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Bachelor of Philosophy in Technology in Medical Laboratory Technology

The Bachelor of Philosophy in Technology in Medical Laboratory Technology is a two-year integrated postgraduate technical programme at the Technical University of Kenya that prepares diploma holders for advanced medical laboratory practice. Students study clinical chemistry, haematology, histopathology, medical microbiology, immunology, parasitology, blood transfusion science and laboratory quality management. The programme builds on prior diploma training to develop specialist medical laboratory technology competencies.

Duration
4 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 159,500
Ksh 638,000 total
Job market
High
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 159,500 a year at a public institution, Ksh 638,000 for the whole course.The detail
Who can get in
A KCSE mean grade of C+ or above, plus 4 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
How long, and when
Takes 4 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 2 institutions.The detail
Where it leads
8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Dental Ceramist, at 3 out of 100.The detail

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Overview

Students develop advanced competencies in clinical laboratory diagnostics, quality management, laboratory automation, research methods and specialised diagnostic techniques. They learn to perform complex diagnostic tests, interpret results, manage laboratory sections, ensure quality and support clinical decision-making. The programme covers clinical chemistry, haematology, microbiology, histopathology, immunology and blood transfusion.

In Kenya, medical laboratory technologists are essential for disease diagnosis, blood safety, public health surveillance and healthcare delivery. The Technical University of Kenya offers this programme through its School of Pure and Applied Sciences. Graduates find roles in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, research institutions, public health laboratories and blood transfusion services.

Teaching is delivered through lectures, practical laboratory sessions, clinical rotations, research projects and industrial attachment. Students perform advanced diagnostic tests, analyse clinical specimens, use laboratory information systems and undertake a final research project.

Graduates pursue careers as medical laboratory technologists, clinical laboratory scientists, diagnostic specialists, laboratory managers, quality assurance officers and research technologists. Some work in public hospitals. Others join private laboratories, research institutions or public health programmes.

This programme is ideal for diploma holders in medical laboratory technology or related fields seeking advanced clinical laboratory technical skills.

What you study

10 subjects
  • Clinical Chemistry
  • Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science
  • Medical Microbiology
  • Immunology and Serology
  • Histopathology and Cytology
  • Parasitology and Entomology
  • Laboratory Quality Management
  • Molecular Diagnostics
  • Laboratory Automation and Informatics
  • Research Methods

Modules

10 in the programme

  • Clinical Chemistry

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Clinical Chemistry: Biochemical analysis, hormones, enzymes, electrolytes and metabolic disorders Covers theoretical principles, laboratory techniques, and industrial applications.

  • Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science: Blood cell disorders, coagulation, transfusion medicine and blood banking Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant sk...

  • Medical Microbiology

    Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore

    Bacteriology, virology, mycology, antimicrobial susceptibility and infection control

  • Immunology and Serology

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Immunology and Serology: Immune responses, serological tests, autoimmune and immunodeficiency disorders Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Histopathology and Cytology

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    Tissue processing, histology, cytology and cancer diagnosis. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment t...

  • Parasitology and Entomology

    Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore

    Parasitology and Entomology: Parasite identification, life cycles, vector control and tropical diseases Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Laboratory Quality Management

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

    Laboratory Quality Management: Quality assurance, ISO 15189, accreditation and laboratory management Covers planning, organising, leadership, and control in organisational contexts.

  • Molecular Diagnostics

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    Molecular Diagnostics: PCR, nucleic acid testing, molecular techniques and applications Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Laboratory Automation and Informatics

    Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore

    Laboratory Automation and Informatics: Laboratory information systems, automation, data management and reporting Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.

  • Final Research Project

    Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore

    Independent medical laboratory research project. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, course...

Specialisations

  • Medical Microbiology

    Specialization in Medical Microbiology, preparing graduates for careers such as medical-laboratory-technologist-kenya.

  • Haematology

    Specialization in Haematology, preparing graduates for careers such as medical-laboratory-technologist-kenya.

