Diploma of Laboratory Technology

Course Overview

JobTrainer eligible course

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Average Course Fee: $10421

$10421 is the average course fee entered on My Skills by 10 training provider(s).

Not all training providers enter this information on My Skills. Contact each training provider directly for further information.

Average Course Duration: 1 Year

1 Year is the average course duration entered on My Skills by 8 training provider(s).

A guide to durations can be found at Australian Qualifications Framework. Not all training providers enter this information on My Skills. Contact each training provider directly for further information.

Australian Apprenticeships

This course is available as an Australian Apprenticeship. The fee and duration of an Australian Apprenticeship may differ in each state or territory – view more details.

Description

This qualification reflects the role of workers who apply a range of laboratory technologies to conduct scientific-technical tests in most industry sectors, utilising specialist technical knowledge. They conduct a wide range of routine and complex, specialised tests where atypical samples may be involved and the instrumentation used has a wide range of operating variables. Workers communicate sample requirements to other personnel and may liaise with suppliers to troubleshoot product non-conformance. They may also demonstrate methods to others and train team members to collect samples and conduct basic tests reliably.

Workers contribute to the modification of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and enterprise methods when necessary, they may also have a role in the planning of schedules and monitoring of resources in their work area. Work is carried out according to established procedures, often under the management of laboratory or quality managers, or scientific/medical professionals.

No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication.

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Student Outcomes

Students who graduate from VET courses are surveyed approximately 6 months after they have completed their training. For more information on the statistics provided in this section, including the different levels (course, field of education, all fields of education) of data available please select the Learn more button below.

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Satisfied with Training

Percentage of graduates of this course who were satisfied with the training.

Improved Work Status

Percentage of graduates in the Natural and Physical Sciences field who started/expanded a business or who have a new job, more highly skilled work, a promotion or higher pay (Diploma).

Salary

The middle of the range of salaries earned by graduates in the Natural and Physical Sciences field starting their first ever full-time job after graduating (Diploma).

Jobs

Graduates of this course are most often employed as:

8.2%

Labourers

4.4%

Community and Personal Service Workers

Industries

Graduates of the Natural and Physical Sciences field (Diploma) are most often employed in:

27.7%

Health Care and Social Assistance

25.9%

Professional, Scientific and Technical Services

11.4%

Manufacturing

All statistics are supplied by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research.

Financial Assistance

The federal, state and territory governments provide financial incentives and support for vocational education and training students to help them gain the skills required to secure and maintain rewarding and sustainable employment.

There are programs for all kinds of students; apprentices and trainees, new job starters, those re-entering the workforce, retraining for a new job or upgrading their skills for an existing job.

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JobTrainer

If you are leaving school or looking for work, you may be able to study a free or low-fee course through JobTrainer.

For information on courses and occupations that may be available in your region, please select your state or territory.

Subsidised Training

The following highlighted state and territory governments dedicate funds to reduce or, in some cases, fully cover tuition fees for VET students who wish to study this course. Please check with your preferred training provider to see if you are eligible.
Select a state or territory for more information.

VET Student Loans

This course is eligible for a VET Student Loan from the Australian Government to assist students with paying tuition fees. The maximum amount that can be loaned for this course is $16,077.

The initial debt amount (including the loan fee, if applicable) plus indexation must be paid back once the loan recipient starts earning over a certain amount. The compulsory repayment threshold for the 2019-20 income year is $45,881.

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Career Information

Career development is the ongoing process of managing your life, learning and work. It involves developing the skills and knowledge that enable you to plan and make informed decisions about your education, training and career choices.

Laboratory Operations Career Pathway

Diploma of Laboratory Technology is in the Natural and Physical Sciences Field of Education. For more information about this kind of career, you can explore Laboratory Operations.

