Southern Cross University will introduce a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science degree program at its Gold Coast campus in 2025.
Medical Laboratory Science is a distinct professional specialisation focussed on diagnostic settings and primarily laboratories working with human or animal samples.
The Southern Cross degree will have a strong focus on developing practical skills and includes more than 560 hours of professional placement.
SCU Faculty of Health lecturer Lily Guo, a winner of the Vice Chancellor’s Inspiring Educator Award and the Faculty Student Experience Award, will be one of the key people delivering the program.
She said the degree offered exciting opportunities for students interested in careers in pathology or forensic laboratories, an area where employment prospects were strong.
“To the south, the next closest university offering a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science is in Wagga Wagga, so there is a need for skilled professionals in this area in especially in the Northern NSW and Gold Coast areas,” Dr Guo said.
“Medical laboratory scientists are at the forefront of healthcare, investigating everything from infectious diseases to genetic disorders. Our work often includes cutting-edge technology, including AI, where we analyse complex data to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness.”
Dr Guo said one of the most rewarding aspects of the program was watching students build confidence and flourish in professional health settings.
Dr Guo and the wider team, including Course Coordinator Dr Karlah Norkunas, have received commendations and citations from the Vice Chancellor and the Centre for Teaching and Learning for their transformative curriculum design and implementation.
Dr Norkunas, who has worked at multiple universities, said Southern Cross lecturers truly cared about students and their success.
“Our curriculum is designed to address real-life healthcare challenges and includes assessments that are directly relevant to healthcare settings,” she said.
Learn more about the degree and register your interest.
