- 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-15 / Rank-69
Duration: 2 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Commence: Semester 1 only
Study mode: on campus
Recommended prior study: English; Maths A, B or C; and at least one of the sciences, preferably chemistry
Fee type 2012: Commonwealth supported places, fee paying places
Total units: 192
USC program code: SC211
CRICOS code: Not available to international students on a Student Visa.
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 Communication and Thought
Introductory courses
7 required courses:
LFS100 Cell Biology
MLS101 Introduction to General Pathology
SCI105 Chemistry
LFS112 Human Physiology
MLS110 Haematology
MLS121 Histology
MLS131 Medical Laboratory Placement 1
Advanced courses
9 required courses:
HLT221 Human Pathophysiology
LFS251 Biochemistry
LFS261 Microbiology
MLS210 Advanced Haematology
MLS231 Medical Laboratory Placement 2
LFS262 Medical Microbiology
MLS211 Clinical Chemistry
MLS212 Blood Banking
MLS232 Medical Laboratory Placement 3
TOTAL UNITS 192
The Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Science Study Plan is for students commencing in the current Semester.
Year 1
- One (1) core course:
COR109 Communication and Thought should be studied in Semester 1 - Seven (7) required courses
Core course (1)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| COR109 Communication and Thought |
Required courses (7)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| LFS100 Cell Biology | |||
| MLS101 Introduction to General Pathology | |||
| SCI105 Chemistry | |||
| LFS112 Human Physiology | |||
| MLS110 Haematology | |||
| MLS121 Histology | |||
| MLS131 Medical Laboratory Placement 1 |
Year 2
- Nine (9) required courses
Required courses (9)
| Course | Semester of offer | Units | Requisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| HLT221 Human Pathophysiology | |||
| LFS251 Biochemistry | |||
| LFS261 Microbiology | |||
| MLS210 Advanced Haematology | |||
| MLS231 Medical Laboratory Placement 2 | |||
| LFS262 Medical Microbiology | |||
| MLS211 Clinical Chemistry | |||
| MLS212 Blood Banking | |||
| MLS232 Medical Laboratory Placement 3 |
Students should note the Medical Laboratory Placement courses (MLS131 , MLS231 and MLS232 ) will be offered in a variety of sessions to allow for flexibility with available industry placements.