Diploma of Laboratory Technology - MSL50118
Quick facts
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Entry score
Not applicable
-
Duration
Full-time 1 year -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
FebruaryEntry score
IELTS 5.5
Duration
Full-time 1 yearLocation
Melbourne CityFees
AU$19,250 (2022 total)
Next intake
February
Overview
In this course, you will build upon your foundation of scientific knowledge, and will develop a deeper knowledge of scientific principles, gain stronger practical skills, and gain more hands-on laboratory experience.
As a laboratory technician, you’ll be able to conduct tests for pathologists, biochemists, clinical chemists, pharmacologists, veterinarians, microbiologists and bacteriologists. You’ll also be able to apply your knowledge of living systems to work toward solving important issues, such as controlling disease and making the environment safer.
You will provide technical support to scientists working in research, production and testing roles. Under supervision, you’ll get to examine changes in cells and tissues, perform chemical analyses of blood and other body fluids, and assist with research.
With this qualification, you’ll be able to work in hospitals, research institutes, pharmaceutical companies, private pathology laboratories, commercial laboratories, and government departments.
Details
Your classes will be small groups to help maximise your time with teachers and staff.
Our labs have the latest industry-standard equipment, and classes are structured to give you plenty of opportunity to gain hands-on, practical 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 examinations, presentations, group projects, research projects, laboratory reports and practical assignments.
As part of your studies, you will have the opportunity to explore fundamental elements of biotechnology and pathology testing. Studies in your core and elective subjects will cover haematology, microbiology, histology, clinical chemistry, molecular biology, tissue culture, and electrophoresis.
You will also have the opportunity to select an industry placement as one of your elective subjects, giving you real-world exposure to laboratory work.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma of Laboratory Technology | City Campus |
1 year full-time
|
1 year full-time
|
C5388 | 098105C |
Choose a program structure
Program code: C5388
National curriculum code: MSL50118
Career
Admissions
Entry requirements
Successful completion of the RMIT Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques or equivalent, provided following specific prerequisite studies have been completed:
MSL973019 Perform microscopic examination
MSL973016 Perform aseptic techniques
MSL954003 Relate anatomical and physiological features to laboratory samples
MSL974021 Perform biological procedures
MSL974019 Perform chemical tests and procedures
MSL934004 Maintain and calibrate instruments and equipment
Entry requirements
You must have successfully completed the Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques at RMIT University (or equivalent).
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.
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
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.
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.
Pathways into the Diploma of Laboratory Technology
Graduates of the Certificate IV Laboratory Techniques are guaranteed entry to this program.
Credit and recognition of prior learning
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. Find out if you might be eligible.
When you successfully complete the Diploma of Laboratory Technology you are guaranteed entry to the following programs with two semesters of advanced standing (equivalent to 96 credit points):
- Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences
- Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)
Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT vocational study or undergraduate programs.
Fees
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: AU$6,750* per annum
- 2022 full-fee place: AU$15,500* 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.
VET Student Loans
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, 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 VET Student Loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT your tuition fees on your behalf, up to the maximum loan amount for your program.
Your VET Student Loan becomes part of your VETSL debt. You will start repaying your accumulated VETSL 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.
Vet Student Loan cap
If your program is eligible for the VET Student Loan 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 by the due date once you exceed the cap.
It’s easy for you to keep track of your VET Student Loan debt, and you can choose to make upfront payments at any time before the census date.
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$19,250.
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.