Graduate Medical Technician Program
This 12-month program is designed for new graduates entering the pathology workforce. The program develops the graduate, giving them the opportunity to learn all aspects of pathology including haematology, transfusion, microbiology, histology, biochemistry and phlebotomy.
What is a medical technician?
Medical technicians play an integral behind-the-scenes role in the provision of health services. They work in pathology laboratories ensuring analysers are working as expected, analysing blood, body fluids and tissues with the ultimate goal of supporting medical staff to provide a clinical diagnosis and enhancing the outcome for patients.
What does a graduate medical technician do?
Graduate medical technicians undergo a thorough training program in each department within the laboratory, learning skills from other highly experienced medical technicians.
Key skills learnt throughout the program include:
- the ability to operate, maintain and troubleshoot analytical equipment used to provide pathology services
- reviewing blood films to aid in the diagnosis of anaemia, leukaemia and other blood disorders
- analysing and interpreting biochemical studies, determining the diagnosis of patients with a variety of clinical presentations
- responding efficiently to trauma incidences, ensuring the safe and timely issue of blood products to patients in an emergency
- developing communication skills, being able to work as a team with pathology staff and with staff in the wider hospital community.
The graduate program includes:
- 12-months technical training
- a mentoring program
- introduction to public speaking (delivering scientific presentations)
- leadership skills
- team building.
Where will the graduate program take me?
Graduates are placed in large laboratories across the state from Cairns to the Gold Coast.
At the end of the program graduates are deemed competent in all disciplines of pathology and are ready to take on the responsibilities of a medical technician. Graduates often gain employment as part of a continuous shift team in 24-hour laboratories, or as multidisciplinary technicians where they use their skills and knowledge.
How do I become a graduate medical technician?
To become a graduate medical technician you must complete an associate degree in Applied Science, Medical Science. This will give you underpinning knowledge to work in any field within pathology. The degree is 2 years, full time.
How will I be trained?
Training is given on-the-job and relates to specific site requirements. Additional funding is available for continuing education.
Continuing education
The associate degree is often embedded in a degree so if you continue to study you may gain the medical science degree and qualify to apply for medical scientist roles.
Career opportunities
Promotional opportunities are in line with other government bodies.
Need more information?
Pathology Queensland's Skills Development Unit
Phone +61 7 3646 6900
Email pathology_SDU@health.qld.gov.au
Business hours 9 am-5 pm, Monday-Friday
Postal address/location
Level 9, Block 7
Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital
Herston Road
Herston Qld 4029