Master of Laboratory Medicine
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Entry score
Not applicable
-
Duration
Full-time 2 years, Part-time 4 years -
Location
Bundoora -
Fees
Next intake
February, July Entry score
IELTS 6.5
Duration
Full-time 2 years Location
Bundoora
Overview
Your career in laboratory medicine
Graduates are employed as medical scientists in the field of diagnostic pathology, as medical researchers, or as clinical investigators.
What you will study
You’ll specialise in two clinical pathology discipline streams. On graduation, you'll have high-level skills in analysis and knowledge integration relevant to your area of specialisation.
Details
Qualify for a career in diagnostic pathology and medical research. This program suits graduates from biological science or biomedical science degrees.
You’ll specialise in two clinical pathology discipline streams from the following options:
- anatomical pathology
- clinical biochemistry
- haematology
- medical microbiology
- transfusion and transplantation science
On graduation, you'll have high-level skills in analysis and knowledge integration relevant to your area of specialisation.
RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures.
Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, essays, laboratory reports, oral classes, presentations, group projects, research projects, laboratory projects, and practical assignments.
During the final semester of study, eligible students can undertake one full semester of supervised practice in either a medical research laboratory or a diagnostic pathology laboratory.
The School of Health and Biomedical Sciences has extensive links with industry through their industry advisory committees (IACs) and through research projects and consulting.
Employers and industry professionals are members of these program advisory committees and have contributed to both the initial development and ongoing improvement of this program. Their involvement ensures that the program remains relevant to your needs as a graduate and to the needs of graduate employers.
Many of the teaching staff within the program are (or have been) practicing industry professionals with extensive industry experience and contact networks. This experience, when integrated into learning and teaching practice, enriches your learning environment.
The program consists of 192 credit points. After completing 96 credit points of study approved by the Program Manager, you can exit with a graduate diploma.
The main intake for this program is Semester 2 (July).
Semester 2 commencement
Applicants without an undergraduate degree in laboratory medicine are advised to apply for Semester 2 (July).
If you study the program full-time, in your first semester you'll complete 4-core courses. During second semester you'll choose any two 24-credit point advanced courses. (Please note, only students with a strong medical microbiology background can select microbiology.)
In third semester you'll complete the Advanced Laboratory Medicine course which includes a laboratory-based project and a core course in biostatistics, plus an additional 12-credit point foundation course.
For your final semester, you can choose between undertaking professional practice placement or a research project (depending on availability).
Semester 1 commencement
Students with an undergraduate degree in laboratory medicine may apply to commence in Semester 1 (February/March).
Students with an undergraduate degree in science or biomedical science who have a strong background with third-year specialisation in biochemistry or microbiology may apply to commence in Semester 1.
If you study the program full-time, in your first semester you will complete one 24 credit point advanced course and two 12 credit point electives.
During second semester you'll undertake the Advanced Laboratory Medicine course, which includes a laboratory-based project and two 12 credit point electives.
In your third semester, you will complete one 24 credit point advanced course, Biostatistics, and one 12 credit point elective course.
For your final semester, you can choose between undertaking professional practice placement or a research project (depending on availability).
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Laboratory Medicine | Bundoora Campus |
2 years Full Time
4 years Part Time
|
2 years Full Time
|
MC158 | 056171G |
Choose a program structure
Program code: MC158
Career
Medical scientists work in:
- hospital laboratories
- private pathology laboratories
- state health laboratories
- universities
- as technical support specialists in commercial companies
Looking forward, employment for Medical Laboratory Scientists to November 2020 is expected to have moderate growth. (source: joboutlook.gov.au)
Graduates may also be eligible for professional membership of the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS) if they meet AIMS accreditation requirements. This professional body represent medical laboratory scientists in Australia.
The program was accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) for students commencing studies between 2014 and 2018. The application process for the re-accreditation is nearing completion and the outcome should be known late in 2019 or early 2020.
Admissions
An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent in a cognate discipline (laboratory medicine, biomedical or biological sciences or medicine) with a minimum Grade Point Average of 2.0 out of 4.0, and which includes studies of molecular biology or molecular pathology with a practical component at or above second year undergraduate level;
OR
An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent in a cognate discipline (laboratory medicine, biomedical or biological sciences or medicine) which includes studies of molecular biology or molecular pathology with a practical component with at or above second year undergraduate level; and at least five years (full-time equivalent) of relevant work experience in diagnostic pathology.
