Master of Laboratory Medicine

The Master of Laboratory Medicine provides advanced training and education in the major disciplines of laboratory medicine.

It is designed for graduates of general science or biomedical science degree programs who are interested in a career in diagnostic pathology or medical research but who lack experience, or have only limited experience, in the diagnostic laboratory disciplines.The program is delivered primarily in face to face mode and requires on campus attendance.

The program is delivered on the Bundoora campus, however some courses will require attendance at the city campus.In the final semester of the program you will undertake a capstone experience in either MEDS2156 Professional Practice - Laboratory Medicine, MEDS2138 Research Project.As a graduate from this two-year program, you will be able to apply advanced knowledge and skills in a range of diagnostic procedures in a clinical pathology laboratory.

You will develop high level skills in problem solving, interpretative and critical thinking that are relevant to your areas of specialisation.

This will encompass substantial depth in two chosen disciplines selected from Advanced Haematology, Advanced Anatomical Pathology, Advanced Transfusion and Transplantation Science, Advanced Clinical Biochemistry or Advanced Medical Microbiology courses.

This program consist of One Hundred and Ninety Two Credit Points. Instruction on program progression will be given at your program enrolment session.

Complete Five (5) option courses:

AND

Complete 48 Credit point option courses:

If you select BIOL2401 Parasites and BIOL2402 Viruses and Infections, you must not select ONPS1045 Bacterial Infections. If you select ONPS1045 Bacterial Infections you must not select (BIOL2401 Parasites and/or BIOL2402 Viruses and Infections.)

Complete the following Two (2) Courses:

Complete One (1) of the following Courses:

An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent in a cognate discipline (laboratory medicine, biomedical or biological sciences or medicine, veterinary science or veterinary medicine) with a minimum Grade Point Average of 2.0 out of 4.0, and which includes studies of molecular biology or molecular pathology with a practical component at or above second year undergraduate level;

OR

An Australian bachelor degree or equivalent in a cognate discipline (laboratory medicine, biomedical or biological sciences or medicine, veterinary science or veterinary medicine) which includes studies of molecular biology or molecular pathology with a practical component with at or above second year undergraduate level; and at least five years (full-time equivalent) of relevant work experience in diagnostic pathology.

Note: Applicants will be selected competitively based on undergraduate and/or postgraduate grades, combined with relevant work experience.

If you wish to have industry or employment experience assessed as part of meeting the entry requirements you will need to provide a detailed CV/resume listing previous positions, dates of employment and position responsibilities; a statement from your employer confirming these details (or contact details of employer so RMIT can seek confirmation); and evidence of any relevant professional development undertaken.

The normal intake for the program is semester 2 (July). Semester 1 commencement is only available to applicants who hold an undergraduate degree in Laboratory Medicine or; an undergraduate degree in Science or Biomedical Science with a third-year specialisation in Biochemistry or Microbiology.

International qualifications are assessed according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

English language requirements

IELTS academic module - 6.5+ (no band less than 6.0)

For equivalents to English entry requirements, see the English equivalents web page.

As a graduate from this two-year program, you will be able to apply advanced knowledge and skills in a range of diagnostic procedures in a clinical pathology laboratory. You will develop high level skills in problem solving, interpretative and critical thinking that are relevant to your areas of specialisation. This will encompass substantial depth in two chosen disciplines selected from Advanced Haematology, Advanced Anatomical Pathology, Advanced Transfusion and Transplantation Science, Advanced Clinical Biochemistry or Advanced Medical Microbiology courses.

1. Knowledge capability

Have a comprehensive understanding of key scientific principles underpinning laboratory medicine and have developed a systemic knowledge of core cellular and molecular processes underlying health and disease. Have advanced knowledge of two core clinical speciality disciplines of laboratory medicine and advanced management skills.

2. Technical capability

Ability to develop and perform a range of diagnostic techniques relevant to the field of laboratory medicine. To use logical and systemic thinking and high level critical analysis skills to solve problems by utilising diagnostic techniques and methodologies in the chosen areas of clinical laboratory specialisation.

3. Professional work practices

Have a critical awareness of principles relating to scientific integrity, ethical issues and legal framework that underpins the field of laboratory medicine. Contribute to professional work settings through effective interpersonal and teamwork skills to support constructive interactions.

4. Communication skills

Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups within the diagnostic laboratory environment. Acquire, organise, critically analyse, interpret and present information to media in professional settings on current issues in laboratory medicine.

5. Reflective capability

Ability to reflect and integrate based upon experiences in relation to theory and work practices to demonstrate creativity in the identification of problems and their solutions. Identify personal skill deficiencies that require further professional development.

6. Research capability

Ability to apply the principles and methods of scientific inquiry and research design to plan and perform hypothesis-driven research project in the field of laboratory medicine or an in-depth advanced professional practice in laboratory medicine work experience.