How to become a medical laboratory scientist
Conduct tests to diagnose diseases and provide information about treatment and future prevention.
Pathways to this career
Medical laboratory scientists must complete a bachelor's degree in health, medical or biomedical science.
To further your career as a medical laboratory scientist, consider postgraduate studies to specialise in a particular subject area within the field.
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
Related jobs
Biomedical scientist
Hospital scientist
Medical laboratory technician
Microbiologist
Pathologist
Discover related courses
Undergraduate Certificate in Health Sciences
UndergraduateCUR-CHS-CTF
Take your first step towards a career in health—including nursing
Start building your foundational knowledge of human health and healthcare. Explore human bodies. Get to know health practice. For graduates of this online health course, the pathway to health careers and further studies is open wide.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 6 months full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
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UndergraduateLAT-HSC-DIP
3, 2, 1… start your career in health sciences
Whether you want to do further study or start work straight away, this diploma is a great entry point. Learn the basics of health sciences, from human structure and function to health data. Earn up to 1 year's course credit for the bachelor's degree.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Available majors
- Digital health stream,
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- Public health stream,
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Graduate Diploma in Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing
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Insight and skills to support mental health in the workplace
Explore mental health and build counselling skills specifically for the workplace. Consider Indigenous Australian’s holistic perspective. Recognise psychosocial hazards. Help build resilience. Gain confidence to support change and help colleagues in need.
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Graduate Certificate in Workplace Mental Health and Wellbeing
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Support mental health in any workplace setting
Step into high demand support roles and foster wellbeing in the workplace. You’ll learn how to identify and respond to mental health challenges. Build counselling skills. Unpack healthy mental functioning and ill-health. Make work safe and healthy.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
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