Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Science
The Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Science is a four-year professional programme that trains graduates to perform diagnostic laboratory tests essential for disease detection, monitoring and research. Students study clinical chemistry, haematology, medical microbiology, histopathology, immunology and molecular diagnostics, developing the technical skills needed in hospital laboratories, research institutions and public health laboratories. The programme combines theoretical knowledge with extensive practical laboratory training.
Students develop competencies in laboratory techniques, diagnostic testing, quality assurance, laboratory management, biosafety and research methods. They learn to analyse clinical specimens, operate sophisticated laboratory equipment, interpret test results and maintain laboratory quality standards. The programme covers all major laboratory disciplines including clinical chemistry, haematology, microbiology, histology and blood transfusion science.
In Kenya, laboratory services are critical to the healthcare system. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the essential role of laboratory professionals. Graduates are in demand in hospital laboratories, reference laboratories, research institutions and public health programmes. The growing burden of infectious and non-communicable diseases increases the need for qualified laboratory scientists. KMLTTB registration is required for professional practice.
Teaching is delivered through lectures, laboratory practicals, clinical rotations, research projects and industrial attachment. Students work with clinical specimens, operate automated analysers, perform manual diagnostic tests and participate in laboratory quality management. The programme includes extensive clinical placement in hospital laboratories.
Graduates pursue careers as medical laboratory scientists, laboratory managers, research technologists, quality assurance officers and public health laboratory specialists. Some work in hospital laboratories, reference labs or research institutions. Others join diagnostic companies, public health programmes or pursue postgraduate study.
This programme is ideal for individuals with strong science aptitude, attention to detail and interest in healthcare. Students who enjoy laboratory work, precision and want to contribute to disease diagnosis will find this programme particularly rewarding.
- Duration
- 4 years
- Public, up to
- Ksh 371,000
- Private, up to
- Ksh 269,100
- Job market
- High
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Practicalities
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Attachment
- 3 months
- Average class
- 35 students
- Award
- Bachelor
What you study
10 subjects- Clinical Chemistry
- Haematology and Blood Transfusion
- Medical Microbiology
- Histopathology and Cytopathology
- Immunology and Serology
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Laboratory Management and Quality Assurance
- Medical Parasitology
- Biosafety and Laboratory Ethics
- Research Methods and Biostatistics
Modules
12 in the programmeIntroduction to Biomedical Laboratory Science
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Foundational concepts of laboratory medicine, including laboratory organisation, ethics and safety
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Structure and function of the human body, providing context for understanding disease processes
Medical Microbiology I
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Study of pathogenic bacteria, viruses and fungi, including isolation and identification methods
Clinical Chemistry I
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Analysis of chemical constituents of blood and body fluids for disease diagnosis and monitoring
Haematology and Blood Transfusion
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Study of blood, blood-forming tissues and transfusion science, including blood group serology
Histopathology and Cytopathology
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Tissue processing, staining and microscopic examination for disease diagnosis, including cancer screening
Immunology and Serology
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Immune system function and serological diagnostic techniques for infectious and autoimmune diseases
Molecular Diagnostics
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
PCR, DNA sequencing and other molecular techniques for disease detection and genetic testing
Medical Parasitology
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Study of parasites of medical importance in Kenya, including malaria, schistosomiasis and intestinal parasites
Laboratory Management and Quality Assurance
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Management of laboratory operations, quality control systems, accreditation and biosafety standards
Research Project
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Independent laboratory research on a selected diagnostic or biomedical topic producing a scholarly dissertation
Clinical Attachment
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Supervised clinical placement in a hospital laboratory, reference laboratory or research institution
Specialisations
Molecular Diagnostics
Specialization in Molecular Diagnostics, preparing graduates for careers such as biomedical-scientist.
Histopathology
Specialization in Histopathology, preparing graduates for careers such as medical-laboratory-technologist-kenya.
Clinical Chemistry
Specialization in Clinical Chemistry, preparing graduates for careers such as medical-laboratory-scientist.
Medical Microbiology
Specialization in Medical Microbiology, preparing graduates for careers such as medical-laboratory-scientist.
Blood Transfusion Science
Specialization in Blood Transfusion Science, preparing graduates for careers such as medical-laboratory-scientist.
Haematology
Specialization in Haematology, preparing graduates for careers such as medical-laboratory-scientist.
