Topic:

Introduction

If you are looking for a rewarding healthcare profession that does not require hands-on patient care, then studying Biomedical Laboratory Science might be the best option for you. According to Talent.com data, the average salary of a Biomedical Scientist is around AU$95,510 per annum. As a Biomedical laboratory scientist, you will be working in the pathology industry, normally in hospitals, or in either public or private laboratories.  

Why study Biomedical Laboratory Science in Australia?

  • In demand career 

According to the data from the Australian Government, there is a demand for Biomedical Lab Scientists all over Australia, especially in Queensland (QLD) and New South Wales (NSW). The demand for this career is significant because very few universities offer programs to study this particular field.  

  • Internationally recognised 

The qualification that you gain is accredited by the  Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS). This means, your qualification will be internationally recognised, especially if it is from Victoria. You’ll also be eligible for membership in the New Zealand Institute of Medical Laboratory Science and the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.  

  • Multiple start dates  

Australian universities will normally have 2 or 3 intakes each year, which makes it more flexible for international students to commence their program based on their individual situation. 

  • Stay longer in Australia 

By studying 2 years or more in a higher education Biomedical Laboratory Science degree, students will be eligible for a 2-7 year Post Study Working Visa. Graduates can utilise these visa opportunities to get more work experience in Australia. For Biomedical Laboratory Science students, they can also use this working visa to prepare for their future migration options. 

Career outcomes after graduation 

  • Biochemist 
  • Cytologist 
  • Hospital Scientist 
  • Medical Scientist 
  • Microbiologist 
  • Molecular Diagnostics 
  • Pathology Scientist 
  • Research Scientist 
  • Clinical Laboratory Scientist 
  • Biomedical Laboratory Technician  

Course Options

  • Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science
  • Diploma of Health Science
  • Graduate Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science
  • Diploma of Health Sciences
  • Master of Biomedical Laboratory Science
  • Master of Laboratory Medicine
  • PhD (Laboratory and Clinical Science)

Entry Requirements 

  • For a Diploma course, normally applicants are required to have completed Year 12 or equivalent and attained IELTS 5.5
  • For a Bachelor’s course, normally applicants are required to have completed Year 12 or equivalent, or a Diploma and attained IELTS 6.5
  • For a Master’s course, normally applicants are required to have successfully completed a recognised Bachelor’s degree in biomedical or medical health disciplines as well as attained IELTS 6.5.

Subject prerequisites

Generally, universities will require the successful completion of Chemistry, Mathematical Methods, or Specialist Mathematics

If you don’ meet the entry requirements for the Laboratory Biomedical Science courses? Contact SOL Edu, one of the best education agencies in Brisbane, today! Our team will offer you free consultation and free application process.    

What courses might you study for your Biomedical Laboratory Science degree in Australia? 

  • Quantitative Skills for Health Scientists
  • Biochemistry
  • Pathology
  • Microbial Diagnostics
  • Histopathology
  • Endocrinology

Professional Accreditation 

Biomedical Laboratory Science degrees are accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS) in most universities in Australia. Therefore, graduates will have completed the academic and work placement requirements for admission as a full member.

Expected salary as a laboratory scientist in Australia 

  • The medium base annual salary for a graduate laboratory scientist is AU$78,993.
  • The medium base annual salary for an experienced laboratory scientist is AU$116,646.

School Recommendations: 

Diploma Level: 

Bachelor’s Level:

  • QUT – Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science
  • Griffith University –  Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science
  • CSU – Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Pathology)
  • JCU – Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Honours)
  • CQU – Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (Honours)

Master’s Level: 

  • JCU – Master of Medical Science – Medical Laboratory Science major
  • CSU – Master of Medical Science – with specialisations
  • UTAS – Master of Laboratory Medicine
  • RMIT – Master of Laboratory Medicine

How to pass a Skill Assessment 

Biomedical Laboratory Science degrees are accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS) in most universities in Australia. For immigration purposes, international students need to pass a skill assessment assessed by AIMS.  

Option 1: AIMS accredited degree  

If you have completed an AIMS accredited course in Australia, then the process to have a positive skill assessment is much simpler. All you need is:  

  • English Score: IELTS 7.0 (no band score under 7.0) or equivalent.   
  • The applicants are not required to take the AIMS Medical Laboratory Scientist Professional Examination. 
  • Postgraduate professional experience is also not required.  

