Introduction
The Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science Programme leads to a professional qualification allowing the graduates to practice Medical Laboratory Science in all the clinical laboratories both in public, private hospitals and research institutions. The programme is approved by the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB). The graduates from this programme are registered and licensed by the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB) to practice. The programme is anchored on sensitivity and responsiveness to societal healthcare needs, with the aim of training medical laboratory science graduates equipped with state-of-the-art skills across all areas of laboratory medicine.
Programme Objectives:
1. Perform a full range of diagnostics in the medical laboratory.
2. Adhere to professional ethics, laws, regulations, and policies governing medical laboratory practice.
3. Set up and operate a clinical laboratory.
4. Conduct medical-related research.
5. Apply administrative skills in quality assurance and laboratory management.
Rationale
The demand for medical laboratory professionals is steadily increasing due to the critical role of laboratory testing in medical diagnostics. The programme addresses the growing need for highly skilled professionals with advanced technical, research, management, and leadership abilities. It ensures a strong clinical emphasis and prepares students for complex healthcare environments.
Entry Requirements:
A candidate shall have attained the minimum university requirement. In addition, the candidate must satisfy one of the following alternative entry requirements:
• Alternative A: KCSE: English/Kiswahili C+, Biology C+, Chemistry C+, and Mathematics/Physics C+.
• Alternative B: KCSE: English/Kiswahili C+, Biological Sciences C+, and Physical Science C+.
• Alternative C:
o A diploma in Medical Laboratory Science.
o Registration by Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB).
o KCSE mean grade C (plain) and at least 2 years of post-registration experience.
• Alternative D: IGCSE with two principals (Biology and Chemistry) and one subsidiary.
Mode and Structure of Delivery:
The programme will be delivered full-time through:
• Lectures by subject matter experts.
• Laboratory practical sessions for all practical-based courses.
• Clinical placements at accredited laboratories recognized by KMLTTB.
Programme Duration:
The programme is designed to be completed in 4 years.
Curriculum Highlights:
The program covers key areas in Medical Laboratory Science such as
- Clinical Chemistry,
- Haematology, T
- ransfusion Science,
- Medical Parasitology,
- Medical Entomology, Clinical Bacteriology,
- Medical Mycology,
- Clinical Virology,
- Diagnostic Virology,
- Clinical Immunology,
- Molecular Biology,
- Histopathology and
- Cytopathology along with essential laboratory management and quality assurance practices.
In addition to these major courses, students are introduced to pre-clinical subjects like Specimen Collection and Handling, Biosafety and Biosecurity, Organic Chemistry, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Basic Human Pathology, Biochemistry and Biomedical Ethics. A key feature of the program is the third trimester clinical placement, where students gain hands-on experience in KMLTTB-approved laboratories for three months. This provides them with valuable practical exposure to real-world diagnostic procedures. The curriculum blends classroom learning with practical laboratory sessions, preparing students for a variety of roles in medical laboratories, hospitals, research institutions, and other healthcare settings.
Career Opportunities:
Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science from Kenyatta University opens doors to diverse career opportunities both locally and internationally. Medical Laboratory Scientists can work in hospital laboratories, medical research centers, and teaching institutions, playing vital roles in disease diagnosis, medical research, and education. Graduates are also in demand in regulatory bodies, food safety industries, biotechnology labs, and pharmaceutical companies, where they contribute to product development, quality control, and sales and marketing of medical equipment. In addition to these roles, graduates have the potential to advance into managerial or supervisory positions within laboratories. With further postgraduate studies, they can specialize in specific research areas or become university tutors, contributing to the advancement of the field. The global demand for skilled medical laboratory professionals ensures graduates have opportunities to work across the world, contributing to healthcare advancements and innovations
Tuition and Fee Structure: Ksh.275,400/= for East Africans p.a and ksh.344,250/= for Non East Africans p.a. This may vary from time to time.
Why Choose this Programme at Kenyatta University?
Kenyatta University offers a unique combination of academic excellence, faculty expertise, and industry partnerships. The programme provides:
• Highly Qualified Faculty: The programme is taught by qualified and experienced experts in all areas of laboratory medicine.
• Industry-Relevant Curriculum: Regularly reviewed and aligned with KMLTTB and global trends.
• Extensive Practical and Clinical Exposure: Students benefit from hands-on training in leading healthcare and research facilities.
• Modern Laboratories and Facilities: Equipped for training all core areas of medical laboratory Sciences.