Health Sciences

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.

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.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 159,500
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: 30 students
Award: Bachelor

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 favour

High demand for medical laboratory professionals in Kenya
Builds on diploma for advanced clinical roles
Diverse specialisations in diagnostics
Relevant to healthcare and public health

Against it

Laboratory work may involve exposure to infectious specimens
Two-year programme is intensive
Shift work may be required in hospitals
Requires 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

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

Higher Diploma or Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology or related field
Credit
Biology
C
Chemistry
C
English or Kiswahili
C

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

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

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 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

Industry links

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.