Option 2: Acceptable science degree  

If you have not held an AIMS accredited course in Australia but you have held an acceptable science degree, then you need to go through 2 steps:  

Step 1: Document Assessment  

You are required to have:  

  • An acceptable science degree, and 
  • A minimum 2 years full-time (or equivalent part-time) postgraduate professional experience in a medical pathology, in which, you must have 1 year work experience within 5 years immediately prior to applying for AIMS assessment.   

Step 2: The AIMS Medical Laboratory Scientist Professional Examination 

You must pass the AIMS Medical Laboratory Scientist Professional Examination which includes 150 single questions to be completed within 3 hours.  

Option 3: Postgraduate studies with medical laboratory experience 

If you have not held an AIMS accredited course in Australia, or have held an acceptable science degree, you can still be assessed as a Medical Laboratory Scientist. You need to satisfy the following criteria:  

Step 1: Document Assessment 

You are required to have: 

  • Academic Qualifications: A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific field such as life sciences, biological sciences, medical sciences, biomedical sciences, or veterinary sciences, AND one of the following: 
  • A Master’s degree (AQF level 9) focused on a specific professional discipline, including a pathology laboratory-based research project. 
  • A Professional Doctorate (AQF level 10) in a relevant professional field. 
  • A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D., AQF level 10) with a research focus and laboratory techniques relevant to the medical laboratory sector, particularly those that contribute to the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and prevention of human diseases. 
  • Skills: A minimum 2 years full-time (or equivalent part-time) postgraduate professional experience in a medical pathology, in which, you must have 1 year work experience within 5 years immediately prior to applying for AIMS assessment.   

Step 2: The AIMS Medical Laboratory Scientist Professional Examination 

You must pass the AIMS Medical Laboratory Scientist Professional Examination which includes 150 single questions to be completed within 3 hours. 

Need help with a migration skill assessment? Contact SOL Edu today at [email protected] or fill out the inquiry form. Our team will reach out to you within 24 hours at the latest!   

PR pathway for a biomedical laboratory scientist 

Step 1: Apply for a 485 visa  

After completing a biomedical laboratory science course, you are eligible to apply for visa 485 (Post Graduate Work Stream). You are required to have at least IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 5.5) to apply for this visa.   

Under visa 485, you can stay in Australia for 2-4 years depending on your degree. However, if you undertook and completed at least  2 years of study in a ‘Regional Area’ such as the Gold Coast, Adelaide or Perth, you can be eligible for an additional 1 or 2 years of the 485 Visa Thus, you will have more time to prepare yourself for permanent residence (PR) or a temporary visa that can lead to a PR. 

Step 2: Apply for a PR or a visa that can lead to a PR  

There are plenty of pathways that can help you migrate to Australia after you have completed an accredited biomedical laboratory science course in Australia. Below are the common options:   

Skilled visas     

  • 189 – Skilled Independent (subclass 189) – is a points-tested visa, allowing you to live and work permanently in any state or territory in Australia. The minimum score that you are required to be considered for a visa invitation is 65.   
  • 190 – Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) – is a permanent residence visa but you need a nomination from one of Australian states or territories to apply for this visa. Each state may have its own occupation list and additional requirements, so you must investigate if you meet all the state’s eligibility criteria before asking for a nomination.    
  • 491 – Skilled Work Regional (provisional) visa (subclass 491) is not permanent, but it can lead to a PR (visa 191). You must commit to stay and work in your nominating regional Australia for a minimal period of time and achieve at least 65 points to be apply for this visa.     

Employer Sponsored visas    

Contact SOL Edu today at [email protected] to know which visa you are eligible for! 

FAQs 

How does it cost to study biomedical laboratory science in Australia?

The tuition fees for studying Biomedical Laboratory Science in Australia can vary depending on the institution. However, you may need to pay from 28,000 – 45,000 per year to study this course.  

What is the biomedical laboratory science?

Biomedical laboratory science, also known as medical laboratory science, is a field of science that involves the study and application of diagnostic, preventative, and therapeutic healthcare practices in laboratories. 

