Medical Laboratory Technician performs routine medical laboratory tests and operates diagnostic laboratory equipment under the supervision of Medical Laboratory Scientists and Pathologists.

Skill Level

2

Alternative Titles

• Medical Laboratory Technical Officer

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 Technician 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 must have completed an award in Medical Laboratory Service which is assessed as comparable to an Australian Diploma (AQF Level 5) from a Technical and Further Education College; AND
    • Applicant must have a minimum of two years full-time (or part-time equivalent) diagnostic medical pathology laboratory work experience within the previous five years
  • OPTION 2
    • Current full registration with the Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand as a Medical Laboratory Technician

Operate anaesthetic, cardiac, operating theatre and medical testing equipment, perform and assist with laboratory tests, and fill prescriptions in support of Health Professionals.

Tasks

• Operating equipment used in diagnosing and monitoring disorders of the heart, lungs, kidneys, nervous system and hearing, and in anaesthesia
• Undertaking and assisting with medical analytical procedures and assisting Anaesthetists and surgical teams
• Recording the electrical activity of the heart, from which the heart rate is measured, and pattern and rhythm interpreted
• Taking, collecting and labelling blood, urine and other samples from patients
• Preparing and staining slides and tissue sections for blood and histological examination
• Performing diagnostic tests on tissues and body fluids and analysing the chemical constituents of blood, urine, faeces and tissues
• Testing for diseases by looking for the presence of antibodies and the products of immune response in samples
• Setting up, checking and maintaining operating theatres, anaesthetic workstations, life support machines and associated equipment
• Referring prescriptions to Pharmacists and assisting in preparing medications
• Operating and maintaining  equipment used in diagnosing and monitoring of breathing or sleep disorders

Skill Level

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.
In Australia:
AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)

In New Zealand:
NZ Register Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.
Registration or licensing may be required.
The occupation Pathology Collector (Aus) / Phlebotomist (NZ) has a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.
In Australia:
AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

In New Zealand:
NZ Register Level 4 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.
Registration or licensing may be required.

Occupations in this Group

• 311211 Anaesthetic Technician
• 311212 Cardiac Technician
• 311213 Medical Laboratory Technician
• 311214 Operating Theatre Technician
• 311215 Pharmacy Technician
• 311216 Pathology Collector / Phlebotomist
• 311217 Respiratory Technician
• 311299 Medical Technicians nec