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Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques MSL40122
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Overview

Join our comprehensive laboratory technician course and embark on an exciting journey into the world of scientific analysis and experimentation.

In this course, you will be exposed to a diverse range of laboratory techniques, both manual and automated, that are essential for sample collection and preparation. From understanding the intricacies of working in a laboratory environment to adhering to stringent quality standards, you will learn the best practices to ensure accurate and reliable test results across various industries. You will gain valuable knowledge in recording sample information, verifying documents, preparing samples, performing scientific calculations, interpreting results, and maintaining laboratory equipment. As well as specialised areas in chemistry, biology, point-of-care testing devices, and microbiology.

As a laboratory technician, you will play a crucial role in the scientific and medical community. Under the guidance of laboratory or quality managers, as well as scientific and medical professionals, you will take ownership of your work, provide training in sample collection techniques and basic testing procedures, and contribute to the resolution of technical issues.

Qualification:

 Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques MSL40122

Next Intake:

 Semester 1 2025

Course No:

 C4-HS55

Campus:

 CIT Bruce 

Duration:

 2 semesters approximately 10 hours per week plus an additional 10 hours per week of independent learning to support face-to-face learning outside of scheduled classes.
Study is typically conducted three days per week and may include one evening per week.

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:

 $2,823

Likely Job Outcome:
  • Medical technical officer
  • Laboratory technical officer
  • Pathology technical officer
  • Food technical officer
  • Pathway to further study in a science field.

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

It is recommended that entrants have completed MSL30122 Certificate III in Laboratory Skills or have equivalent industry skills and knowledge.

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 4 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 16 subjects

Core: Complete all 4

  • MSL924005   Process and interpret data
    • CIT Code: LABT301
      Cost: Standard $165.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to retrieve data, evaluate formulae, perform scientific calculations, present and interpret information in tables and graphs and keep accurate records. The unit requires personnel to solve problems of limited complexity where the information may be less obvious, but not contradictory, and can be determined by direct reasoning.This unit of competency applies to laboratory assistants, field/laboratory technicians and instrument operators 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
  • 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

Electives: Complete minimum 1

  • MSL953005   Receive and prepare samples for testing
    • CIT Code: LABT311
      Cost: Standard $71.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to log samples, check sample documentation, and schedule and prepare samples for testing in accordance with workplace procedures. This unit does not include testing, tissue processing or similar techniques.This unit of competency applies to field and laboratory assistants in all industry sectors who receive and prepare samples as part/all of their job in a sample reception area.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 minimum 7

  • 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
  • MSL974034   Perform biological procedures
    • CIT Code: LABT323
      Cost: Standard $471.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to interpret work requirements, prepare samples, and perform routine biological procedures. These procedures may involve several steps and are used to classify organisms or biologically active compounds by analysing their biological and/or chemical characteristics. This unit includes interpretation of results and troubleshooting obvious departures from standard procedures.This unit of competency applies to technical assistants working in the biomedical, environmental, biotechnology and education 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • MSL954006   Relate anatomical and physiological features to laboratory samples
    • CIT Code: LABT312
      Cost: Standard $235.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to recognise and interpret different types of biological test samples to direct the specimen to the appropriate laboratory for testing. It covers knowledge of anatomy to interpret histology samples and knowledge of physiology to interpret pathology samples.This unit applies to technicians who work in pathology laboratories. The unit principally refers to human pathology, but many aspects are relevant to veterinary pathology. This unit of competency assumes that the laboratory technician would operate under the close supervision of scientific and/or medical staff. Although a supervisor may not always be present, the technician will follow workplace procedures that clearly describe the scope of permitted practice.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
  • MSL974036   Process body fluid specimens using a point of care testing device
    • CIT Code: LABT325
      Cost: Standard $184.00
      Description: This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to complete pre-analytics, analyse body fluid specimens, record results and maintain a point of care testing (PoCT) device.This unit applies to operators who follow workplace procedures and apply quality systems to analyse body fluid specimens after the initial collection process. It is relevant to operators working directly with clients and those working in laboratories. The unit relates to diagnostic PoCT devices that provide an electronic read-out such as those used for measuring glucose, blood gases and haematological or biochemical parameters as well as devices used for toxicology, dipstick, test strip or lateral flow testing and other simple manual devices. 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
  • MSL974032   Perform chemical tests and procedures
    • CIT Code: LABT321
      Cost: Standard $235.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to interpret chemical test requirements, prepare samples, conduct pre-use and calibration checks on equipment and perform routine chemical tests. These tests will involve several measurement steps. The unit includes basic data processing and interpretation of results.This unit applies to laboratory or technical assistants and instrument operators 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
  • MSL974031   Prepare, standardise and use solutions
    • CIT Code: LABT320
      Cost: Standard $235.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to prepare, standardise and monitor the quality of solutions.This unit of competency applies to laboratory technicians 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
  • MSL975062   Perform microbiological tests
    • CIT Code: LABT329
      Cost: Standard $331.00
      Description: This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to contribute to the culture, isolation and identification of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoans, algae and parasites, in order to investigate the physiology and pathology of animals, monitor the natural environment, and to assist in the production of foods, pharmaceutical goods and other manufactured materials.This unit applies to laboratory technicians and technical officers working in the biomedical, biotechnology, environmental, manufacturing and food processing industry sectors. The results of work performed by technical personnel would normally be integrated, interpreted and reported on by scientists, medical, veterinary or plant pathologists or other responsible officers in a workplace. Although a supervisor may not always be present, the technician will follow workplace procedures that will clearly describe the scope of permitted practice in modifying testing procedures, interpreting data and for communicating test results to people outside the laboratory. It applies to investigations as well as addressing the broader needs of biotechnology and tissue culture applications.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: MSL973027 Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination
      MSL973028 Perform microscopic examination

Electives: May complete maximum 4

  • 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

Related Courses

Certificate III Laboratory Skills MSL30122

More Information

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