Medical Laboratory Technician

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

In Australia:

• AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma, or at least three years of experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)

In New Zealand:

• NZQF Diploma, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)

In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

The occupations Pathology Collector / Phlebotomist and Operating Theatre Technician have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

In Australia:

• AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

In New Zealand:

• NZQF Level 4 qualification, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Registration or licensing may be required.

• operating equipment used in diagnosing and monitoring disorders of the heart, lungs, kidneys, nervous system and hearing, and in anaesthesia
• undertaking and assisting with medical analytical procedures and assisting Anaesthetists and surgical teams
• recording the electrical activity of the heart, from which the heart rate is measured, and pattern and rhythm interpreted
• taking, collecting and labelling blood, urine and other samples from patients
• preparing and staining slides and tissue sections for blood and histological examination
• performing diagnostic tests on tissues and body fluids and analysing the chemical constituents of blood, urine, faeces and tissues
• testing for diseases by looking for the presence of antibodies and the products of immune response in samples
• setting up, checking and maintaining operating theatres, anaesthetic workstations, life support machines and associated equipment
• referring prescriptions to Pharmacists and assisting in preparing medications
• operating and maintaining  equipment used in diagnosing and monitoring of breathing or sleep disorders