Key information
Start dates
March
July
Unlock a world of rewarding and in-demand careers in medical and laboratory science
A degree in Laboratory Medicine opens the door to a wide range of dynamic careers across hospitals, research labs, public health, and private pathology services. Whether you're analysing patient samples, investigating disease outbreaks, or contributing to cutting-edge medical research, your expertise will play a vital role in diagnosing and preventing illness.
Medical Scientist
Medical Scientists investigate the causes of disease and help develop better ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. Specialising in areas like haematology, immunology, microbiology, or molecular genetics, they work in both research and clinical settings.
Their role involves designing studies, analysing trial data, assessing medical devices, and sharing findings through reports and presentations. By collaborating across teams and contributing to medical research, Medical Scientists play a key role in advancing patient care and improving health outcomes.
Sources: Seek Australia, 2025
With further postgraduate study and work experience, careers could include:
Diagnostic Medical Scientist
Specialises in the accurate identification of disease through laboratory testing, often in a specific diagnostic area such as virology, histopathology, or immunology. Works closely with pathologists and clinicians to support timely patient care.
Opportunities exist in public hospitals, private labs, and national pathology networks, contributing to areas such as cancer screening, infectious disease detection, and chronic condition monitoring.
Clinical Scientist
Combines scientific expertise with clinical application, often taking on advisory roles in test interpretation, method development, and laboratory innovation.
Clinical Scientists may also be involved in validating new diagnostic technologies and maintaining quality assurance standards.
Management Medical Scientist
Oversees the operations of laboratory departments, manages teams of scientists and technical staff, and ensures compliance with safety and quality standards.
This leadership role involves staff training, equipment oversight, budgeting, and liaising with clinical stakeholders to support efficient diagnostic services.
What will you study to start your career in laboratory medicine?
Study the science behind disease detection and diagnosis with a focus on pathology, microbiology, haematology and clinical biochemistry. Gain hands-on experience through extensive laboratory training and real-world placements in diagnostic settings.
Prepare for a bright future career with our step-by-step guide designed for students of the four-year Laboratory Medicine course.
Accreditation or Professional Recognition
This program has been accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS). The course meets requirements as specified in the SA Health Allied Health Professional Credentials, including Access Appointments Policy Directive, for the SA Pathology credentialing process.
Learn from the experts.
Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to the industry.
Frequently asked questions.
Over the years, many questions have been asked by students before. For the quickest answers view our frequently asked questions or browse the full list @ Ask Flinders.
Graduates can work in diagnostic pathology, clinical research, medical laboratories, hospitals, and health departments. Roles include medical laboratory scientist, pathology collector, clinical coder, and research scientist.
You will gain hands-on laboratory experience, knowledge in clinical chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, and diagnostic techniques, along with research and professional practice skills.
In the fourth year, you will undertake two 13-week placements, totalling approximately 900 hours of hands-on laboratory experience. These placements provide an opportunity to apply your learning in a full-time diagnostic pathology laboratory environment, ensuring you are ready for professional practice.
The Bachelor of Medical Science (Laboratory Medicine) program typically takes four years of full-time study to complete.
Yes, students will engage in research methods in medical science and gain experience through laboratory-based research projects.
- Applications are completed via SATAC
- Visit: satac.edu.au
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 | 99.40 | 99.95 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | 73.35 | 77.78 |
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | 57.75 | 65.50 |
| Applicant background (Semester 1, 2024) | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
|---|---|---|
| Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 46 | 34% |
| Vocational education and training (VET) study | <5 | <5% |
| Work and life experience | 11 | 8% |
| 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) | 37 | 28% |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test) | <5 | 2% |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways) | 17 | 13% |
| International Students | 18 | 13% |
| All students | 134 | 100% |
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South Australia 5042
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