Laboratory Technology

ACT Senior Secondary Certificate or equivalent OR Adult Entry with relevant practical work or other professional experience| Students must also meet one of the following English requirements: IELTS 6 (no band score less than 5.5) | TOEFL iBT - 46 | PTE Academic - 42 | Cambridge English test (C1 Advanced and B2 First) - 169.

• MSMENV272

  Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices

  CIT Code:	ENVI143
  Description:	This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to effectively find out current resource use and carry out improvements, in own work area, including those that reduce the negative environmental impacts of work practices. This unit of competency applies to operators/team members who are required to follow procedures to work in an environmentally sustainable manner. This maximises the environmental performance of the process and the organisation, ensures regulatory compliance, and aims to minimise environmental risks and impacts. This unit of competency applies to all sectors of the manufacturing industry and members of its value chain. It may also be applied to all sections of an organisation, including office and warehouse. This unit will need to be contextualised for the industry sector, organisation and section. This unit of competency applies to an individual working alone or as part of a team/work group and working in liaison with other shift team members and the control room operator, as appropriate.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• MSL913001

  Communicate with other people

  CIT Code:	COMM213
  Description:	This unit of competency covers the ability to receive and pass on written and oral messages, provide relevant information in response to requests within timelines and demonstrate effective interpersonal skills. This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory assistants and instrument operators working in all industry sectors. While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• MSL913002

  Plan and conduct laboratory/field work

  CIT Code:	LABT176
  Description:	This unit of competency covers the ability to plan and complete tasks individually or in a team context. The tasks involve established routines and procedures using allocated resources with access to readily available guidelines and advice. Work plans may need to be modified with supervisor agreement to suit changing conditions and priorities. This unit of competency is applicable to instrument operators, laboratory assistants and technical assistants working in all industry sectors. While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• MSL922001

  Record and present data

  CIT Code:	MATH175
  Description:	This unit of competency covers the ability to record and store data, perform simple calculations of scientific quantities and present information in tables and graphs. The unit of competency requires personnel to solve predictable problems using clear information or known solutions. Where alternatives exist, they are limited or apparent. This unit of competency is applicable to production operators, field assistants and laboratory assistants working in all industry sectors. While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• MSL943002

  Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety

  CIT Code:	OHSS422
  Description:	This unit of competency covers the ability to follow work health and safety (WHS) policies and procedures, deal with the identification and control of hazards, work safely at all times, follow emergency response procedures and contribute to the maintenance of workplace safety. This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory assistants and instrument operators working in all industry sectors. WHS responses are restricted to a 'first response' approach, including the notification of appropriate workplace personnel. Workers will be provided with clear directions, information, training and appropriate supervision. While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• MSL933002

  Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives

  CIT Code:	LABT111
  Description:	This unit of competency covers the development of a working knowledge of quality principles and their application in laboratory/field work. This unit of competency is applicable to samplers/testers, production operators and laboratory/field assistants working in all industry sectors. These personnel have defined roles and responsibilities within the workplace's quality system which are set out in quality manuals and workplace procedures. While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• MSL973001

  Perform basic tests

  CIT Code:	LABT115
  Description:	This unit of competency covers the ability to prepare samples and perform tests and measurements using standard methods with access to readily available advice from supervisors. This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory/field assistants working in all industry sectors. In general, they do not calibrate equipment and make only limited adjustments to the controls. They do not interpret or analyse results or troubleshoot equipment problems. While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• MSL924001

  Process and interpret data

  CIT Code:	MATH176
  Description:	This unit of competency covers the ability to retrieve data, evaluate formulae and perform scientific calculations, present and interpret information in tables and graphs and keep accurate records. The unit requires personnel to solve problems of limited complexity where the information may be less obvious, but not contradictory, and can be determined by direct reasoning. This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory assistants, field/laboratory technicians and instrument operators in all industry sectors. While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• MSL934002

  Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes

  CIT Code:	LABT122
  Description:	This unit of competency covers the exercise of good laboratory practice (GLP) and effective participation in quality improvement teams. Personnel are required to ensure the quality and integrity of their own work, detect non-conformances and work with others to suggest improvements in productivity and quality. This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory technicians working in all industry sectors who contribute to quality improvements in areas or processes associated with their own job function and/or specialisation. This unit of competency is relevant to experienced technical officers who may work individually or as part of a team. While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• MSL973002

  Prepare working solutions

  CIT Code:	LABT118
  Description:	This unit of competency covers the ability to prepare working solutions and to check that existing stocks of solutions are suitable for use. Working solutions include those required to perform laboratory tests. Personnel are required to calculate quantities and make dilutions. This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory assistants working in all industry sectors. While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• MSL973004

  Perform aseptic techniques

  CIT Code:	LABT120
  Description:	This unit of competency covers the ability to perform aseptic techniques to maintain the integrity of both the sample source and the sample. It applies to sampling techniques in tissue culture and to generic microbiological procedures. This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory assistants and technicians working in the field or laboratory in the biomedical, biological, food processing and environmental industry sectors. While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• MSL973007

  Perform microscopic examination

  CIT Code:	LABT194
  Description:	This unit of competency covers the ability to perform aseptic techniques to maintain the integrity of both the sample source and the sample. It applies to sampling techniques in tissue culture and to generic microbiological procedures. This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory assistants and technicians working in the field or laboratory in the biomedical, biological, food processing and environmental industry sectors. While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• MSL944001

