The ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology is a comprehensive three-year programme designed to provide learners with the advanced skills and knowledge required to excel in the field of clinical and medical diagnostics. With a total of 360 credits, this qualification offers a structured pathway for professionals who wish to strengthen their expertise, enhance career prospects, and expand their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Medical laboratory technology plays a vital role in modern healthcare, as accurate testing and analysis form the foundation of effective diagnosis and treatment. This programme equips learners with a deep understanding of medical microbiology, clinical biochemistry, haematology, immunology, and advanced diagnostic procedures. Alongside theoretical knowledge, learners develop essential practical skills required to operate laboratory equipment, conduct tests, interpret results, and apply professional standards of quality assurance.
By engaging with this diploma, learners gain the professional competence to contribute to healthcare systems with precision, responsibility, and ethical integrity. The curriculum is designed to meet international standards, ensuring learners are prepared to work in hospitals, research institutions, public health laboratories, pharmaceutical industries, and other specialised clinical environments.
Throughout the three years of study, learners are encouraged to apply scientific principles to real-world scenarios, ensuring a balance between academic excellence and practical application. This learner-focused approach not only builds confidence but also nurtures analytical and problem-solving skills essential for professional growth.
Course Overview
This qualification, the ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology 360 Credits – Three Years, consists of 36 mandatory units.
Year 1: Foundation in Medical Laboratory Technology
- Fundamentals of Medical Laboratory Science
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- General Biochemistry
- Principles of Microbiology
- Immunology and Serology
- Introduction to Pathology
- Basic Haematology
- Laboratory Safety and Quality Assurance
- Computer Applications in Laboratory Practice
- Communication Skills for Healthcare Professionals
- Medical Ethics and Professional Conduct
- Research Methods in Health Sciences
Year 2: Intermediate Laboratory Applications
- Clinical Biochemistry Techniques
- Advanced Microbiology
- Diagnostic Parasitology
- Molecular Biology Basics
- Blood Banking and Transfusion Science
- Clinical Haematology
- Histopathology Techniques
- Cytology and Cytogenetics
- Instrumentation and Analytical Methods
- Epidemiology and Public Health
- Environmental and Food Microbiology
- Clinical Laboratory Management
Year 3: Advanced Laboratory Specialisation
- Advanced Molecular Diagnostics
- Clinical Immunology
- Advanced Histopathology
- Clinical Virology
- Toxicology and Forensic Science
- Advanced Parasitology
- Automation in Medical Laboratories
- Advanced Transfusion Medicine
- Laboratory Data Analysis and Interpretation
- Emerging Diseases and Diagnostic Innovations
- Research Project / Dissertation
- Professional Practice and Internship
Learning Outcomes for the Level 6 International Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology 360 Credits – Three Years:
Year 1: Foundational Knowledge
By the end of Year 1, learners will be able to:
Fundamentals of Medical Laboratory Science
- Understand the principles and scope of medical laboratory science.
- Identify roles and responsibilities of laboratory professionals.
- Apply basic laboratory procedures in a clinical context.
Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Explain the structure and function of major body systems.
- Relate physiological processes to disease diagnosis.
- Recognise normal vs. abnormal anatomical features.
General Biochemistry
- Apply biochemical principles in clinical laboratory analysis.
- Perform basic biochemical tests with accuracy.
- Interpret biochemical results for medical relevance.
Principles of Microbiology
- Describe microbial structure and classification.
- Apply aseptic techniques in laboratory practice.
- Recognise the role of microorganisms in infection and health.
Immunology and Serology
- Explain immune system functions and responses.
- Conduct basic serological tests for diagnosis.
- Interpret laboratory findings related to immunity.
Introduction to Pathology
- Define key pathological concepts and disease mechanisms.
- Recognise tissue changes associated with disease.
- Correlate pathology findings with clinical symptoms.
Basic Haematology
- Perform routine blood investigations.
- Identify normal and abnormal blood cell morphology.
- Relate haematological data to common conditions.
Laboratory Safety and Quality Assurance
- Apply laboratory safety guidelines effectively.
- Identify and minimise risks in laboratory operations.
- Implement basic quality assurance protocols.
Computer Applications in Laboratory Practice
- Use basic software for laboratory record-keeping.
- Apply digital tools in data entry and analysis.
- Understand the role of IT in laboratory management.
Communication Skills for Healthcare Professionals
- Demonstrate effective communication in healthcare settings.
- Apply professional skills in reporting and teamwork.
- Adapt communication for patients and medical staff.
Medical Ethics and Professional Conduct
- Follow ethical principles in laboratory practice.
- Maintain confidentiality in handling patient data.
- Demonstrate professionalism in clinical environments.
Research Methods in Health Sciences
- Understand basic research design in health sciences.
- Collect and analyse simple data sets.
- Present findings using standard research methods.
Year 2: Intermediate Proficiency
By the end of Year 2, learners will be able to:
Clinical Biochemistry Techniques
- Perform advanced biochemical investigations.
- Calibrate and maintain biochemical instruments.
- Analyse results for disease diagnosis and monitoring.
Advanced Microbiology
- Identify pathogenic microorganisms using culture methods.
- Apply diagnostic microbiology techniques accurately.
- Interpret laboratory findings for clinical application.
