Play a vital role in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of disease, and work alongside doctors, pathologists and scientists in the healthcare field.
ATAR 72.25
AU$41,280 (2023 annual)
When you graduate with a Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Laboratory Medicine) from RMIT you will be qualified to practise as a medical laboratory scientist in the diagnostic pathology industry.
This Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS) accredited degree provides you with the knowledge, skills and experience to specialise in two of the following clinical specialty streams:
RMIT is the only Victorian university to offer all of the above clinical specialisations*.
An emphasis on laboratory and practical work experience will make you job-ready when you graduate. Undertake in-depth and hands-on laboratory work in modern, purpose-built facilities. Gain real-world experience with one full semester of industry work placement.
The only Victorian degree accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS). You’ll be eligible for membership of the New Zealand Institute of Medical Laboratory Science and the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.
This degree will equip you with everything you need to work as a medical scientist in the diagnostic pathology industry. It also gives you an excellent foundation for further study in laboratory medicine, or for other qualifications in medical research or the healthcare industry.
The highlight of my studies has been the work placement undertaken at St. Vincent's Hospital within the Anatomical Pathology Department. At the end of my placements I was also lucky enough to get a full-time job offer!
- Cristina Bitzilis, Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Laboratory Medicine)
The award-winning $32-million biosciences building at our Bundoora campus is the focal point of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Laboratory Medicine) learning experience.
It is designed to give students an experience that meets the needs of today’s healthcare industry with innovative teaching spaces, state-of-the art laboratories and equipment that replicate clinical environments.
*This is the only Victorian degree accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS). When you graduate, you’ll be eligible for membership of the New Zealand Institute of Medical Laboratory Science and the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.
You'll undertake two semesters of supervised professional practice clinical placement across your third and fourth years to give you work-ready skills and experience in a diagnostic pathway.
The Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Laboratory Medicine) is a four-year program aligned with the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS).
You’ll have flexibility in choosing your clinical pathology specialties and will also complete a clinical placement, providing you with work-ready skills and practical experience.
In your third year, you’ll have the opportunity to study a discipline-focused laboratory medicine project to develop your research skills. Graduates are qualified as medical scientists and play a vital role in the healthcare system.
You'll undertake one full semester of supervised professional practice in fourth year to give you work-ready skills and experience in a diagnostic pathology laboratory.
Teaching for the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Laboratory Medicine) may come in the form of lectures, laboratory classes, group work, tutorials, and self-directed learning.
The learning experiences that you will encounter include lectures, laboratory classes, group work, tutorials, and self-directed learning. These activities will provide a varied learning environment which will align with the objectives and dimensions of capability development in the program. Learning materials will include specialized textbooks, scientific journal articles, and lecture/laboratory notes. Some of this material can be assessed via myRMIT.
Assessments throughout this degree will vary based on your subject choice, and may include written assignments, on-line quizzes, laboratory reports, oral presentations, project portfolio, and formal theory and practical exams.
The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.
Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.
We work in close partnership with the healthcare industry through an Industry Advisory Committee to ensure graduates are equipped with skills and practical experience that are up-to-date and relevant to their needs.
RMIT also has regular meetings with professional bodies, such as the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS), Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemists (AACB), Australian Society of Microbiology (ASM), and Australian Society of Cytology (ASC).
Laboratory medicine provides opportunities for students to travel overseas and undertake 10 to 13 weeks of professional practice in an approved laboratory. Destination countries include the UK, the US, Ireland, Singapore, Korea and Sweden.
The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.
View the learning outcomes for each stream:
You'll undertake courses designed to provide a strong academic grounding in biological sciences. You'll be introduced to the professional field of laboratory medicine via a hospital laboratory visit and basic studies in clinical disciplines.
The clinical disciplines of haematology, transfusion and transplantation science, clinical biochemistry, anatomical pathology, and medical microbiology are introduced in preparation for your specialisations and professional practice.
You'll undertake general pathology, molecular genetics, and diagnostics. You’ll also study two clinical discipline streams.
In the second half of the year you'll complete integrative pathology, diagnostic bioanalytics and advanced laboratory medicine in one clinical discipline stream.
In the first semester of your final year, you’ll prepare for professional practice by undertaking Medical Informatics and Laboratory Management, and Professional Skills in Laboratory Medicine.
In your final semester of the program, you will undertake a full-time professional practice placement. Organised by RMIT, this is a 16-week placement that provides you with hands-on diagnostic pathology work experience.
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
Please note: The BP147P12A Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Laboratory Medicine) plan is no longer taking new applicants.
Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.
Medical laboratory scientists play a critical role in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, working as part of a team with doctors, pathologists, scientists, technicians and laboratory assistants.
Laboratory medicine is the science of pathology - detecting and diagnosing disease.
It involves analysing samples and conducting tests using body tissues (e.g. biopsies) and fluids (e.g. blood) to diagnose diseases, enable treatment of patients and provide information about future prevention. It's estimated that up to 70% of clinical decisions made by doctors are based on results and information provided by medical laboratory scientists.
As an RMIT graduate your skills will be in high demand and employment opportunities are excellent throughout urban and regional areas in Australia and overseas.
