Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques

Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques - MSL40122

VOCATIONAL

Gain vital skills in micro-organisms, pathology and genetic processes when you train to become a lab technician.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

Fee finder

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$20,250 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Gain the skills you need to become a technician in laboratories in hospitals, research institutes, pharmaceutical companies, private pathology and testing laboratories.

Using the latest industry-standard equipment, you’ll build the knowledge and skills required to work under supervision to:

  • examine micro-organisms or changes in cells and tissues
  • perform analysis of biological and chemical samples
  • record and interpret data using laboratory software
  • prepare and perform tests on food materials
  • perform basic histological procedures on plant or animal tissue.

You will also benefit from the opportunity to gain hands-on experience. Upon completion of this certificate, you may go on to work in food and materials testing, diagnostic or educational laboratories. Alternatively, you could pursue the Diploma of Laboratory Technology or other further study.

Why study laboratory techniques at RMIT?

State-of-the-art facilities

Learn on the latest industry-standard equipment in our cutting-edge laboratories.

Industry links

Enjoy strong connections to private and hospital pathology laboratories, biotechnology, educational and research laboratories.

Smaller classes

Study in groups of up to 30 students, maximising your interaction with staff members.

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Are you ready for a future in health?

Discover a rewarding career and seize your opportunities for professional development with a qualification from RMIT. 

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

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Learning and teaching

Your classes will be small groups of up to 30 students to maximise interaction between students and staff.

Our labs have the latest industry standard equipment and there's ample opportunity for you to gain hands-on experience.

RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches, including face-to-face tutorials, practical laboratories, presentations and group discussions. You'll have access to online resources through the student portal.

You will be expected to purchase a laboratory coat, safety glasses, powder-free nitrile gloves, permanent marker and a scientific calculator. These items are available from the RMIT shop or other suppliers.

Assessment methods

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes tests, presentations, group projects, laboratory reports and demonstration of laboratory skills.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

This certificate has strong links with industry (including private and hospital pathology laboratories, biotechnology and research laboratories).

It features student/staff visits to laboratories and comprehensive input from the Industry Advisory Committee.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this certificate and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

In this certificate, you will complete four core subjects and 12 electives that will build strong foundational skills in laboratory techniques.

You'll develop core knowledge in:

  • processing and interpreting data
  • maintaining and calibrating instruments and equipment
  • applying quality system and continuous improvement systems
  • maintaining laboratory or field workspace safety.

In your electives, you'll undertake a broad range of study that will cover topics such as using laboratory application software and performing microscopic examinations, biological procedures, tissue cultures, food, histological and chemical tests.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
Program code: C4433
National curriculum code: MSL40122
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
City Campus
1 year
C4433
112039J
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year
Plan code
C4433
CRICOS
112039J
View plan
Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
City Campus
1 year
C4433
112039J
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year
Plan code
C4433
CRICOS
112039J
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Graduates work as laboratory assistants or technicians in laboratories and provide technical support for scientists working in:

  • pathology laboratories (private and public)
  • educational laboratories
  • food and materials testing
  • pharmaceutical testing.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

There are no minimum academic entry requirements for this program. Applicants must meet the University entry requirements for this program. It is recommended that participants have some prior experience in Chemistry or Biology.

This qualification may experience high demand with limited places. Therefore, applications will be assessed in the order they are received for each available intake until all places are filled. For your best chance at admission into this program, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

Additional information

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Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.

By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:

  • understand more about the program
  • determine if you may need support during your studies
  • make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you

If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.

To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service

The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 50% (see calculator below).

Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.

Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.

Entry score calculator
Minimum Score Required

Don’t meet the requirements?

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 5.5 (with no individual band below 5.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 50 (with minimum of 5 in Reading, 5 in Listening, 14 in Speaking and 15 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 42 (with no communication band less than 36)
  • C1 Advanced: minimum of 162 with no less than 154 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways

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Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

Explore the pathway finder
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You must meet the entry requirements to gain access to this course. Please contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the courses below.

For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.

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You can gain entry to this certificate from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

When you successfully complete the Certificate IV of Laboratory Techniques, you are guaranteed entry
to one of the following RMIT programs:

Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry to other RMIT vocational study or undergraduate programs.

Fees

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Tuition fees

The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.

  • 2025 government subsidised place (with concession): AU$1,150* per annum
  • 2025 government subsidised place: AU$5,750* per annum
  • 2025 full-fee place: AU$17,000* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Eligibility Exemption criteria

**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility

Payments and refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession or exemption if you are in a Victorian Government subsidised place and you meet the eligibility criteria.

If your application for a fee concession is approved, you will be charged 20% of the standard government subsidised tuition fee for your program. You will also be charged a lower rate on your student services and amenities fee (SSAF).

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information