These scientists play a crucial role in the healthcare system as they perform various laboratory tests on biological samples—such as blood, urine, and tissues—to diagnose and monitor diseases. Their work provides essential data that helps physicians make informed decisions about patient care. 

What are the differences between biomedical science and medical laboratory science?

Biomedical Science and Medical Laboratory Science are closely related fields, but they differ in focus, curriculum, and career paths. Here’s a comparative overview: 

Biomedical Science: 

  • Focus: This field is primarily concerned with understanding the biological principles underlying human health and disease. It encompasses a wide range of subjects for examples molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, and cell biology. 
  • Curriculum: Students study the causes of diseases, the mechanisms of disease progression, and the interactions between cells and molecules. The curriculum often includes a broad array of subjects from basic science to advanced biomedical research techniques. 
  • Career Paths: Graduates can work in research and development, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and academic research. They often work in laboratories, but not necessarily in diagnostic labs. Their roles can include research scientists, clinical trial coordinators, and positions in public health and regulatory affairs. 
  • Postgraduate Opportunities: Many graduates pursue further research through a Ph.D. or find work in industries related to drug development, genetic engineering, or cancer research. 

Medical Laboratory Science: 

  • Focus: This field is more applied and focuses on the analysis of human biological samples for the purpose of diagnosing and treating disease. It is deeply rooted in the practical and technical aspects of laboratory medicine. 
  • Curriculum: Students learn how to perform and interpret a wide range of medical laboratory tests, from blood typing and chemical analysis to microbiological cultures and histopathological examinations. Emphasis is placed on quality control, laboratory safety, and the precise techniques used in diagnostic testing. 
  • Career Paths: Graduates typically work in clinical settings such as hospital labs, reference labs, and clinics. They become medical laboratory scientists (also known as clinical laboratory scientists) and are integral to the healthcare team, providing essential data used in diagnosing and treating patients. 
  • Postgraduate Opportunities: While many enter the workforce directly, others may specialize further in areas like molecular diagnostics, laboratory management, or forensic pathology. 

What are differences between biomedical engineering and medical laboratory science?

Biomedical engineering and medical laboratory science are two distinct fields within healthcare and biological sciences, though they both play crucial roles in improving patient care and health outcomes.  

Biomedical Engineering: 

  • Scope: Biomedical engineering focuses on the application of engineering principles and design concepts to medicine and biology. This field aims to develop and improve medical devices, diagnostic equipment, and treatment methods. It combines knowledge from electrical, mechanical, chemical, and computer engineering with medical and biological sciences. 
  • Work: Professionals in this field, known as biomedical engineers, design and develop medical devices like artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical imaging devices, and health management and care delivery systems. They may also work on developing new materials for implants and prosthetics, as well as creating software and IT solutions for healthcare. 
  • Education: A typical educational path includes obtaining a degree in biomedical engineering or a related engineering field, which involves studying mathematics, physics, computer science, and engineering, alongside biology and medicine. 
  • Employment: Biomedical engineers typically work in industries related to medical equipment and supplies, research institutions, hospitals, and government agencies. They might be involved in product development, manufacturing, quality control, or clinical trials. 

Medical Laboratory Science: 

  • Scope: Medical laboratory science focuses on analysing biological samples, such as blood, urine, and tissue, to aid in diagnosing and monitoring diseases. It is a field deeply rooted in the biological and chemical sciences, with applications in clinical diagnosis and medical research. 
  • Work: Professionals known as medical laboratory scientists or clinical laboratory scientists perform and interpret a wide range of complex biological tests. They play a critical role in the healthcare system by providing the data necessary for diagnosing and treating diseases, from infections to cancer. 
  • Education: The educational path for medical laboratory science typically involves obtaining a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science, biomedical science, or a related field. This education includes extensive laboratory training in different areas such as hematology, microbiology, clinical biochemistry, and molecular biology. 
  • Employment: Medical laboratory scientists primarily work in hospital laboratories, diagnostic labs, public health laboratories, and research institutions. They might be involved in sample analysis, quality control, laboratory management, and research.  

What is expected salary as a laboratory scientist in Australia? 

Contact SOL Edu today for free counselling, and a free application process!