UK biomedical scientist to Australia

[Ceebs-x]

Hello,

I’m looking for some advice or even someone with a similar experience. I’m a biomedical scientist from the UK and I am looking to move to Australia.

I’m of the understanding that the first step really is the IELTS exam, which I’ve done. I got full marks on everything except the writing which I got 7.5 for. I’m really disappointed with it, because I obviously wanted a minimum of 8.0 for additional visa points. That said, if necessary I can do it again and try to gain an extra 0.5. I would ideally like to not have to though.

What I’m struggling to find out is if my AIMS assessment IELTS results has to be the same as that, that I would apply for my visa with. Ie can I submit for a skills assessment with AIMS with the 7.5 writing now and then later down the line redo the IELTS to try and gain additional points for a visa if I manage to get an 8.0, without me having to resubmit for another skills assessment?

I’m also aware that I’ll have to sit the AIMS exam which is a bit daunting, as I’m a blood transfusion scientist. Does anyone know if there is ever exceptions to the rule? Has anyone ever submitted a skills assessment and been told they are qualified to be a medical scientist without the exam having to be sat? I’m secretly crossing my fingers that it might be the case. It’s a long shot, I know!

Following IELTS, AIMS assessment and the AIMS exam, I’m assuming then I will be able to get things moving properly. Is that correct?

Does anyone know how Australian laboratories feel about taking on a UK trained biomedical scientist as a laboratory assistant initially and helping them get through the AIMS exam, then giving them a medical laboratory scientist position once they’ve passed?

I realise this is a long post, so thank you in advance for any help or feedback you provide in relation to this matter.

Thank you!

[paulhand]

These are really far too detailed oriented questions to get reliable answers on a forum. It would be worth your while to have a preliminary consultation with one of the RMAs who post regularly here.

You are fine with the IELTS for the skills assessment provided that you have an "overall band score of 7.0 or higher". You will want the extra writing grade for points purposes in most instances.

 

 

[Daffyduck]

On 16/05/2022 at 11:06, Ceebs-x said:

Hello,

I’m looking for some advice or even someone with a similar experience. I’m a biomedical scientist from the UK and I am looking to move to Australia.

I’m of the understanding that the first step really is the IELTS exam, which I’ve done. I got full marks on everything except the writing which I got 7.5 for. I’m really disappointed with it, because I obviously wanted a minimum of 8.0 for additional visa points. That said, if necessary I can do it again and try to gain an extra 0.5. I would ideally like to not have to though.

What I’m struggling to find out is if my AIMS assessment IELTS results has to be the same as that, that I would apply for my visa with. Ie can I submit for a skills assessment with AIMS with the 7.5 writing now and then later down the line redo the IELTS to try and gain additional points for a visa if I manage to get an 8.0, without me having to resubmit for another skills assessment?

I’m also aware that I’ll have to sit the AIMS exam which is a bit daunting, as I’m a blood transfusion scientist. Does anyone know if there is ever exceptions to the rule? Has anyone ever submitted a skills assessment and been told they are qualified to be a medical scientist without the exam having to be sat? I’m secretly crossing my fingers that it might be the case. It’s a long shot, I know!

Following IELTS, AIMS assessment and the AIMS exam, I’m assuming then I will be able to get things moving properly. Is that correct?

Does anyone know how Australian laboratories feel about taking on a UK trained biomedical scientist as a laboratory assistant initially and helping them get through the AIMS exam, then giving them a medical laboratory scientist position once they’ve passed?

I realise this is a long post, so thank you in advance for any help or feedback you provide in relation to this matter.

Thank you!

Fellow BMS here. 

 

I don't think there is any way to avoid the AIMS test unfortunately, you meet the criteria for the English language component though as it's 7.0 they require. I had heard rumours that they accept fellowship of the IBMS instead of the exam but not seen any evidence of that, you could try contacting AIMS directly. You'll need to complete the skills assessment component to progress your visa application.

Regarding employment, I've been in contact with a few labs (SA), was pretty much told they wouldn't consider me for employment until I'm in country or have a definite arrival date. If you're the main visa applicant you won't be able to move to or work in Australia until you have the visa which is dependant on getting through the AIMS part. The one ray of sunshine there is that they have added biomedical scientists/medical laboratory scientists to the PMSOL.

Sorry, I know that wasn't great news, the AIMS exam is a pig if you've been specialised in a specific discipline then need to learn micro, path etc. all over again.

[Ceebs-x]

34 minutes ago, Daffyduck said:

Fellow BMS here. 

 

I don't think there is any way to avoid the AIMS test unfortunately, you meet the criteria for the English language component though as it's 7.0 they require. I had heard rumours that they accept fellowship of the IBMS instead of the exam but not seen any evidence of that, you could try contacting AIMS directly. You'll need to complete the skills assessment component to progress your visa application.

