Medical Laboratory Science: Guidelines for Admission

What is a medical laboratory scientist?

Medical laboratory scientists are the health professionals responsible for providing the laboratory test results essential for correct diagnosis of medical conditions and treatment monitoring. In addition to working in hospital and community medical laboratories, medical laboratory scientists are well trained for careers in medical research, biotechnology, forensic science, veterinary diagnostic testing and pathology, diagnostic sales and applications, contract research organisations, laboratory management, and hospital mortuary science.

Modern medicine requires tests in areas such as:

• Clinical biochemistry: Changes in blood chemistry relating to illnesses such as diabetes, toxicology, drug abuse, cancer, and heart disease.
• Haematology: Detection of diseases such as leukaemia and bleeding disorders.
• Histology and cytology: Microscopic analysis of tissues and cells to identify abnormalities observed in cancer biopsies and cervical smears.
• Immunology: Blood and tissue assays for infection, autoimmune and immune deficiency diseases.
• Microbiology and virology: Identification of disease-causing bacteria and viruses responsible for illnesses such as such as meningitis, AIDS, and COVID-19.
• Molecular diagnostics: The study of nucleic acids (DNA, RNA) for the diagnosis of cancer, inherited diseases, and infections.
• Transfusion science: The use of blood products and blood group identification in patient treatment essential for organ transplantation, blood transfusion, and clotting factor deficiencies.

^ Top of page

Entry requirements

The Medical Laboratory Science Admissions Committee considers applications from candidates in the following categories:

• University of Otago Health Sciences First Year category
• Two or More Years of University Study category
• Graduate category
• Alternative category

University of Otago Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) category

To be considered for admission in the HSFY category an applicant must be enrolled in HSFY at Otago and pass all the papers prescribed for HSFY, at first attempt, with an average mark of 65%. Selection for applicants who have met these criteria will be based on their academic score.

Applicants must have passed the HSFY English Diagnostic Test or have passed ENGL 128.

Single Programme Preference applicants must have passed all the prescribed HSFY papers with an average mark of 65% or better. First offers are made to Single Programme Preference applicants. Thereafter, if there are domestic places still available, offers will be made to applicants who have applied to more than one professional programme.

Scoring Example HSFY Category (PDF)

You can contact us via the AskOtago Service Portal if you have any questions.

HSFY category checklist

• Completed online application form
• Completed Māori equity group requirements (if applicable)
• Completed NZRIPO equity group requirements (if applicable)
• Completed Socioeconomic equity group requirements (if applicable)
• Completed Refugee Background equity group requirements (if applicable)
• Completed New Zealand Rural Origins equity group requirements (if applicable)

Two or More Years of University Study category

Applicants who are not finalists and have completed two or more years of full-time study at a university in New Zealand, will be considered for entry into Medical Laboratory Science. The Admissions Committee will score the best 240 points according to the following rules:

i.Best 3 × 200-level papers scored,
ii.Balance of the 240 points from the best scoring remaining papers (scoring a maximum 120 points at 200-level),
iii.With 100-level papers weighted × 0.5, and all other papers weighted at × 1.5

Due to the scoring system for admission to the Professional Programmes, we are unable to score papers that have a pass/fail grade, nor are we able to score aegrotat passes.

Applicants who are offered a place in second-year Medical Laboratory Science (BMLSc), and are missing the First-Year papers (or their equivalent) listed in the BMLSc Schedule, will be required to undertake a prescribed course of study.  When the Medical Laboratory Science Admissions Committee offer a place, applicants will be advised which papers they must complete, as well as the grades that must be attained in order to be eligible to be admitted to the second year of the BMLSc.

Students are advised that their second year of study must include at least three papers at 200-level.

Applicants must not have failed more than two papers in any one year subsequent to a first year of study.

Single Programme Preference applicants must pass all the prescribed HSFY papers (or approved equivalent). Selection for applicants will be based on their weighted GPA, see scoring example:

• Weighted GPA spreadsheet (XLSX)

First offers are made to Single Programme Preference applicants. Thereafter, if there are domestic places still available, offers will be made to applicants who have applied to more than one professional programme.

You can contact us via the AskOtago Service Portal if you have any questions.

