Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science

Highlights

• Explore specialised concepts in biochemistry, haematology, transfusion and transplantation science, microbiology, pathology, immunology, cytogenetic and molecular pathology, histopathological techniques, quantitative medical science, quality assurance systems, and health informatics.
• Gain practical experience in our teaching laboratories using equipment and analysers used in industry practice.
• In your final year undertake a semester-long work integrated learning internship in a recognised laboratory.
• Longest running course of its kind in South-East Queensland where graduates are eligible for membership of the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists.
• Start online unavailable. This course is only available to you if you can attend classes on campus. It is not possible to start this course online.

Medical Laboratory Scientists work in clinical diagnostic pathology laboratories and perform and interpret tests on a wide range of human (and veterinary) samples such as blood, bone marrow, urine, and tissue. The results they generate are used to assess health status, diagnose disease and monitor the effects of various treatment/therapies, e.g. chemotherapy used in cancer treatments. 70% of all clinical decisions are either wholly or partially based on the results generated by pathology laboratories. In addition, 100% of cancers are diagnosed by pathology testing, as well as performing 100% of COVID-19 tests in laboratories.

The Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science is externally accredited by the peak representative body for medical laboratory scientists in Australia, the Australian Institute for Medical and Clinical Scientists. The program contains all the relevant professional units as well as a 16-week professional placement.

Why choose this course?

This degree was the first of its kind in Queensland and is taught by registered industry professionals with established careers working in pathology laboratories.

Our graduates are successful in securing positions nationally and overseas. Your studies will incorporate all areas of clinical pathology including haematology, transfusion science, cytology, biochemistry, microbiology, histology, molecular pathology and immunology, providing you with increased career opportunities.

Careers and outcomes

Medical laboratory scientists work in the pathology industry, generally in hospitals or in public or private laboratories. Graduates are also employed in allied heath (e.g. assisted fertility clinics) and public health laboratories.

Graduates of this course may choose a role in a multidisciplinary setting or can specialise in an area of particular interest, or complete postgraduate studies for a career in research.