  • Histopathology

    Specialization in Histopathology, preparing graduates for careers such as medical-laboratory-technologist-kenya.

  • Immunology

    Specialization in Immunology, preparing graduates for careers such as medical-laboratory-technologist-kenya.

  • Clinical Chemistry

    Specialization in Clinical Chemistry, preparing graduates for careers such as medical-laboratory-technologist-kenya.

  • Blood Transfusion Science

    Specialization in Blood Transfusion Science, preparing graduates for careers such as medical-laboratory-technologist-kenya.

A day as a student

A typical day combines clinical laboratory theory with practical sessions. Students may perform blood tests, microbiological cultures, chemical analyses, tissue processing, molecular diagnostics or work on research projects.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
High demand for medical laboratory professionals in KenyaLaboratory work may involve exposure to infectious specimens
Builds on diploma for advanced clinical rolesTwo-year programme is intensive
Diverse specialisations in diagnosticsShift work may be required in hospitals
Relevant to healthcare and public healthRequires strict adherence to safety and quality standards

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 349 health sciences courses
Public160k to 160k
160k at Technical University of Kenya160k at Technical University of Kenya

Annual 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

TUK Med Lab 70K/sem+19.5K=159.5K/yr. Private: unverified. Src: ghanadmission TUK fees

Students may access HELB loans and employer sponsorships. Some county bursaries are available for technical students.

Funding options

  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)

    LoanKsh 60,000

  • Employer Sponsorship

    Bursary

  • County Government Bursaries

    Bursary

Scholarships

5 recorded

  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan

    LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan

    Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities

  • County Government Bursaries

    BursaryKenyan

    Residents of respective counties

  • 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

Scholarships you could apply for

6 usable where it is taught
Save one and be reminded before it closes

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade
C+minimum entry
Alternative entry

Relevant diploma or equivalent qualification

Subject requirements
Higher Diploma or Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology or related fieldCredit
BiologyC
ChemistryC
English or KiswahiliC

When it next starts

Taught at 2 institutions
January 20272 institutions

Including Technical University of Kenya, Multimedia University of Kenya.

May 20272 institutions

Including Technical University of Kenya, Multimedia University of Kenya.

September 20272 institutions

Including Technical University of Kenya, Multimedia University of Kenya.

How you are assessed

4 components

  • Practical Laboratory Examinations

    Coursework40% of the mark

  • Final Examination and Research Project

    Coursework30% of the mark

  • Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs)

    Coursework20% of the mark

  • Clinical Attachment Report

    Coursework10% of the mark

Accreditation

  • Commission for University Education (CUE)

    InstitutionalRequired

  • Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB)

    InstitutionalRequired

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB).

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

  • Laboratory Manager

    High demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 300,000

    Manages laboratory operations and quality systems

  • Diagnostic Specialist

    High demandKsh 75,000 to Ksh 260,000

    Provides specialised diagnostic testing and interpretation

  • Clinical Laboratory Scientist

    High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 250,000

    Specialises in clinical laboratory diagnostics and research

  • Medical Laboratory Technologist

    High demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 230,000

    Performs diagnostic tests and analyses clinical specimens

  • Research Technologist

    Moderate demandKsh 65,000 to Ksh 230,000

    Supports medical and biomedical research

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as medical laboratory technologists, clinical laboratory scientists, diagnostic specialists, laboratory managers, quality assurance officers and research technologists in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, research institutions, public health laboratories and blood transfusion services.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

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

Common misconceptions

  • Medical laboratory technology is just about testing samples

    Medical laboratory technology includes diagnosis, quality management, research, automation and clinical consultation.

  • Laboratory technologists do not interact with patients

    Laboratory technologists support clinical teams, interpret results and contribute to patient care.

  • A diploma is enough for all laboratory roles

    Advanced laboratory management and specialisation require degree-level training.

  • Medical laboratory careers are limited to hospitals

    Laboratory technologists work in hospitals, research, public health, industry, blood banks and diagnostics.

Further reading

Read next