Biomedical scientist achieves rare qualification

Specialist Biomedical Scientist Aimee Pinnington has become one of only three people at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust to achieve the Institute of Biomedical Science Higher Specialist Diploma. The diploma is notoriously difficult to pass and is designed to help biomedical scientists enhance their skillset and progress to more advanced roles in healthcare, resulting in better quality of care for patients. Aimee achieved top marks across all disciplines and was awarded the RJ Lavington Prize for scoring the highest marks of the year.

Aimee, 26, of Hartshill, began working as a biomedical scientist after graduating from Keele University in 2015 and has worked at UHNM ever since. She also teaches biomedical sciences at the University of Salford.

Aimee said: “Being a biomedical scientist is something I have always wanted to do and to obtain one of the hardest qualifications in this career is amazing and something I am really proud of. I was especially thrilled to find out I had passed with the highest marks across all specialities.

“I think people are put off taking the diploma because the exams are notoriously difficult to pass, but I would encourage other biomedical scientists to do it because the in-depth learning required to pass is so beneficial to patients and to our role.

“Going forwards I would like to continue to encourage the next generation of students to continue with their professional development and lifelong learning.”

The IBMS qualification is assessed via a combination of a portfolio of experiential learning and written exams.  Aimee received a medal, certificate and £500 prize in recognition of her achievement.

Nicki Lawrence, Principal Biomedical Scientist who supported Aimee as her mentor said: “Aimee completely deserves her resounding success in her Institute of Biomedical Science Higher Specialist Diploma in Haematology Exams. They’re incredibly hard exams to undertake with a less than 50% pass rate so to win prizes for having the highest marks in Haematology and across all disciplines is truly remarkable. Aimee has always applied herself 100% in everything she does and has shown great potential since she joined UHNM and it has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to be her mentor.”