Health Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Science - Medical Laboratory Science

The Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science is a four-year professional programme that trains students in clinical laboratory diagnostics, pathology, and biomedical research. Offered at universities including JKUAT, Kenyatta University, University of Nairobi, Maseno University, and MMUST, the programme is regulated by the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB).

Students study human anatomy, physiology, medical microbiology, clinical chemistry, haematology, histopathology, and parasitology. The curriculum combines theoretical instruction with extensive laboratory practicals, hospital attachments, and research projects, ensuring graduates can perform and interpret diagnostic tests accurately.

Entry requires a KCSE mean grade of C+ with at least C+ in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics, and English or Kiswahili. The programme is offered full-time, with some universities providing an upgrading pathway for diploma holders already registered with KMLTTB.

Graduates work as medical laboratory scientists in hospitals, research institutions, public health laboratories, and diagnostic centres. They play a critical role in disease detection, patient monitoring, and biomedical research, contributing directly to healthcare delivery in Kenya and beyond.

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and KMLTTB, ensuring that training meets national and international standards. Graduates must register with KMLTTB to practise professionally in Kenya.

Career opportunities include roles in clinical diagnostics, public health surveillance, pharmaceutical research, forensic science, and quality assurance. The demand for skilled laboratory professionals continues to grow with Kenya expanding its healthcare infrastructure and diagnostic capabilities.

Duration: 4 years
Public, up to: Ksh 371,000
Private, up to: Ksh 178,800
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 12 months
Average class: 40 students
Award: Bachelor

What you study

10 subjects

Clinical Chemistry and Biochemical Analysis
Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science
Medical Microbiology and Virology
Parasitology and Molecular Diagnostics
Histopathology and Cytology
Immunology and Serology
Laboratory Instrumentation and Automation
Laboratory Quality Management and ISO 15189
Biosafety and Laboratory Management
Research Methods and Professional Ethics

Modules

10 in the programme

Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry for Laboratory Science
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Human anatomy, cells, tissues, organ systems, physiology, cellular and systemic physiology, biochemistry, metabolism, enzymes, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and supporting anatomy...
Clinical Chemistry and Biochemical Analysis
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Clinical chemistry, LFTs, RFTs, lipid profile, cardiac markers, troponin, CK-MB, electrolytes, blood gas analysis, acid-base balance, endocrine tests, TFTs, glucose, HbA1c, tumour markers, PSA, CEA...
Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Haematology, FBC, CBC, differential count, peripheral blood smear, haemoglobinopathies, sickle cell, thalassaemia, coagulation, PT, INR, APTT, D-dimer, fibrinogen, blood banking, ABO grouping, Rh t...
Medical Microbiology and Virology
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Bacteriology, bacterial culture, Gram stain, acid-fast stain, Ziehl-Neelsen, TB culture, antimicrobial susceptibility, AST, Kirby-Bauer, disc diffusion, MIC, MRSA, ESBL, AMR, virology, viral cultur...
Parasitology and Molecular Diagnostics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Parasitology, malaria microscopy, thick and thin films, malaria RDTs, stool microscopy, OCP, urine analysis, helminths, protozoa, PCR, polymerase chain reaction, molecular diagnostics, viral load, ...
Histopathology and Cytology
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Histopathology, tissue processing, fixation, embedding, microtomy, sectioning, staining, H and E, special stains, PAS, Giemsa, Ziehl-Neelsen, immunohistochemistry, IHC, cytology, Pap smear, fine ne...
Immunology and Serology
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Immunology, serology, ELISA, western blot, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, autoimmunity, hypersensitivity, immunodeficiency, HIV and AIDS, and supporting immunology and serology.
Laboratory Instrumentation, Automation and LIS
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Laboratory instrumentation, automated analysers, spectrophotometry, centrifuges, microscopes, biosafety cabinets, autoclaves, equipment maintenance, calibration, LIS, laboratory information systems...
Laboratory Quality Management, Biosafety and Management
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Quality control, QC, IQC, EQA, QA, ISO 15189, laboratory accreditation, pre-analytical, analytical, post-analytical phases, specimen management, biosafety, biosecurity, BSL, PPE, medical waste, inf...
Research Methods, Ethics and Research Project
Year 4Semester 16 creditsCore
Research methods, biostatistics, research ethics, NACOSTI, scientific writing, KMLTTB regulations, professional conduct, medico-legal issues, documentation, laboratory records, independent research...

Specialisations

Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry
Focuses on biochemical analysis, liver and renal function tests, cardiac markers, endocrine tests, and tumour markers.
Histopathology and Cytology
Concentrates on tissue processing, staining, immunohistochemistry, Pap smears, and cytopathology. 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.
Haematology and Blood Transfusion
Specialises in blood disorders, coagulation studies, blood banking, transfusion science, and haemoglobinopathies.
Molecular Diagnostics and Research
Focuses on PCR, molecular techniques, viral load testing, genotyping, and research laboratory methods.
Medical Microbiology and Virology
Focuses on bacterial culture, antimicrobial susceptibility, serology, viral diagnostics, and AMR surveillance.

