How to become a medical laboratory scientist
Medical laboratory scientists are the people behind big medical breakthroughs, from detecting infections to diagnosing chronic illness. Studying biomedical science builds the lab skills and clinical knowledge you need to step into this essential role in healthcare.
Ever wondered how doctors know exactly what’s going on beneath the surface, from identifying viruses to diagnosing blood disorders? That’s where medical laboratory scientists come in. They’re the trained professionals running the tests, analysing results and helping healthcare teams make informed decisions.
If you’re interested in biology, fascinated by the human body, and want a career that blends science with purpose, this could be your path. And yes, you get to wear a lab coat!
A career as a medical laboratory scientist often starts with a degree in biomedical science but at Swinburne, there’s more than one way to get your gloves on.
Whether you begin with a UniLink Diploma, dive straight into a bachelor’s, or level up with a master’s, Swinburne offers flexible study pathways designed to suit your goals (and your schedule).
At Swinburne, we don't just teach theory
Our courses don’t just teach theory, they get you lab-ready. You’ll build clinical and analytical skills, explore health across the human lifespan, and get hands-on with modern lab techniques in practical classes that reflect real healthcare settings.
Because at Swinburne, medical laboratory science isn’t something you just study. It’s something you do.
Ready to find the path that fits? Let’s get you closer to the lab coat life.
3 steps to become a medical laboratory scientist
To become a medical laboratory scientist, you’ll need three things:
- the right qualification
- practical experience
- industry connections.
Each step builds your skills and confidence to move from the classroom into the lab.
1. Get a qualification
Bachelor degrees
There are two main degree options if you’re thinking about a career in biomedical science: the Bachelor of Biomedical Science or the Bachelor of Health Science, Majoring in Biomedical Science.
The Bachelor of Biomedical Science is a focused, tech-powered degree that dives into the science of health and disease. You’ll build practical lab skills from the start, with hands-on learning and work-integrated experiences — using tools like virtual reality, digital dissection and MRI technology.
Prefer a broader health lens? The Bachelor of Health Science (majoring in Biomedical Science) covers similar subjects in a wider context. You’ll explore areas like anatomy, pathology and genomics, backed by placements that bring classroom learning into real healthcare settings.
In both degrees, you’ll study areas such as immunology and infection, biochemistry, and genes and genomics, the kind of science that explains how the body works and how disease is detected. You’ll also train with the same tools and techniques used in clinical diagnostics and medical research, including advanced imaging and VR.
You can shape your degree to match your interests and career goals. Add a co-major in a related or contrasting area with over 40 options including biotechnology, neuroscience, data science, and ethics and technology.
Bachelor of Biomedical Science
- Build a strong understanding of human biology and biomedical science that sets you up for careers in healthcare, research, pharmaceuticals or biotech.
- Your immersion into medical science starts in your first semester with BIO10010: Introduction to Biomedical Science. This core unit lays the foundation to tackle real-world health problems by giving you early exposure to how cells, organs and whole-body systems work in health and disease.
- Learn lab and data analysis skills, using tools like virtual reality and digital dissection to explore complex health problems.
- Put your skills into practice through work integrated learning, with opportunities to gain experience and make connections in the health industry.
- Graduate with the confidence to communicate science clearly, think ethically and keep learning as the health industry evolves.
Bachelor of Health Science, Majoring in Biomedical Science
- Study a mix of core and specialised subjects that prepare you for roles across the fast-growing health industry, from medical research to clinical science and health policy.
- Work on industry-relevant projects and take part in work integrated learning to build real experience and strengthen your CV.
- Build confidence in professional and ethical decision-making and develop the skills you’ll need to thrive in multidisciplinary health teams.
- Use this degree as a launchpad for further study or to grow your career in health, science or a related field.
You can also explore other ways to tailor your biomedical science journey. The Bachelor of Health Science is available as a professional degree, which includes a guaranteed 12 month paid work placement to help you graduate with real industry experience.
Or, if you’re keen to broaden your skill set, consider a double degree combining health science with science, applied innovation, or business in just four years of full-time study.
Postgraduate study
Master of Health Science (Research)
- Immerse yourself in a supervised research project in your chosen area of health, building deep knowledge and practical expertise.
- Strengthen skills in project management, data analysis, critical thinking and decision-making as preparation for leadership roles in health research.