Two or More Years of University Study category checklist

• Complete eVision application
• Official academic transcripts for previous study
  • University of Otago records will be accessed directly and do not need to be provided.
  • If any further academic documentation is required, this will be requested via your eVision portal.
  • We understand that you will not be able to provide an official academic transcript for any ongoing semester 2 study until after the semester ends. Please ensure that you provide an official academic transcript including the results of that study as soon as you are able after results are released.
  • If you do not provide the required complete official academic transcripts by December 1 this may result in a delay to the outcome of your application.
• Completed Māori equity group requirements (if applicable)
• Completed NZRIPO equity group requirements (if applicable)
• Completed Socioeconomic equity group requirements (if applicable)
• Completed Refugee Background equity group requirements (if applicable)
• Completed New Zealand Rural Origins equity group requirements (if applicable)

Graduate category

To be considered for admission in the Graduate category, applicants must have completed, in the minimum academic time and within three years of the date of application, the requirements of a degree (as outlined below) awarded by a university in New Zealand.

All applicants in the Graduate category are ranked on the basis of a score derived from the grades achieved in:

• A bachelor's degree,
  or
• A bachelor's honours degree,
  or
• A bachelor's degree, followed, without break in study by a postgraduate diploma or postgraduate honours year.

No preference is given to degree qualification or major subject.

The average grade for all papers in the qualifying programme must be at least a weighted grade point average of 4.

The qualifying degree is the first university degree awarded to the applicant. Applicants must have pass all the prescribed HSFY papers or their equivalent. Applicants offered a place under the Graduate category may be required to pass prescribed papers, to a standard determined by the Committee, before being admitted to second year classes.

The score for candidates applying is based on the following:

• Papers are given a weighted academic score and are ranked
• Total points scored would be as per the requirement for the relevant degree (typically 360 points for a three-year degree)
• Using the regulations for a standard three-year Otago Bachelor's degree as an example, the admission score would be calculated as follows, in order of precedence:
  • Best scoring (maximum of) 120 points at 300-level
  • Best scoring of 200-level and 100-level papers to 360 points
  • With 100-level papers weighted x 0.5, 200-level papers weighted x 1.0, and 300-level papers weighted x 1.5

Please refer to the scoring example below to get indication of your weighted GPA score. Please note that your weighted GPA score will be confirmed as part of the application process in December, and that this spreadsheet is for example purposes only.

Due to the scoring system for admission to the Health Professional programmes, we are not able to score papers that have a pass / fail grade, nor are we able to score aegrotat passes.

Weighted GPA spreadsheet (XLSX)

You can contact us via the AskOtago Service Portal if you have any questions.

Graduate category checklist

• Complete eVision application
• Official academic transcripts for previous study
  • University of Otago records will be accessed directly and do not need to be provided.
  • If any further academic documentation is required, this will be requested via your eVision portal.
  • We understand that you will not be able to provide an official academic transcript for any ongoing semester 2 study until after the semester ends. Please ensure that you provide an official academic transcript including the results of that study as soon as you are able after results are released.
  • If you do not provide the required complete official academic transcripts by December 1 this may result in a delay to the outcome of your application.
• Completed Māori equity group requirements (if applicable)
• Completed NZRIPO equity group requirements (if applicable)
• Completed Refugee Background equity group requirements (if applicable)
• Completed Socioeconomic equity group requirements (if applicable)
• Completed New Zealand Rural Origins equity group requirements (if applicable)

Alternative category

To be considered for admission under the Alternative category a candidate must not be eligible for any other admission category and meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Hold a degree from a New Zealand university;
  or
• Have completed a degree at an overseas university at a standard of at least New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) Level 7;
  or
• Have completed a master's or doctoral degree
• Demonstrate health-related professional experience in a relevant field to a standard acceptable to the Committee.

Applicants offered a place under the Alternative category may be required to pass prescribed papers, to a standard determined by the Committee, before being admitted to second year classes.

Selection of applicants who have met these criteria will be based on academic merit, a single programme preference for Medical Laboratory Science, and a possible interview.

