How to become a medical laboratory scientist

Pathways to this career

1. Medical laboratory scientists must complete a bachelor's degree in health, medical or biomedical science.
2. To further your career as a medical laboratory scientist, consider postgraduate studies to specialise in a particular subject area within the field.
3. Seek out internships and placement programs within government and local councils, or private firms dealing in science, medicine or technology to gain specialised in-lab experience and priority for internal promotion.

What does a medical laboratory scientist do?

Duties and tasks

• Advise medical professionals on the results of tests and offering suggestions for diagnosis and treatment.
• Analyse samples for consistency, makeup, and irregularities.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and making minor repairs as needed.
• Operate microscopes and other equipment to test and examine samples.
• Receive tissue and other samples for experimentation and analysis.
• Work with occupational health authorities to ensure laboratories are kept up to code and established regulations.

Professional bodies

• AusBiotech
• Australian Institute of Medical Scientists

Related jobs

• Biomedical scientist
• Hospital scientist
• Medical laboratory technician
• Medical scientist
• Microbiologist
• Pathologist