Stream

Cross Industry Stream

Certificate II

Certificate III

Certificate IV

Diploma

Advanced Diploma

Water Treatment Laboratory Supervisor

Note: Information provided as a guide only. Chart developed by the Australian Apprenticeships & Traineeships Information Service (aapathways.com.au). Information in this chart may be reproduced with acknowledgement of its source: "The Australian Apprenticeships & Traineeships Information Service (aapathways.com.au/jpc) funded by the Australian Government Department of Education and Training".

Australian Apprenticeships

Australian Apprenticeships (also known as apprenticeships and traineeships) combine work with training in a nationally recognised qualification. Australian Apprenticeships are available to anyone of working age and offer opportunities to learn new skills and be paid in over 500 different jobs.

This qualification is available as an Australian Apprenticeship in the states and territories highlighted in blue on the map. For more information go to the Australian Apprenticeships Pathways website.

Australian Apprenticeships Pathways

Units & Packaging

Total number of units = 15

5 core units

10 elective units, consisting of:

at least 7 units from any of the elective lists below, including at least 5 units coded at 5000 or above

up to 3 units from any endorsed Training Package or accredited course – these units must be relevant to the work outcome.

Any combination of electives that meets the rules above can be selected for the award of the MSL50118 Diploma of Laboratory Technology. Where appropriate, electives may be packaged to provide a qualification with a specialisation.

Packaging for each specialisation:

At least 6 Group A electives must be selected for award of Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Pathology)

At least 6 Group B electives must be selected for award of the Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Chemistry)

At least 6 Group C electives must be selected for award of the Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Construction)

At least 6 Group D electives must be selected for award of the Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Food)

At least 6 Group E electives must be selected for award of the Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Biotechnology).

Core units

Unit code	Unit title	Prerequisites
MSL924003	Process and interpret data
MSL924004	Use laboratory application software
MSL925004	Analyse data and report results	MSL924003 Process and interpret data
MSL934004	Maintain and calibrate instruments and equipment
MSL935007	Monitor the quality of test results and data	MSL924003 Process and interpret data

Elective units

Group A electives – Pathology specialisation

Unit Code	Unit Title	Prerequisites
MSL954003	Relate anatomical and physiological features to laboratory samples
MSL974021	Perform biological procedures
MSL975028	Apply advanced embedding and microtomy skills	MSL975029 Perform histological tests
MSL975029	Perform histological tests	MSL973019 Perform microscopic examination MSL954003 Relate anatomical and physiological features to laboratory samples
MSL975030	Perform immunohaematological tests
MSL975033	Perform tissue and cell culture techniques	MSL973016 Perform aseptic techniques
MSL975034	Perform molecular biology tests and procedures	MSL973016 Perform aseptic techniques MSL974021 Perform biological procedures
MSL975035	Perform microbiological tests	MSL973016 Perform aseptic techniques MSL973019 Perform microscopic examination
MSL975036	Perform haematological tests	MSL973019 Perform microscopic examination
MSL975037	Perform chemical pathology tests	MSL974021 Perform biological procedures

Group B electives – Chemistry specialisation

Unit Code	Unit Title	Prerequisites
MSL925003	Determine measurements of uncertainty
MSL935006	Assist in the maintenance of reference materials
MSL974019	Perform chemical tests and procedures
MSL975040	Apply routine chromatographic techniques	MSL974019 Perform chemical tests and procedures
MSL975046	Perform complex tests to measure chemical properties of materials	MSL974019 Perform chemical tests and procedures
MSL975047	Apply complex instrumental techniques	MSL974019 Perform chemical tests and procedures
MSL975048	Apply routine spectrometric techniques	MSL974019 Perform chemical tests and procedures
MSL975049	Apply routine electrometric techniques	MSL974019 Perform chemical tests and procedures

