The Bachelor in Medical Laboratory Science is an undergraduate program designed to prepare students for careers as medical laboratory scientists (also known as medical technologists or clinical laboratory scientists). These professionals play a crucial role in healthcare by conducting laboratory tests that help in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. Their work directly supports physicians in making informed decisions about patient care, making it an essential part of the healthcare system.
| PROGRAMME |
SEMESTRE |
DURATION |
CREDIT |
PARTNER INSTITUTION |
ACCREDITATION |
| BACHELOR IN MEDICAL LAB SCIENCE |
8 SMESTERS |
4YEARS |
240 |
UNIVERSITY OF BUEA |
|
CORE OBJECTIVES
1. Develop a comprehensive understanding of medical laboratory science principles.
- – Laboratory Techniques: Teach students how to perform diagnostic tests using laboratory equipment, methods, and reagents, focusing on clinical chemistry, microbiology, hematology, immunology, and molecular diagnostics.
- – Clinical Pathology: Provide a deep understanding of the role of medical laboratory science in diagnosing and monitoring diseases through laboratory testing.
- – Microbial Diagnostics: Equip students with the skills to identify microorganisms and understand their role in diseases.
2. Enhance Skills in Diagnostic Testing and Laboratory Procedures.
- -Specimen Collection and Handling: Teach proper techniques for collecting, labeling, and handling biological samples (e.g., blood, urine, tissue) to ensure accurate diagnostic results.
- -Test Interpretation: Train students to interpret test results accurately, correlating lab findings with clinical conditions to assist in diagnosing diseases.
- -Quality Control and Assurance: Instill knowledge on quality control procedures to maintain the accuracy and reliability of laboratory results.
3. Foster an Understanding of Laboratory Equipment and Technology
- – Instrumentation Skills: Provide practical experience with laboratory instruments, including microscopes, spectrophotometers, analyzers, and PCR machines.
- – Automation and IT Integration: Expose students to automated systems and information technology used in modern laboratories, including lab management software and data handling systems.
- – Maintenance and Calibration: Teach students how to maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment to ensure it operates efficiently and provides accurate results.
4. Promote Understanding of Laboratory Safety and Ethical Practices
- – Safety Protocols: Train students in laboratory safety, including the safe handling of hazardous materials, proper waste disposal, and infection control measures.
- – Ethical and Legal Considerations: Teach ethical principles in medical laboratory practice, including patient confidentiality, consent, and the legal responsibilities of laboratory professionals.
- – Risk Management: Prepare students to assess and manage risks associated with laboratory work, including handling biological and chemical hazards.
5. Equip Students with Knowledge of Public Health and Disease Prevention
- – Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance: Teach students the role of laboratory science in public health, including disease monitoring, outbreak investigations, and the prevention of infectious diseases.
- – Immunology and Vaccination: Equip students with an understanding of immunology and the role of laboratory diagnostics in supporting vaccination programs and disease control efforts.
- – Infectious Disease Management: Provide insights into the role of medical laboratories in diagnosing and managing infectious diseases, including antimicrobial resistance.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
1. Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Medical Laboratory Technologist)
- – Role: Perform diagnostic tests, analyze lab samples (blood, tissue, urine, etc.), and interpret results to assist physicians in diagnosing and treating diseases.
- – Workplaces: Hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, research institutions, healthcare clinics.
2. Microbiologist
- -Role: Specialize in identifying and studying microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, that cause diseases.
- -Workplaces: Clinical laboratories, public health agencies, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies.
3. Hematologist
- – Role: Focus on the study of blood and blood disorders, performing tests like blood smears, blood counts, and coagulation studies.
- – Workplaces: Hospitals, hematology laboratories, research centers, blood banks.
4. Clinical Biochemist
- -Role: Analyze bodily fluids for biomarkers that indicate disease, monitor metabolic conditions, and assess organ function.
- -Workplaces: Clinical chemistry laboratories, hospitals, biotechnology companies.
5. Immunologist
- – Role: Study the immune system and help in the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases, allergies, and infections.
- – Workplaces: Clinical laboratories, immunology labs, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies.
6. Cytotechnologist
- -Role: Examine cell samples (e.g., Pap smears) under a microscope to detect abnormalities such as cancerous cells.
- -Workplaces: Hospitals, private laboratories, cancer research centers.
7. Molecular Biologist / Geneticist
- – Role: Specialize in genetic testing, including DNA analysis and genetic disorder diagnostics.
- – Workplaces: Research institutions, genetic testing labs, healthcare clinics, forensic labs.
8. Laboratory Manager / Supervisor
- – Role: Oversee laboratory operations, manage staff, ensure quality control, and maintain compliance with health and safety standards.
- – Workplaces: Hospitals, diagnostic centers, research institutions, private laboratories.
9. Public Health Laboratory Technician
- – Role: Work in public health settings to monitor and diagnose infectious diseases, track outbreaks, and ensure the health and safety of populations.
- – Workplaces: Government health departments, public health agencies, research institutions.
10. Forensic Scientist
- – Role: Apply laboratory science techniques to analyze evidence in criminal investigations, such as blood, hair, and tissue samples.
- – Workplaces: Forensic labs, law enforcement agencies, crime investigation units.
11. Research Scientist (Laboratory Focus)
- – Role: Conduct scientific research to advance medical knowledge, develop new diagnostic methods, or improve healthcare practices.
- – Workplaces: Academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, public health organizations.
12. Blood Bank Technologist
- – Role: Specialize in blood collection, typing, and screening, ensuring a safe and adequate supply of blood products for medical use.
- – Workplaces: Blood banks, hospitals, transfusion services.
13. Clinical Trials Coordinator
- – Role: Manage and oversee the operation of clinical trials, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and proper data collection.
- – Workplaces: Pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, contract research organizations (CROs).
14. Infection Control Practitioner
- – Role: Use laboratory data to track and prevent hospital-acquired infections and improve infection control protocols.
- – Workplaces: Hospitals, healthcare institutions, public health organizations.
15. Pharmaceutical/Diagnostic Sales Representative
- – Role: Sell medical laboratory equipment, reagents, and diagnostic technologies to healthcare institutions, providing technical support and training.
- – Workplaces: Pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, diagnostic companies.
