- Develop technical skills in a range of areas in laboratory medicine that meet pathology industry requirements for employment
- Complete a program in two years (full-time) to graduate as an entry-level medical laboratory technician
- Equivalent to the first two years of a Bachelor of Biomedical Science degree
Program summary
Program title: Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Science
Award abbreviation: AssocDegMedLabSc
QTAC code: 013131
OP / Rank for 2012 entry: OP-14 / Rank-70
Duration: 2 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 and 2*
Study mode: on campus
Recommended prior study: English; Maths A, B or C; and at least one of the sciences, preferably chemistry
Fee type 2013: Commonwealth supported places, fee paying places
Total units: 192
USC program code: SC211
CRICOS code: Not available to international students on a Student Visa.
* Program duration for students commencing in Semester 2 will be 2.5 years and for some semesters may only be enrolled part-time.
Graduate as an entry-level medical laboratory technician and gain employment in hospital and private pathology laboratories.
In this program you develop competencies at a technical level in general pathology, pathophysiology, haematology, histology, biochemistry, clinical chemistry, blood banking, and medical microbiology. It includes industry placements during which you will be trained by experienced medical scientists to develop practical skills in laboratory medicine.
On completing the associate degree you have the opportunity to complete the Bachelor of Biomedical Science with a further year of full-time study. Entry to other programs may be possible in consultation with the faculty.
Post-admission requirements
Before undertaking industry placement courses you must obtain and provide evidence of Hepatitis B vaccination and undergo a Criminal History check. Refer to Program requirements.
Career opportunities
Medical laboratory technician positions in public and private pathology services and laboratory technicians in scientific and educational technical services.
Scholarships
Equity scholarships are available to students enrolled in the Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Science. For more information contact Student Administration on Tel: +61 7 5430 2890 or email scholarships@usc.edu.au.
Professional recognition
Graduates can become members of the Australian Institute for Medical Scientists (AIMS).
Enquiries
- Contact Student Administration for application and admission information
- Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering for program advice
Program requirements
In order to graduate from this program you must complete the courses as listed below in the program structure.
In order to commence industry placement you must:
- Show evidence of complete Hepatitis B vaccination (3 inoculations over a period of 6 months).
- Have a National Criminal History check (by Queensland Police Service or other state/territory authority)
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses)
- Courses within the program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the Global Opportunities (GO) Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
- When enrolling, please refer to the Study Plan.
Program structure
Core courses
1 required course:
COR109 Education Research Theories and Methodologies
Introductory courses
7 required courses:
LFS100 Communication and Thought
MLS101 Cell Biology
SCI105 Introduction to Medical Laboratory Science
LFS112 Chemistry
MLS110 Human Physiology
MLS121 Haematology
MLS131 Histology
Advanced courses
9 required courses:
HLT221 Medical Laboratory Placement 1
LFS251 Human Pathophysiology
LFS261 Biochemistry
MLS210 Microbiology
MLS231 Advanced Haematology
LFS262 Medical Laboratory Placement 2
MLS211 Medical Microbiology
MLS212 Clinical Chemistry
MLS232 Blood Banking
TOTAL UNITS 192