Associate practitioner in blood sciences

Healthcare science staff working in the blood sciences may collect blood from patients for examination in pathology laboratories, carry out tests on blood to diagnose illness, or ensure that blood from donors is matched so that it can be given to patients when needed.

If you work in blood sciences, you’ll play a crucial role in the diagnosis of illness by helping doctors choose the best type of treatment for patients, and monitoring its effectiveness.

Healthcare science staff specialising in the blood sciences will typically be found working in:

  • hospital pathology laboratories, and laboratories in specialist hospitals (including working in haematology, haemostasis and thrombosis)
  • the community, for example in specialist clinics
  • blood transfusion services
     

Associate practitioner smiling

Ricky, Associate Practitioner in blood sciences


Ricky said: "I joined the team at Derbyshire Pathology back in November 2022.

"I was fortunate enough to secure a band 2 medical laboratory assistant post. At the time of commencing employment, I had no medical laboratory experience, I’d only spent time in teaching and research laboratories.

"Already a degree holder in biomedical science (unaccredited), I was encouraged to apply for a band 4 associate practitioner post in early 2023, to which I was successful. Our blood science’s laboratory has several disciplines including Haematology, Biochemistry, Specials Chemistry, Blood Transfusion and Point of Care Testing. We rotate through these specialisms to develop our knowledge and competencies.

"It’s a challenging learning curve, and one which is invaluable as I move forwards towards my future career aspirations to becoming a state registered biomedical scientist.

"At the time of writing, my degree has been assessed by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). I have applied to complete my top-up modules, and I have commenced preparations for the IBMS training portfolio, with the help of the department.

"We have a great multidisciplinary team here, all contributing a plethora of professional knowledge and skill sets which provide the high standards of care that our patients deserve.

"This is a team that I feel privileged and proud to be a part of. I wish to extend my sincere gratitude for all the encouragement, help and continued support given by the multidisciplinary team to enable me to keep progressing forwards and achieve my goal of registering as a biomedical scientist in the future".


What type of roles are available?

  • Medical lab assistant
  • Medical lab assistant supervisor
  • Associate practitioner
  • Biomedical scientist
  • Specialist biomedical scientist
  • Senior biomedical scientist
  • Service manager


You can find out more about a career in blood sciences >, by visiting the NHS careers website.