Roles & Careers
Within the profession of medical laboratory science you can gain employment as a registered medical laboratory scientist or a registered medical laboratory technician.
MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTISTS
Medical laboratory scientists play an important role in disease diagnosis and the monitoring of treatment. They are responsible for most laboratory testing performed on samples sent to the diagnostic medical laboratory by medical practitioners.
The modern diagnostic medical laboratory has many automated instruments which require an understanding of the method and theory, how to troubleshoot problems and how to interpret laboratory results. In addition medical laboratory scientists interact with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other health practitioners to explain test results and to answer questions about laboratory tests and testing, etc. They are also trained to recommend additional testing.
To become a medical laboratory scientist you need to have a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science degree which is offered by the Auckland University of Technology, Massey University, and the University of Otago. Alternatively you may have a substantially equivalent qualification that is of at least four years tertiary study in the area of medical laboratory science and includes practical clinical experience.
To practise as a medical laboratory scientist in New Zealand you must be registered with the Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand and hold a current practising certificate.
Medical laboratory scientists are employed mainly in hospital and community diagnostic medical laboratories, medical research and animal health laboratories. Other career options include forensic science, the laboratory supply business, teaching and research in the sciences.
MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIANS
Medical laboratory technicians work under the direction of a registered medical laboratory scientist or other relevant registered health practitioner (such as a pathologist) and undertake a variety of laboratory tasks including:
Preparation of slides of blood and other fluids for examination under a microscope
Performing tests on blood, body fluids and body tissues
Examining cultures for bacteria that can cause disease
Testing blood for blood groups and match blood for transfusion
Performing antibiotic sensitivity testing
Follow set procedures when performing tests
Operating and maintaining laboratory testing equipment
Collecting blood samples and body fluids from patients for laboratory testing
To become a medical laboratory technician you must undertake a course of study involving laboratory-based training for a minimum period of two years at the end of which the trainee sits an examination offered by the New Zealand Institute of Medical Laboratory Science. Upon successful completion of one of three qualification options, the trainee can apply to the Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand for registration as a medical laboratory technician, or a medical laboratory technician (phlebotomy only), or a medical laboratory technician (donor technician only).
To practise as a medical laboratory technician in New Zealand you must be registered with the Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand and hold a current practising certificate. Medical laboratory technicians work in hospital and community diagnostic medical laboratories.
