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Career pathway

Medical Laboratory Technician

ANZSCO 311213

Employed

7,600

Part-time share

38%

Female share

73%

Median age

36 yrs

Source: Jobs and Skills Australia · ABS 2021 Census of Population and Housing.

Salary and some workforce figures are suppressed for this occupation because Jobs and Skills Australia / the ABS do not publish estimates for small populations (typically fewer than 50 employed people) or because the figures have been perturbed for privacy. They are shown as unavailable rather than zero.

About this career

Medical Laboratory Technicians perform routine medical laboratory tests and operate diagnostic laboratory equipment under the supervision of Medical Laboratory Scientists and Pathologists.

What they typically do

  • Operates equipment used in diagnosing and monitoring disorders of hearing, the heart, kidneys and nervous system.
  • Undertakes and assists with medical analytical procedures and assists anaesthetists and surgical teams.
  • Records the electrical activity of the heart, from which the heart rate is measured and pattern and rhythm is interpreted.
  • Prepares and stains slides and tissue sections to study the cells of blood for histological examination.
  • Performs diagnostic tests on tissues and fluids and analyses the chemical constituents of blood, urine, faeces and tissues.
  • Tests for diseases by looking for the presence of antibodies and the products of immune response in samples.
  • Sets up, checks and maintains operating theatres, and anaesthetic workstations, life support machines and associated equipment.
  • Refers prescriptions to pharmacists and assists in preparing medications.

States and territories

Share of workers by location

NSW
36.9%
VIC
19.3%
QLD
17.1%
WA
12.2%
SA
10.5%
ACT
1.8%
TAS
1.6%
NT
0.6%

Qualification pathways

These accredited qualifications can lead to a career as a Medical Laboratory Technician.

  • Advanced Diploma of Cosmetic Dermal Science

    52923WA · AQF 6 · 1 providers

    View qualification

  • Advanced Diploma of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Management

    HLT60121 · AQF 6 · 2 providers

    View qualification

  • Advanced Diploma of Ayurveda

    HLT62615 · AQF 6 · 6 providers

    View qualification