A day as a student
A typical day combines morning lectures on clinical chemistry or haematology with extended afternoon laboratory practicals. Students may analyse blood samples, stain tissue sections, culture microorganisms or operate automated chemistry analysers in the teaching laboratory.
The trade offs
In its favour
- High demand in Kenya's healthcare system with KMLTTB registration
- Professional qualification with clear career progression
- Diverse career paths in hospitals, research, public health and industry
- Directly contributes to patient diagnosis and treatment
Against it
- Laboratory work involves exposure to infectious materials, requiring strict safety protocols
- Can be emotionally challenging when dealing with critical patient results
- Night and weekend shifts may be required in hospital laboratories
- Continuous professional development is required to maintain registration
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 243 science coursesAnnual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.
The fine print
UoN 371K, KU 275,400/yr (UoN/KUCCPS). Daystar 269,100, UEAB 178,800 (KUCCPS).
Students may access HELB loans and county bursaries. Some hospital laboratories offer internship stipends during clinical attachment periods.
Funding options
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
LoanKsh 60,000
National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF)
Bursary
County Government Bursaries
Bursary
Scholarships
5 recordedCounty Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan undergraduate students placed by KUCCPS in public universities
AMREF International University Scholarships
ScholarshipKenyan
Health sciences students demonstrating financial need
Ministry of Health Kenya Scholarships
ScholarshipKenyan
Healthcare workers sponsored by national or county governments
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
- KCSE mean grade
- C+
- Alternative entry
- Relevant diploma or equivalent qualification
Biology
C+
Chemistry
C+
Mathematics A/B or Physics
C+
English/Kiswahili
C+
How you are assessed
4 componentsResearch Project
Coursework100% of the mark
Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs)
Coursework20% of the mark
Final Examination
Coursework40% of the mark
Laboratory Practicals and Reports
Coursework40% of the mark
Accreditation
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Graduates must register with the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB) to practise as medical laboratory scientists in Kenya.
Accredited by
Commission for University Education (CUE)
InstitutionalRequired
Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB)
InstitutionalRequired
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesQuality Assurance Officer
Moderate demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 130,000
Ensures laboratory quality standards, manages QC programmes and prepares for accreditation
Medical Laboratory Scientist
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 140,000
Performs diagnostic laboratory tests in hospital laboratories, reference labs and clinics
Laboratory Manager
Moderate demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 180,000
Manages laboratory operations, staff, quality systems and equipment in healthcare facilities
Public Health Laboratory Specialist
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 140,000
Works in public health laboratories supporting disease surveillance and outbreak investigation
Research Technologist
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 130,000
Conducts laboratory research in research institutions, universities and pharmaceutical companies
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as medical laboratory scientists, laboratory managers and research technologists in hospital laboratories, reference laboratories, research institutions and public health programmes.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Dental CeramistHealth Sciences3Low exposure
- Occupational Therapist Assistant (Junior)Health Sciences3Low exposure
- PsychologyHealth Sciences3Low exposure
- Dental ProsthetistHealth Sciences4Low exposure
- Dental Laboratory TechnicianHealth Sciences5Low exposure
- General DentistHealth Sciences5Low exposure
- Veterinary PathologistHealth Sciences5Low exposure
- Community Health NurseHealth Sciences6Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Stethoscope
Medical equipmentPrimary
Primary diagnostic tool.
KenyaEMR
Health is
Electronic medical records.
Surgical Instruments
Medical equipmentPrimary
Surgical tools and equipment.
Laparoscopic Equipment
Medical equipment
Minimally invasive surgery systems.
PACS
Imaging systemPrimary
Picture Archiving and Communication System.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Laboratory science is just about drawing blood
Laboratory scientists perform complex diagnostic tests, operate sophisticated equipment and interpret results critical to patient care.
There are no jobs for laboratory scientists
Every hospital, clinic and research institution requires qualified laboratory scientists, with high demand across Kenya.
Laboratory work is boring and repetitive
Laboratory science involves problem-solving, critical thinking and continuous learning as new diagnostic technologies emerge.
Laboratory scientists are the same as doctors
Laboratory scientists focus on diagnostic testing and analysis, while doctors focus on clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Related courses
Further reading
Fees and entry marks for Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Science are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.