INSTITUTIONS OFFERING SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY LISTED AT THE BOTTOM

WHAT IS SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY AND WHO IS A SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIST / LAB TECHNICIAN?

Science Laboratory Technology is one of many programs under the school of applied sciences. It is basically focuses on the important principles of biological, chemical and physical sciences, the analysis as well as the applications. Laboratory Technology as a course is a branch of science that studies analytical laboratory procedures / laboratory-based investigations within biological, chemical, physical and life science areas.

Specialists in Science Laboratory Technology are known by different names such as Laboratory Assistant, Laboratory Technologist, Laboratory Scientist, and Clinical Laboratory Scientist. In Zambia they are mostly referred to as lab technicians.

Lab technicians are the backbone of a scientific research lab. Their work is almost entirely laboratory-based and technicians may work alone or as part of a team of scientific staff. The place or area of work is determines the kind of work that lab technicians do; if it is at the hospital, they are expected to be testing, analysing as well as interpreting fluids or tissues, conducting blood tests and examining cells. If they work for a food and drink manufacturer, they might be testing food and drink samples to detect contamination or ensure quality.

WHERE DO LAB TECHNICIANS WORK?

Any organization or institution with a laboratory requires a Scientific Laboratory Technician. In Zambia lab technicians can work in hospitals/clinics in laboratories where they work hand in hand with other health personnel; patients in hospitals are always referred to lab technician to test for any suspected illness such as malaria and HIV before a prescription can be put in place. They also work in sports clubs where they run random tests on players to detect the presence of any banned substances in players or simply just their health prior to important events. Lab technicians can also work for food and drink manufacturers such as trade kings, colleges/universities, academic research institutes and pharmaceutical companies.

WHAT TASKS ARE INVOLVED IN THE WORK?

As partly mentioned above, a lab technician is involved in diagnosing diseases, measuring levels of pollution, developing new products, or working with specialised techniques, such as those concerned with infertility and conception, which all depends on a place of work. In either generalized or specialized work, the lab technicians have a vital role in helping doctors diagnose serious conditions so they can determine the correct method of treatment for their patients as quickly as possible. Lab technicians also have an important role in the prevention and management of conditions through early detection.

Other tasks may involve the following:

• Setting up experiments or investigations
• Carrying out risk assessments for lab activities
• Collecting and analysing samples
• Preparing solutions, cultures or specimens
• Analysing samples
• Recording and presenting data
• Ordering and controlling stock
• Adjusting, calibrating, and ensuring the effective functioning of laboratory instruments and equipment
• Disinfecting and cleaning the equipment and working area; and

WHAT IS THE WORK SCHEDULE OF A LAB TECHNICIAN?

Lab technicians have different work schedules which rely on the institution’s terms of contract. Fulltime lab technicians in Zambia in public and private hospitals work from Monday to Friday from 08hrs to 17hrs. They profession is very much prone to long working hours and may at multiple times require field work or working on weekends. Other lab technicians, especially in industries and sports clubs may be on part time.

WHAT DOES THE JOB MARKET LOOK LIKE?

Science laboratory technology is one of the science professionals in Zambia with quite a broad job market. Like many other professionals in Zambia, the government is a major employer of lab technicians in hospitals/clinics as well as colleges/universities. Lab technicians are also marketable in the private sector and non-profit organisations. They are usually under the laboratory department which may be fixed such as a school laboratory or mobile such as a hospital’s ambulance. Some lab technicians can work in a materials lab where they test the strength of construction materials to see if they are suitable for particular construction works.

WHAT SORT OF CAREER-PERSONALITY MATCH IS REQUIRED?

Like many other science based programs, Science Laboratory Technology requires someone with the love of sciences and especially the practical side of it. A lab technician should be someone who is very much sober minded as the decision of many health personnel is entirely dependent on him or her. A lab technician requires positive and supportive cooperation with other medical professionals, such as physicians, to ensure full and complete patient care. The work a Lab Technician does and can directly result in the doctor’s ability to diagnose and cure a number of different conditions. A lab technician should also be in a position to use and understand different medical machinery as well as equipment.

INSTITUTIONS OFFERING SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY LISTED AT THE BOTTOM

WHAT SUBJECTS WILL THE PROGRAM COVER?

Subjects that science and laboratory technology cover are different from different institutions but are similar in many areas. In the beginning of the program, science and laboratory technology involves courses in biology, chemistry, and mathematics which may further materialize to courses such as microbiology, Introduction to Clinical Laboratory Science, Immunology and Immunohematology and Basic Haematology, depending on the school curriculum.

WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?

A full Grade Twelve School Certificate or GCE with 5 credits or better, four of which must be English Language, Mathematics, Biology and Science. Due competition, the cutoff point may vary in different institutions with the average of 12 to 15 points in universities and 13 to 18 points in colleges.

WHAT OTHER PROGRAMS OF STUDY CAN MAKE SOMEONE A LAB TECHNICIAN?

Unlike other science based professionals, being a lab technician can be achieved through various paths. One can also become a lab technician by studying Medical Lab Technology at Apex University or a Diploma in Laboratory Diagnostics from the University of Zambia among others.

WHAT ARE THE FUTURE ADVANCED QUALIFICATIONS AVAILABLE AND WHY?

Studying Science Laboratory Technology is not a dead end; you may eventually decide to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a more specialized area such as chemistry, microbiology, or even management. Advanced education can provide greater opportunities within a variety of organizations. Further specialization can be obtained as a lab technician in the areas of microbiology, immunology, and human chemistry.  As mentioned earlier, the advancement of academic qualifications bring fourth the advancement in salaries as well as opportunities apart from enhancing your knowledge and understanding in your field.

INSTITUTIONS THAT OFFER SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY

UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA
Programme duration: 2 years (diploma)
Mode of study: Distance
Admitting school: Institute of Distance Education
Intakes: January only
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +26 097 177 8753 / +26 097 877 2249
E-mail: customercare-ide@unza.zm
Website: www.unza.zm/institutes/ide/DLD

MULUNGUSHI UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 4 years (degree)
Mode of study: Full-time and Distance
Admitting school: School of Science, Engineering and Technology
Intakes: August
Location: Kabwe
Contacts
Tel: + (260) 215 228 004
E-mail: academic@mu.ac.zm
Website: www.mu.ac.zm

CHALIMBANA UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 3 years (Diploma)
Mode of study: Full-time and Distance
Admitting school: School of Science and Mathematics Education
Intakes: January and July
Location: Chongwe – Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +260 974 115 647
E-mail: info@chau.edu.zm
Website: www.chau.ac.zm/content/fees

NORTHERN TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Programme duration: 3 years (Diploma)
Mode of study: Full-time, Part-time and Distance
Admitting school: Faculty of Applied Science and Business Studies
Intakes: January and July
Location: Ndola
Contacts
Tel: +260-212-671699 or +260-955-667674
E-mail: principal@nortec.edu.zm
Website: www.nortec.edu.zm/?page_id=57

EVELYN HONE COLLEGE
Programme duration: 3 years Diploma
Mode of study: Full-time and Distance
Admitting school: School of Health and Applied Sciences
Intakes: June/July only
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +0211225127 or +260 211 220971 or +260 964 032960
E-mail: info.ehc@evelynhone.edu.zm
Website: www.evelynhone.edu.zm/academic-fees/