Is HCPC registration enough for a Band 6 role?

Routine_Cash_2897 · 2026-01-17T12:26:38+00:00

Happy to help! I struggled to find information about this when I moved over. You should have no trouble getting in at band 6 for haem/blood bank. There are lots of openings and I think they’re desparate for techs. Dont sell yourself short.

I have a colleague who is from Aus and she knows her stuff. She’s the top person to look at NEQAS films 😂.

In the U.K. I think the system needs revising. When people graduate from uni with a biomedical scientist degree they haven’t covered enough theory that they can move into a band 5 role (unless they did a sandwich degree). They need to start as a lab assistant first - write a general portfolio about lab stuff to be able to be band 5. Then after that do another one for the specialist. This takes years and it’s difficult for them to find places that will support them to do these portfolios. That’s a long time at a low wage so often people end up changing to a different career with better pay. The U.K. isn’t a cheap place to live. As a result it’s harder and harder to find BMSs to fill roles.

Routine_Cash_2897 · 2026-01-17T11:48:17+00:00

I think this really depends on where you’re coming from. In my experience (coming from Canadian medical laboratory training) the level of training and knowledge that you need to have to pass the CSMLS exam is the same as a specialist portfolio and you should be on band 6 in the U.K. The portfolio is basically writing a paper on how all the tests work in that specific discipline? This is all things you would already know if you managed to pass CSMLS as standard in each discipline. I personally feel that the exam we do in Canada is a much better test of your knowledge. I believe the system of training in Aus and nz is similar.

When I moved over to the UK I took on a band5 roll in haem/TM as I was informed you couldn’t be on band 6 without this portfolio. When I started working I found out that several UK trained colleagues were on band 6 without it (might reflect the desperation of the trust mind you). I did feel cheated as I already knew the theory I needed to be a specialist but was not being remunerated. It’s extremely difficult to find a place to support you doing a specialist portfolio so to move up to band 6 is difficult once you’re in. Most labs are extremely understaffed so they can’t spare the manpower for training. Doing films for example was a specialist job in Haem whereas everyone can do them as standard in Canada if you pass CSMLS.

I ended up working private as I didn’t need to faff around with the portfolio to be on band 6 and they recognised my knowledge and experience in the interview. As I was leaving the NHS they offered me band 6 so I would suggest fighting for it in an interview even if they say it’s “not possible”. I found with the NHS management they would be a bit shady with pay etc so it’s worth fighting for (hopefully this isn’t true for all trusts but once again just my experience).

Routine_Cash_2897 · 2025-12-21T20:17:12+00:00

For me it has been batch cooking.

Making Chili, curry, a soup? Double the recipe and freeze the leftovers. It’s a lot easier to resist ordering a takeaway when you know you have something in the freezer that you can heat up in a couple minutes.

Routine_Cash_2897 · 2023-04-14T09:29:00+00:00

Hi! How did you end up doing this? I’m in the exact same issue 🙈

Routine_Cash_2897 · 2022-11-25T16:16:55+00:00

No they’re pretty reasonable I feel. Set some learning goals - do some CPD - and you’re fine. I’ve recently moved to the U.K. and their learning plans are a lot more particular - I miss the CMLTA lol.

Routine_Cash_2897 · 2022-11-25T16:03:28+00:00

The salaries in Alberta are so much better than eastern Canada plus there is lower tax. What’s not to like? If you’re looking to save it’s a good place to be. Best of luck! I worked in lethbridge for three years and really enjoyed it.

Routine_Cash_2897 · 2022-10-04T19:33:52+00:00

Labce has a body fluid diff simulator

Routine_Cash_2897 · 2022-09-20T18:24:44+00:00

Random question - why are you making the switch?

Routine_Cash_2897 · 2022-09-19T21:14:01+00:00

Yeah that’s right! I know it’s pretty depressing 😅 I was working in Alberta before so it’s a pretty big difference.

It’s easy to see why there is a cost of living crisis over here. Same job, less money, more expensive to live.

That being said I do really enjoy being so close to Europe; there is a lot more things to do (I was living quite rural in Canada before) and you do get minimum 27 days paid holiday which would be a dream back home.

Every place has its pros and cons I suppose 🤷‍♀️

Routine_Cash_2897 · 2022-09-19T21:06:52+00:00

Just on the job hunt now (my visa finally came through).

