How To Become A Medical Laboratory (Lab) Technician In Australia?

Do you enjoy science and have attention to detail? If so, consider pursuing a career as a Medical Lab Technician.

Medical laboratory technicians collect samples and perform routine diagnostic tests to examine tissues, body fluids, and other substances. They also use medical lab equipment under the direction of pathologists and medical laboratory scientists.

To work as a Medical Laboratory Technician in Australia, you need a formal University or VET qualification in laboratory technology, laboratory skills, or laboratory techniques. Joining industry bodies like the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists is beneficial.

This blog will help you understand the lab technician role, skills and qualification requirements, courses, degrees, career prospects, salary, and steps to becoming a medical laboratory technician in Australia.

1. What Is A Medical Laboratory Technician?

Medical Laboratory Technicians perform routine lab tests and other procedures to diagnose and treat diseases in people to provide information about future prevention.

They are responsible for maintaining lab tools and equipment, recording data, preparing experiments, and inspecting, calibrating, and maintaining test equipment.

Laboratory Technicians work in many settings in the healthcare sector, such as medical labs, school science labs, scientific research and development, pharmacology, and manufacturing companies.

2. Duties Of A Medical Laboratory Technician

The specific duties of medical laboratory technicians depend on the industry and the type of work they carry out. 

In general, they perform the following tasks and duties:

• Answer, screen, and forward telephone calls

• Greet walk-in customers and guide them to specific destinations

• Gather and prepare samples and equipment for experiments and tests

• Analyse samples for composition, irregularities, and consistency

• Perform diagnostic tests on fluids and tissues and examine the chemical constituents of urine, blood, faeces, and tissues.

• Look for the presence of antibodies in samples to identify bodily ailments.

• Sets up and maintains anaesthetic workstations, operating theatres, and life support machines

• Conduct and supervise experiments 

• Record precise results and maintain documents

• Calculate, organise, and present results in written and graphic formats, such as charts, sketches, diagrams, reports, and maps.

• Create reports based on experiments and other laboratory-based activities

• Clean and maintain the lab and equipment.

• Oversee junior lab workers and assist other medical professionals 

• Check the stock, place orders for supplies, and perform inspections.

• Refer medical prescriptions to chemists and help in preparing medications

• Advise healthcare professionals based on the test results and offer recommendations for diagnosis and treatment

• Maintain lab equipment and conduct minor repair work as required

• Operate lab tools and equipment like microscopes to test and assess samples

• Follow standard health and safety regulations while obtaining patient samples.

• Assist anaesthetists and surgical teams and medical analytical procedures

• Teach science and related subjects to school or university students 

3. Desired Skills For A Medical Laboratory Technician

Here are the skills that you need to work in this role:

• Interested in science

• Strong background in biology, physiology, and chemistry

• Good understanding of cells and tissues, chemical compositions, and their interactions

• Able to work with precision and minimal supervision

• Able to do repetitive work with concentration

• Detail-oriented

• Efficiency 

• Accuracy

• Methodical

• Highly organised

• Able to multitask effectively

• Good hand-eye coordination

• Good interpersonal skills

• Strong leadership skills

• Manual dexterity

• Excellent numeracy skills

• High-level communication skills

• Able to work effectively as a team 

4. Laboratory Technician Qualifications In Australia

Do you want to know what to study to qualify for this role? There are two pathways to becoming a Laboratory Technician in Australia. Complete a tertiary-level qualification or a traineeship to work as a Medical Laboratory Technician in Australia.

• Complete your Year 10 education (to qualify for VET qualification) or Year 12 education certificate in English, physics, chemistry, or maths (to enter degree courses)

• Complete a relevant medical laboratory technician TAFE qualification in laboratory skills, laboratory technology, or laboratory techniques, such as a Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques or a Diploma of Laboratory Technology. You can even choose to undertake traineeships to complete your course while working.

• Alternatively, study for an undergraduate degree in health, medical, biotechnology, or biomedical science. Some good options are a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Laboratory Medicine). The course helps you develop more advanced skills and opens the door to a broader range of roles, such as Pathology Technician, Research Officer, and Medical Laboratory Scientist.

• Joining industry bodies such as the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists, the Australian Society for Microbiology, or the Royal Australian Chemical Institute can be helpful.

• Consider earning a postgraduate qualification to specialise in a specific niche within the field.

• Gain work experience, advance your education and specialise in a specific area within the field that interests you.

• You may also need a Working With Children's Check if you plan to work with children below the age of 18 years.

5. Steps To Become A Medical Laboratory Technician In Australia

You will need a formal qualification to find employment as a Lab Technician in Australia. Here are the steps to follow to get started in this profession:

Step 1: Obtain Your Senior Secondary Education Certificate

Complete your high school education in pre-requisite subjects such as English, chemistry, biology, and advanced mathematics.