Alternative category checklist

• Completed eVision application
• Curriculum vitae including names, addresses, and email contacts of three people who may be contacted for a confidential reference
  • The Career Development Centre has useful information available on their website about how to prepare your CV, should you require assistance.
• Official academic documentation for all previous study
  • University of Otago records will be accessed directly and do not need to be provided.
  • If any further academic documentation is required, this will be requested via your eVision portal.
• Statement of interest
  • A short statement outlining the reasons for wanting to enter the course headed: Statement of reasons for wanting to enter the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science
  • This must be on one A4 page and include your name and Otago student ID
• Names, addresses, and (if available) email contacts of three people who may be contacted for a confidential reference.
• Completed Māori equity group requirements (if applicable)
• Completed NZRIPO equity group requirements (if applicable)
• Completed Socioeconomic equity group requirements (if applicable)
• Completed Refugee Background equity group requirements (if applicable)
• Completed New Zealand Rural Origins equity group requirements (if applicable)

Sub-categories

• Māori equity group
• New Zealand Resident Indigenous Pacific Origins (NZRIPO) equity group
• Socioeconomic equity group
• Refugee Background equity group
• New Zealand Rural Origins equity group

Te Kauae Parāoa is the policy on admissions for domestic students to the health professional programmes offered by the Division of Health Sciences. This policy supersedes the former Mirror on Society Selection Policy.

Te Kauae Parāoa promotes and facilitates equity for students from underrepresented priority groups with the aim to produce a workforce that represents the communities it serves to improve health outcomes for all.

Applicants may also be considered in one or more of the following equity groups:

• Māori
• New Zealand Resident Indigenous Pacific Origins ( NZRIPO ) (see note)
• Socioeconomic Equity
• Refugee Background
• Rural

An applicant in either the Māori, or Indigenous Pacific or both of these equity groups requires verification of ancestry by the University. You can apply for verification of ancestry from the 'My details' section of your eVision portal, and we would encourage you to request this as soon as possible if you are intending to apply for the health sciences professional programmes, to minimise delays in processing your application.

Māori equity group

Applicants wishing to be considered under the Māori equity group must indicate this at the time of application by ticking the Māori equity group box in the online application. Using the form below, applicants will also be required to complete and upload a written personal supporting statement

Māori – Supporting Statement form (PDF)

In order to be eligible for the Māori equity group your ancestry needs to be verified by the University. You can apply for verification of ancestry from the 'My details' section of your eVision portal.

Successful applicants from the Māori equity group are required to attend a mihiwhakatau (greeting) at the commencement of classes in Dunedin. Whānau are welcome and encouraged to attend.

It is recommended that students wishing to apply under the Māori equity group attend a relevant information session held by the Division of Health Science Māori Health Workforce Development Unit (MHWDU) and/or contact the MHWDU to arrange a meeting with staff or for further information:
Email mhwdu@otago.ac.nz

New Zealand Resident indigenous Pacific Origins ( NZRIPO )

An application via the NZRIPO equity group requires verification of ancestry for one or more of the following Pacific nations:

• American Samoa
• Cook Islands
• Federated States of Micronesia
• Fiji
• French Polynesia
• Hawaii
• Kiribati
• Marshall Islands
• New Caledonia
• Niue
• Palau
• Papua New Guinea
• Rapanui (Easter Island)
• Rotuma
• Samoa
• Solomon Islands
• Tokelau
• Tonga
• Tuvalu
• Vanuatu
• Wallis and Futuna

Applicants wishing to be considered under the NZRIPO equity group must indicate this at the time of application by ticking the NZRIPO equity group box on the application form.

In order to be eligible for the NZRIPO equity group your ancestry needs to be verified by the University. You can apply for verification of ancestry from the 'My details' section of your eVision portal.

Using the form below, applicants must also complete and upload:

1. An endorsement of your application by a leader of a Pacific Island Community Group
   and
2. A written personal supporting statement (500-word limit) giving your reasons for applying under the NZRIPO equity group .  Please explain your understanding of the NZRIPO equity group, and outline your commitment to and interest in the health of the Pacific Island Community in New Zealand.

New Zealand Resident Indigenous Pacific Origins (NZRIPO) endorsement and statement form (PDF)

Successful applicants from the NZRIPO sub-category are expected to be connected and contribute to the Health Sciences Pacific support network.

It is highly recommended that students wishing to apply under the NZRIPO equity group contact the staff in the Pacific Islands Research and Student Support Unit, in the Office of the Associate Dean (Pacific):
Email vot@otago.ac.nz

Socioeconomic equity group

To be eligible for the Socioeconomic equity ( EQ ) group, you must be a domestic student who has attended a New Zealand secondary school that was decile 1, 2 or 3 until 2023, or has an Equity Index ( EQI ) number of 479 or greater. You must have attended during Years 11, 12 and 13 within the last five years.

