Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Pathology Testing)
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
Not applicable
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Duration
Full-time 2 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February Entry score
IELTS 5.5
Duration
Full-time 2 years Location
Melbourne City
Overview
Gain the skills to become a technician in laboratories in hospitals, research institutes, pharmaceutical companies and private pathology laboratories.
Medical laboratory technicians or assistants conduct routine laboratory tests for pathologists, microbiologists/bacteriologists, biochemists, clinical chemists, pharmacologists or veterinarians.
The program will equip you with the knowledge and skills to work under supervision to:
- examine micro-organisms or changes in cells and tissues
- perform chemical analyses of blood and other body fluids
- assist with research into biochemical or genetic processes
*Please note: This program is expected to be updated for 2019.
Details
We keep classes small to ensure that you get individual attention from teachers.
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, studios, 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 examinations, presentations, group projects, research projects, laboratory reports and practical assignments.
In your second year, you'll complete a 10-day work placement organised by RMIT.
The placement will take place in laboratories ranging from small research labs to large pathology companies.
Year 1
You'll gain a foundation in chemistry, mathematics, biology, scientific communication, computing, biochemistry and occupational health and safety.
You'll develop general laboratory skills such as microscopy, aseptic techniques, chemistry techniques and the use of laboratory instruments.
In chemistry you'll become skilled at preparing solutions that meet strict quality control standards. You'll also learn to use specialised equipment and how to work safely with potentially dangerous chemicals.
Year 2
You'll do specialised study in the major diagnostic areas relevant to a pathology lab, including haematology, microbiology, histology, clinical chemistry and quality assurance.
You'll learn how to undertake blood counts, test levels of chemicals in blood, identify bacteria using a microscope and culture methods and prepare thin slices of tissues to examine microscopically. These tests aid in the diagnosis of all disease types.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Pathology Testing) | City Campus |
2 years full-time
|
2 years full-time
|
C5362 | 090912C |
Choose a program structure
Program code: C5362
National curriculum code: MSL50116
Career
Admissions
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 or an equivalent senior secondary school qualification with a minimum average of 50% (check 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.
If you don't meet the entry requirements, there may be other RMIT programs you are eligible for that can lead you to your preferred program. Explore pathway options.
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 (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 530 (TWE 3.5)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 71 (with minimum of 17 in all sections)
- 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 Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Non-academic abilities you'll need to complete this program
Some inherent requirements for this program include:
- reading, writing and number skills for understanding and completing laboratory reports, calculating and measuring chemicals
- vision to accurately gain information and use equipment
- physical skills to perform laboratory tasks
- managing your behaviour and emotions to safely and competently conduct laboratory tasks
- time-based problem-solving when working on laboratory tasks
View the full list of the Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Pathology Testing) inherent requirements
Who are they for?
Inherent requirements apply to every applicant and may be worth considering if you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition.
Why do you need to know?
By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, and the non-academic abilities you may need in this program, 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
What support is available?
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, please discuss this with RMIT program staff or the Equitable Learning Services (ELS).
If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we may be able to 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 ELS.
Pathways
Graduates with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 out of 4.0 may be eligible to apply for credit of up to one year into the following programs, if they are successful in gaining a place:
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science
- Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Laboratory Medicine)
- Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
When you successfully complete the Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Pathology Testing) and achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 (out of 4.0),
you are guaranteed entry to the following programs with 2 semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 96 credit points):
- Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Laboratory Medicine)
- Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)
- Bachelor of Science (Applied Sciences)
- Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences)
If you achieve below the minimum GPA, you may still apply. You will be assessed on a case by case basis and credit is not guaranteed.
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT vocational study or undergraduate programs.
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.
- 2019 government subsidised place: AU$6,000* per annum
- 2019 full-fee place: AU$14,000* per annum
*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.
Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.
VET Student Loans
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme (VSL), which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.
How does a VET Student Loan work?
If your VSL application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT your tuition fees on your behalf, up to the maximum loan amount for your program.
If your program is eligible for the VSL scheme and has a loan cap that doesn’t cover the total amount of the tuition fees for your program, then you’ll need to pay RMIT the difference once you exceed the cap.
Your VET Student Loan becomes part of your Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) debt. You will start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is adjusted each year (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 see VET Student 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$18,000.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2019 commencement is AU$36,000.
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.