Study an Associate Degree in Medical Science (Laboratory Medicine) at Flinders University

Study an Associate Degree in Medical Science (Laboratory Medicine) at Flinders

Be at the forefront of healthcare research and medical science.

Become job-ready, faster. Equip yourself with practical knowledge and skills to broaden opportunities for a career in diagnostic pathology as a Medical Laboratory Technician.

This course has been designed to produce graduates who are knowledgeable in the biomedical and medical sciences and who have developed the practical laboratory skills and abilities to work in diagnostic pathology laboratories. Medical Laboratory Technicians work as part of a team with doctors, scientists and lab assistants. They conduct tests and other procedures used to diagnose and treat diseases.

Fast facts

Course facts at a glance.

Domestic

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International Student

I am not a citizen of
Australia or New Zealand.

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I am a
Domestic Student

I am an Australian or New Zealand Citizen.

I'm an Australian Permanent Resident
(including Humanitarian Visa holders).

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Prerequisites

None

Assumed knowledge

None

2024 selection rank

60.00

Guaranteed selection rank

65.00

TAFElink

Certificate IV or above

Adjustment factors available

Yes

SATAC code

249041

Delivery mode

In person:

– Bedford Park

Online: No

Duration

2 years full-time
(or part-time equivalent)
Deferrable: Yes

Annual indicative fee

2025: $9,314

How are these fees calculated?

Start dates

– March
– July

Student and ATAR profile

Save course

Student and ATAR profile

Save course

Apply via SATAC

249041 (Bedford Park)

Why study an Associate Degree in Medical Science (Laboratory Medicine) at Flinders?

Strong future demand on National Skills Priority List (National Skills Commission)
Available for mid-year entry
Students will study and attend laboratory classes within the Flinders Medical Centre
Accelerate entry into the workforce after 2-years of study
This Associate Degree articulates with the Bachelor of Medical Science (Laboratory Medicine) at Year 2.

Your career

This degree provides options for students interested in a wide range of careers in the medical and health sciences. Your workplaces can vary between hospitals, community health centres, research institutes, the government or private industry.

Potential occupations include:

Medical Laboratory Technician
Laboratory Technician
Technical Officer.

Potential employers include:

SA Pathology
Clinpath
Australian Clinical Labs
Private and public pathology labs.

What you will study

First year

A typical first year may include:

Fundamental knowledge in the biomedical and medical sciences including study of Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Biology, Histology and Physiology.

Second year

A typical second year may include:

Scaffolded learning and development of knowledge and understanding of a range of topics including Biochemistry of Human Disease, Haematology and Transfusion Science, Human Molecular Genetics and Immunology and Infectious Diseases.

Practical experience

Hands-on practical learning in biomedical science topics from first year. Students should expect to engage in interactive learning methods like team-based learning, experiential learning and case-based learning across medical science topics like Human Molecular Genetics, Human physiology, Haematology and Transfusion Science. Explore cutting-edge techniques and learn in our co-located hospital laboratory environment.

View study program

The Associate Degree Medical Science (Laboratory Medicine) additionally prepares graduates for further study in Medical Science related areas.

Projected employment growth 2021 to November 2026

Source: NSC Employment Projections March 2022

Pursue your passion with further study

The Associate Degree in Medical Science (Laboratory Medicine) is different to the Bachelor of Medical Science (Laboratory Medicine) degree in that:

The Associate Degree is a 2-year program that does not have a work integrated learning placement vs 4-years with 26-weeks placement in the Bachelor Degree.
Graduate opportunities with an Associate Degree in Medical Science (Laboratory Medicine) are for graduate employment as Laboratory Technical Officers or Medical Laboratory Technicians vs Medical or Hospital Scientists with a Bachelor of Medical Science (Laboratory Medicine). The duties and responsibilities of a technical officer may be similar to a medical or hospital scientist though may be fewer and not as complex. The technician role is important in diagnostic pathology laboratories, for example in the preparation of pathology specimens and operation of laboratory facilities including specialised equipment.
The Associate Degree articulates with the Bachelor degree and can be used as an entry pathway to the Bachelor of Medical Science (Laboratory Medicine).
It is an exit degree from the Bachelor of Medical Science (Laboratory Medicine) AND Bachelor of Medical Science at Year 2.

Explore your study options in the field of Medical Science

Study abroad

Study abroad options are available with our Learning Without Borders team.

Virtual study tours (pending availability)
Topic exchanges
Semester exchanges

ATAR and Student Profile Information

ATAR and Selection Rank profile

The table below shows ATAR and Selection Rank data for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR commencing in Semester 1, 2024. It is limited to applicants that have recently completed secondary education (within the last two years). Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.

Notes:
<5 – less than 5 ATAR based offers made
N/A – This course uses additional selection criteria and therefore Selection Rank is not published

ATAR-based offers only across all offer rounds	ATAR - Excluding adjustment factors	Selection Rank - ATAR plus any adjustment factors
Highest rank to receive an offer	99.95	99.95
Median rank to receive an offer	95.55	98.25
Lowest rank to receive an offer	64.30	65.00

Student Profile

The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced study in this course in Semester 1, 2024 including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia. Applicant background groupings are based on educational background, not basis of admission. Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.

Notes:
<5 – the number of students is less than 5
N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students

Applicant background (Semester 1, 2024)	Number of students	Percentage of all students
Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course)	35	28%
Vocational education and training (VET) study	0	0
Work and life experience	<5	<5
Recent secondary education - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)	63	51%
Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test)	11	9%
Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways)	<5	<5
International Students	8	7%
All students	123	100%

How to apply

Choose your preferred course.

Check the entry requirements and admission pathways available to you.

Choose other courses to include in your preferences.

Visit SATAC and submit your application online.

Apply via SATAC

249041 (Bedford Park)

Apply to transfer internally

Flinders students can apply to transfer to this course internally. Visit: www.flinders.edu.au/internaltransfer for more information.

Admission pathways

Applicants can apply for this course using Year 12 qualifications, previous higher education study, TAFE/VET qualifications, or through adult entry (STAT/Foundation Studies/tertiary preparation course).

Find the entry path that’s right for you.

Explore our pathways

How to apply

Select your course.

Check entry requirements.

Check your eligibility for credit.

Apply online

Obtain certified documents.

Submit your application and documents.

View further details

English language pathways

If you don’t meet our English language entry requirements and need to improve your English language proficiency, you can do so through Flinders University Academy – or our approved English Language Instruction Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers.

This means that you can attend the required English language tuition at approved ELICOS providers and gain direct entry into university without an IELTS or TOEFL test.

Find out more

Course enquiries

Want more information about studying at Flinders University? Contact us to find out more – we’d love to help you decide if Flinders University is the right choice for you.

Course enquiries

For all course enquiries phone or email us or complete the course enquiry form.

1300 354 633

askflinders@flinders.edu.au

Associate Degree in Medical Science (Laboratory Medicine)