Diagnostic Parasitology
- Detect and identify human parasites microscopically.
- Perform diagnostic tests for parasitic infections.
- Relate parasitology results to clinical cases.
Molecular Biology Basics
- Explain DNA, RNA, and protein functions.
- Apply basic molecular diagnostic techniques.
- Relate molecular findings to health and disease.
Blood Banking and Transfusion Science
- Conduct blood grouping and compatibility tests.
- Apply safe transfusion protocols.
- Manage storage and records in a blood bank.
Clinical Haematology
- Perform diagnostic haematology procedures.
- Identify abnormalities in blood cell counts and morphology.
- Relate results to haematological disorders.
Histopathology Techniques
- Prepare and stain tissue samples for examination.
- Recognise pathological features in histological slides.
- Operate equipment used in histopathology.
Cytology and Cytogenetics
- Prepare cytological samples for analysis.
- Identify cellular abnormalities under the microscope.
- Explain genetic variations and their clinical significance.
Instrumentation and Analytical Methods
- Operate laboratory instruments for diagnostic use.
- Apply principles of analytical techniques.
- Maintain accuracy through proper calibration.
Epidemiology and Public Health
- Explain the principles of disease distribution and control.
- Apply epidemiological data in health planning.
- Relate laboratory findings to public health initiatives.
Environmental and Food Microbiology
- Test food and water samples for contamination.
- Apply microbial testing methods for safety assurance.
- Interpret laboratory results for environmental health.
Clinical Laboratory Management
- Apply principles of laboratory organisation and workflow.
- Manage resources, inventory, and staff effectively.
- Implement quality control systems in laboratory operations.
Year 3: Advanced Specialization and Application
By the end of Year 3, learners will be able to:
Advanced Molecular Diagnostics
- Apply molecular diagnostic methods such as PCR.
- Interpret genetic and molecular test results.
- Evaluate applications of molecular diagnostics in healthcare.
Clinical Immunology
- Perform advanced immunological assays.
- Interpret immune disorders through laboratory testing.
- Apply immunology methods in monitoring diseases.
Advanced Histopathology
- Process complex tissue samples for diagnostics.
- Identify malignant and pre-malignant conditions.
- Correlate histopathological results with patient outcomes.
Clinical Virology
- Detect viruses using diagnostic laboratory techniques.
- Perform laboratory tests for viral infections.
- Relate virology findings to epidemic control.
Toxicology and Forensic Science
- Analyse biological samples for toxic substances.
- Apply forensic testing methods for investigations.
- Interpret toxicology results in clinical and legal contexts.
Advanced Parasitology
- Identify rare and complex parasitic infections.
- Apply advanced diagnostic methods in parasitology.
- Evaluate the impact of parasites on global health.
Automation in Medical Laboratories
- Operate automated laboratory systems.
- Integrate digital technology into diagnostic processes.
- Assess the efficiency of automation tools.
Advanced Transfusion Medicine
- Conduct specialised transfusion procedures.
- Manage emergency and rare transfusion cases.
- Monitor and evaluate post-transfusion reactions.
Laboratory Data Analysis and Interpretation
- Apply statistical tools in laboratory data analysis.
- Interpret diagnostic data for clinical decisions.
- Present laboratory findings in professional reports.
Emerging Diseases and Diagnostic Innovations
- Identify new and re-emerging infectious diseases.
- Apply innovative diagnostic methods in outbreaks.
- Evaluate global health responses through laboratory data.
Research Project / Dissertation
- Design and execute independent research in laboratory science.
- Analyse and interpret scientific results effectively.
- Present research findings in a structured report.
Professional Practice and Internship
- Apply theoretical knowledge in real laboratory settings.
- Demonstrate competence in advanced laboratory procedures.
- Work effectively as part of a professional healthcare team.
Course Benefits of ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology
- Provides in-depth knowledge of medical laboratory sciences, diagnostic techniques, and laboratory procedures.
- Equips learners with practical skills in sample collection, testing, analysis, and result interpretation.
- Develops expertise in hematology, microbiology, clinical biochemistry, immunology, and molecular diagnostics.
- Enhances understanding of laboratory safety, quality control, and regulatory compliance.
- Offers hands-on experience through laboratory practice, simulations, and real-world case studies.
- Strengthens problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills in laboratory settings.
- Prepares learners for leadership and management roles in medical laboratories and healthcare facilities.
- Improves employability in hospitals, diagnostic labs, research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies.
- Promotes adherence to ethical practices, patient safety standards, and evidence-based laboratory techniques.
- Supports continuous professional development and specialization in advanced laboratory technologies.
After completing this course, learners can progress in the following ways:
- Pursue Master’s degrees in Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Diagnostics, Biomedical Science, or Molecular Biology.
- Obtain professional certifications such as Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS), Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), or Specialist in Molecular Diagnostics.
- Advance into senior roles such as Laboratory Manager, Senior Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Research Scientist, or Quality Assurance Officer.
- Work with hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, research centers, public health organizations, and pharmaceutical companies.
- Progress into leadership and administrative positions, managing laboratory operations and teams.
- Engage in research and development, contributing to medical diagnostics, innovative testing methods, and laboratory technology advancements.
- Transition into specialized areas such as clinical microbiology, hematology, molecular diagnostics, or pathology.