Program Overview

Associate Degree in Medical Science (Laboratory Medicine)

The Associate Degree in Medical Science (Laboratory Medicine) is a two-year program that offers hands-on training in purpose-built teaching labs located alongside Flinders Medical Centre. This degree provides practical lab training and core biomedical knowledge, preparing students for diagnostic work and offering a clear pathway to further study in the Bachelor of Medical Science (Laboratory Medicine).

Entry Requirements

• Guaranteed Entry ATAR: 65.00
• No ATAR: Alternative entry options are available
• STAT: 150.0
• GPA: 4.0
• TAFE/VET: Certificate IV or above
• Pathway options: Available for students with different backgrounds and qualifications

Key Information

• Duration: 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent)
• Deferrable: Yes
• Start Dates: March, July
• Annual Fees: $9,537 (CSP) for 2026
• Delivery mode: In person (Bedford Park)
• Practical experience: Available
• Study abroad: Available
• Prerequisites: None
• Assumed knowledge: None

Program Structure

The degree is structured over two years, with the first year building a strong foundation in biomedical and medical sciences. Core topics include:

• Molecular Basis of Life
• Chemistry
• Skills for Medical Scientists
• Human Physiology
• Histology
• Cell Biology
• One option topic

The second year builds on the first-year foundation, exploring more specialized topics such as:

• Virology
• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Skills for Medical Scientists
• Genetics
• Immunology and Infectious Diseases
• Haematology and Transfusion Science
• Choose an option topic

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Associate Degree in Medical Science (Laboratory Medicine) can pursue careers as:

• Medical Laboratory Technician
• Laboratory Technician
• Technical Officer

Potential employers include:

• SA Pathology
• Clinpath
• Australian Clinical Labs
• Private and public pathology labs

Further Study

The Associate Degree articulates directly into the Bachelor of Medical Science (Laboratory Medicine) with credit granted for completed study, allowing students to develop their expertise as a technical scientist or further study towards medical laboratory scientist roles.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What will I learn in this degree? Students will study core biological, chemical, and medical science topics while developing practical laboratory skills used in diagnostic testing.
• How is the Associate Degree different from the Bachelor of Medical Science (Laboratory Medicine)? The Associate Degree is a two-year program focused on core laboratory skills and foundational medical science knowledge, whereas the Bachelor's degree is a four-year AIMS-accredited course that includes a 26-week work-integrated learning placement.
• Where is the course taught? Teaching is delivered on campus at Flinders University's Bedford Park campus, with laboratories located at the Bedford Park campus and within the Flinders Medical Centre.
• Are there any placement requirements? This degree does not include the clinical placement component found in the bachelor's program, but students will gain extensive practical experience through on-campus laboratory classes.
• Can I progress to further study? Yes, the Associate Degree articulates directly into the Bachelor of Medical Science (Laboratory Medicine) with credit granted for completed study.