Info on Medical Laboratory Technology (Health Science)

As I had observed and told during training in a government hospital, only MLT (Dip/BSc.), Biomed (BSc.) and postgraduate medical students (pursuing Masters in Pathology) are allowed for a full practical rotations in almost all the departments available in the government pathology lab. The reason for this is related with the subjects these students have studied.A government hospital commonly have under their pathology laboratory the following departments (some major hospital may even have more):

• Biochemistry department (routine and non-routine biochemistry)
• Hematology department
• Serology department
• Microbiology and parasitology department
• Blood bank

As you can see, the subjects learned by MLTs and Biomed students are directly related with the departments stated above. Other practical students in the hospital from pure science program such as BSc.Biochemistry or BSc.Microbiology are not allowed to rotate to other departments that are not related to their study. As explained by the head MLT in the government hospital that I went for my training, the pure science students lack the knowledge in the relevant subjects for them to be able to understand and properly conduct tests in departments other than their own, therefore they are not allowed in other departments. (eg; Biochemist student - conduct practical at Biochemistry department)

All of the above however may not apply in a private laboratory such as Pathlab or Gribbles. I'm not familiar with their protocols. If you find MLT or Biomedical Science interesting, you should choose a good place to study and pursue the course if you wish.

How Much Will Medical Laboratory Technologist earn in Malaysia?

A friend of mine earns RM1600+, the salary for MLT diploma holders should be around that (± RM100 - RM200). The salary depends on what the Lab (private labs / hospital) offers to you. You should call the IPTS directly for information regarding intakes. As with other courses, you should study hard if you choose to pursue this course.

The job market competition is HIGH due to many IPTS producing MLT graduates right now. Moreover, nowadays the IPTS even competes with each to place their students for final year practical training in Government Hospitals since Government Hospitals have the Labs and experienced staff members.

By the way, it seems that JPA only states PTPL and MSU's MLT program apart from the IPTA/Government colleges (in the list; Teknologi Makmal Perubatan) as recognized. Perhaps this recognition by JPA is due to the Government .MLTs are being trained there as well.

MLT Course offered by IPTS in Malaysia

Which IPTS in Malaysia that offers Good Medical Laboratory Technology Course.?Many IPTS nowadays offer this course, but choosing which one is up to you. You should take into consideration things like:

• How established the course in the IPTS
• The facilities available there
• The lecturers
• The cost of the program
• The IPTS surrounding area / location
  

The Diploma in MLT course is offered by IPTS such as Kuala Lumpur Metropolitan University College, Masterskill, PTPL, Mahsa, MSU and Nilai University College. If you are referring to the "good education quality", then you should evaluate the many aspects of the IPTS that offer this course. Recognition by MQA and JPA is VERY important.

Refer to the sites below:
MQA - http://www.mqa.gov.my/mqr/english/ecarianakr.cfm (type Medical laboratory technology there)

JPA - http://www.interactive.jpa.gov.my/webinter...MainIktiraf.asp

Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology

Medical Laboratory Technology/Science is a profession that involves the use of a range of scientific disciplines and associated technologies in the investigation, monitoring and treatment of disease. Medical Technologists acquire knowledge and practical skills in disciplines such as Haematology, Medical Microbiology, Histopathology, Cytology, Clinical Biochemistry and Medical Parasitology that enable them to play vital role in the health care services.

Students graduating from this program may be employed as medical laboratory technicians. Medical laboratory technicians perform a wide variety of routine diagnostic and prognostic laboratory procedures in a health care setting. Through this program graduates gained both theoretical and practical laboratory experience analyzing the chemistry, cellular composition, microbial flora and immunological components of body fluids and tissues.

These skill and knowledge are critical in performing tests such as matching blood types for transfusions; blood cell counts to help diagnose anemia, leukemia and infections, and isolation and identification of disease-producing bacteria and other microbes and procedures critical to the diagnosis, and follow up of diseases. These tests play a vital role in the diagnosis.

Working with the supervision of a medical technologist, an MLT performs a full range of laboratory tests for basic clues to determine the causes or extent of diseases or to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. Medical laboratory technicians must be dedicated and self-motivated. This skilled individual is responsible for performing laboratory tests efficiently and accurately for high quality patient care.

Graduates may find employment in medical laboratories located in hospitals and medical clinics, independent laboratories, physicians' offices, public health agencies, pharmaceutical research and educational institutions and industrial firms as sales in sales with scientific supply companies.

Graduates from the course will find employment as Medical Laboratory Technologists in government and private institutions such as:

* Pathology Department of hospital
* Immunohaematology Department of hospital
* (Blood Transfusion Service)
* Research Institute
* Universities
* Government/ Private Medical and Health Institutions
* Private Pathology Laboratories

Medical Laboratory Technologists practice their scientific knowledge and practical skills in patient care by producing accurate results that assist the Medical Practitioner in diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Areas of practice of Medical Laboratory Technology include:

* Chemical Pathology
* Nutrition
* Radiochemistry
* Medical Microbiology
* Virology
* Medical Parasitology
* Immunology
* Anatomy Pathology
* Cytology
* Haematology
* Immunohaematology
* Biotechnology

Diploma in Medical Lab Technology

Introduction

This course is designed to produce Medical Laboratory Technologists. Students will become cognizant with theoretical knowledge and equipped with practical skills to conduct laboratory analysis of medical samples such as human blood, body fluids and tissue for the detection and identification of diseases in patients. This program is suitable for individuals with a science background and a diagnostic mindset for meticulous work in the laboratory.

Course Highlights

• Corporate Finance
• Basic Medical Sciences
• Medical Laboratory Sciences
• Bio-statistics & Medical Lab Management
• Industrial Training


Program Outcomes

Graduates will be competent in performing all relevant tests and be able to apply medical lab technology skills to analyze medical samples culminating in quality reporting.

Career Prospects and Development

Medical Laboratory Technologists have a variety of career opportunities. They can thrive in public or private hospital laboratories, private clinical laboratories, public health laboratories, universities and research institutions. They may also pursue a higher education in Medical Lab Technology, Medical Science, Bio-medicine, Bio-technology, Bio-informatics, Forensic Science etc.

Competitive Edges

• Supplementary training in the K-economy
• Use of ICT in teaching and learning process
• State-of-the-art laboratories
• Industry-experienced lecturers
• Close rapport with professional bodies