Jagpreet
26 November, 2024
Table of Contents
When you frequently fall sick, even after taking medicine, and continue to get sick, the doctor may ask you to provide a blood sample. But do you know what happens to your blood sample after the doctor orders a test or how a diagnosis is made based on those results?
BSc MLT (Medical Laboratory Technology) is the answer. Have you seen in TV or movie shows that doctors collect samples and send them for testing? As an MLT professional, you will contribute a lot to society.
If you have a deep interest in this field and want to build a fulfilling career, you can pursue a BSc MLT course. This blog will explore everything about the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Technology course, including the eligibility criteria, course structure, and career prospects it can open for you.
The BSc in Medical Lab Technology (BSc MLT) is a 3-4 year UG paramedical course divided into 6 semesters. This course offers practical and theoretical knowledge on diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases and health issues through clinical laboratory tests.
It is like when a doctor suspects a patient has a bacterial infection. To confirm this suspicion, you will be responsible for analysing a blood or tissue sample as a lab technologist.
This analysis involves many tasks, such as:
Microscopy: You will examine samples under a microscope to identify pathogens like bacteria or parasites.
Biochemistry: You will be performing tests to measure the levels of various chemicals in the blood, such as glucose or cholesterol, which can indicate underlying health conditions.
Haematology: It is basically the study of blood and blood-related disorders. You have to analyse blood cells to diagnose conditions like anaemia or leukaemia.
Immunology: Immunology is a field of medicine and biology that studies the immune system and its operations. You would conduct tests to assess the immune system’s function and identify potential immune disorders.
A B.Sc. MLT may give you a strong foundation in scientific theory and practical laboratory skills. To assist with disease diagnosis and treatment, you receive training in performing laboratory tests and analysis on body fluids such as blood, tissue, and others. Employment prospects for BSc MLT graduates are available in clinics, public health organisations, research labs, and hospitals. This course may provide you with many advantages, such as:
Hands-on Experience:
The B.Sc. MLT programme includes extensive laboratory training. You may learn to operate sophisticated equipment, conduct various tests, and interpret results accurately. This practical experience prepares you for the practical demands of a medical lab field.
Career Flexibility:
After pursuing this course, you could go to various medical departments. You may work in hospital laboratories, diagnostic clinics, research institutions, or public health agencies. There are multiple posts, and each one offers a unique work environment. It also allows you to specialise in a particular area, like blood banking, cytology (cell analysis) or microbiology.
Deep Knowledge:
Topics including immunology, haematology, microbiology, and biochemistry might become clearer to you. You would gain a solid foundation in medical diagnostics that would enable you to analyse samples such as blood and tissues. You could recognise illnesses and keep an eye on the well-being of your patients. It would be similar to having to diagnose a patient with an infection. Using your knowledge of microbiology, you might analyse a blood sample to pinpoint the precise bacterium causing the sickness.
Are you confused about whether you should pursue a B.Sc MLT or not? Read the following points to get a clear understanding of this confusion:
A Passion for Science: It is essential to have a sincere interest in biology and its subfields. You would be studying the small world, therefore, a natural curiosity and enthusiasm for science-related research are essential.
An Eye for Detail: When working in a medical laboratory, accuracy is crucial. For your tests and analyses to be accurate, you have to be very careful and detail-oriented.
Strong Analytical Skills: One of the primary responsibilities of MLT professionals is to interpret complex data and make accurate inferences from test results. If you are good at solving problems and have a strong analytical mind, this is the area for you.
Manual Dexterity: Working in a laboratory frequently calls on using fine tools and following exacting instructions. For smooth and precise operation, good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity are necessary.
Semester I | Semester II |
Communication and soft skills | General Biochemistry |
Computer Applications | General Microbiology and Immunology |
Anatomy | Lab postings |
Physiology | Library / Self-study |
Library / Self-study | – |
Semester III | Semester IV |
Metabolism and Molecular Biology | Clinical Pathology & Blood Banking |
Systemic and Applied Bacteriology, Virology & Mycology | Pharmacology |
Parasitology and Entomology | Environmental Sciences |
Medical Law and Ethics | Lab postings |
Semester V | Semester VI |
Instrumentation, Enzymology & Nutrition | Clinical Biochemistry |
Histopathology & Cytology | Preventive and Social Medicine |
– | Lab postings |
– | Medical Laboratory Science Management |
– | Library / Self-study |
The eligibility criteria for a B.Sc. MLT programme is primarily focused on your educational background. Here is a breakdown of the key requirements:
You must have passed your 10+2 class from a recognised board. This is similar to graduating high school in other countries.
