How does this work from a HCPC registration point of view?
This change means that entry will not require HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist and that Biomedical Scientists will be able to complete the programme with their existing HCPC registration.
Will the BMS accepted onto a HSST programme be eligible to apply for registration as a Clinical Scientist?
The equivalence pathways for Clinical Scientist registration will be still be available if an individual chooses to do so, however, this will not be a requirement of the HSST programme.
What would happen to staff who do not hold the IBMS specialist diploma, as this did not exist for older staff? For example, HCPC registration for 15+years with a discipline specific MSc? Would they still be able to apply?
Staff who registered using the old CPSM/HCPC logbook, which was prior to the introduction of the Specialist Diploma, would be eligible to access the HSST as it represents equivalence.
What about Biomedical Scientists in Transfusion who hold the BBTS qualification, but not the IBMS Specialist Diploma?
For Transfusion applicants the British Blood Transfusion Society (BBTS) Specialist diploma in Transfusion Science Practice can be used in place of the IBMS Specialist Diploma.
I live in Northern Ireland. Does the announcement include Biomedical Scientists here?
The same eligibility criteria would be applied for Biomedical Scientists, however the School does not commission posts in Northern Ireland so funding would need to be discussed with your regional health education commissioners.