Step 2: Complete VET/Degree qualification

Complete any of the below VET qualifications to develop the basic to advanced-level knowledge and skillset to pursue this role.

• Certificate III in Laboratory Skills

• Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques

• Diploma of Laboratory Technology

Alternatively, you can complete a bachelor of medical laboratory science in Australia. Some of the good options are:

• Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Laboratory Medicine) Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Honours) 

• Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science 

Candidates who want to study while working can look out for an Apprenticeship, or Traineeship program that allow them to complete their VET qualification, gain industry experience and earn a salary.

As a trainee, you can network with other industry people and demonstrate your abilities. It improves your chances of getting a job fast.

Step 3: Build Work Experience

Look for placement programs or internships within government, private firms, and local medical, science, or technology councils to gain specialised in-lab experience.

Step 4: Obtain Professional Membership

In addition to getting qualified, some employers require candidates to be members of industry bodies such as the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists, the Australian Society for Microbiology, or the Royal Australian Chemical Institute.

Thus, graduates from accredited courses should also apply for professional membership with these industry bodies to improve their career prospects.

Professional bodies:

• AusBiotech 

• Australian Institute of Medical Scientists 

6. Medical Laboratory Technician Courses In Australia

Are you looking for a hands-on course that makes you job-ready?

Here are the most relevant laboratory technician courses that equip you to enter the pathology, biological sector, biotechnology, environmental sector, or other science-related industries.

Certificate III in Laboratory Skills

This nationally recognised accredited course offers entry-level training to students in laboratory operations across various industries. 

It helps develop the skills to collect and prepare samples, handle chemicals, operate basic laboratory computing programs and equipment, follow procedures, and perform laboratory duties.

The course also provides accredited workplace training to applicants already working in this field.

Career Outcomes:

• Technical Assistant

• Lab attendant 

• Chemical process operators 

• Laboratory technicians

• Production Personnel

• Field Assistant

• Instrument operators 

• Sampler and Tester

• Sample Courier

Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques

The course teaches how to solve important practical issues, including disease control and environmental safety. Chemistry, microbiology, food testing, data management, communication, and histology testing.

Students gain hands-on experience using cutting-edge equipment and develop the required knowledge and skills to: 

• Inspect micro-organisms 

• Detect changes in tissues and cell structures

• Analyse environmental, pathology, and chemical samples

• help perform research into genetic and biochemical processes.

Besides the technical skills, students also learn to apply WHS, quality and sustainability skills to the workplace. 

Career Outcomes:

After course completion, students can work as lab technicians and instrument operators in vaccine production, pathology, food and materials testing, or research. Alternatively, they can pursue the Diploma in Laboratory Technology or advanced studies of their interest.

• RMIT University

• Swinburne University of Technology

• TAFE SA

Diploma of Laboratory Technology

Do you want to broaden your knowledge and gain complex skills in laboratory science? The diploma course helps develop the basics of scientific knowledge and build more hands-on laboratory experience and practical skills.

Students will learn to use lab application software, organise and conduct lab/fieldwork, and provide customer information.

Students will conduct tests for pathologists, clinical chemists, biochemists, veterinarians, microbiologists, pharmacologists, and bacteriologists. They will provide tech support to scientists in research, testing, and production roles.

Career Outcomes:

With this qualification, you can work in research centres, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, commercial laboratories, private pathology laboratories, and government departments.

The course paves the path to specialise in various industries, including construction materials, chemicals, forensics, environmental monitoring, pathology, medical, food and wine, mining, biological, and minerals.

7. How Long Does It Take To Become An MLT In Australia?

The qualification needed to become a Medical Laboratory technician in Australia is earning a 3-4 years AIMS accredited degree in laboratory medicine or medical laboratory science.

Alternatively, you can complete a 2-year (Cert IV + Diploma qualification) to develop basic knowledge and practical skills in laboratory science. 

Graduates from accredited courses need to gain membership in AIMS to work as medical laboratory technicians in Australia.

8. AIMS Assessment Process For MLTS (Seeking Migration)

The Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists is the assessing authority for the Medical Laboratory Scientist ANZSCO and medical laboratory technician ANZSCO occupation.

Overseas MLTs who wish to apply to migrate to Australia for work purposes must get their skills assessed by AIMS to obtain a General Skilled Migration visa.

Here is the medical laboratory technician skill assessment that migrants need to follow to work as Medical Laboratory Technicians in Australia:

• Step 1: Read the Guidelines for medical laboratory technician immigration Australia - Medical Laboratory Technician ANZSCO 311213 and Medical Laboratory Scientist ANZSCO 234611

• Step 2: Print the Application Form for Assessment 

• Step 3: Fill out the Application form

• Step 4: Email your completed Application Form along with a scanned copy of supporting documents to applications@aims.org.au

• Step 5: AIMS will send a confirmation email when it receives your email containing the Application Form and supporting documents.

