Medical Laboratory Technician (Occupation Code : 321201)
Career Media
Description
Performs routine medical laboratory tests and operates diagnostic laboratory equipment under the supervision of medical laboratory scientists and pathologists.Tasks
Analysing human tissue, bodily fluid or excretion in a medical or diagnostic laboratory to enable a General Medical Practitioner or Medical Specialist to make a diagnosis.Using sophisticated and automated microscopes, computers and laboratory equipment to analyse samples and identify abnormalities.
Interpreting and consulting on the analysis of human tissue, bodily fluid or excretion.
Conducting chemical analysis of body fluids, including blood, urine, and spinal fluid, to determine presence of normal and abnormal components.
Entering data from analysis of laboratory tests and clinical results into records-keeping systems and reporting results to medical practitioners and other health professionals.
Establishing and monitoring programs to ensure the accuracy of laboratory results and developing, standardizing, evaluating, and modifying procedures, techniques and tests used in the analysis of specimens.
Conducting quality controls on laboratory processes used to analyse human tissue, bodily fluid or excretion.
Teaching, training and conducting research on the analysis of human tissue, bodily fluid or excretion.
Setting up, cleaning, and maintaining laboratory equipment.
Alternate Occupation Names
Clinical Microbiology Technician
Medical Bloodbank Technician
Histopathology Technician
Haematology Technician
Cytology Technician
Medical Research Officer
Pathology Technician
Medical Science Technician
Venepuncturist
Medical Laboratory Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technical Officer
Phlebotomist
Learning Pathways
Diploma 1
Step 1 : Admission requirements
- NSC Diploma Admission
Admission into a Diploma requires the achievement of a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with the minimum requirements for admission into a diploma or a National Certificate (Vocational) NC(V). In addition, each education institution has its own unique entry requirements for each of its programmes. It is important to check the entry requirements for this programme with the institution of your choice before you apply.
Step 2 : General Qualification
Step 3 : General Qualification
Step 4 : Internship
- Internship (Medical Technologist)
After attaining the National Diploma in Biomedical Technology or the Bachelor of Technology in Biomedical Technology, you must complete a full-time internship over 12 months at an accredited laboratory or other training facility approved by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Should you have completed a general Bachelor of Science, and if the HPCSA permits you to register as an intern, you will serve a longer internship over 24 months. During this internship your training and work will be supervised by a registered Medical Technologist.
Step 5 : Final assessment
- Board Exam for Medical Technologists
The Board Exam for Medical Technologists is accredited by the HPCSA and administered by the Society for Medical Laboratory Technologists of South Africa (SMLTSA).
Step 6 : Designation
- Designation: Medical Technologist
This designation is awarded by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). A designation is a title that professional persons may use (write behind their name) to indicate that they are fully qualified in a certain professional field and are registered with a professional body to practice in that field. It also indicates that the person subscribes to the code of conduct of that professional body.
Degree 2
Step 1 : Admission requirements
- NCS Bachelor pass with Maths and Science
To enter this learning pathway you will need a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or a National Certificate (Vocational) NC(V) with Mathematics and Physical Science as subjects. In addition, each education institution has its own unique entry requirements for each of its programmes. It is important to check the entry requirements with the institution of your choice before you apply.
Step 2 : General Qualification
Step 3 : General Qualification
Step 4 : Final assessment
- Board Exam for Medical Technologists
The Board Exam for Medical Technologists is accredited by the HPCSA and administered by the Society for Medical Laboratory Technologists of South Africa (SMLTSA).
Step 5 : Designation
- Designation: Medical Technologist
This designation is awarded by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). A designation is a title that professional persons may use (write behind their name) to indicate that they are fully qualified in a certain professional field and are registered with a professional body to practice in that field. It also indicates that the person subscribes to the code of conduct of that professional body.
Internship 3
Step 1 : Admission Requirements 2
- National Senior Certificate
The National Senior Certificate is also known as a Grade 12 Certificate.
Step 2 : Internship
- Internship (Medical Technician)
A student Medical Technician is required to undergo full-time structured practical training in an accredited laboratory for a minimum period of 18 months. You will perform various laboratory tests and related procedures in several fields of study and work under the supervision of registered persons. You need to be employed in a post as a student Medical Technician and also register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) for the duration of your practical training.
Step 3 : Final assessment
- Board Exam for Medical Technicians
The Board Exam for Medical Technicians is accredited by the HPCSA and administered by the Society for Medical Laboratory Technologists of South Africa (SMLTSA).
Step 4 : Designation
- Designation: Medical Technician
This designation is awarded by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). A designation is a title that professional persons may use (write behind their name) to indicate that they are fully qualified in a certain professional field and are registered with a professional body to practice in that field. It also indicates that the person subscribes to the code of conduct of that professional body.