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National code: MSL50118

Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Pathology)

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Overview About this course

Enter the evolving and vital medical laboratory world and gain the skills to become a laboratory technician or officer. Test for medical diagnoses, contribute to important medical and scientific studies, and help people and doctors make informed health decisions.

This course is superseded. You can still enrol in this course, and you will be contacted if you need to transition into the next version when it is available.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

  • Process and interpret data

  • Use laboratory application software

  • Analyse data and report results

  • Maintain and calibrate instruments and equipment

  • Monitor the quality of test results and data

Course outcomes

Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

  • Experience working in a real laboratory on high value pathology tasks

  • Industry networks and connections

  • The skills to practise unsupervised as a qualified laboratory technician in the medical field

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

  • Successful completion of the Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques as evidenced by a copy of your transcript or certificate, or

  • Successful completion of the Certificate IV, or higher level qualification, in a relevant science discipline, as evidenced by a copy of your transcript or certificate, or

  • Equivalent skills and knowledge in a relevant science discipline to any of the above qualifications, as outlined in your resume

  • This course is also offered as a traineeship. Enquire today to check the eligibility requirements

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

  • An intermediate level of physical fitness to complete course tasks in the laboratory and outdoor settings

  • An awareness that you may be working with food allergens and other actively biological material

TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

Pathways Future career and study options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like: technical officer pathology, biotechnology technical officer, food laboratory technical officer and medical laboratory technician.

Study pathways

Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

Previous study 2 Courses

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

Further study 0 Courses

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

The Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Pathology) does not have any post-graduate courses.

Related study 2 Courses

Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

Your experience counts

At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.

Units Units taught in this course

Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Pathology) qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 15 units of competency, including 5 core and 10 speciality units.

Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.

  • Monitor the quality of test results and data MSL935007

  • Maintain and calibrate instruments and equipment MSL934004

  • Analyse data and report results MSL925004

  • Use laboratory application software MSL924004

TAFE NSW services Facilities and support

TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.

  • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service

  • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support

  • TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)

  • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service

  • TAFE NSW Libraries

  • Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential

  • Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home

  • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

  • Student associations – get social with our student community

Delivery options Find a location to enrol

On campus, online and blended study environments; at TAFE NSW your learning works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites, compare courses and discover what works for you.