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Certificate III in Laboratory Skills MSL30122
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Overview

Embark on a rewarding career in the science industry with our entry-level laboratory assistant course.

In this course, you will engage in a variety of practical tasks, following established procedures to conduct experiments, prepare and test samples, and ensure precise measurements and accurate data recording. You will gain valuable knowledge in operating diverse testing equipment, making necessary adjustments, analysing data and identifying trends to effectively solve predictable laboratory problems. As well as develop effective communication skills, proficiently plan and execute laboratory work, prevent cross-contamination, utilise microscopy techniques, ensure workplace safety, prepare culture media, and adhere to quality regulations.

Qualification:

 Certificate III in Laboratory Skills MSL30122

Next Intake:

 Semester 1 2025

Course No:

 C3-HS55

Campus:

 CIT Bruce 

Duration:

 1 semester full time (approximately 16 hours per week) OR part time equivalent.
Study is typically conducted four days per week for full time study and two days for part time study.
It is expected that students will do an additional 16 hours per week of additional work to support assessment and their face-to-face learning outside of scheduled classes.

Cost Info:

Enrolment fees for this course are based on the costs per subject as indicated below. The total course cost may vary depending on the choice of elective subjects or if subjects are attempted more than once. Subject costs identified as Standard are partially subsidised by the ACT Government. Concessions may be available to eligible students.

Indicative Cost:

 $2,038

Likely Job Outcome:

 Laboratory assistant in the food industry, pathology, schools, trades or mining sectors.

Application Type:

 Standard
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Timetable Information

To help with the enrolment process print your timetable, or keep the window open, so that you can refer back to it for your course code, course name, and the Course Reference Numbers (CRNs) or Block Code.

Additional Information

Material fees of $150 are for printed workbooks related to the chemistry specific units.

Learners to provide: Lab coat, safety goggles, fully enclosed shoes, mobile phone (to capture photos), calculator (non-programmable).

Entry Requirements

No formal Training Package Entry Requirements:
CIT entry requirements include:
ACT Year 12 or equivalent. If you do not have a Year 12 qualification (or equivalent) you will be asked to attend an informal interview to evaluate your ability to succeed in the program.

Skills Recognition

To study any course at CIT (excluding non-accredited training) you must have a Unique Student Identifier (USI).

Literacy Skills Information

We suggest that you will need Australian Core Skills Framework literacy levels of at least 3 across reading, writing, learning, oral communication and, depending on your course of study, numeracy skills to successfully complete this course. If you do not have this level, you can still enrol and seek support to improve your skills or you may prefer to begin with the lower level course. Please visit Foundation Skills.

Transition Information

Qualifications at CIT are regularly updated or replaced to meet current industry needs and maximise your employment opportunities. If this occurs while you are part way through a qualification, you may need to vary your learning to meet the new national requirements. CIT will aim to make this as smooth as possible for you.

Subject Cancellations/Changes

To ensure positive outcomes for all students, CIT may need to cancel or change classes at short notice. CIT will make every effort to inform students as soon as changes are made and will also make every effort to offer alternative arrangements for students to meet the requirements of the subject and complete their qualification. In an unfortunate instance when this cannot be met, you will receive a full refund. Please ensure you maintain current contact details via CIT Self Service or by contacting CIT Student Services at infoline@cit.edu.au.


Subject Information

Complete 13 subjects

Core: Complete all 5

  • BSBCMM211   Apply communication skills
    • CIT Code: BUSN275
      Cost: Standard $110.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply basic communication skills in the workplace, including identifying, gathering and conveying information along with completing assigned written information.The unit applies to individuals working under direct supervision, who are developing basic skills and knowledge of workplace communication in preparation for working in a broad range of settings.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSL922002   Record and present data
    • CIT Code: LABT300
      Cost: Standard $165.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to record and store data, perform simple calculations of scientific quantities and present information in tables and graphs. The unit requires personnel to solve predictable problems using clear information or known solutions. Where alternatives exist, they are limited or apparent.This unit of competency is applicable to production operators, field assistants and laboratory assistants working in all industry sectors. While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSL913004   Plan and conduct laboratory/field work
    • CIT Code: LABT248
      Cost: Standard $88.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to plan and complete tasks individually or in a team context. The tasks involve established routines and procedures using allocated resources with access to readily available guidelines and advice. Work plans may need to be modified with supervisor agreement to suit changing conditions and priorities.This unit of competency applies to instrument operators, laboratory assistants and technical assistants working in all industry sectors.No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSL933009   Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives
    • CIT Code: LABT302
      Cost: Standard $165.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to apply quality principles to laboratory or field work to achieve quality outcomes.This unit of competency applies to samplers/testers, production operators and laboratory/field assistants working in all industry sectors. These personnel have roles and responsibilities within the workplaces quality system which are set out in quality manuals and workplace procedures.No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSL943004   Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety
    • CIT Code: LABT261
      Cost: Standard $88.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to follow work health and safety (WHS) policies and procedures, deal with the identification and control of hazards, work safely at all times, follow emergency response procedures and contribute to the maintenance of workplace safety. This unit of competency applies to laboratory assistants and instrument operators working in all industry sectors. WHS responses are restricted to a 'first response' approach, including the notification of appropriate workplace personnel. Workers will be provided with clear directions, information, training and appropriate supervision. No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied
      Prerequisites: Nil