Group C electives – Construction specialisation

Unit Code	Unit Title	Prerequisites
MSL925003	Determine measurements of uncertainty
MSL954004	Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan
MSL974016	Perform physical and mechanical tests
MSL974018	Conduct geotechnical site investigations
MSL974026	Perform tests to determine the properties of construction materials	MSL973022 Conduct laboratory-based acceptance tests for construction materials
MSL974028	Classify soils	MSL973021 Conduct field-based acceptance tests for construction materials MSL973022 Conduct laboratory-based acceptance tests for construction materials
MSL975031	Supervise sampling, inspections and testing at construction sites	MSL954004 Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan MSL973021 Conduct field based acceptance tests for construction materials
MSL975044	Perform complex tests to measure engineering properties of materials	MSL973022 Conduct laboratory-based acceptance tests for construction materials MSL974026 Perform tests to determine the properties of construction materials
MSL975051	Supervise geotechnical site investigations	MSL974018 Conduct geotechnical site investigations
MSL975055	Classify building sites	MSL974028 Classify soils

Group D electives – Food specialisation

Unit Code	Unit Title	Prerequisites
FBPFST4004	Perform microbiological procedures in the food industry
MSL934005	Contribute to the ongoing development of HACCP plans
MSL974019	Perform chemical tests and procedures
MSL974020	Perform food tests
MSL975032	Provide input to production trials
MSL975038	Conduct sensory analysis
MSL975040	Apply routine chromatographic techniques	MSL974019 Perform chemical tests and procedures
MSL975048	Apply routine spectrometric techniques	MSL974019 Perform chemical tests and procedures
MSL975050	Perform food analyses	MSL974020 Perform food tests

Group E electives – Biotechnology specialisation

Unit Code	Unit Title	Prerequisites
MSL974019	Perform chemical tests and procedures
MSL975033	Perform tissue and cell culture techniques	MSL973016 Perform aseptic techniques
MSL975034	Perform molecular biology tests and procedures	MSL973016 Perform aseptic techniques MSL974021 Perform biological procedures
MSL975035	Perform microbiological tests	MSL973016 Perform aseptic techniques MSL973019 Perform microscopic examination
MSL975039	Apply electrophoretic techniques	MSL974019 Perform chemical tests and procedures
MSL975040	Apply routine chromatographic techniques	MSL974019 Perform chemical tests and procedures
MSL975048	Apply routine spectrometric techniques	MSL974019 Perform chemical tests and procedures

Other electives

Unit Code	Unit Title	Prerequisites
MSL904002	Perform standard calibrations
MSL905004	Perform non-standard calibrations	MSL904002 Perform standard calibrations
MSL905005	Create or modify calibration procedures	MSL905004 Perform non-standard calibrations
MSL915003	Provide information to customers
MSL915004	Schedule laboratory work for a small team
MSL916006	Develop and maintain laboratory documentation
MSL916007	Manage and develop teams
MSL916008	Supervise laboratory operations in work or functional area
MSL916009	Maintain registration and statutory or legal compliance in work or functional area
MSL916010	Manage complex projects
MSL935005	Authorise the issue of test results	MSL925004 Analyse data and report results
MSL935006	Assist in the maintenance of reference materials
MSL974022	Undertake environmental field-based monitoring
MSL975041	Perform fire assay techniques	MSL973023 Perform fire pouring techniques
MSL975042	Design and supervise complex environmental field surveys	MSL974022 Undertake environmental field-based monitoring
MSL975052	Locate, record and collect forensic samples
MSMENV472	Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices
MSL974030	Process body fluid specimens using a point of care testing device

Training Providers

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USI

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Labour Market

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Course Overview

Student Outcomes

Satisfied with Training

Improved Work Status

Salary

Jobs

8.2%

4.4%

Industries

27.7%

25.9%

11.4%

Financial Assistance

JobTrainer

Subsidised Training

VET Student Loans

Career Information

Laboratory Operations Career Pathway

Stream

Certificate II

Certificate III

Certificate IV

Diploma

Advanced Diploma

Australian Apprenticeships

Units & Packaging

Training Providers

Need help choosing?

USI

Labour Market