Health & Medicine
Medical Laboratory Scientist
You run the lab tests that tell doctors what is really wrong.
- Starting salary
- R22 000 – R34 000
- Job demand
- Steady demand
- Key subjects
- Mathematics, Physical Sciences
What do they do?
You run the lab tests that tell doctors what is really wrong.
A day in the life
You process samples, run analysers, check quality and report accurate results.
Skills you need
- Precision
- Science
- Patience
- Ethics
School subjects that help
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
How long does it take?
3 main steps after school, usually 3–6 years of study, plus practical experience.
Study path
- 1High school
- 2BSc Medical Laboratory Science
- 3Internship
- 4Registered scientist
Ways in: University degree · University of Technology. University is not the only route.
Where can I study?
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
- University of Pretoria
- University of Johannesburg
- Tshwane University of Technology
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
- Nelson Mandela University
Admission requirements differ by institution, always check the official website.
What can I earn?
Entry level
R22 000 – R34 000
per month (estimate)
Mid career
R35 000 – R55 000
per month (estimate)
Experienced / senior
R58 000 – R85 000+
per month (estimate)
Estimated salary ranges only. Salaries vary based on experience, qualification, industry, location and employer.
How to start preparing now
- • Love your science practicals
- • Keep a careful lab notebook
- • Read about how diseases are detected
Try this career
Run a simple home experiment and write up your method and results properly.
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This tool is designed to help you explore career possibilities. It does not replace professional career counselling, school guidance or official university admission requirements.