Regarding employment, I've been in contact with a few labs (SA), was pretty much told they wouldn't consider me for employment until I'm in country or have a definite arrival date. If you're the main visa applicant you won't be able to move to or work in Australia until you have the visa which is dependant on getting through the AIMS part. The one ray of sunshine there is that they have added biomedical scientists/medical laboratory scientists to the PMSOL.

Sorry, I know that wasn't great news, the AIMS exam is a pig if you've been specialised in a specific discipline then need to learn micro, path etc. all over again.

Hello,

Thank you for your response! 
 

I did hear a rumour about being a fellow of IBMS makes you exempt but can’t seem to find any evidence of this. Equally I’m not a fellow myself as that would apply to the band pay scale above me unfortunately. 
 

I do have access to my old university lectures for all disciplines but I still don’t imagine I’ll pass the exam first time. It’s bizarre how strict they are with BMS’s but no other career route. Seems a bit unfair really

I did notice hospital labs specifically say on the job advert that you can apply from outside Australia, if you state your visa requirements when you apply, but I imagine they wouldn’t be that keen to take you with the cost and time it would take. That’s why I’m trying to get this AIMS assessment out the way first, because at least that’s one thing completed. Maybe they’ll be more open to accepting a UK job applicant. We can but dream!

Thanks! 

[Daffyduck]

No worries. Might be worth dropping the IBMS an email just to check what the requirements are for fellowship as it shouldn't be linked to your pay band, would follow that up with one to AIMS. It might well end up being an easier route than going down the AIMS exam route.

Best of luck!

[DT55]

Is the biomed science route your only option to migrate? We considered this route years ago but found the AIMS skills assessment ludicrously difficult. We migrated under a similar but different route (biochemist) where the skills assessment was much much easier - this was years ago mind. Maybe worth consulting a migration agent to see what options are availabile?

[Daffyduck]

3 hours ago, DT55 said:

Is the biomed science route your only option to migrate? We considered this route years ago but found the AIMS skills assessment ludicrously difficult. We migrated under a similar but different route (biochemist) where the skills assessment was much much easier - this was years ago mind. Maybe worth consulting a migration agent to see what options are availabile?

The AIMS assessment is absurd, especially seeing as the IBMS give equivalence to Australian degrees!

We decided to just go with my wife as the main applicant, she's a vet and all they wanted was her degree and employment history.

[DT55]

5 hours ago, Daffyduck said:

The AIMS assessment is absurd, especially seeing as the IBMS give equivalence to Australian degrees!

We decided to just go with my wife as the main applicant, she's a vet and all they wanted was her degree and employment history.

Yeah same. Biochemist skills assessment was just education and employment history. So much overlap between biochemist and biomedical scientist but the skills assessment requirements couldn’t be further apart. That’s why I suggested considering using an agent (maybe Paul above) as there be a much easier route that what the OP Is currently pursuing

[Ceebs-x]

Just for anyone else waiting on AIMS assessment results, it’s taken approximately 17 weeks from submission of everything to getting an outcome. 

[Matt Barnish]

Did you have to sit the Aims assessment exam in the end, I have an IBMS accredited degree so just asking as the exam looks tough and very broad as i work in biochemistry. 

[Ceebs-x]

2 minutes ago, Matt Barnish said:

Did you have to sit the Aims assessment exam in the end, I have an IBMS accredited degree so just asking as the exam looks tough and very broad as i work in biochemistry. 

I’ve been invited to sit the next exam, which would be March next year. Until that point I’m only classed as a MLT. I am in the same position as far as the exam is concerned, I worry I won’t pass it first time at least as my specialty is transfusion. 
 

My degree was also accredited and I’m HCPC registered too. Seems like there is no exception to the rule. I know someone with a masters in transfusion and they still have to sit the exam unfortunately. 
 

If you find an alternative route, please let me know! 

[Kheydz]

Hi Ceebs, 

Thank you for sharing your experience! I’ve been reading all your post as I find myself in a similar position to yourself a few months back. I am a biomedical scientist in the uk and am looking to send my AIMS application through. The thing I’m worried about is whether just a biomedical science degree will do? I didn’t do modules that were just specific to chemistry or statistics and I’m not sure I did a module on anatomy. Since you’ve already done this part of the application I was hoping you could tell me what qualifications you sent before being offered the exam. Thank you so much in advance! 
 

P.S- My degree is also accredited.

[Ceebs-x]

3 hours ago, Kheydz said:

Hi Ceebs, 

Thank you for sharing your experience! I’ve been reading all your post as I find myself in a similar position to yourself a few months back. I am a biomedical scientist in the uk and am looking to send my AIMS application through. The thing I’m worried about is whether just a biomedical science degree will do? I didn’t do modules that were just specific to chemistry or statistics and I’m not sure I did a module on anatomy. Since you’ve already done this part of the application I was hoping you could tell me what qualifications you sent before being offered the exam. Thank you so much in advance! 
 

P.S- My degree is also accredited.