A day as a student

A typical day starts with morning lectures on clinical chemistry, haematology, or microbiology, followed by laboratory practicals or clinical rotations at affiliated hospital laboratories. Students perform blood tests, culture bacteria, stain and examine slides, operate automated analysers, conduct quality control, process tissue samples, perform molecular tests, manage blood banking procedures, and work on their research project. Laboratory practicals at university labs and clinical rotations at KNH, MTRH, KEMRI, county hospital laboratories, and private laboratories provide hands-on experience.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand — diagnostic testing is essential for patient care, creating strong demand across hospitals and laboratories.
Direct clinical impact — laboratory results directly influence patient diagnosis, treatment, and management decisions.
Diverse specialisation — graduates can specialise in clinical chemistry, haematology, microbiology, histopathology, or molecular diagnostics.

Against it

Infection risk — laboratory scientists work with infectious specimens, requiring strict biosafety practices.
Equipment and reagent costs — laboratory supplies are expensive, limiting resources in some institutions.
Shift work — hospital laboratory scientists may work night shifts, weekends, and on-call rotations.

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 371k

275k at Kenyatta University371k at University of Nairobi

Private109k to 179k

109k at Mount Kenya University179k at University of Eastern Africa, Baraton

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

UoN MLS 371K/yr Y1 (healthsciences.uonbi.ac.ke); KU 275.4K/yr; MKU 109.1K/yr; UEAB 178.8K/yr.

Students can access HELB undergraduate loans and KUCCPS placement. County bursaries, KEMRI internships, hospital sponsorships, and international laboratory science scholarships are available.

Funding options

HELB Undergraduate Loan
KUCCPS Placement
County Government Bursaries

Scholarships

5 recorded

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan citizens pursuing undergraduate studies at accredited universities.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKsh 50,000Kenyan
Students from specific counties. Varies by county.
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
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
PlacementKsh 0Kenyan
Kenyan students placed to public universities through KUCCPS receive government-subsidised tuition.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences from KMLTTB-accredited institutions may be considered for upgrading. Relevant laboratory experience is advantageous.

Biology or Biological Sciences
C+
Chemistry
C+
English or Kiswahili
C
Mathematics or Physics
C

How you are assessed

4 components

End of Semester Written Examinations
Exam40% of the mark
Written examinations covering clinical chemistry, haematology, microbiology, parasitology, histopathology, immunology, and laboratory management.
Continuous Assessment Tests and Assignments
Cat20% of the mark
Assignments, tests, presentations, and laboratory reports throughout each semester.
Laboratory Practical Examinations
Practicum30% of the mark
Assessment of laboratory competencies including test performance, microscopy, culture techniques, quality control, and equipment operation.
Research Project
Research10% of the mark
Independent medical laboratory science research project, assessed through written report and presentation.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB). Graduates must register with KMLTTB to practise. ISO 15189 governs laboratory accreditation. Biosafety regulations apply to all laboratory work.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
CUE accredits all university programmes in Kenya.
Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board
ProfessionalRequired
KMLTTB accredits medical laboratory programmes, regulates laboratory practice, and registers technologists. Graduates must register with KMLTTB to practise.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

5 roles

Blood Banking Technologist / Transfusion Specialist
Medium demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 150,000
Works at Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service or hospital blood banks performing blood grouping, cross-matching, and blood component preparation.
Medical Laboratory Scientist / Technologist
High demandKsh 70,000 to Ksh 160,000
Performs diagnostic tests in clinical chemistry, haematology, microbiology, parasitology, and immunology at hospital laboratories registered with KMLTTB.
Molecular Diagnostics Technologist
High demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 180,000
Performs PCR, viral load, and molecular diagnostic tests at specialised laboratories, referral hospitals, or research institutions.
Research Technologist / KEMRI Scientist
Medium demandKsh 75,000 to Ksh 170,000
Conducts laboratory research at KEMRI, CDC Kenya, universities, or research institutions supporting infectious disease, NCD, or clinical trials research.
Laboratory Manager / Quality Assurance Officer
Medium demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 180,000
Manages laboratory operations, oversees quality control, ensures ISO 15189 compliance, and supervises laboratory staff at hospitals or private laboratories.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as medical laboratory scientists and technologists. Medical laboratory science is in high demand driven by expansion of diagnostic services. Salaries range from KES 70,000 to 180,000 per month. Public hospitals, private hospitals, KEMRI, NPHL, blood transfusion services, private laboratories, and universities offer the main opportunities.

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 science is just about drawing blood.
This programme covers clinical chemistry, haematology, microbiology, parasitology, histopathology, cytology, immunology, molecular diagnostics, blood banking, quality management, and laboratory management. It's a comprehensive diagnostic science.
Medical laboratory scientists have limited career growth.
Graduates can specialise in molecular diagnostics, quality management, laboratory management, or progress to MSc in medical laboratory science, clinical chemistry, haematology, or microbiology.
This is the same as biomedical science.
While related, BSc Medical Laboratory Science focuses specifically on diagnostic laboratory testing and clinical laboratory management, while biomedical science is broader and includes research and biotechnology.
This programme has limited career opportunities.
Graduates pursue diverse career paths across multiple sectors in Kenya and internationally.