Biomedical Scientist

A Biomedical Scientist designs and performs various scientific experiments.  These experiments and analytical testing is conducted on biological samples.  The results of which will help to diagnose and treat illnesses.  Your rearch will also assist in evaluating the effectiveness of treatments.  Biomedical Scientists could be required to record their finding by publishing papers in academic journals.  There are generally four main areas of specialisation for Biomedical Scientists: genetics and molecular pathology, infection, blood and  cellular sciences.  

In order to qualify as a Biomedical Scientist, you will need to obatin a formal qualification.  This qualification will come from the Health Sciences faculty – you will either study towards a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Biomedical Sciences or a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Laboratory Sciences.  A degree in biology is also an option.  This type of qualification should take between 3 to 4 years to complete.  In addition to your qualification, it is beneficial to have as much lab experience as possible.  

In general, Biomedical Scientists work the traditional office hours.  However, you might need to work longer hours if an experiment requires it.

The amount a Biomedical Scientist earns is around R133 208 per year.  This is the average salary of Biomedical Scientists in South Africa.

Here are a few things you can expect from a career as a Biomedical Scientist:

• you will be working in a laboratory 
• there is a code of ethics that comes with this profession which includes patient confidentiality
• as you further your studies, you will be expected to conduct your own research and report your findings
• you will need to be observant in order to identify abnormalities and diseases in your data analysis