Are you HCPC registered or is your degree just IBMS recognised? You might be asked to do top up modules to include areas they think you are lacking in. I had to send module descriptors, my uni transcripts and a letter from my employer stating what my job role includes. I know a couple of people at my work have had issues getting their qualifications recognised, that’s two in total. I was the third. 

[Kheydz]

37 minutes ago, Ceebs-x said:

Are you HCPC registered or is your degree just IBMS recognised? You might be asked to do top up modules to include areas they think you are lacking in. I had to send module descriptors, my uni transcripts and a letter from my employer stating what my job role includes. I know a couple of people at my work have had issues getting their qualifications recognised, that’s two in total. I was the third. 

I will be HCPC registered probably by the end of this month (just waiting to be verified). I just completed my portfolio and didn’t have to do any top up modules since my degree is IBMS accredited. So hopefully when I send my application I will be HCPC register and my degree is accredited. I work in a histology lab in the NHS and have done for over 2 years. I can get the letter from my employer done and will request my transcript from my university. What are module descriptors? Also are you saying that even after you did all that you were still asked to do top up modules? 
 

[Ceebs-x]

1 hour ago, Kheydz said:

I will be HCPC registered probably by the end of this month (just waiting to be verified). I just completed my portfolio and didn’t have to do any top up modules since my degree is IBMS accredited. So hopefully when I send my application I will be HCPC register and my degree is accredited. I work in a histology lab in the NHS and have done for over 2 years. I can get the letter from my employer done and will request my transcript from my university. What are module descriptors? Also are you saying that even after you did all that you were still asked to do top up modules? 
 

Okay. I think being HCPC registered does help. There is a description of what needs included in your work letter on the AIMS website, they look for specific things to be included. It’s part of the application pack for the skills assessment, so you should find it no problem. Module descriptors you should also be able to get from your university. They state what each module included, like the topics covered, how many credits each module was worth etc. If you have any other questions just let me know

[ToniStrk]

On 07/02/2023 at 21:40, Kheydz said:

I will be HCPC registered probably by the end of this month (just waiting to be verified). I just completed my portfolio and didn’t have to do any top up modules since my degree is IBMS accredited. So hopefully when I send my application I will be HCPC register and my degree is accredited. I work in a histology lab in the NHS and have done for over 2 years. I can get the letter from my employer done and will request my transcript from my university. What are module descriptors? Also are you saying that even after you did all that you were still asked to do top up modules? 
 

Hi @Kheydz how did you go with the whole process? Did you have to sit the AIMS exam in the end?

My wife will be undergoing this process soon, she working as a Medical Scientist in the NHS and she has her HCPC registration and she has recently completed her portfolio, so in a similar situation to you.

Just wanted to follow up and find out if anyone came across an easier pathway to work as a BMS in Australia, coming from the UK. Thank you :) 

[Kheydz]

30 minutes ago, ToniStrk said:

Hi @Kheydz how did you go with the whole process? Did you have to sit the AIMS exam in the end?

My wife will be undergoing this process soon, she working as a Medical Scientist in the NHS and she has her HCPC registration and she has recently completed her portfolio, so in a similar situation to you.

Just wanted to follow up and find out if anyone came across an easier pathway to work as a BMS in Australia, coming from the UK. Thank you :) 

Hi @ToniStrk, I managed to submit everything in April and they first got back to me in July asking to resend my photo as the file was corrupted. They actually just got back to me this Friday gone saying ‘Your assessment has returned from the Committee and you have been assessed as eligible to sit the AIMS Professional Examination.’. So all in all it took them about 8 months from when I first submitted the application. 
 

I guess this means I’ve passed as an MLT until I sit the exam to be an MLS. The next exam is in March but I’m considering whether I should even do it as I’ve seen some jobs posted and not have aims accreditation as a requirement. 
 

To answer your question though, yes they still want me to sit an exam. I have 3 years to do so. 
 

Let me know if there was anything else I can help with.

 

[ToniStrk]

Thanks for gettin back @Kheydz much appreciated!

15 hours ago, Kheydz said:

Hi @ToniStrk, I managed to submit everything in April and they first got back to me in July asking to resend my photo as the file was corrupted. They actually just got back to me this Friday gone saying ‘Your assessment has returned from the Committee and you have been assessed as eligible to sit the AIMS Professional Examination.’. So all in all it took them about 8 months from when I first submitted the application. 

Wow 8 months for them to assess your application thats crazy. 

15 hours ago, Kheydz said:

I guess this means I’ve passed as an MLT until I sit the exam to be an MLS. The next exam is in March but I’m considering whether I should even do it as I’ve seen some jobs posted and not have aims accreditation as a requirement. 

Yeah we found the same with some job openings even in hospitals which came back saying that an AIMS accreditation is not cumpolsury but losely state you should still be eligable for one.

Regardless, we're hoping for an exemption to the examination , or once she is a resident we're hoping she can do the single discipline examination if they deem she still needs to. 

Found the info here pretty useful, if its still relavent. 
https://www.aims.org.au/documents/item/875#:~:text=Graduate of an ‡acceptable,immediately prior to applying for