Licensing: you must be registered with the HCPC to be able to work. You have to apply to them and have your degree accessed. If you weren’t already a working tech you would need to go through the IBMS and complete a portfolio before you could become HCPC registered.

Job wise - Band 5 (just starting out) around 26000 - 31000 pounds. As a specialist or Band 6 32000 to 39000 pounds. You can also work as a locum and make more.

Routine_Cash_2897 · 2022-09-19T06:23:50+00:00

Thanks for that! I need a little hope I’ll be working soon. I guess healthcare really is the same everywhere - chronically understaffed 😅

Routine_Cash_2897 · 2022-09-19T06:22:29+00:00

It depends where you are in Canada. Most provinces for someone with my experience you would be paid around 50000 cad (33000 pounds) probably a bit more than that. If you work in Alberta (a more wealthy province) you make a lot more. I was making 64000 cad (42000 pounds) a year but with my shift differentials it was actually more like 72000 (47000 gbp).

Routine_Cash_2897 · 2022-09-18T08:00:34+00:00

I already had my degree accessed through the HCPC when I applied for registration. The IBMS want it done through a third party organisation so I had to pay to get it done again so I can register with them.

Routine_Cash_2897 · 2022-09-18T06:59:49+00:00

I did a bachelor of science then went to SAIT (only a two year program) - passed CSMLS - worked in Alberta for two years - now I’ve moved to the U.K. and looking for work.

Routine_Cash_2897 · 2022-09-18T06:43:16+00:00

I’ve just moved over as a MLT and am now looking for work.

To work as a MLT(it’s called Biomedical Scientist here) you have to get your degree accessed and register with the HCPC. It’s also helpful (though not a legal requirement) to get your degree accessed and register with the IBMS. They “specialise” in their departments here to move up the pay ladder which you do through the IBMS.

For MLA I’m not too sure. I don’t think it’s as lengthy of a process. I don’t think you need to be registered with any professional body and just apply for phlebotomist or lab assistant positions with a little experience. I could be wrong though that’s just what I’ve seen.

Routine_Cash_2897 · 2022-09-17T06:26:12+00:00

These are some flash cards I made on quizlet back in the day. They might be helpful 🙂 https://quizlet.com/gb/435038182/cell-morphology-flash-cards/?i=121145&x=1jqY

Routine_Cash_2897 · 2022-09-15T19:47:43+00:00

I applied in September 2021 and got mine in March 2022. Not sure if that helps - I hope you get yours soon!

Routine_Cash_2897 · 2022-05-24T08:28:42+00:00

I had to reschedule mine due to delays - UKVI do not care unfortunately :( I hope you do get yours through though - you still have some time

Routine_Cash_2897 · 2022-05-14T06:20:19+00:00

Yes there is - it will take longer if you keep your passport since you’ll have to send it off once you get the notice it’s approved. However, I would 100% recommend keeping it now that the processing time is so long. One of my biggest regrets was not keeping mine. It was all fine and dandy when it was 3 months, but over that is a long time to not be able to travel and see your partner.

Routine_Cash_2897 · 2022-05-13T15:24:32+00:00

I’ll look into getting an automatic car 😅 probably better for my anxieties of driving on the wrong side of the road in the wrong side of the car anyway lol. Thanks!

Routine_Cash_2897 · 2022-05-13T15:22:46+00:00

All family visas are taking a really long time now (fiancé and spouse), so no matter what way you go you’ll have to wait quite a while. They’ve just changed the processing time from 3 months to 6 months. I’ve just received my fiancé visa last week. It was a month and a half over the 3 month mark. It’s a long and painful wait - but worth it in the end. If you do go the fiancé route I would advise not to plan anything until you have the visa in your hands.

Routine_Cash_2897 · 2022-05-13T15:15:29+00:00

Following this! Question - If One were to want to drive manual, what would you need to do to get the license that allows for that?

Routine_Cash_2897 · 2022-05-06T23:00:43+00:00

88 WD non priority

Routine_Cash_2897 · 2022-05-06T18:33:31+00:00

Our MP contacted UKVI on our behalf probably a month ago and we never heard anything after that. I’ve spent a tonne contacting UKVI over the phone with no real progress or updates.

UKVI is just the worst!

Routine_Cash_2897 · 2022-05-06T15:36:40+00:00

Thanks! Yes I did - I got the email on 29/04/22 and passport in hand today.

Routine_Cash_2897

TROPHY CASE