Working as a biomedical scientist, you conduct research in a laboratory setting. It is one of many jobs in healthcare that require a medical licence. This article will explain what you need to do in order to work as a biomedical scientist in Sweden.
Biomedical research is conducted in both healthcare and research facilities. A biomedical scientist may work with a wide range of tasks; from analysis of body fluids, blood, and tissues, to work in biobanks and nuclear medicine.
This profession has two variations:
biomedical scientist – clinical physiology
biomedical scientist – laboratory medicine
Depending on your previous education, you will need to complete the proficiency test for one of the above roles. Working in laboratory medicine is a more independent job, whereas work in clinical physiology includes meeting with patients.
This article is a guide for healthcare professionals that are educated outside of the EU/EEA.
Step 1: Assess your education as a biomedical scientist
Before you get started, collect the documentation you need to prove your level of education. You will send those documents through an online service found at the website of the National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen).
What documents do you need?
The application form for assessment of your education
First page of valid passport (or Swedish ID card)
Your diploma, and other certificates of completed education.
List of all completed courses (specify the lengths of each course)
If you have changed your name since, please attach a certificate showing that name change.
Are you ready to roll?
Collect all needed documentation, scan and print to create a copy of each document. These will be sent to the National Board of Health and Welfare for assessment. Do not send your original documents.
Step 2: Perfect Your Swedish Skills
If you are not already fluent in Swedish – do not worry. There is plenty of time to practise your Swedish skills before it is time to take the proficiency test for biomedical scientists.
In order to do so, we recommend you to enrol in a language course for healthcare staff. The Swedish course that Cure Staff provides is specifically catered to your needs, and will excel your level of confidence by offering:
12 months intensive language course
Study 7.5 hours a week
Reach language level C1 in Swedish
The course curriculum is developed according to the Common European Framework of Reference
You do not need to speak Swedish before starting the course.
Step 3: Prepare for the Proficiency Test for Clinical Physiology or Laboratory Medicine
When your education is assessed and approved, you can sign up to take a proficiency test for biomedical scientists. This test is held by Karolinska Institutet (KI) and has two variations: Clinical physiology AND Laboratory Medicine.
You will sign up for a test that is corresponding to your education, and are not supposed to enrol in both tests.
To help you prepare for the test, Cure Staff has curated a digital library of knowledge, reading material and previous proficiency tests. For your convenience, we have put it all in one digital learning platform, where you can study at your own pace.
Read more about the Course Portal and Pre-Qualification Course
When you feel ready, sign up for the proficiency test for biomedical scientists at Karolinska Institutet. They hold at least one test session per semester. The test is in Swedish, which requires a C1 level language certificate.
Step 4: Taking the Proficiency Test (for Clinical Physiology or Laboratory Medicine)
Being prepared pays off! You are now ready to take the proficiency test in either clinical physiology or laboratory medicine. This test is one step in your application to a medical licence for biomedical scientists.
The test has two parts: One theoretical test, and one practical test. The theoretical test asks about different chemical substances, medical conditions, and how to treat them. In the practical test, you will demonstrate your knowledge in different, realistic situations.
When you have passed the test, you are ready for the fifth step in your journey to become a registered biomedical scientist.
Step 5: Study the Laws and Regulations that Affect the Job of a Biomedical Scientist
Healthcare staff that need a licence to practise their work, need to understand the Swedish laws and regulations. This course is free of charge, digital, and administered by Umeå University.
You will especially need to read about the statutes that are important in the work of a biomedical scientist, as well as general statutes in Swedish health care.
This course is in Swedish, for medical staff educated outside of the EU/EEA.
Step 6: Undergo Clinical Training as a Biomedical Scientist
Demonstrate your practical knowledge, skills and suitability for the profession by undergoing clinical training. You need to do your clinical training in one (1) facility over a period of three (3) months.
The clinical training is mandatory for everyone applying for a licence as a biomedical scientist. Previous experience from another country does not remove the requirement of at least three months of training.
It is your responsibility to find a workplace that will accept you for training. When being part of Cure Staff’s educational programme, we may assist you in the search for a suitable workplace.
Step 7: Submit your Application for a Licence to Practise Biomedical Science in Sweden
The time has come to submit your application. In order to do so, you need to:
1. Fill out the application form that is found on the website of the National Board of Health and Welfare. Make sure to include all required documents as follows:
application form (copy)
first page of your valid passport or Swedish ID card (copy)
certificate of Swedish proficiency (copy)
certificate that you have successfully completed clinical training (original)
2. Pay the fee (870 SEK in 2023).
3. Send all documentation by mail.
You have successfully completed the seven steps to become a registered biomedical scientist. When receiving the documents, you can expect a response in less than a month.
When you have received the licence, you can start working. And the good news is – there are many available positions in Sweden for biomedical scientists.
Want to know more?
If you have any questions about this process, please contact Cure Staff for more information on how to get started.
Also read: Why work in Sweden?