- Take advantage of internship and industry engagement opportunities to boost your impact and grow your professional network.
- Complete a substantial research thesis that can set you up for PhD study or advanced roles in government, consultancy or the not-for-profit sector.
- Graduate ready to design and carry out cutting-edge research that supports innovation and evidence-based practice in the health sciences.
Pathway courses
Diploma of Health Science UniLink
- Build a strong foundation in health science with research skills, critical thinking and the use of technology to prepare for further study or entry-level roles.
- Learn in smaller classes with personalised support that helps you grow your academic and language skills, especially if you're an international student.
- Fast-track your pathway into a health career by transitioning into a range of bachelor degrees with advanced standing.
- Develop professional and ethical behaviours, communication skills and an understanding of global health issues that impact individuals and communities.
- Set yourself up for future roles like medical researcher, health policy developer, healthcare consultant or health communications officer after further study.
Looking to explore other ways to study health and science?
You might be interested in the Bachelor of Science with a major in Biotechnology, or the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) with a major in Biomedical. These degrees are ideal if you’re curious about how scientific innovation shapes the future of healthcare.
2. Gain experience
With a Swinburne’s biomedical science and health science courses, you’ll spend time in advanced labs, get hands-on with the latest tech, and tackle projects that mirror the kind of work you’ll do in the health industry.
With built-in work integrated learning, you’ll apply what you learn in practical settings and graduate with more than just a degree. You’ll have the skills, confidence and experience to step into a job or take your studies further.
Bachelor degree work experiences
Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Work integrated learning
- You'll take part in industry experience as part of your degree, giving you real-world insight before you graduate.
- Throughout your degree, you’ll take part in multiple work experience and Integrated professional placement opportunities that give you real-world insight and industry connections.
- In your final year, you’ll take on a Biomedical Science Project (BIO30011), where you’ll be exposed to a real-world biomedical problem, giving you the chance to investigate, analyse and apply your skills to a challenge faced in clinical or research settings.
Professional placements with leading health organisations
- You’ll have the chance to work with top institutions like Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Hands on learning with cutting edge tech
- Train in advanced labs using virtual reality, digital anatomy and real biomedical tools used in the health industry.
Bachelor of Health Science, Majoring in Biomedical Science
Guaranteed work integrated learning
- You’ll take part in Swinburne’s Work Integrated Learning program as a core part of your degree, gaining real industry experience that sets you up for the workplace.
Professional placements and industry projects
- You’ll have the opportunity to complete placements or contribute to projects with leading organisations like Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Royal Children’s Hospital and GlaxoSmithKline.
Hands on learning with advanced tech
- You’ll build practical biomedical skills in campus labs using tools like bioinformatics software, virtual reality and digital dissection tables.
Student-led projects and research opportunities
- You can take the lead on projects that explore real health issues through units like the Health Science Project, often with links to industry.
Assessments designed for the real world
- You’ll work on practical tasks and team-based projects that reflect the kind of problem-solving, communication and collaboration expected in the health industry.
Postgraduate experiences
Master of Health Science, Research
- At the heart of this degree is a 20,000-word thesis on a health science topic of your choice. It’s your chance to dive deep into a subject you’re passionate about and develop original research with real-world relevance.
Internship opportunities while you study
- Completing a higher degree by research, you’ll have access to internship opportunities that connect your academic work with real industry experience.
Supervised, independent research
- You’ll take on a major research project in your chosen field, with expert guidance to help you build advanced practical and analytical skills.
Progress check-ins and research training
- Regular reviews and workshops will keep your research on track and support your growth as a researcher.
Research that aligns with industry needs
- You can focus your research in areas like psychology, neuroscience, data science or health professions, where your work can make a real-world impact.
Skills for wherever you want to go next
- You’ll graduate with experience in project management, data analysis and decision-making, ready for careers in academia, government, industry or consultancy.
UniLink diploma experiences
UniLink Diploma of Health Science
Build practical skills from day one
- You’ll take on projects and assessments that reflect real industry and university expectations, helping you build the research, analysis and communication skills needed for further study in health sciences.
Work independently and as part of a team
- Through a mix of group assignments and individual tasks, you’ll grow your confidence in both collaboration and self-directed learning a clear pathway to further studies in health science.
Guaranteed entry into undergraduate studies
- Successful completion sets you up for a smooth transition into the 2nd year of the Bachelor of Health Science, with credit for completed units and the practical experience to hit the ground running.