You can apply for Medical Laboratory Science under the Socioeconomic equity group via the HSFY , Two or More Years of University Study or Graduate categories of Admission.

Applicants wishing to apply under the Socioeconomic equity group must indicate this at the time of application by ticking the Socioeconomic equity group box in the online application and provide the following supporting information:

• An official letter from your secondary school(s) confirming its EQI number of 479 or greater (or decile 1–3 until 2023) and your enrolment in years 11, 12, and 13 within the last five years. Email your school letter to health-sciences@otago.ac.nz and eq.project@otago.ac.nz
  • School letter template – Socioeconomic equity group (DOCX)
  and
• Using the form below, write a personal statement (500-word limit) explaining your understanding of the reasons for the Socioeconomic equity group, how socioeconomic background impacts practice as a health professional, and of your aspirations and commitment to make a positive contribution to the health needs of lower socioeconomic communities.
  • Socioeconomic Equity Supporting Statement form (PDF)

It is strongly recommended that students wishing to apply under the Socioeconomic equity group contact the Division of Health Sciences, EQ Project team (Raukaha Workforce Development – Kōhatu Centre for Hauora Māori).

Socioeconomic Equity ( EQ ) Project
Email eq.project@otago.ac.nz
otago.ac.nz/equity

Note: Successful applicants from the Socioeconomic equity group are expected to maintain engagement with the EQ /Raukaha team throughout their studies.

Refugee Background equity group

In order to apply under the Refugee Background equity group you must have either been granted refugee status in New Zealand, or have a parent(s)/primary guardian(s) who has been granted refugee status in New Zealand. The Refugee Background equity group applies to all categories of admission.

Applicants wishing to apply under the Refugee Background equity group must indicate this at the time of application by ticking the Refugee Background equity group box in the online application and providing the following supporting information:

If you are applying as a person who has been granted refugee status then you must provide:

Either

• Certified copies of your Certificate of Identity or your passport confirming refugee status and Permanent Residency.
  or
• A letter from Immigration New Zealand confirming your status as a permanent resident was obtained on the basis of being a refugee. This must include your full legal name and date of birth.
  or
• A letter from Immigration New Zealand confirming that you are a former refugee and that you have applied for residency. This must include your full legal name and date of birth.
  Request or change your personal information – Immigration NZ

If you are applying as a child or dependent of a parent(s) / primary guardian(s) who was granted New Zealand Residency as a refugee, you must provide:

1. A letter from Immigration New Zealand confirming that your parent(s) / primary guardian(s) was granted New Zealand residency via on the basis of their status as a former refugee. This letter must include their full name and date of birth. If Immigration NZ is not able to provide such a letter, equivalent official documentation can be submitted and will be considered for acceptability. Please contact Dr Jackie Tagg in the Health Sciences Divisional Office for advice.
   Email jackie.tagg@otago.ac.nz
   and
2. A document that confirms they are your parent(s) / primary guardian(s), for example your birth certificate, a joint passport, or adoption papers.

Using the form below, your application under the Refugee Background equity group must include a personal supporting statement (500-word limit) outlining your understanding of the Refugee Background equity group, how your refugee background will impact your practice as a health professional, and your commitment to the health of former refugees.

Refugee Supporting Statement form (PDF)

It is strongly recommended that students wishing to apply under the Refugee Background equity group contact the Refugee Background subcategory support person, Dr Jackie Tagg, in the Health Sciences Divisional Office:

Email jackie.tagg@otago.ac.nz

New Zealand Rural Origins equity group

In order to apply in the New Zealand Rural Origins equity group, candidates for admission must:

• Have undertaken a minimum of four years of their pre-tertiary education at a school in a rural area of New Zealand
  or
• Have resided in a rural area of New Zealand for a minimum of four consecutive years following the completion of their secondary education
  or
• Have undertaken a combination of pre-tertiary education at a school in a rural area of New Zealand and residence in a rural area of New Zealand, for a minimum of four consecutive years

Applicants wishing to have their New Zealand Rural Origins status considered with their application must indicate this at the time of application by ticking the New Zealand Rural Origins equity group box in the online application.

