Jagpreet
01 July, 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?
Well, the answer lies in the dedicated world of BSc MLT (Medical Laboratory Technology). You might have seen this in movies or TV shows, where doctors collect samples and send them for testing. MLT professionals play an important role in healthcare by performing various tests on blood, tissues, and other samples.
If you have a deep interest in this field, want to build a fulfilling career, or desire to pursue a profession where you can contribute your skills to help people by applying your knowledge, 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 who 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: You will analyse blood cells to diagnose conditions like anaemia or leukaemia.
Immunology: You will conduct tests to assess the immune system’s function and identify potential immune disorders.
A B.Sc. MLT will equip you with a strong foundation in both scientific theory and practical laboratory skills. This course will provide you with many advantages, such as:
Hands-on Experience:
The B.Sc. MLT programme includes extensive laboratory training. You will learn to operate sophisticated equipment, conduct various tests, and interpret results accurately. This practical experience will prepare you for the real-world demands of a medical laboratory setting.
Career Flexibility:
After pursuing this course, you can go to various departments, such as you can work in hospital laboratories, diagnostic clinics, research institutions, or even public health agencies. Every profile will offer a unique work environment and allow you to specialise in a particular area, like blood banking, cytology (cell analysis) or microbiology.
Deep Knowledge:
You will get an understanding of subjects like Microbiology, Immunology, Hematology, and Biochemistry. You will develop a strong foundation in medical diagnostics which will help you analyse blood, tissues, and other samples. You will be able to identify diseases and monitor patient health. It will be like when a doctor must determine if a patient has an infection. You will use your expertise in microbiology to analyse a blood sample and identify the specific bacteria causing the illness.
If you identify with the following qualities, a B.Sc. MLT programme could be an excellent choice for you:
A Passion for Science: A genuine interest in biology and its various branches is essential. You will be exploring the microscopic world, so a natural curiosity and love for scientific exploration are key.
An Eye for Detail: Accuracy is paramount in medical laboratory work. You must be meticulous and pay attention to detail to ensure the precision of your tests and analyses.
Strong Analytical Skills: Interpreting complex data and drawing accurate conclusions from test results is a core responsibility of an MLT professional. You will excel in this field if you enjoy problem-solving and possess strong analytical thinking skills.
Manual Dexterity: Laboratory work often requires handling delicate instruments and performing precise procedures. Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity are essential to ensure smooth and accurate work.
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.
Institution | Fee |
SGPGIMS | INR 2,73,000 (Complete course) |
Mangalyatan 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 36,340 (Complete course) |
King George Medical University | INR 33,500 (Complete MLT Diploma) |
Skills Required for BSc MLT | Usage in BSc MLT |
Attention to Detail | This skill will help you to ensure accuracy in tests and experiments that you will be doing. |
Technical Skills | You will need the technical skills to operate and maintain laboratory equipment. |
Analytical Skills | You will need analytical skills to interpret test results and perform data analysis. |
Communication Skills | You will need communication skills to share your findings with healthcare professionals. |
Organisational Skills | You will need the organisational skills to manage lab inventory and documentation. |
Problem-Solving Skills | You should have problem-solving skills so that you can 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 | ₹2,10,000 – ₹3,85,000 |
Research Assistant | ₹2,25,000 – ₹4,12,000 |
Laboratory Manager | ₹3,50,000 – ₹7,00,000+ |
Lab Assistant | ₹1,75,000 – ₹2,75,000 |
Infection Control Specialist | ₹3,25,000 – ₹5,75,000 |
Quality Control Officer | ₹2,90,000 – ₹5,75,000 |
Medical Record Technician | ₹2,25,000 – ₹3,70,000 |
Biobank Technician | ₹2,60,000 – ₹4,35,000 |
Medical Laboratory Scientist | ₹3,50,000 – ₹5,75,000 |
Anaesthesia Technicians | ₹2,60,000 – ₹4,35,000 |
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.