Trainee Biomedical Scientists 'earn while they learn'
A new work-based BSc(Hons) Applied Biomedical Sciences programme, designed to tackle national and regional shortages of state registered bio-medical scientists, was officially launched at the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences on 23 September.
Pictured at the course launch – left to right: Dr Sarah Pitt (training facilitator), Heather Forester (student), Sir David Watson (Vice-Chancellor) , Andrew Parr (student), Beverley Wakeford-Brown (Sussex Pathology Network), Rebecca Tripp (student), Dr Jim Cunningham (course leader).
Biomedical scientists work in hospitals as part of the pathology team, providing an essential diagnostic service to clinicians. Others enter careers such as biotechnology and forensic science.
The Brighton course, one of five new UK courses launched this year to improve recruitment, is delivered in partnership with the Sussex Pathology Network (comprising Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust, and Worthing and Southlands Hospitals NHS Trust).
Under the new scheme, graduates become state-registered biomedical scientists after a three-year ‘coterminous’ programme of integrated work-based learning and academic study. They are employed as trainee biomedical scientists within the Sussex Pathology Network and their salaries and training costs, and those of training facilitator Dr Sarah Pitt, are funded by the Surrey and Sussex Strategic Health Authority.
Course leader Dr Jim Cunningham said: "Our team of academic and NHS partners has worked closely together on this new programme and we are delighted to see its launch thanks to the generous support of the Surrey and Sussex Strategic Health Authority."
Guests at the launch included managers from the Sussex Pathology Network, biomedical scientists from the placement laboratories, Vice-Chancellor Sir David Watson, and professors Andrew Lloyd and Michael Whiting, the deans of the faculties of Science and Engineering and Health.
