Medical Laboratory Technician

Medical laboratory technicians are highly skilled and perform routine medical laboratory tests by operating diagnostic laboratory equipment. In this profession, you’ll perform clinical laboratory tests on patient samples (for example blood, urine, mucous etc) which are absolutely vital tools for diagnosing patients and preventing disease. 

How to be a Medical Laboratory Technician in South Africa

Get the Required Qualifications

Depending on the specific career path you wish to take, you will typically need the following qualifications to  become a Medical Laboratory Technician in South Africa:

• Certificate (National Senior Certificate or NC(v))
• Diploma (National Diploma in Biomedical Technology)
• Bachelor’s Degree
  • Bachelor of Technology in Biotechnology 
  • Bachelor of Health Science in Medical Laboratory Science
  • Bachelor of Science 
• Internship (12-month internship )
• Final Assessment administered by Society for Medical Laboratory Technologists of South Africa

Demonstrate Competence in the Required Subjects

Different educational institutions may have different admission requirements; however, you will typically be required to demonstrate competency in the following subjects:

• Maths
• Physical sciences and/or life sciences

Accumulate Years of Relevant Study and Experience

Medical Laboratory Technicians in South Africa typically study for more than 2 years.

Please note that upon completion of your studies, you will need to be assessed by the Society for Medical Laboratory Technologists of South Africa as well as register with the Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA) in order to work as a medical laboratory technician.

Find Relevant Employment Opportunities

There are plenty of employment opportunities for Medical Laboratory Technicians in South Africa who often work in any of the following places:

• Private pathology practices
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Laboratories in blood transfusion services
• National Health Laboratory Services
• CSIR, South African Medical Research Council (and similar bodies) 
• Forensic Science laboratories
• Veterinary practices
• Pharmaceutical companies

Find More Information from Relevant Regulatory Bodies

To find more information about medical laboratory technicians, contact the Society for Medical Laboratory Technology.

Medical Laboratory Technician Related Careers

• Critical Care Jobs
• Hospital jobs
• HPCSA careers
• Medical technician jobs
• Private practice jobs
• Government jobs