Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) is a branch of science that deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases using clinical laboratory tests. This involves analysis of the body fluids, including tissues and blood. Medical Laboratory Technologists perform most of their tasks such as the preparation of slides human tissues or other specimens, using laboratory equipment. They also carry out tasks such as blood tests and blood typing. Candidates who wish to make a career in this field can choose to do either a degree course or a diploma course after Class 12.
While studying this course, candidates are taught about diseases and the use of medical laboratory equipment in performing clinical tests. An MLT is a crucial part of the healthcare system, they play a crucial role in the diagnosis of a disease by collecting the information required to provide suitable medical facilities to the patient. Without an MLT, modern medicine would be incapable of providing the right treatment.
As mentioned above, to make a career as an MLT, a candidate can either choose a diploma course or a degree course. However, eligibility for both these programmes remains constant. The diploma course is known as Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology, abbreviated as DMLT. Similarly, the degree course is known as BSc in Medical Laboratory Technology. Another version of the undergraduate degree programme, Bachelors Medical Laboratory Technology is also offered by many institutions in India. There is hardly any difference in both these degree programmes and are both abbreviated as BMLT. Candidates with a mathematics background can also apply for these courses, provided they have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
To take admission to DMLT/BMLT course in India, a candidate must qualify Class 12 from a recognised board or institute. The duration of DMLT is two years, whereas, that for BMLT course is 3 years and 6 months. Colleges that teach BMLT in India charge an average tuition fee ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 4 lakh for a three-year undergraduate course. Admission to all DMLT courses and a majority of BMLT courses in India is on the basis of the marks obtained in Class 12. Some of the institutes that offer direct admissions are as follows:
Bachelor degree in Medical Laboratory Technology course is offered by the medical college and hospitals and medical and allied science department of universities