Your 10+2 education should ideally be in the science stream, with PCB (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) as your core focus.
The minimum percentage requirement for admission is usually around 50% marks in your science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) in your 10+2 exams.
Also Read: Top 10 Specialisations for a BSc Graduate and Their Career Prospects
Institution | Fee |
SGPGIMS | INR 2,15,150 (Complete course) |
Mangalayatan University | INR 1,95,500 (Complete course) |
Manipal College of Health Profession | INR 3,73,000 (Complete course) |
Manipal Tata Medical College | INR 3,55,000 (Complete course) |
ST. John’s Medical College | INR 32,170 (Total Fee) |
King George Medical University | INR 33,500 (Complete MLT Diploma) |
Skills Required for BSc MLT | Usage in BSc MLT |
Attention to Detail | This skill would help you to ensure accuracy in tests and experiments that you will be doing. |
Technical Skills | You might need the technical skills to operate and maintain laboratory equipment. |
Analytical Skills | Analytical skills are important as you would need analytical skills to interpret test results and perform data analysis. |
Communication Skills | You would need to have communication skills to share your findings with healthcare professionals. |
Organisational Skills | You must have organisational skills to manage lab inventory and documentation. |
Problem-Solving Skills | You should have experience in problem-solving skills. It may help you to troubleshoot any problem related to equipment and procedural issues. |
Teamwork | You should have a spirit of teamwork to collaborate easily with other lab technicians and professionals. |
Time Management | You should have time management skills to easily prioritise tasks to meet deadlines. |
Computer Proficiency | You should have computer proficiency to use lab data entry and analysis software. |
Knowledge of Laboratory Equipment | You should be aware of handling and calibrating lab instruments. |
A BSc in Medical Laboratory Technology offers a promising career scope. To support this statement, we have listed some job roles that you can pursue. Professionals in this field can earn anywhere between 2 LPA to 7+ LPA. Therefore, the career scope after a BSc in Medical Laboratory Technology is quite promising.
Job Role | Avg Annual Salary Range (INR) |
Lab Technician | 7 LPA – 15 LPA |
Research Assistant | 9 LPA – 20 LPA |
Laboratory Manager | 6 LPA – 16 LPA |
Lab Assistant | 8 LPA – 16 LPA |
Infection Control Specialist | 10 LPA – 20 LPA |
Quality Control Officer | 8 LPA – 14 LPA |
Medical Record Technician | 7 LPA – 15 LPA |
Biobank Technician | 7 LPA – 16 LPA |
Medical Laboratory Scientist | 10 LPA – 20 LPA |
Anaesthesia Technicians | 7 LPA – 16 LPA |
AIIMS | Manipal Hospital |
Apollo Hospitals | Fortis Hospitals |
Dr. Batra Hospital and Medical Research Centre | Paramount Health Services |
Columbia Asia Referral Hospital | Thyrocare |
A BSc MLT degree will equip you with the skills to analyse blood, tissue, and fluids samples. However, before that, you have to overcome a hurdle: yes, it is the entrance exam. These exams help universities select the right candidates with the necessary knowledge and skills. There are many entrance exams that you can prepare for. Some common entrance exams can be checked out with specific universities to see which ones they conduct. Here is the list.
NPAT
CUET
CUCET
SET
Now that we have seen all the course details, we hope you can make an informed decision. A BSc MLT programme can be the best choice if you are interested in a challenging and rewarding career in the healthcare field. This programme will teach everything you need to pursue a career in BSc MLT. You can definitely consider this course if you want to work in a laboratory setting and revolutionise patient care.
If you want To be eligible for a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Technology (B.Sc. MLT) programme, you must have:
You should have passed 10+2 (or equivalent) education.
Studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics.
Secured at least 50% marks from a recognised board or institute.
After becoming a graduate of a B.Sc. in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT), you can pursue a career in various sectors such as
Pathology Labs
Urology Labs
Blood Banks
Research Labs
Haematology
Cytotechnology
Immunology
Microbiology
Pharmaceuticals
Hospitals
Yes, it may be challenging but can expect the first Two Years will cover basic core programmes. In the later years, you will focus on subjects specific to laboratory science, such as microbiology and haematology.