Diploma of Laboratory Technology

Diploma of Laboratory Technology - MSL50122

VOCATIONAL

Delve into the world of science and develop the knowledge and skills to become a laboratory 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
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$21,500 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Build upon your foundation of scientific knowledge, develop a deeper knowledge of scientific principles and wider range of laboratory skills.

As a laboratory technician, you’ll be able to conduct tests for pathologists, biochemists, clinical chemists, pharmacologists, veterinarians, microbiologists and bacteriologists. You’ll also be able to apply your knowledge of living systems to work toward solving important issues, such as controlling disease and making the environment safer.

You will provide technical support to scientists working in research, production and testing roles. Under supervision, you’ll get to examine changes in cells and tissues, perform chemical analyses of blood and other body fluids, and assist with research. 

With this qualification, you’ll be able to work in hospitals, research institutes, pharmaceutical companies, private pathology laboratories, commercial laboratories and government departments.

Why study laboratory technology at RMIT?

State-of-the-art facilities

Work with the latest industry-standard equipment, gaining plenty of hands-on, practical experience.

Industry placements

Take the opportunity to gain professional experience within a laboratory before you graduate.

Professional recognition

Join the Australian Society for Microbiology, AusBiotech, and the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Details

As a qualified laboratory technician, you'll have the skills to conduct tests for a variety of science and health professionals, and use your knowledge to help people and the environment.

In this course, you will develop the transferable skills that will give you career options in a range of science and biomedical settings.

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Learning and teaching

Your classes will be small groups to help maximise your time with teachers and staff.

Our labs have the latest industry-standard equipment, and classes are structured to give you plenty of opportunity to gain hands-on, practical experience.

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

Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes, knowledge tests, presentations, group projects, research projects, laboratory reports and practical skills tests. 

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.

Students can choose to undertake industry placement as one of their elective subjects, giving you the opportunity to gain professional experience within a laboratory before you graduate.

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

In this diploma, you will complete five core subjects and 13 electives that will build specialised vocational skills in laboratory techniques.

You'll develop core knowledge in:

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

In your electives, you'll undertake specialised courses such as haematology, microbiology, chemical pathology, molecular biology, analysing data and environmental sustainability. You will also be given a choice to study either histological tests or electrophoretic techniques.

You will undertake 80 hours of work placement with an industry laboratory under supervision. You will be expected to self-source your placement with guidance and assistance from our placement coordinator. This will ensure you will be prepared for the workplace. Many students are offered employment from their placement.

Course structure

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

Diploma of Laboratory Technology
Program code: C5434
National curriculum code: MSL50122
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Diploma of Laboratory Technology
City Campus
1 year full-time
C5434
112044A
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
C5434
CRICOS
112044A
View plan
Diploma of Laboratory Technology
City Campus
1 year full-time
C5434
112044A
Location
City Campus
Duration
1 year full-time
Plan code
C5434
CRICOS
112044A
View plan

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

Career

As a graduate of this course, you’ll be qualified to work as a technician in pathology and research laboratories, providing services and support for diagnostic screening, medical research, vaccine production, agriculture, commercial plant propagation, microbiology, and more.

The course has strong links with industry (including private pathology laboratories, hospital pathology laboratories research and testing laboratories) through the student work placement, regular student/staff visits to laboratories and the Industry Advisory Committee (IAC). Laboratories actively recruit RMIT student graduates.

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Graduates are eligible for membership with the Australian Society for Microbiology, AusBiotech, and the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists.

Entry requirements and admissions

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

Entry to this qualification is open to individuals who:

  • hold the MSL40122 or MSL40118 Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques.

OR

  • hold a Certificate IV or higher-level qualification in a related field with Chemistry and Biology.

OR

  • can provide evidence of technical laboratory skills, knowledge and employment experience with Chemistry and Biology. Evidence may include, but is not limited to:
    • a detailed CV.
    • a detailed personal statement.
    • a Statement of Attainment or transcript of results for previous study in a related field.

Applicants applying on a basis of entry other than successful completion of MSL40122 or MSL40118 Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques from RMIT may be required to complete one or more prerequisite units which will extend the total duration of their program. Further information is provided at the time of enrolment.

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 the Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques at RMIT University (or equivalent).

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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This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.

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 with credit, provided ONPS7816C Perform histological tests (MSL975057) has been successfully completed.

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

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

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You are guaranteed entry to the Diploma of Laboratory Technology when you successfully complete the Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques.

Alternatively, you can gain entry to this diploma 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.

You are guaranteed entry to one of the following programs with two semesters of credit* (equivalent to 96 credit points) when you successfully complete the Diploma of Laboratory Technology including the elective course ONPS7816C Perform histological tests:

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

*Based on full-time study load of 96 credit points per year. Individual circumstances may vary and please be aware that not all courses are offered each semester. These circumstances may affect the total duration of a program.

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: AU$9,500* per annum
  • 2025 full-fee place: AU$20,000* 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

Defer your payment

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

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.

VET Student Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the VET Student Loans scheme, which allows eligible students in eligible programs to defer payment of their tuition fees, up to the maximum loan amount for their program.

How does a VET Student Loan work?

If your VET Student Loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT your tuition fees on your behalf, up to the maximum loan amount for your program.

Your VET Student Loan becomes part of your VETSL debt. You will start repaying your accumulated VETSL debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is adjusted each year (this also applies if you are still studying).

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology advises that:

  • VET student loans will not be approved for students who do not meet eligibility requirements; and
  • a VET student loan gives rise to a HELP debt that continues to be a debt due to the Commonwealth until it is repaid.

For more information see VET Student Loans or Study Assist.

VET Student Loan cap

If your program is eligible for the VET Student Loan scheme and has a loan cap that doesn’t cover the total amount of the tuition fees for your program, then you’ll need to pay RMIT the difference by the due date once you exceed the cap.

It’s easy for you to keep track of your VET Student Loan debt, and you can choose to make upfront payments at any time before the census date. 

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