Biomedical Science: meaning, courses, careers and salaries in Ghana
Are you experiencing difficulty when it comes to choosing a course to study in a higher institution, or you are simply exploring some of the courses that are worth studying in the university? Then, you may want to check out Biomedical Science. One of the interesting things about the course is its combination of the fields of biology and medicine in order to focus on the health of both animals and humans. If you want to know what Biomedical Science is all about, what makes a good Biomedical Scientist or some of the careers that are in Biomedical Science, then this article is what you need. Not only will you find answers to those concerns, but we also discuss the courses that are in Biomedical Science and what the salary scale looks like if you end up choosing this field.
Source: Depositphotos
While Biomedical Science is an interesting field, one of the many questions that come to people's mind is what it is all about. Biomedical Science is not a complex field, even though it may sound like it.
Biomedical science meaning
Biomedical Science has to do with a set of applied sciences that combines some portions of natural science or formal science, or both as the case may be, to create knowledge that is relevant in healthcare or public health. Those who study Biomedical Science, otherwise called Biomedical Scientists, focus on the functioning of cells, organs, and systems in the human body and that of other living beings. Even though the course does not provide medical training, those who study it get trained in modern molecular techniques, cellular and systems biology and neuroscience, among other things.
Those who study Biomedical Science get to know about anatomy and histology, epidemiology, pharmacology, as well as biochemical and physiological functions. In the process of learning Biomedical Science, students get trained on how to maintain and promote good health in humans and animals based on the knowledge that they acquire in the rudimentary aspects of nutrition, diseases, and, immunology.
Biomedical Science courses
To become a Biomedical Scientist, you have to be trained in the field. Even though there are different schools and higher institutions of learning that offer courses in this field, there are specific requirements that must be met before you are considered for admission. For instance, if you are studying the course as your first degree, you are expected to have credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Integrated Science or Social Studies and other related subjects as would be stipulated by the institution of learning that you are applying to.
More so, if you are applying with an International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)/ International Baccalaureate (IB), you would be expected to possess at least Grades A*/A-C in English, Mathematics, and Biology at the Standard (SL)/’O’ Level. Once you have met the requirements for admission, you may then proceed to apply to any of the institutions of learning where the course is offered. Specifically, some of the Biomedical Science courses that you can pursue in Ghana include the following:
1. Degree in Biomedical Sciences
You can apply for this degree programme at the College of Health and Allied Sciences in the University of Cape Coast.
READ ALSO: Electrical engineering - degree, jobs and salaries in Ghana
2. Biomedical Degree programmes
The School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences within the College of Health Sciences in the University of Ghana offers degree programmes in health sciences. These include Dental Laboratory Science, Dietetics, and Medical Sciences. Apart from that, they also provide a post-graduate programme as well as professional Masters Degree programme in science-related fields.
3. Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences
The aim of this course is to ensure the delivery of quality health science training and research to students, and it is available at the School of Basic & Biomedical Sciences in the University of Health and Allied Sciences.
Biomedical science careers
There are a lot of prospects for anyone who chooses to study Biomedical Science in Ghana, and this is because of the major roles that Biomedical Scientists play in the society. For instance, anyone who ends up being a Biomedical Scientist would be expected to carry out various kinds of laboratory and scientific tests. Some of these could be on tissue samples and fluids which will, in turn, help clinicians to be able to effectively diagnose and treat diseases. A lot of departments need the services of Biomedical Scientists, especially those in hospitals.
Source: Depositphotos
So, once you are trained and certified in this field, you can work in places like:
- The Greater Accra Regional Health Directorate;
- Ghana Health Service (GHS);
- Government-owned or private hospitals;
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing companies;
- Medical research council or organisations;
- Universities;
Apart from the organisations listed above, as one trained in the field of Biomedical Science, you can also work as:
- Biomedical Scientist;
- Biotechnologist;
- Forensic scientist;
- Healthcare scientist;
- Medicinal chemist;
- Clinical laboratory technologist and technician;
- Epidemiologist.
Source: Depositphotos
Biomedical Science salaries in Ghana
There are a number of things that influence and determine how much a Biomedical Scientist is paid in Ghana. Some of these factors include the degree certificate you have, the roles you perform, and the kind of organisation that you work with. However, based on discussions on some online platforms, a biomedical personnel who is a degree holder can receive an average gross salary of GHC 2,100 on a monthly basis while a diploma holder can receive an average gross salary of GHC 1400 on a monthly basis. If you are a certificate holder, you are likely to get GHC 800 as your monthly salary.
Also, if you are a Biotechnologist or a Laboratory technician, your monthly salary is likely to be between the range of GHS 875 and GHS 1793. However, this can depend on your years of experience, level of education, and the region within Ghana where you are working.
READ ALSO: Accra College of Medicine courses, fees, and entry requirements
Roles of a Biomedical Scientist
There is a high demand for specialists in Biomedical Sciences because their roles have been found to be very important in health-related issues. A Biomedical Scientist could be asked to screen for and monitor a range of diseases or carry out tests when there is a need for an emergency blood transfusion. It is also possible that such a trained personnel would be asked to team up with healthcare science staff, doctors, and nurses when there is the need to carry out any research on infectious diseases.
Specifically, the roles of a Biomedical Scientist, depending on their area of specialty, can include the following:
- Analysing blood to know the kind of disease that is present in a living being, find out the cause of an abnormality, and monitor the function of an organ;
- Supporting the transfusion of blood and transplant service by ensuring the correct grouping and matching of blood;
- Testing for diseases;
- Carrying out a routine test on fluids and sampling of tissues;
- Interpretation of results for medical staff and liaising with them on medical issues;
- Monitoring how well a living being is responding to certain treatments and medications as well as the effect of such;
- Adherence to quality control procedures so as to achieve accurate results.
Moreover, to succeed as a Biomedical Scientist, it is essential that you should have the following qualities or skills:
- Good communication skills;
- Be able to concentrate on an issue for a long period of time;
- Be able to use your initiative at any time;
- Pay thorough attention to details;
- Be proactive by being able to think out solutions on the spot;
- Capable of conducting in-depth researches at all time;
- Have a good team spirit as working with others is inevitable.
Biomedical Science is an interesting field of study, and anyone who has a passion for lives will do well in it. Moreover, if you find yourself being passionate about researching and you have a keen desire for knowledge or learning new things, then, Biomedical Science is a field that you can consider. Also, given the high demand for Biomedical Scientists based on their roles in the society, the field remains one that you would never regret majoring in.
READ ALSO: Anglican University College of Technology courses and admission requirements
Source: YEN.com.gh
