Is Medical Laboratory Science Marketable in Kenya? (2024)

Med lab scientists have played a major role in the healthcare sector over the years and not just the healthcare sector but other departments of science. They have been able to carry out major research that has been termed a breakthrough in science and all of this is meant to be used for improving health and saving lives. The role of a med lab scientist is very important and there are so many reasons to back this up, they are very much needed in society as there are so many things that they participate in. anyone studying this course is very beneficial to society at large.

Is Medical Laboratory Science Marketable in Kenya?

A medical laboratory scientist (MLS), also known as a medical technologist or clinical laboratory scientist, works to analyze a variety of biological specimens. They are responsible for performing scientific testing on samples and reporting results to physicians, their work is considered essential to the detection, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases. Med lab scientists are needed in every aspect and area of human life and it helps analyze in a variety of roles, including forensics, pharmaceuticals or product research and development. Some of the tests that are being carried out by med lab scientists include; the detection of the abnormal cells that cause leukaemia, the analysis of cardiac enzyme activity released during a heart attack, the identification of the type of bacteria causing an infection and many more. These are some of the reasons why med lab scientists are important as they carry out so much research that is helpful and can help in curing so many diseases and sicknesses.

A medical laboratory is one of the most marketable courses in Kenya with so many opportunities flying around. If you plan on studying this course then this is a gold mine for you in Kenya as there are so many jobs available, so many places you can work after studying this course and you even have the opportunity to open your laboratory services. Med lab is one of those courses that you can study and become independent, you do not need an employer to give you a job first, once you have the required knowledge you can become an employer of labour in no time. The possibility of making it through med lab is very high compared to other courses, there are so many other courses that you will study in school and it will be difficult for you to get a job, unlink med lab which is very easy in no time. It is advisable that you should take an internship seriously while studying this course as you will get real-life experience working in the lab and this can give you the knowledge you need in opening yours. In Kenya there are opportunities to even have a certificate in the med lab, you can take some short courses for a year and get the required knowledge that you need, although this does not make you qualified to practice or to even open a lab, you will need to get the license before you will be allowed to do any of these things in Kenya.

Many critical medical decisions that are life-changing are based on laboratory results generated by medical laboratory professionals. They are healthcare detectives working behind the scenes. Using state-of-the-art instrumentation and scientific methods, they provide laboratory results to clinicians and patients every day. Anyone studying this course should be given the respect of a doctor because without their input there is so much about medicine that we won’t know about today. Learning about medical lab science or having a good background in chemistry and biology is one sure of knowing about what goes on in the lab, this is why it is important you have a good foundation in the aspect of sciences and use that to build yourself once you can gain admission in the university. The healthcare sector in Kenya is improving daily and capable hands are needed, it is necessary for you to have good grades so you can fit into the healthcare system and make positive changes while being a med lab scientist.

Requirements to Study Medical Laboratory Science in Kenya

Before applying to study medical laboratory science in any institution in Kenya, there are certain requirements that you should have before you apply to study this course. Each institution in Kenya has its requirements and you need to know the fees of the particular course you are applying for as well. The B.Sc. (Medical Laboratory Science) is a four (4) year degree programme. A registered candidate must pass all the 52 MLS-prescribed units including the three university common units to complete the degree programme.

• Candidates must attain the university requirement and they must have good grades in Biology (B), Chemistry (B), Mathematics or Physics C+ (plus), English or Kiswahili (B). Alternative subjects are; Biological Sciences (B+) plus, Physical Sciences (B+) plus, Mathematics C+ (plus), English or Kiswahili (B).
• Must have a diploma in Medical Laboratory Science.
• Must be registered by Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board, KMLTTB.
• KCSE mean grade C (plain).
• At least 2 years experience post-registration.

Roles of a Medical Laboratory Scientist

• Examining and analyzing body fluids, tissues and cells
• Identifying potentially harmful microorganisms
• Using complex computer systems for data entry, retrieval and analysis
• Ensuring quality control throughout the lab
• Analyzing the chemical makeup of body fluids

Career Opportunities for Medical Laboratory Scientists

• Pharmaceutical representative
• Educator/Instructor
• Forensics
• Technical Specialist

Finally

Medical laboratory scientists are very important in society and studying this course in Kenya there are so many opportunities for you to excel and it will not be difficult in getting a job. It is advised that you have good grades so you can see better opportunities that you can work in. you can advance your studies and research through med lab and in no time you can even come up with a discovery or a cure.