Medical Laboratory Scientists conduct medical laboratory tests to assist in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

Skill Level

1

Alternative Titles

• Hospital Scientist
• Medical Scientific Officer

Specialisations

• IVF Embryologist

Unless you are exempt in very limited circumstances, you are required to have a positive Skills Assessment to apply for the visas listed above.

Skills Assessment authority for Medical Laboratory Scientist is Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS). To have a positive skills assessment, you must meet the following criteria:

• There are two options to receive a positive skills assessment with AIMS:
  • OPTION 1
    • Applicant has completed an AIMS accredited qualification
      • A list of current accredited qualifications are on the AIMS website
    • Applicants will not be required to take the AIMS Medical Laboratory Scientist Professional Examination
  • OPTION 2
    • Applicants who do not hold an AIMS accredited qualification will be assessed in two stages: document assessment and written examination
    • Document Assessment
      • Applicant must have completed an acceptable science degree (AQF level 7 or 8 qualification); AND
        • There are subject requirements listed on the AIMS website that include foundational subjects, basic studies and advanced studies
      • Applicant must have two years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) diagnostic medical pathology laboratory work experience within the previous 5 years
    • Written Examination
      • If found eligible at stage 1, applicants will be required to sit the AIMS Medical Laboratory Scientist Professional Examination
      • Examination consists of:
        • Written short answer questions; and
        • Multiple-choice questions
      • The exam is three hours long and is held twice a year in March and September
      • The exam is set at a level expected of a Medical Laboratory Scientist with at least 2 years postgraduate experience
      • Applicants must obtain 50% to pass the examination
    • ALL APPLICANTS
      • English Language Test
        • All applicants must provide English language Test results
        • AIMS will only accept the following:
          • IETLS – minimum overall score of 7
          • TOEFL – total score of 95 points
          • Pearson PTE Academic – overall score of 65 points or higher
          • OET – minimum grade of B in each component

Conduct medical laboratory tests to assist in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease.

Tasks

• Preparing tissue sections for microscopic examination
• Examining and analysing samples to study the effects of microbial infections
• Developing techniques to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of disease and respiratory or sleep disorders
• Advising Medical Practitioners on the interpretation of tests and methods used in  diagnosis and treatment
• Setting up the steps and rules of medical testing
• Operating and maintaining laboratory and testing equipment
• Maintaining laboratory and testing quality assurance and safety standards
• Preparing scientific papers and report

Skill Level

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Occupations in this Group

• 234611 Medical Laboratory Scientist
• 234612 Respiratory Scientist