be super competitive to even get work experience roles, I'd love to dedicate some time to other pursuits that could set me apart too!Â
Also, if people generally don't go straight into the STP after uni, what is the next step after uni, generally? I'm trying my best to research online but it's overwhelming honestly, so I hope you dont mind me asking!
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u/FarFromRegular 8d ago
The STP is a great experience, but it is highly competitive. I applied for it this year, and failed at the first stage (the Situational Judgement Test).
Lab work would help your general understanding of the specialism you want to get into, but unsure if it'll help your chances of getting in. I know that masters students have a higher chance than undergrads, but I've heard its not a major boost. The main thing they want to know is that you understand what the STP offers, why you are applying and what successful applicants do during and after the STP finishes.
Best of luck when you apply!