Applicants must provide the following supporting information:

either

• An official letter from the pre-tertiary regional / rural education institution they attended, outlining:
  • The duration of their study,
    and
  • The physical location of the institute

or

• A statutory declaration, made before an authorised person, confirming residency of four years or more in a rural location (this declaration must specify which years are being claimed as the four qualifying years). A statutory declaration can be used for your residential address only. It cannot be used to confirm school attendance.

An authorised person is a person listed in the Oaths and Declarations Act 1957 as able to take declarations. This person could be a:

• Justice of the Peace
• Barrister or Solicitor of the High Court

Students within New Zealand may wish to check justiceofthepeace.org.nz for a list of Justices of the Peace in their area. Students from remote areas who do not have access to anyone in the approved categories should visit the AskOtago Service Portal for advice.

For applications based on a rural residential address or attendance at a rural school(s) the University classifies rural as per the Geographic Classification for Health (GCH). For the purposes of this policy, applicants will be eligible if the address or school(s) on which the rural equity group application is based on, is classified within Rural 1–3.

Using the map image in the link below, you can undertake an informal check of the classification of the residential area provided in your application.

• GCH New Zealand map (PDF)

It is important to note that this should be considered as a guide only. The Statistical Area 1s (SA1s) of the residential address and/or the school(s) provided will be checked against the GCH database during the assessment of your application. If your application is found to not be eligible under the rural category you will be notified, and your application will be processed under the general category.

Students will not be bonded after graduation.

^ Top of Page

Application process

Online application and enrolment

New and returning students are required to complete their application through eVision.

You should apply in the first instance to the 'Health Sciences Undergraduate Professional Programmes' and then select 'Medical Laboratory Science' from the list.

If you have any questions regarding your registration please contact AskOtago:

Tel 0800 80 80 98 (from within New Zealand)
Tel +64 3 479 7000 (from overseas)
Email ask@otago.ac.nz
facebook.com/otagouniversity
Visit the AskOtago Service Portal

Supporting documentation

For details regarding other required documentation, consult the appropriate checklist available at the end of each main category of admission section.

Application deadlines

Applications open 1 August.
Applications close 15 September.

Outcome of application

You will be advised of the outcome of your application by email no later than 11pm (New Zealand Time) on 18 December.

Selection criteria

Selection of candidates for the second year of the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science programme from among those meeting the eligibility requirements established by the programme regulations conforms to the following criteria:

1. Those applying as members of an equity group undergo additional preliminary assessments:
   1. Applicants are confirmed as equity group members in accordance with the programme regulations.
   2. Confirmed equity group applicants are then considered by the Divisional Academic Board or its delegate against selection attributes for each specific equity group relating to the policy rationale of Te Kauae Parāoa.  These attributes are approved by the Divisional Academic Board and published at: Health Sciences Selection Attributes

      On the basis of these assessments, confirmed equity group members who are also established as meeting the policy rationale of Te Kauae Parāoa will be prioritized in the selection process outlined below.

2. Places in the second year of the programme are first allocated to the Alternative category.  This allocation is up to 20% of the overall places available in the following year.
3. Alternative category applicants must submit a CV, an academic record, and a personal statement, in the form specified within the Guidelines.  On the basis of these materials, a number of applicants will be assessed for suitability for the programme using the following criteria:
   • Motivation
   • Academic Aptitude
   • Life Skills and Life Experiences
   • Written Communication Skills

Candidates assessed as suitable for admission will be selected on the basis of their ranking calculated by reference to the Committee’s overall assessment of aptitude for the programme, taking into account written documentation, referee reports, and academic performance.

4. Remaining places in the second year of the programme are allocated between the Health Science First Year, Two or More Years of University Study, and Graduate categories, with as near as possible to 20% of the places available after Alternative Category places are filled being allocated to each of the Two or More Years of University Study and Graduate Categories, and the balance to the Health Science First Year category.
5. Final selection of candidates in the Health Science First Year, Two or More Years of University Study, and Graduate categories is on the basis of academic ranking within each category using the formulae specified in the Guidelines.  Selections are made in the following sequence:
1. Equity group applicants in the following sequence:
   1. Māori
   2. Resident Indigenous Pacific
   3. Refugee Background
   4. Socioeconomic Equity
   5. Rural
2. General applicants
   1. Single programme preference general applicants
   2. General applicants who have applied to other professional programmes

Accepting or declining offers

If offered a place, you will be advised on the deadline for accepting or declining the offer.

