“My placement gave me real experience in delivering excellent patient care.”
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science student Aliyah completed a placement year at Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, working in the haematology and blood transfusion department. There, she developed vital hands-on skills and gained confidence working in a live NHS environment. The experience helped her grow as a healthcare professional, deepening her understanding of how biomedical science supports diagnosis and treatment across the NHS.
“I am specifically working in the haematology and blood transfusion department, and my role involves processing patient samples for analysis to support diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as anaemia, leukaemia, and clotting disorders. In blood transfusion, I have the responsibility of testing and preparing blood products for patients, ensuring safe and compatible transfusions.
“In my role, I apply many of the skills I developed during my degree. Many of my practical skills I developed came from laboratory sessions at university, where I took part in learning techniques such as microscopy, pipetting, and working with automated analysers.
“I have worked alongside qualified biomedical scientists, learning key laboratory techniques and operating specialist equipment. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to complete my Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) portfolio, which will enable me to apply for Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registration as a biomedical scientist after my degree. Throughout my placement, I have gained valuable experience in delivering excellent patient care, all while adhering to HCPC standards.
“I chose to study BSc Biomedical Science at Sheffield Hallam because of the course’s strong focus on practical laboratory skills, paired with theoretical knowledge, which I knew would prepare me for a career in the healthcare sector. Sheffield Hallam also has links with the NHS, which provides students with the opportunity to undertake a placement year, gaining valuable experience in healthcare.
“The degree is also IBMS-accredited, which was particularly important to me as my goal is to work towards becoming a registered biomedical scientist. The course also offered a supportive learning environment as well as lecturers who have real experience in the NHS. Overall, my degree so far has helped me build the skills and confidence I need for a future career in the NHS.
“What I’ve enjoyed most about the course is the practical, hands-on experience in the laboratories. I particularly enjoyed applying the theory I learnt during the lectures and linking the knowledge to real experiments and diagnostic techniques, specifically in haematology, microbiology, and immunology. I’ve had access to modern, fully equipped laboratories that have specialist equipment. I regularly used microscopes, centrifuges, PCR equipment, and HPLC, which are all commonly used in NHS laboratories. The facilities really helped me transition into my placement year.
“My placement year has been so beneficial as it has given me real-world experience where I have developed professionalism, confidence and technical abilities that are all needed to transition into the workplace after graduation.
“I enjoyed student life in Sheffield because it’s a great city with lots of things to do when you need a break from studying. I appreciated how close everything was from campus facilities to the city centre. There is also plenty of affordable accommodation near the campuses. Sheffield felt like a home away from home, and I plan to live here after I graduate.
“I aim to become a fully qualified and HCPC registered biomedical scientist, specialising in haematology and transfusion science. My placement year showed me how rewarding it is to contribute to patient care and deliver accurate laboratory results that support diagnosis and treatment for patients. After gaining more experience, I would like to work towards completing a specialist portfolio.”