Note: Applicants will be selected competitively based on undergraduate and/or postgraduate grades, combined with relevant work experience.
If you wish to have industry or employment experience assessed as part of meeting the entry requirements you will need to provide a detailed CV/resume listing previous positions, dates of employment and position responsibilities; a statement from your employer confirming these details (or contact details of employer so RMIT can seek confirmation); and evidence of any relevant professional development undertaken.
The normal intake for the program is semester 2 (July). Semester 1 commencement is only available to applicants who hold an undergraduate degree in Laboratory Medicine or; an undergraduate degree in Science or Biomedical Science with a third-year specialisation in Biochemistry or Microbiology.
You must have successfully completed:
An Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in a cognate discipline (Laboratory Medicine, Biomedical or Biological Sciences, or Medicine) with a minimum GPA of 2.0 (out of 4.0);
or
An Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in a cognate discipline (Laboratory Medicine, Biomedical or Biological Sciences, or Medicine) with at least 5 years’ work experience in diagnostic pathology laboratory.
Entry requirements
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Students who are successful in obtaining a place in the program must meet a number of Immunisation and Compliance requirements upon commencement of their studies in the program
Immunisations and vaccination requirements
- Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (dTpa – Adult Dose). Must be this immunisation NOT ADT (Adult Diphtheria/Tetanus – does not contain the pertussis component).
- Poliomyelitis: Primary course of 3 vaccination doses.
- Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR, 2 vaccination doses AND blood test (serology report) to confirm immunity.
- Hepatitis A: Primary course of 2 vaccination doses OR serology to show immunity to Hep A Ab.
- Hepatitis B: Primary course of 3 vaccination doses AND serology to confirm anti-HBV level is greater than or equal to 10mIU/ml.
- Varicella: 2 vaccination doses OR blood test (serology report) to confirm immunity OR history of chickenpox
- Influenza Vaccination: Annual requirement.
- Tuberculin Screen: Tuberculin Skin Test OR Quantiferon TB Assay blood test (serology) to show immunity. This is an annual requirement for the duration of your study.
PLEASE NOTE: A full course of immunisations can take up to 7 months to complete and students should contact their Medical Practitioner prior to entering the program to commence immunisations. It is a requirement that students will have commenced all immunisations and will continue to progress this until completion of the vaccination courses by the deadlines set by the University.
Compliance requirements
- Police Check: Students must present evidence of a successful National Police Records Check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program (Annual requirement for the duration of your Program). National Police records check are conducted via fit2work. An account with fit2work will be created using the student’s name and the RMIT issued student email address, once studies in the program have commenced. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.
- Working with Children Check (valid for 5 years): Students must hold a valid Working with Children Check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program.
For more information or if you have any questions about these requirements please email SHBS.wil@rmit.edu.au.
The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.
The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.
The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.
The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.
By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:
- understand more about the program
- determine if you may need support during your studies
- make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you
If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.
To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service
The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.
Pathways
Fees
Entry for this program is primarily through Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs).
Government financial assistance is available to eligible students regardless of the type of place you enrol in.
2020 indicative annual fees
- Commonwealth supported places (CSP) range from AU$6,684 to AU$11,155*.
- Full-fee places: AU$31,680*.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$308* maximum fee for 2020.
- Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Annual fee adjustment
*Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Defer your payment
You may be eligible to apply for a HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
For more information and to learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees see postgraduate study fees.
If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.
Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
In 2020, the annual student contribution amount you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,684 to AU$11,155.
Courses (subjects) fall into one of three bands. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2020
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2020 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,684 per standard year $835 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,527 per standard year |
|
$11,155 per standard year |
How does a HELP loan work?
If your FEE-HELP, HECS-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You will only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying).
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
This program is approved for income support.
You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.
If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or the Department of Human Services for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student. The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2020 is $308.
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
The annual tuition fee for 2020 is AU$37,440.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2020 commencement is AU$76,800.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.