Please think carefully before making your decision; once you have declined your offer there is no opportunity to have the offer reinstated.

What is the waiting list?

If your Outcome of Application email indicates that you have been placed on the waiting list you will be contacted should a place become available. Separate waitlists are maintained for each Health Sciences Undergraduate Professional Programme.

You could be offered a place from a waiting list any time right up to the time classes begin. It is important that you continue your enrolment process for any alternative programme of study you may be considering. If you are on a waiting list and it is confirmed that there are no available places in the programme, you will be notified, and your application declined.

Deferral of entry

Successful candidates may request to defer their entry to the following academic year.

Requests will be considered on the following grounds:

• Graduate Category or Alternative Category candidates who wish to complete current academic study (e.g. an honours year) that in the opinion of the Admissions Committee will enhance a student's future study in Medical Laboratory Science. If approved, the Admissions Committee will advise of the minimum grade(s) that must be attained. Deferral requests, submitted under this criteria, must be received no later than the last day to add a first semester paper.
• Serious medical grounds or other exceptional circumstances. Candidates that are approved deferral on medical grounds or exceptional circumstances will be required to provide evidence that they are able to resume study.

Deferrals will only be granted for a maximum period of one academic year.

Applicants must have their personal and financial affairs in order when they apply so that if their application is successful, they are able to take up a place at the start of the first semester.

To apply for a deferral of entry please complete and return the deferral form (PDF)

English language requirements

Admission to the programme shall be subject to applicants meeting an English language requirement as determined by the Medical Laboratory Science Admissions Committee, dependent on the category under which the application is made.

International students

International students are defined as all those students who require a student visa to study in New Zealand. In any given year, a limited number of places in the second year Medical Laboratory Science may be available to international students.

Should an international student's residency status change prior to notification of the application outcome, they must notify the AskOtago Service Portal immediately and will have to compete for admission with other domestic students.

Important dates

• Online application closing date: 15 September
• Outcome of application emails sent out by: 18 December

Second year start dates

Applicants offered a place in the programme will be advised of dates for the following:

• Introductory lecture
• Classes begin

Introductory classes are compulsory. Students who fail to attend classes on the start date risk losing their place.

Health and disabilities

Please contact the University of Otago's Manager of Disability Information and Support, or visit the AskOtago Service Portal, if you have a health condition and/or disability that may affect whether or not you are able to meet the requirements of the programme or obtain professional registration.

Any applicant who has a mental or physical condition that could adversely affect their fitness to practice or is found to have failed to declare a condition may be declined admission to the programme by the Medical Laboratory Science Admissions Committee on the recommendation of the Health and Conduct Review Group. Any offer of admission made before responses to medical requests or requests for information regarding an applicant's health status have been received is conditional on the information received confirming the applicant's suitability for admission.

Criminal offences

Any applicant who is, or has been, the subject of criminal conviction, or is, or has been, subject to disciplinary proceedings of a tertiary institution or professional body, or is found to have failed to declare a matter may be declined admission to the programme by the Medical Laboratory Science Admissions Committee on the recommendation of the Health and Conduct Review Group. Any offer of admission made before responses to requests for information regarding an applicant's past conduct have been received is conditional on the information received confirming the applicant’s suitability for admission.

As some convictions may prohibit registration, applicants are advised to consult the regulations of the appropriate registering professional body:

Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand (Medical Laboratory Science)

All applicants must consent to verification from the New Zealand Police and Department of Courts that there are no undeclared criminal charges or convictions.

Health and Conduct Review Group

The Health and Conduct Review Group considers a student's suitability for admission to a Health Sciences Professional Programme having regard to fitness to practice issues.

Health and Conduct Review Group Terms of Reference (PDF)
Health and Conduct Procedure (PDF)

First aid certificate

All candidates who accept a place into the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science must have a certified copy of an appropriate New Zealand first aid certificate before the start of the programme.

Applicants must gain this qualification through an NZQA-registered training provider who is authorised to assess NZQA first aid standards. The certificate should include at least NZQA Standard 6401 and NZQA Standard 6402, but students are recommended to obtain a qualification which includes the higher NZQA Standard 6400.