In Australia, employment opportunities for medical laboratory scientists have grown significantly over recent years and are expected to continue growing.
You may find employment in:
Examples of major Victorian hospitals that employ laboratory medicine graduates are Monash Medical Centre, St Vincent's, Royal Melbourne, Royal Children's, the Alfred, Box Hill, the Northern, and Austin hospitals.
The program is accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS). Graduates of AIMS-accredited programs are eligible to apply for certification through AIMS – further details on this are directly available from AIMS.
The program has formal links through the Laboratory Medicine Industry Advisory Committee (IAC) as well as to the broader organisation and industry links e.g.: the School's broader industry engagement strategy.
Please note: From 2023, the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Laboratory Medicine) (BP147P21) is only available to RMIT students articulating from an approved pathway program. All other applicants should refer to the Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine (Honours) (BH129).
Please select the highest level of education you have or will be completing in order to find out the selection criteria that applies to you, in addition to meeting the above entry requirements.
Applicants whose highest level of education is recent secondary education are not eligible to apply for this program. They should instead refer to the Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine (Honours) (BH129).
Graduates of the RMIT AD012 Associate Degree in Applied Science are guaranteed entry into the BP147P21 Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Laboratory Medicine) program and will receive credit for 10 courses (120 credit points).
Graduates of the RMIT C5388 Diploma of Laboratory Technology program will be guaranteed entry into the BP147P21 Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Laboratory Medicine) program.
All other applicants should instead refer to the Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine (Honours) (BH129).
Graduates of the RMIT AD012 Associate Degree in Applied Science are guaranteed entry into the BP147P21 Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Laboratory Medicine) program and will receive credit for 10 courses (120 credit points).
Graduates of the RMIT C5388 Diploma of Laboratory Technology program will be guaranteed entry into the BP147P21 Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Laboratory Medicine) program.
All other applicants should instead refer to the Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine (Honours) (BH129).
Applicants whose highest level of education is work and life experience are not eligible to apply for this program. They should instead refer to the Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine (Honours) (BH129).
If you are successful in obtaining a place in this program, you must meet a number of professional compliance requirements upon commencement of your studies.
Please note: A full course of immunisations can take up to 7 months to complete, you should contact your medical practitioner prior to entering the program to commence immunisations. It is a requirement that you will have commenced all immunisations and will continue to progress this until completion of the vaccination courses by the deadlines set by the university.
For more information or if you have any questions about these requirements please contact RMIT Connect – Work and Study Opportunities where your enquiry will be dealt with accordingly.
*All relevant screening and compliance check fees are the responsibility of the student.
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:
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.
View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this program wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in the most relevant recent intake period.
The student profile provides insight into the likely peer group for this program.
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent Year 12 applicants.
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about admission to RMIT.
You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.
You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 65% (see calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
Chemistry or Biology and Maths or Physics; or
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Units 3 and 4 in one of Chemistry or Biology & one of Mathematics (any) or Physics, with study scores of at least 20.
This program includes a professional practice work placement and hence a 'Working with Children Check' and 'National Police Records Check' are required prior to commencing the program. You are also expected to follow professional requirements such as behaviour, dress code and attendance.
A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.
To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
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.
If you are successful in obtaining a place in this program, you must meet a number of professional compliance requirements upon commencement of your studies.
Please note: A full course of immunisations can take up to 7 months to complete, you should contact your medical practitioner prior to entering the program to commence immunisations. It is a requirement that you will have commenced all immunisations and will continue to progress this until completion of the vaccination courses by the deadlines set by the university.
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.
By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:
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.
Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred course. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.
This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.
Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
When you successfully complete this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Honours or Postgraduate degree.
You are guaranteed entry to the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Laboratory Medicine) with two semesters of credit (equivalent to 96 credit points) when you successfully complete the Diploma in Laboratory Technology, including the pre-requisite courses. If you do not complete all the pre-requisite courses, you may still apply and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT vocational study or undergraduate programs.
Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.
When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.
When you successfully complete this program you may be eligible for entry to the Bachelor of Health and Biomedical Sciences (Honours).
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT honours or postgraduate degrees.
In 2024, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$4,445 to AU$16,323*.
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.
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-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.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
From 2022, there are new government rules about eligibility for higher education student funding as part of the Australian Government’s Job-ready Graduates legislation. If you're starting a program in or after 2022 and are enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or have a HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP loan, these changes affect you. For details, please see Low completion rate and government funding.
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.
The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package.
The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2024. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Each course (subject) falls into a band. 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.
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2024 |
|---|---|
| Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture | $4,445 per standard year $555 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology | $8,948 per standard year $1,118 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science | $12,720 per standard year $1,590 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture | $16,323 per standard year $2,040 per standard (12 credit point) course |
On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).
For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
If your FEE-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 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.
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 2024 is $351.
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.
For students who identify as a woman enrolled full-time in a laboratory medicine program who are financially disadvantaged, demonstrate academic ability and are involved in their community; worth up to $7,500.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
The annual tuition fee for 2023 is AU$41,280.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$165,120.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.
Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.
Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.
