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  4. Diploma of Laboratory Technology
QUALIFICATION

Diploma of Laboratory Technology


 National Code: MSL50122
 TAFE SA Code: TP01407


2025 start

Description

Advance your science career with this nationally recognised Diploma. Become a technical officer or laboratory analyst with skills in microbiology, histology, molecular biology, tissue culture, microscopy, chemistry, calibrating and maintaining instruments and equipment, recording and analysing data, and using laboratory software. This is a hands-on course that will strengthen your knowledge and broaden your skills. Be equipped to work in the important health and medical sectors or be part of essential scientific research. It’s your career, you choose where it can take you with TAFE SA

Award Course
Duration
Example Career Profile
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12 months 

Full Time or Part Time equivalent

Laboratory and Science Technician (Laboratory Workers)
Laboratory and Science Technician (Laboratory Workers)
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Locations & Applications

Campus / Location
Code
Study Mode
Study Load
Scheduled
Gilles Plains

Closed

Blended Blended – learn in a mixture of classroom and online environments. On campus learning will be scheduled but online learning can provide more flexibility. Lecturer support will be provided for all study. Access to a computer with an internet connection is required.
Full & Part Time Full & Part Time Full & Part Time
Day Only
Apply 5 May 2025

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On campus/location

On Campus/Location

On campus/location – learn in a classroom environment that gives you the opportunity to interact with your lecturer and fellow students in person.
Online

Online

Online – learn at your own pace, in your own space. Lecturer support will be provided via email and interaction with fellow students may be available via forums and chat groups. Online courses require access to a computer with an internet connection.
Blended

Blended

Blended – learn in a mixture of classroom and online environments. On campus learning will be scheduled but online learning can provide more flexibility. Lecturer support will be provided for all study. Access to a computer with an internet connection is required.
Virtual Classroom

Virtual Classroom

Virtual Classroom – online classes are delivered by Collaborate. Collaborate is a web-based online classroom collaboration tool that acts as a real-time virtual classroom.
Workplace

Workplace

Workplace – if you are currently employed in the industry but do not have a formal qualification TAFE SA can recognise the skills you already have. The duration of the course will be determined by your individual study plan.
Full Time

Full Time

Full Time classes
Part Time

Part Time

Part Time classes
Day Classes

Day Classes

Day time classes
Evening Classes

Evening Classes

Evening time classes
International

International

A course available to International students

Course Admission Requirements

  • Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques or
  • Certificate IV or higher in a relevant science discipline or
  • Equivalent skills and knowledge in a relevant science discipline to a Certificate IV level or higher
If there are more applications for this course than places available, applicants will be ranked by date of application to this course.

Please Read Before Applying

Entry Recommendations
TAFE SA will contact you if you do not have a Certificate IV or higher in a relevant area to verify your equivalent skills and knowledge.

Industry Conditions and Skills
You will need to have literacy and numeracy skills equivalent to at least Year 12 level. This course includes technical skills using instrumentation for laboratory practices.

Fees

Average cost per semester
Total Fees for the 12 month course
Subsidised
$4,366
$8,732
Concession
$3,256
$6,512
You may be eligible for government subsidised training.
Subsidised Training Eligibility
Subsidised training may require applicants to complete a Core Skills Profile Assessment (CSPA).
What is the CSPA?
Full Fee
$14,467
$28,934

Fees vary depending on subjects you enrol into. TAFE SA and their agents reserve the right to make any changes necessary. Fee updates will be available prior to offers being made.

  • Help with Fees

    Upfront Payment

    Each semester, fees can be paid online with VISA or Mastercard or at an Australia Post outlet.

    Read More

    VET Student Loan

    This is an interest-free personal loan from the Australian Government that provides eligible students access to capped funding to help pay for their studies.

    Read More

  • Employment Outcomes & Skills Covered

    Employment Outcomes

    Employment outcomes targeted by this qualification include technical officers, laboratory technicians, analysts and similar personnel.

    Note: Completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome. Formal requirements other than educational qualifications (eg licensing, professional registration), may apply to some occupations.

    Qualifications & Skills Covered

    Diploma of Laboratory Technology (MSL50122)
    This qualification provides technical skills relevant to diagnostic and testing laboratories including microbiology, histology, molecular biology, tissue culture, microscopy, chemistry, calibrating instruments, recording and analysing data. To complete the qualification you are required to complete all 5 core units and 13 elective units.

    Note: Students who successfully complete only one or more units of competency but not the full qualification are eligible to receive a Statement of Attainment.

    90%*
    of TAFE SA graduates are satisfied with the overall quality of training.
    87%*
    of TAFE SA graduates would recommend their training.



    * 2023 NCVER Student Outcomes Survey findings

  • Course Units

    Below is a list of all units that TAFE SA can offer in this qualification. The selection of elective units you will be enrolled into depends on the campus you attend, and the qualification packaging rules described on www.training.gov.au.

    Not all elective units listed below must necessarily be completed to achieve your qualification.

    Core

    Name Nominal Hours
    Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes 80
    Maintain instruments and equipment 60
    Monitor the quality of test results and data 50
    Process and interpret data 70
    Use laboratory application software 60

    Elective

    Name Nominal Hours
    Maintain laboratory or field workplace safety 50
    Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices 30
    Perform biological procedures 130
    Perform histological tests 200
    Perform microbiological tests 140
    Perform microscopic examination 40
    Perform molecular biology tests and procedures 150
    Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination 40
    Perform tissue or cell culture techniques 100
    Prepare culture media 30
    Prepare, standardise and use solutions 100
    Provide information to customers 30
    Relate anatomical and physiological features to laboratory samples 100
    Schedule laboratory work for a small team 50

Further Information

Brochure

Course guide

Brochure

Pre-enrolment Brochure

Contact us

Course enquiries and more information

Diploma of Laboratory Technology
TP01407
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