• Step 6: AIMS will verify the authenticity of your Application Form and supporting documents. It will validate the applicants' credentials, including identity, English proficiency, education, registration/licensing, and allow employment. AIMS will contact you via email in case anything is missing. You can rectify any missing documents or information and resend the same.

• Step 7: Once everything is verified, the AIMS National Office will process the application fee using the mode specified on the application form.

• Step 8: After receiving the payment, AIMS will send the AIMS Assessment ID to the applicant via email.

• Step 9: Once the application is processed, AIMS Assessment Committee will send the assessment results to AIMS Ratification Committee.

• Step 10: AIMS Chief Executive Officer will write, review, and sign the Assessment Results Letter of the applicant. The AIMS National Office will email this letter to the applicant's email address (as mentioned in the application form).

Applicants eligible for the AIMS Medical Scientist Professional Examination will receive an Invitation Letter and Application Form.

9. Working Conditions For A Medical Laboratory Technician

Medical laboratory technicians often work in teams with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, laboratory assistants, pathologists, and lab scientists. They usually work under the supervision of medical laboratory managers or laboratory technologists.

In small laboratories, MLTs perform several types of tests independently. In contrast, they work in groups in large laboratories and perform specialised tests.

When employed full-time, they generally work standard business hours, Monday to Friday. However, they may work beyond normal hours if they do tests that need regular supervision.

MLTs usually work in hospitals, pathology, or diagnostic laboratories performing standard medical lab tests to diagnose an illness, record normal findings, and interpret the patient outcome.

The job involves handling dangerous chemicals and substances, so they must wear protective clothing.

10. Employment Opportunities For Medical Laboratory Technicians

Medical laboratory technicians work in the following settings:

• Public general medical and surgical hospital

• Physicians' offices or Clinics

• Private medical pathology and diagnostic laboratories

• Universities 

• Government authorities such as Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation and Agricultural departments

• Research institutes 

• Pharmaceutical companies

11. Areas Of Specialisation

Medical laboratory technicians who have several years of experience and expertise can consider specialising in the following areas:

• Medical Laboratory Technician 

• Anatomical Pathology 

• Clinical Chemistry (Biochemistry) 

• Cytology 

• Haematology 

• Medical Microbiology 

• Phlebotomist

12. Job Prospects For Medical Laboratory Technicians In Australia

Key factors that contribute to the rapid growth of healthcare professions, including medical labs, are:

• Increasing ageing population that needs diagnostic testing

• Advancements in the healthcare sector, including biotechnology

• Development of new lab tests and technologies

• Increased government funding for healthcare

• The rising desire among future parents for complex prenatal testing 

Future job growth depends on the demand for medical tests and technological advances enhancing the quality, scope, and quantity of information received from laboratory tests.

With a growth rate much higher than the national average for all occupations, the profession will likely generate good employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. 

A moderate number of positions in this fast-growing field will arise from the expansion and replacement of retired employees.

Presently, 62% of employees work full-time in this profession which shows fewer part-time opportunities. Full-time workers work for an average of 43 hours a week at work.

Most Lab technicians work in industries related to Manufacturing, Education and training, Health Care and Social Assistance, and Professional, Scientific, and technical services. 

New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and Western Australia are the states that present many employment opportunities for MLTs. The average age of the employed workforce in this profession is 39 years, and around 74% of workers are female. 

13. How Much Does A Medical Laboratory Technician Earn In Australia?

The salary of an MLT can vary widely based on several factors, including certifications, education, skillset, the number of years spent in the profession, industries, role, and work location.

The average hourly medical laboratory technician salary in Australia is AU$25.92, equivalent to AU$56,815 per year.

Here is what you can expect to earn at varying stages of your career:

• Entry-level MLT (<1-year experience): AU$24.78 per hour 

• Early career MLT (1 to 4 years of experience): AU$25.62 per hour

• Mid-career MLT (5 to 9 years of experience): AU$27.17 per hour

• Experienced MLT with (10 to 19 years of experience): AU$28.97 

Laboratory Technicians working in the following Australian cities earn relatively higher than the rest:

• Bunbury, WA: $77,223 per year

• Brisbane QLD: $76,418 per year

• Canberra ACT: $70,293 per year

• Joondalup WA: $68,953 per year

• Dubbo NSW: $68,203 per year

• Townsville QLD: $66,121 per year

• Sydney NSW: $65,353 per year

• Perth WA: $64,661 per year

14. Conclusion

Being a medical laboratory technician is a highly valued and rewarding profession. 

Working in this role, you play an integral role in the care of patients through testing and analysis and creating a safer environment. 

Completing laboratory technician courses are great ways to prepare for a future in health and seize opportunities for professional development.

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