Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Laboratory Medicine)
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Duration
Full-time 4 years, Part-time 7 years -
Location
Bundoora -
Fees
Next intake
February
Entry score
ATAR 75.10
Duration
Full-time 4 years Location
Bundoora Fees
AU$36,480 (2019 annual)
Next intake
February, July
Overview
Your career as a medical laboratory scientist
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.
The highlight of my studies has been the 40 weeks' 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)
A unique study experience
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.
Our Bundoora campus also has modern student accommodation, full library facilities, childcare services, sporting facilities and an expansive green setting that will enable you to make the most of your time at university.
Details
The program is aligned with both Australian Institute of Medical Science (AIMS) and IBMS accreditation.
RMIT is the only Victorian university to offer all of the following majors including haematology, transfusions and transplantation science, anatomical pathology, medical microbiology and clinical biochemistry.
You’ll have flexibility in choosing your major disciplines and will also complete a major clinical placement, providing you with work-ready skills and practical experience.
In your final 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.
How you will learn
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.
Inside the course
A broad range of study options and strong practical focus make this degree attractive to students with a variety of backgrounds and career ambitions.
We work in close partnership with the healthcare industry through a Program 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 Scientists (AIMS), Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemists (AACB), Australian Society of Microbiology (ASM), and Australian Society of Cytology (ASC).
Year 1
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.
Year 2
The clinical disciplines of haematology, transfusion and transplantation science, clinical biochemistry, anatomical pathology and medical microbiology are introduced in preparation for professional practice.
Year 3
You'll undertake general pathology, molecular genetics and diagnostics. You’ll also study two major discipline streams.
In the second half of the year you'll complete supervised professional practice in a diagnostic, research or reference laboratory.
This full-time placement runs as a cooperative education year. It involves both the University and your placement laboratory. Students may have the opportunity to do 10 to 13 weeks as an overseas placement.
Year 4
In the first semester you'll complete further supervised professional practice. On return to RMIT you'll complete courses in Integrative Pathology and Advanced Laboratory Medicine in a clinical discipline stream.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Laboratory Medicine) | Bundoora Campus |
4 years full-time
7 years part-time
|
4 years full-time
|
BP147P12A | 074926G |
Choose a program structure
Program code: BP147
Career
It's estimated that up to 70% of clinical decisions made by doctors are based on information provided by medical laboratory scientists.
Laboratory medicine is the science of pathology - detecting and diagnosing disease. It involves analysing samples and conducting tests using body tissues (e.g. biopsies, pap smears) and fluids (e.g. blood, urine) to diagnose diseases and provide information about treatment or future prevention.
Medical scientists perform diagnostic tests of biological samples and work with doctors to help them diagnose and enable treatment.
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:
- hospital laboratories
- private pathology providers
- research centres
- pharmaceutical companies
- food and cosmetic industries
- veterinary sciences
- forensic science laboratories
- state health laboratories
- universities
- government agencies
Examples of major Victorian hospitals that employ laboratory medicine graduates are Monash Medical Centre, St Vincent's, Royal Melbourne, Royal Children's, the Alfred and Austin hospitals.
RMIT's Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Laboratory Medicine) is the only degree in Victoria that is professionally accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS). This grants RMIT graduates automatic membership of AIMS and assists with employment potential as medical scientists.
You'll be eligible for membership of the New Zealand Institute of Medical Laboratory Science and the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.
The program was accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science for students commencing studies between 2014 and 2018. It is anticipated that the process for renewal of IBMS accreditation will be undertaken during 2019.
Admissions
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments).
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.
RMIT admits students from a range of educational pathways, including Year 12 results, previous higher education or vocational education study, work experience, and for some programs - interviews, auditions or portfolios.
Gain a better understanding of the Admission criteria for this program by viewing RMIT’s Admission information.
The highest level of education you have previously completed will determine which category applies to you.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., ATAR or GPA (including any adjustments).
Applicants with recent secondary education (current or within the past two years)
Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent in 2016, 2017 or 2018. If applicable, this includes equity access schemes and any other adjustment factors.
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary access and participation of eligible students from SNAP partner schools.
Applicants with Vocational Education and Training study
Satisfactory completion of an Australian Certificate IV or above or equivalent.
Applicants with Higher Education study
Satisfactory completion of at least four courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level or overseas equivalent.
Applicants with Work and Life Experience
Satisfactory completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent more then two years ago.
You must sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) Multiple Choice if:
- You have no prior Year 12, VET qualifications, HE results or relevant work experience that meet the minimum entry requirements for the program; and
- You are 19 years of age or over (as of 1 Jan 2019) and have not enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years.
The STAT Multiple Choice will satisfy Year 12 English and Year 11 Mathematics prerequisites. Applicants must meet all other prerequisites or equivalents. Learn more about RMIT STAT results.
Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) /RMIT Access
This is a gender underrepresented program and awards bonus points to male applicants. To be eligible you must submit a SEAS/RMIT Access application and complete category 1.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Indigenous Access Program will support your application into RMIT programs through an informal interview process with support from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Your relevant life, work, educational and training experience as preparation for study, in addition to any formal qualifications, are all considered.
Elite Athlete Program
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program (REAP) supports elite athlete and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 or an equivalent senior secondary school qualification 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
VCE Units 3 and 4 in one of Chemistry or Biology & one of Mathematics (any) or Physics, with study scores of at least 20.
Successful applicants
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.
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 (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 580 (TWE 4.5)
- 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 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
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 other postgraduate programs.
Fees
In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958*.
* 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.
Additional expenses
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$303 maximum fee for 2019.
Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
Defer your payment
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.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958.
In a CSP, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the Australian Government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of the courses in which you enrol, not the overall program.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
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 2019
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2019 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,566 per standard year |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,359 per standard year |
|
$10,958 per standard year |
HECS-HELP Loans
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.
SA-HELP Loans
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.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your HECS-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to the full amount 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.
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 2019 is $303.
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 2019 is AU$36,480.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2019 commencement is AU$151,680.
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.