Electives: Complete 6

  • MSL973025   Perform basic tests
    • CIT Code: LABT315
      Cost: Standard $213.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to prepare samples and perform tests and measurements using standard methods with access to readily available advice from supervisors. This unit of competency applies to laboratory/field assistants working in all industry sectors. In general, they do not calibrate equipment and make only limited adjustments to the controls. They do not interpret or analyse results or troubleshoot equipment problems.No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSL973028   Perform microscopic examination
    • CIT Code: LABT318
      Cost: Standard $153.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to set up a light microscope for optimum resolution, to prepare routine samples and to observe, identify and report sample characteristics. This unit of competency applies to laboratory assistants and technicians in all industry sectors. The unit of competency covers limited interpretation and analysis of results. Troubleshooting of equipment and procedures is not required.No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSL973027   Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination
    • CIT Code: LABT317
      Cost: Standard $194.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination to maintain the integrity of both the sample source, and the sample and protect people and the environment. It applies to sampling techniques in tissue culture, generic microbiological, molecular and chemical procedures.This unit of competency applies to laboratory assistants and technicians working in the field or laboratory in the biomedical, biological, food processing and environmental industry sectors.No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSL973026   Prepare working solutions
    • CIT Code: LABT316
      Cost: Standard $189.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to prepare working solutions and to check that existing stocks of solutions are suitable for use. Working solutions include those required to perform laboratory tests. Personnel are required to calculate quantities and make dilutions.This unit of competency applies to laboratory assistants working in all industry sectors. No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSL934008   Maintain instruments and equipment
    • CIT Code: LABT303
      Cost: Standard $145.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to check the serviceability and calibration of laboratory or field instruments and equipment and perform routine maintenance, such as cleaning and replacement of consumables and minor components. Personnel are also required to perform basic troubleshooting and repairs consistent with warranty and service agreements.This unit of competency applies to technical assistants, instrument operators and technical officers working in all industry sectors.No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSL973015   Prepare culture media
    • CIT Code: LABT270
      Cost: Standard $213.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to prepare culture media which is free of contamination to facilitate optimal growth of organisms and cells. It includes the ability to organise the materials, equipment and work environment and follow standard methods. Media may be prepared from formulated powders obtained from microbiological companies or by first principles under supervision of a technical officer or scientist.This unit of competency applies to laboratory assistants in the biomedical, biological, environmental, food processing and pharmaceutical industry sectors.No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied
      Prerequisites: Nil

Electives: Complete 2

  • MSL934009   Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes
    • CIT Code: LABT304
      Cost: Standard $194.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to use quality laboratory practice and effectively participate in quality improvement teams. Personnel are required to ensure the quality and integrity of their own work, detect non-conformances and work with others to suggest improvements in productivity and quality.This unit of competency applies to laboratory technicians working in all industry sectors who contribute to quality improvements in areas or processes associated with their own job function and/or specialisation. In some industry sectors this unit of competency is relevant to experienced technical officers who may work individually or as part of a team.No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied.
      Prerequisites: Nil
  • MSL944002   Maintain laboratory or field workplace safety
    • CIT Code: LABT262
      Cost: Standard $121.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to monitor and maintain work health and safety (WHS) within a work area where the person has supervisory responsibility for others. This unit applies to laboratory technicians, senior technicians and laboratory managers in all industry sectors. No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied
      Prerequisites: Nil

Related Courses

Certificate IV Laboratory Techniques MSL40122

More Information

For more information about this course please contact CIT Student Services on (02) 6207 3188 or email infoline@cit.edu.au