University of South Australia

Laboratory Medicine

Interested in Laboratory Medicine?

Make the diagnosis that could save lives, as you prepare for a rewarding career as an accredited medical laboratory scientist.

Studying the only degree in SA accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS) will see you graduate with the knowledge and skills to enter the exciting world of diagnostic pathology, or research. As a Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine (Honours) graduate, your work will have a vital bearing on the welfare of patients, supporting clinicians in the diagnosis, management and treatment of disease, as well as conducting research into causes and cures of disease, and developing improved methods for disease detection.

We also offer a Graduate Certificate in Surgical Pathology Preparation or Master of Health Services Management if you’re looking to specialise or expand your career opportunities.

Key features

  • Learn how to diagnose and track the treatment of human disease and bring new discoveries to light.
  • Gain the skills and knowledge needed to work as a medical laboratory scientist in diagnostic pathology or research.
  • Be taught a curriculum informed by well above world-class research in biochemistry and cell biology.1
  • Work alongside experienced researchers when you complete research preparation and project courses during your final year.
  • Study the only degree in South Australia accredited by the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS).
  • Gain practical experience in on-campus, state-of-the-art laboratories.
  • Use this qualification as a pathway to further learning, including Master of Research and doctoral studies.

12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Why UniSA?

UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people.1 As one of the World’s Top Young Universities2, we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.

Our enterprising spirit has made UniSA a renowned centre of innovation in the sectors driving Australia's future forward, including health and biomedicine. This is your chance to position yourself with advanced scientific knowledge in an era of rapid change.

You’ll gain real industry experience in a clinical setting, and will benefit from our state-of-the-art on-campus facilities, including specialised laboratories in the new $247m Bradley building.

You’ll be taught by industry professionals and our teachers through a practical approach to learning, which means you’ll work on real-world projects and gain direct hands-on experience.

1UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. 2Ranked #52, 2023 THE Young University Rankings.

UniSA offers the following Laboratory Medicine degrees

Choose your level of study

Short programs

Are you after a career change or looking to upgrade your existing skills? Or perhaps you just have an interest in a particular subject area and want to further your experience, skills and knowledge. We offer a suite of short programs that will allow you to build your knowledge and skill set.

Designed in collaboration with expert academics, program content is industry-relevant and up-to-date. In the laboratory medicine area we offer the Professional Certificate in Practice Education and Supervision.

World-class partners for a world-class university

We are a globally connected university with over 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement.

SA Health logo

Your career

As a medical laboratory scientist, you'll support clinicians in the diagnosis, management, treatment of disease and develop improved tests for disease detection.

Medical laboratory scientists are employed in a range of areas, including:

  • diagnostic pathology
  • histopathology
  • forensic science
  • immunology
  • virology
  • transfusion science
  • haematology
  • cytology
  • clinical biochemistry
  • medical microbiology
  • research
  • product manufacturing
  • public health and health management
  • veterinary medicine
  • universities and other educational institutions 
  • government policy
Where can my interest in science take me?

View our guide on Science Careers for more information.

Your Career

Global networks

We are a globally connected university, our staff and students come from over 90 countries. We have more than 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement. Our students have completed placements and internships with organisations like:

  • SA Pathology
  • Healthscope
  • Clinpath Laboratories
  • Abbott Pathology
  • Forensic Science SA

Industry facts

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To November 2026, healthcare and social assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth in Australia – an increase of 301,000 jobs.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

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Healthcare and social assistance has been the primary provider of new jobs in the Australian labour market since the 1990s.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

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Employment for medical laboratory scientists is projected to increase by 5.6% by November 2026.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

Ask UniSA

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What others are saying

I did a six month placement at SA Pathology’s Whyalla Laboratory and the first thing I noticed was how broad the work was. We were doing everything from basic blood testing to liver function, kidney function and transfusion analysis where we match blood products to patients.

Fiona Norris

Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine

Fiona Norris

Fiona Norris

Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine

My mother did this degree when she went to University and we’ve always had discussions about science and biology which really fuelled my passion to pursue this field.

Madeleine Jovanovich

Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine

Madeleine Jovanovich

Madeleine Jovanovich

Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine

My personal interests in biochemistry and genetics led me to study this degree. After completing placements at SA Pathology, I was lucky enough to gain full-time employment in the field of genetics and molecular pathology as a Medical Scientist and as an accredited parentage reporter.

Mike Attwell

Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine
Medical Scientist | SA Pathology

UniSA_29122430B (2).jpg

Mike Attwell

Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine
Medical Scientist | SA Pathology

Why study at UniSA?

As one of the most innovative universities in Australia and Asia, there are many reasons to study with us. Here are just three:

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Accessible, helpful and flexible

We have six campuses, a 24/7 online learning environment, and we offer flexible study options like online and evening courses.

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Graduate success

UniSA is South Australia's number one university for graduate careers.*
*ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019-21 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.

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A five star university

Five stars for research, employability, teaching, facilities, internationalisation, inclusiveness and innovation*
*2022 QS Stars Ratings