The following are a selection of recommended training course:

• St John (First Aid Level Two)
• New Zealand Red Cross (Comprehensive First Aid Course)
• MediTrain (Workplace First Aid)
• Workplace First Aid (Comprehensive First Aid Course)

Immunity status

All applicants who are offered and accept a place to the second year, or any subsequent year, will be required to provide evidence of their serology status.

Because of the nature of their practice, health professionals are required to take steps to ensure they neither acquire infections from their patients nor transmit infections to patients.

Immunity testing arrangements will be made known during December, preceding the start of the programme. It is the responsibility of the applicant to cover all costs associated with completion of immunisation screening and vaccinations.

Please refer to the Infectious Diseases Policy for Health Professional Students (PDF) for further details regarding immunity status.

Domestic place numbers

The maximum number of domestic student places available across all admissions categories for 2024 is approximately 55.

Special examinations and adjusted paper marks

Applications from students sitting special examinations will be placed on hold until the special examination results are released. Once you receive your special examination results you must immediately advise the AskOtago Service Portal to ensure the processing of your application is completed.

^ Top of Page

Programme content

We offer one undergraduate qualification: the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLSc). This course requires four years of full-time study.

Year one is the competitive Health Sciences First Year course, also taken by those wishing to enter Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, or Physiotherapy. It must be taken on-campus at the University of Otago in Dunedin.

Years two and three are also spent full-time in Dunedin. Papers are taught by the School of Biomedical Sciences and the Dunedin School of Medicine.

Year four consists of two semesters in selected medical laboratories in New Zealand or overseas. You'll gain work experience, while taking part in a distance-taught academic course from Dunedin.

Following graduation, most degree-holders choose to work for at least six months in a diagnostic medical laboratory. This is necessary to fulfil the requirements for registration as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, specified by the Medical Science Council of New Zealand.

Second-year papers

• MELS 208 Introduction to Diagnostic Pathology
• MELS 223 Infection and Immunity (for BMLSc)
• MELS 230 Biochemistry (for BMLSc)
• MELS 241 Human Biology: Cells to Systems (for BMLSc)
• MELS 251 Physiology (for BMLSc)

Third-year papers

• MELS 301 Diagnostic Chemical Pathology
• MELS 302 Haematology and Transfusion Science
• MELS 304 Principles of Pathology
• MELS 305 Elements of Histotechnology
• MELS 306 Medical Microbiology

Fourth-year papers

Two of:

• MELS 401 Advanced Diagnostic Chemical Pathology
• MELS 402 Clinical Microbiology
• MELS 403 Clinical Virology
• MELS 404 Diagnostic Molecular Pathology
• MELS 405 Cytopathology
• MELS 406 Haematology
• MELS 407 Histopathology
• MELS 408 Transfusion Science
• MELS 409 Clinical Immunology
• MELS 410 Medical laboratory Science for  Rural Health

^ Top of Page

Careers

Medical Laboratory Scientists use sophisticated instruments and techniques combined with theoretical knowledge to provide rapid, accurate, and reliable test results that aid clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Approximately seventy to eighty percent of diagnoses made by clinical staff depend on laboratory tests. In fact, the practice of modern medicine would not be possible without them. The test results medical laboratory scientists provide have an immediate impact on the care of patients.

The University of Otago BMLSc is an internationally recognised qualification. It is the pathway to registration with the Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand as a Medical Laboratory Scientist. Registration is usually granted to BMLSc graduates following employment in a hospital or community diagnostic laboratory for at least six months.

The Otago BMLSc is also a gateway to other career opportunities:

• Health research groups in universities, Crown institutes and the private sector
• Companies supplying scientific instrumentation (research and development, sales, technical support)
• Biotechnology companies
• Forensic science
• Diagnostic and clinical education
• Laboratory management
• Veterinary pathology laboratories
• Hospital mortuary technicians

If you’re considering graduate entry into other Health Science Professional Programmes, such as Medicine, you will find the knowledge you gained in your BMLSc invaluable.

Postgraduate degrees available are:

• Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science (PG Dip MLSc)
• Master of Medical Laboratory Science (MMLSc)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

^ Top of Page

Regulations

Regulations for the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLSc) degree

^ Top of Page

Disclaimer