Skip to content
Pathrel
Start free
All courses
Health Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences

The Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences is a programme that provides comprehensive training in clinical laboratory science, diagnostic testing and laboratory management. Offered at the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, JKUAT, Maseno University, Mount Kenya University, Kenya Methodist University and other institutions, the programme prepares graduates for careers in medical laboratory science and diagnostic medicine.

Duration
4 years
Next intake January 2027
Public tuition
Ksh 324,000
Ksh 1,296,000 total
Private tuition
Ksh 240,000
Ksh 960,000 total
Job market
High
Market demand for graduates

The short answer

What it costs
Up to Ksh 324,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,296,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 240,000 a year at a private one.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 16 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

The curriculum covers clinical chemistry, haematology, medical microbiology, parasitology, histopathology, cytopathology, blood transfusion science, immunology, virology, molecular biology, laboratory management, quality assurance, laboratory instrumentation, biosafety, research methods, biostatistics and a research project. Students develop laboratory and diagnostic skills through intensive practical training.

Kenya's healthcare system, diagnostic needs and disease surveillance create strong demand for medical laboratory sciences graduates. The programme is offered through lectures, intensive laboratory sessions, clinical rotations, industrial attachment and research projects.

Graduates are prepared for careers as medical laboratory scientists, laboratory technologists, laboratory managers, quality assurance officers, research technologists, pathology assistants, blood bank technologists, diagnostic consultants and laboratory educators. They work in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, research institutions, blood banks, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Ministry of Health and pharmaceutical companies.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB). Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and English or Kiswahili. KUCCPS Cluster 4.

Prospective students should have strong analytical skills, a commitment to continuous learning, and an interest in contributing to Kenya's socio-economic development. The programme provides a solid foundation for further postgraduate study and professional advancement in related fields.

What you study

10 subjects
  • Clinical Chemistry
  • Haematology
  • Medical Microbiology
  • Parasitology
  • Histopathology
  • Blood Transfusion Science
  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Laboratory Management

Modules

10 in the programme

  • Clinical Chemistry

    Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore

    Chemical analysis of body fluids. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of...

  • Haematology

    Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore

    Blood disorders. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examina...

  • Medical Microbiology

    Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore

    Pathogenic microorganisms. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semest...

  • Parasitology

    Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore

    Parasitic diseases. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester exam...

  • Histopathology

    Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore

    Tissue pathology. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examin...

  • Blood Transfusion Science

    Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore

    Blood banking. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examinati...

  • Immunology

    Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore

    Immune system. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester examinati...

  • Molecular Biology

    Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore

    DNA and molecular diagnostics. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-se...

  • Laboratory Management

    Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore

    Lab management and QA. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-semester e...

  • Research Project

    Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore

    Final year research project. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests, coursework and end-of-seme...

Specialisations

  • Haematology

    Blood science. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

  • Histopathology

    Tissue pathology. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

  • Clinical Chemistry

    Chemical pathology. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

  • Molecular Biology

    Molecular diagnostics. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.

A day as a student

A typical day involves attending medical laboratory lectures, working in clinical chemistry laboratories, examining blood samples, studying microbiology cultures, preparing histopathology slides, conducting molecular biology experiments, learning quality assurance, and working on diagnostic research projects.

The trade-offs

In its favourAgainst it
High demand in healthcare and diagnosticsLaboratory work involves exposure to infectious materials
KMLTTB registration enables professional practiceRequires precision and attention to detail
Critical role in disease diagnosis and surveillanceSome roles involve shift work

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
Public275k to 324k
275k at Kenyatta University324k at University of Nairobi
Private140k to 240k
140k at Mount Kenya University240k at Kabarak University

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

KU 275,400/yr; UoN 324K/yr (official). MKU 140K/yr; Kabarak 240K/yr (80K/sem x3).

HELB loans and government scholarships under the new funding model are available. Health sector organisations may offer support.

Funding options

  • HELB Loan

  • County Bursaries

  • Government Scholarship (New Funding Model)

Scholarships

5 recorded

  • County Government Bursaries

    BursaryKsh 30,000Kenyan

    Kenyan students from participating counties

  • Higher Education Fund (HEF)

    ScholarshipKsh 200,000Kenyan

    KUCCPS-placed students

  • Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan

    LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan

    Kenyan undergraduate students in health sciences

  • 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

12 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

KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and English or Kiswahili. Diploma in medical laboratory technology or related field from a recognised institution. KUCCPS Cluster 4.

Subject requirements
BiologyC+
ChemistryC+
MathematicsC+
English or KiswahiliC+

When it next starts

Taught at 16 institutions
January 202716 institutions

Including University of Nairobi, Technical University of Mombasa, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

May 202715 institutions

Including University of Nairobi, Technical University of Mombasa, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

September 202716 institutions

Including University of Nairobi, Technical University of Mombasa, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.

How you are assessed

4 components

  • Research Project

    Project10% of the mark

    Final year research project

  • End of Semester Examinations

    Written examination40% of the mark

    End of semester written exams

  • Continuous Assessment Tests

    Cat20% of the mark

    Regular tests and assignments

  • Laboratory Practicals

    Practicum30% of the mark

    Intensive lab sessions and clinical rotations

Accreditation

  • Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board

    ProfessionalRequired

    Statutory body responsible for regulation of medical laboratory professionals in Kenya

  • Commission for University Education

    AcademicRequired

    Statutory body responsible for accreditation of university programmes in Kenya

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB). Offered at UoN, KU, JKUAT, Maseno, MKU, KEMU and other institutions. Admission requires KCSE mean grade C+ with C+ in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and English or Kiswahili. KUCCPS Cluster 4. KMLTTB registration required for professional practice.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

  • Research Technologist

    Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 280,000

    Research laboratory

  • Laboratory Manager

    Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 350,000

    Laboratory management

  • Blood Bank Technologist

    Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 260,000

    Blood banking

  • Quality Assurance Officer

    High demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 280,000

    Laboratory QA

  • Medical Laboratory Scientist

    High demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 300,000

    Diagnostic laboratory science

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as medical laboratory scientists, laboratory managers and quality assurance officers in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories and research institutions.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

  • Microscope

    Laboratory equipmentPrimary

    Light microscope for clinical specimen examination

  • HPLC

    Analytical instrumentPrimary

    Chromatography for clinical chemistry analysis

  • SPSS

    Statistical analysis

    Statistical analysis for laboratory research

  • DHIS2

    Health information system

    District Health Information System for laboratory data

  • KenyaEMR

    Health information system

    Electronic medical records system used in Kenya

  • Microsoft Excel

    Spreadsheet

    Laboratory data management and analysis

Certifications

Common misconceptions

  • Medical laboratory science is just about drawing blood.

    The programme covers clinical chemistry, microbiology, histopathology, molecular biology and laboratory management.

  • Laboratory scientists are just lab assistants.

    Medical laboratory scientists are highly trained professionals with diagnostic expertise.

  • There are no laboratory jobs in Kenya.

    Healthcare expansion and diagnostic needs create strong demand.

  • Medical laboratory science is dangerous.

    The programme includes rigorous biosafety training and protocols.

Further reading

Read next