Explore career options in medical laboratory science
Here you can find information on the types of careers and employment roles a medical laboratory science degree may land you.
You can also discover where to look for job vacancies, as well as professional associations, mentoring and international opportunities.
Medical laboratory scientists work in the diagnostics industry identifying the molecular and cellular changes which underpin disease. Medical scientists perform diagnostic tests of blood, tissues and other bodily fluids to help doctors diagnose diseases such as glandular fever, diabetes, infections and even cancer. Medical scientists can also recommend treatment options, carry out scientific research, and assist with managing clinical trials.Accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists and the only program to be accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science in Australia & New Zealand.
Career fields
*Denotes further study at postgraduate level likely to be required
* Hospital laboratories
* Health promotion
* State health laboratories
* Pharmaceutical companies
* Veterinary pathology/laboratories
* Defence
* Fertility clinics*
* Forensic laboratories*
* Food industry
* Cosmetics industry
Employment roles
* Medical laboratory scientist:
o histopathology
o microbiology
o cytology
o immunology
o haematology
o clinical
o biochemistry
o virology
o blood transfusion
o genetics and molecular diagnostics
* Research scientist
* Laboratory technician
* Graduate microbiologist
* Scientific officer
*Denotes further study at postgraduate level likely to be required.
Occupation snapshot
Employed
29,500
Annual growth
1,200
Weekly earnings
$2,004
Part-time share
This data is based on the occupation profile for medical laboratory scientists retrieved from the Government's Jobs and Skills Australia website August 2024.
In addition to knowledge and skills directly related to your program of study, you will also develop a range of other skills such as teamwork, analytical, communication through academic study, employment, voluntary work, sporting and recreational activities and life experience.
Recognising the value employers place on these skills is an important factor in your graduate job search. You can further develop your employability with these resources:
Information on relevant vacancies can be found in a wide range of sources:
Craft a stand-out resume and cover letter, and learn how to prepare for job interviews.
Many work opportunities are not advertised, so we recommend approaching potential employers with the aim of researching their needs and how your skills, experience, interests and qualifications could match theirs.
This is called informational interviewing and will benefit you by:
* clarifying your specific career direction
* increasing your chances of being offered a job.
The Your Career website includes helpful information such as job descriptions, employment prospects, average weekly earnings and skills requirements. Every job title in the database has a skills section to help you identify and describe essential skills for your future career.
The My Future website also has job descriptions and a useful career insight section.
Joining a professional association is a great way to interact with people in your field who can assist you to explore your career options and potentially find employment opportunities. These associations hold regular professional development and networking events:
Students are welcome to join and often receive a discount on their membership.
The award-winning Industry Mentoring Program provides an excellent opportunity to further develop your employability and build professional networks.
This program is available to students with more than 80CP as well as recent graduates.
Griffith University is aligned with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ) and is committed to fostering quality education and a more equitable and just society, where everyone has a chance to thrive while fostering partnerships for the goals.
Further careers information
Careers counselling
Individual career counselling sessions are available to all current students and recent graduates.
You can book an initial appointment via CareerHub.
Check out our Career Readiness site in Learning@Griffith for additional information and resources for your career development learning:
Please note: The content on this webpage is a guide only. Please refer to degree-specific information and accreditation requirements of your profession on the Degree and Course Finder website and with the relevant professional accreditation body for your degree.
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