3. Network with peers and industry professionals
At Swinburne, studying biomedical science means learning from the people around you as much as from the course itself. You’ll be part of a supportive, tight-knit community, connecting with peers, academics and industry partners who’ll challenge your thinking, back your growth and help you find your place in the health science world.
You can join organisations like the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS) and the Australian Society for Medical Research.
Course exploration
Follow your curiosity and explore where a biomedical science degree could take you.
How long will it take to become a medical laboratory scientist?
Swinburne’s biomedical science courses are built with real life in mind because flexibility is most likely in your DNA. Whether you’re diving in full-time or fitting study around other commitments, you can shape a path that works for you.
A UniLink diploma takes 8 months full-time, bachelor degrees run for three to four years, and postgrad study typically takes two. There’s flexibility at every stage, so you can find the rhythm that suits your own biological clock.
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UniLink diploma pathway courses
8 months full-time equivalent
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Postgraduate degrees
1-2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Quick facts about medical laboratory scientist careers
Average salary
$85,396k1
Job growth
32.9%2
Job satisfaction
3.6 stars3
What skills do medical laboratory scientists need?
Technical skills:
- use of state-of-the-art medical equipment
- precision in conducting and recording tests
- comply with regulatory and quality standards.
Analytical skills:
- examine and interpret laboratory samples
- identify anomalies in test data
- develop solutions for complex health problems.
Communication skills:
- strong verbal skills for collaborating with colleagues
- written communication skills for report writing
- time management for managing and prioritising workload.
Duration:
3-4 years
Entry requirements:
VCE, relevant Unilink diploma, TAFE course or similar
Career outcomes:
- medical laboratory scientist
- biomedical laboratory technician
- clinical trials coordinator.
Recommended courses:
Future study pathways:
Duration:
2 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Entry requirements:
Recognised three-year bachelor degree with minimum 65% in final year units of study.
Career outcomes:
- research scientist
- academic
- entrepreneur.
Recommended courses:
Why study biomedical science at Swinburne?
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State-of-the-art technology
Immersive learning using virtual reality and digital dissection
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Work Integrated Learning opportunities
Built into every course
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VTAC appliations
Applications for undergraduate course combinations can be made using the VTAC codes listed above. Please refer to the VTAC website for more information on how to apply and key dates.
Frequently asked questions
The Bachelor of Biomedical Science is the straight-up biomedical science option. You’ll get into lab work and specialist subjects from your very first semester. It’s a great fit if you already know this is the direction you want to take.
The Bachelor of Health Science gives you more flexibility. You’ll cover a broad mix of health topics before choosing your major like biomedical science along the way. Ideal if you’re interested in health but still want time to explore your options.
Yes, you can. If you finish the UniLink Diploma of Health Science, you’ll have a pathway straight into second year of the Bachelor of Health Science or the Bachelor of Biomedical Science. Just make sure to double-check the entry requirements for your course and have a chat with a student advisor to confirm everything lines up.
Both the Bachelor of Biomedical Science and the Bachelor of Health Science include subjects like statistics and research methods. But don’t stress. If you’ve been accepted into the course, you’ve got what it takes and you’ll be supported to build your skills as you go.
That depends on your qualification. Career paths might include roles like medical laboratory scientist, clinical trials coordinator, biomedical lab technician or even academic research. There’s a wide mix of options depending on your level of study and where you want to take it.
You can get in touch with our course advisors by email, call 1300 794 628 or book a 1-1 consultation.
Or check out our frequently asked questions about the Bachelor of Biomedical Science.
Medical laboratory scientists are essential to modern medicine. They run tests on blood, tissue and other body fluids to help diagnose infections, monitor chronic conditions and screen for genetic disorders.
At Swinburne, you’ll build the applied skills employers value — ready to work with real clinical tools, technologies and data from day one.
Your work might include:
- using advanced lab equipment
- analysing samples and spotting abnormalities
- applying clinical knowledge across immunology and biochemistry
- collaborating with researchers and clinicians
- supporting discoveries in health and disease.
Graduates find roles in hospitals, private labs, pathology services, research centres and biotech. With demand growing across Australia, now is a good time to explore your study options.
Sources
Learn more about our biomedical science courses
Look beneath the surface, compare your options and find the course that makes sense, right down to the last cell.