Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques - MSL40118
Quick facts
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Entry score
Not applicable
-
Duration
Full-time 1 year, Part-time may be available -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
See fee finder
Next intake
February, JulyEntry score
IELTS 5.5
Duration
Full-time 1 yearLocation
Melbourne CityFees
AU$17,500 (2022 total)
Next intake
February, July
Overview
Are you ready for a future in health?
Discover a rewarding career and seize your opportunities for professional development with a qualification from RMIT.
Gain the skills you need to become a technician in laboratories in hospitals, research institutes, pharmaceutical companies, private pathology and testing laboratories.
You'll apply your knowledge of living systems to solving important practical issues including controlling disease and making the environment safer.
Using the latest industry-standard equipment, you’ll build the knowledge and skills required to work under supervision to:
- examine micro-organisms or changes in cells and tissues
- perform analysis of pathology, environmental and chemical samples
- assist with research into biochemical or genetic processes.
You will also benefit from the opportunity to gain hands-on experience. Upon completion of this certificate, you may go on to work in vaccine production, food and materials testing, pathology, or research, or you might prefer to pursue the Diploma of Laboratory Technology, or other further study of your choice.
Details
Your classes will be small groups of up to 30 students to maximise interaction between students and staff.
Our labs have the latest industry standard equipment and there's ample opportunity for you to gain hands-on experience.
RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, scientific laboratories, workshops, presentations, group discussions and syndicate work. You'll have access to online resources through the myRMIT student portal.
Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes tests, presentations, group projects, research projects, laboratory reports and demonstration of laboratory skills.
- Full-time 1 year.
- Part-time may be available to applicants who are employed in a laboratory.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques | City Campus |
1 year
|
C4397 | 0100843 |
Choose a program structure
Program code: C4397
National curriculum code: MSL40118
VTAC Code
If you are eligible to apply via VTAC, copy and paste the below code into VTAC search.
- Plan C4397 - 3200310804
Please ensure that you have checked the admissions requirements and apply page before applying.
Career
Graduates work as laboratory assistants or technicians in laboratories and provide technical support for scientists working in:
- Pathology laboratories (private and public)
- Research
- Food and materials testing
- Pharmaceutical testing
- Vaccine production.
Job Outlook estimates that the most common annual salary for a science technician in Australia is between $55,000 and $65,000.
Admissions
You must meet the University entry requirements for this type of program.
Preference will be given to applicants who completed Year 12 Chemistry, Year 12 Biology or a bridging science program such as Certificate III in Science. If further places are available, applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., ATAR, GPA or STAT Multiple Choice (including any adjustments).
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification) with a minimum 50% average (check calculator below).
For information on international qualifications and corresponding entry requirements that are equivalent to an Australian Year 12, see the Entry requirements by country web page.
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
Entry requirements
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 5.5 (with no individual band below 5.0)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 50 (with minimum of 5 in Reading, 5 in Listening, 14 in Speaking and 15 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 42 (with no communication band less than 36)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 162 with no less than 154 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) Upper Intermediate Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
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.
Pathways
This course offers pathway into further study at RMIT.
Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree and helping you get the degree you want.
Further study
Graduates of this course will be eligible for exemptions from the courses below, subject to meeting the entry requirements. For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.
When you successfully complete the Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques you are guaranteed entry to the Diploma of Laboratory Technology.
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT vocational study or undergraduate programs.
When you successfully complete the Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques you are guaranteed entry to the Diploma of Laboratory Technology.
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT vocational study or undergraduate programs.
Fees
JobTrainer courses
JobTrainer is a joint initiative between the Commonwealth and State Government which provides additional funding for free or low-fee (20% of the listed tuition fee) training courses for young people and job seekers. Eligible applicants will be able to access up to one full qualification and one short course or skill set under the JobTrainer fund.
Visit Free TAFE for priority courses for further information on what this means and whether you may be eligible.
If you have any questions you can contact Study@RMIT.
The tuition fees below will apply if you are not receiving a JobTrainer fee waiver.
2022 fees
The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.
- 2022 government subsidised place (with concession): AU$800.00* per annum
- 2022 government subsidised place: AU$4,000* per annum
- 2022 full-fee place: AU$14,250* per annum
*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.
Fee finder
Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$315 maximum fee for 2022.
- Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Annual fee adjustment
The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Eligibility Exemption criteria
**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility
Learn more about fees for vocational study.
Payments and refunds
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession or exemption if you are in a Victorian Government subsidised place and you meet the eligibility criteria.
If your application for a fee concession is approved, you will be charged 20% of the standard government subsidised tuition fee for your program. You will also be charged a lower rate on your student services and amenities fee (SSAF).
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 2022 is $315.
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 total indicative tuition fee for 2022 commencement is AU$17,500.
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.
Applying for refunds
For information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student, please see Refunds.