Associate Degree in Medical Laboratory Science

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)

Required courses (7)

Year 2

• Nine (9) required courses

Required courses (9)

Why choose USC? 

It’s the best of both worlds. Students choose USC for its industry focused degrees, experienced academics, student support, overseas study opportunities and relaxed campus atmosphere.

Am I eligible for university study?

Find out what qualifications you need to apply for entry into your proposed study program. If you don’t have the required qualifications, there may be alternative pathways you can take to gain entry to USC.

If you have previously undertaken university or TAFE studies, you may be eligible for credit transfer.

If English is not your first language, you need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program. This requirement applies to all students intending to study at the University.

How do I submit an application?

• Current Year 12 students—regardless of whether you are OP-eligible or not—apply for university using the Twelve to Tertiary (TTT) application service on the QTAC website
• Non-school leavers use the Apply by Web (ABW) online application service on the QTAC website
• Postgraduate applicants apply directly to USC
• International students apply directly to USC International
• All other applicants

When should I apply?

Check if the program is offered in Semester 1 and / or Semester 2, then follow the deadlines on the application calendar. The academic calendar provides all the key dates you need to know as a student at USC.

What happens next?

Accept your offer with QTAC (if applicable) and USC, enrol in your classes and attend Orientation.

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to apply:

• Online: find answers to commonly asked questions in the Student FAQs
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering

As a USC student, you will need to refer to your study plan to enrol in the appropriate courses each semester or session.

Find out more about how to enrol or follow these steps:

1. Check the open enrolment dates and the academic calendar for key dates
2. Refer to your Study Plan to plan your courses for the study period
3. Find your courses and decide on your classes in the class timetable 
4. Log on to USC Central and enrol in courses and classes
5. Register your major or minor with your faculty (if applicable)
6. Apply for credit transfer or cross-institutional study (if applicable)
7. Pay required study fees by the fee due date

Useful links

• Getting Started Guide
• USC Central Guide
• Common enrolment problems
• Class timetables
• Academic Calendar
• Faculty major and minor offerings
• Student-related policies, plans and procedures
• Contact Student Administration

Where can I ask more questions?

If you have more questions about how to enrol:

• Online: Refer to the USC Central Guide 
• Email: information@usc.edu.au
• Phone: Student Administration on +61 7 5430 2890
• In person: Student Central, Building C

If you have questions about your program:

• Contact the Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering