Skip to main content

How to become a medical laboratory scientist

Conduct tests to diagnose diseases and provide information about treatment and future prevention.

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

Related jobs

  • Biomedical scientist

  • Hospital scientist

  • Medical laboratory technician

  • Medical scientist

  • Microbiologist

  • Pathologist

Discover related courses

Curtin University

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
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
University of Newcastle

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.

Study method
100% online
Duration
1 year full time or part time equivalent
University of Newcastle

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
6 months full time or part time equivalent
University of Newcastle

Foster psychologically healthy workplaces

Lead the way to organisational effectiveness with a safe and healthy workplace. You’ll unpack key issues that effect the physical and psychological health of your employees. Reduce absenteeism. Increase productivity. Build a workplace that thrives.

Study method
100% online
Duration
Approx. 1.5 years full time or part time equivalent
Explore medical courses

Need help making study choices for your career?

Student advisor working on a laptop in OUA’s bright and modern office atrium
Matthew is part of our team of student advisors here to answer your questions.

Need help making study choices for your career?

Our student advisors will turn your aspirations into a clear study path.

They'll help you with:

  • Choosing and enrolling in the right course for your desired career, including pathway options.

  • Mapping a study plan that allows you to balance work and home commitments.

  • Understanding eligibility for funding, including HECS-HELP loans.

Get unbiased advice at no cost today.

Looking for other ways to start the conversation? Contact us

Step up your career with these resources

How to write a business plan

Thinking about striking out on your own and starting your own company? Here's how to create an effective business plan.

10 fascinating uni subjects that are open to everyone in 2025

Want to understand the psychology behind Trumpism? Push for better climate action? Or improve your cultural sensitivity in healthcare? These online subjects—and more!—are now accepting 2025 enrolments.

5 small business courses for self-starters

Whether you’re a small business owner or plotting away at a side hustle, there are many online business courses to choose from to help you get in touch with your entrepreneurial side and launch your ideas off the ground.

How to negotiate a higher salary

Not sure what to say when negotiating your salary? Follow these tips from career strategist Kelly Magowan next time you need to make your case with an employer.