  Maintain laboratory/field workplace safety

  CIT Code:	OHSS420
  Description:	This unit of competency covers the ability to follow work health and safety (WHS) policies and procedures, deal with the identification and control of hazards, work safely at all times, follow emergency response procedures and contribute to the maintenance of workplace safety. This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory assistants and instrument operators working in all industry sectors. WHS responses are restricted to a 'first response' approach, including the notification of appropriate workplace personnel. Workers will be provided with clear directions, information, training and appropriate supervision. While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• MSL913001

  Communicate with other people

  CIT Code:	COMM213
  Description:	This unit of competency covers the ability to receive and pass on written and oral messages, provide relevant information in response to requests within timelines and demonstrate effective interpersonal skills. This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory assistants and instrument operators working in all industry sectors. While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• MSMENV272

  Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices

  CIT Code:	ENVI143
  Description:	This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to effectively find out current resource use and carry out improvements, in own work area, including those that reduce the negative environmental impacts of work practices. This unit of competency applies to operators/team members who are required to follow procedures to work in an environmentally sustainable manner. This maximises the environmental performance of the process and the organisation, ensures regulatory compliance, and aims to minimise environmental risks and impacts. This unit of competency applies to all sectors of the manufacturing industry and members of its value chain. It may also be applied to all sections of an organisation, including office and warehouse. This unit will need to be contextualised for the industry sector, organisation and section. This unit of competency applies to an individual working alone or as part of a team/work group and working in liaison with other shift team members and the control room operator, as appropriate.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• MSL934002

  Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes

  CIT Code:	LABT122
  Description:	This unit of competency covers the exercise of good laboratory practice (GLP) and effective participation in quality improvement teams. Personnel are required to ensure the quality and integrity of their own work, detect non-conformances and work with others to suggest improvements in productivity and quality. This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory technicians working in all industry sectors who contribute to quality improvements in areas or processes associated with their own job function and/or specialisation. This unit of competency is relevant to experienced technical officers who may work individually or as part of a team. While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• MSL913002

  Plan and conduct laboratory/field work

  CIT Code:	LABT176
  Description:	This unit of competency covers the ability to plan and complete tasks individually or in a team context. The tasks involve established routines and procedures using allocated resources with access to readily available guidelines and advice. Work plans may need to be modified with supervisor agreement to suit changing conditions and priorities. This unit of competency is applicable to instrument operators, laboratory assistants and technical assistants working in all industry sectors. While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• MSL924001

  Process and interpret data

  CIT Code:	MATH176
  Description:	This unit of competency covers the ability to retrieve data, evaluate formulae and perform scientific calculations, present and interpret information in tables and graphs and keep accurate records. The unit requires personnel to solve problems of limited complexity where the information may be less obvious, but not contradictory, and can be determined by direct reasoning. This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory assistants, field/laboratory technicians and instrument operators in all industry sectors. While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• MSL943002

  Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety

  CIT Code:	OHSS422
  Description:	This unit of competency covers the ability to follow work health and safety (WHS) policies and procedures, deal with the identification and control of hazards, work safely at all times, follow emergency response procedures and contribute to the maintenance of workplace safety. This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory assistants and instrument operators working in all industry sectors. WHS responses are restricted to a 'first response' approach, including the notification of appropriate workplace personnel. Workers will be provided with clear directions, information, training and appropriate supervision. While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• MSL974001

  Prepare, standardise and use solutions

  CIT Code:	LABT126
  Description:	This unit of competency covers the ability to prepare, standardise and monitor the quality of solutions. This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory technicians working in all industry sectors. While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• MSL974003

  Perform chemical tests and procedures

  CIT Code:	LABT197
  Description:	This unit of competency covers the ability to interpret chemical test requirements, prepare samples, conduct pre-use and calibration checks on equipment and perform routine chemical tests/procedures. These tests will involve several measurement steps. The unit includes data processing and interpretation of results and tracking of obvious test malfunctions where the procedure is standardised. However, personnel are not required to analyse data, optimise tests/procedures for specific samples or troubleshoot equipment problems where the solution is not apparent. This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory or technical assistants and instrument operators in all industry sectors. While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• MSL933002

  Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives

  CIT Code:	LABT111
  Description:	This unit of competency covers the development of a working knowledge of quality principles and their application in laboratory/field work. This unit of competency is applicable to samplers/testers, production operators and laboratory/field assistants working in all industry sectors. These personnel have defined roles and responsibilities within the workplace's quality system which are set out in quality manuals and workplace procedures. While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• MSL974006

  Perform biological procedures

  CIT Code:	LABT200
  Description:	This unit of competency covers the ability to interpret work requirements, prepare samples, conduct pre-use and calibration checks on equipment, and perform routine biological procedures. These procedures may involve several steps and are used to classify cell types, species and biologically active compounds by analysing their biological and chemical characteristics. This unit includes data processing, interpretation of results and troubleshooting obvious departures from standard procedures. This unit of competency is applicable to technical assistants working in the biomedical, environmental, biotechnology and education industry sectors. While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• MSL973002

  Prepare working solutions

  CIT Code:	LABT118
  Description:	This unit of competency covers the ability to prepare working solutions and to check that existing stocks of solutions are suitable for use. Working solutions include those required to perform laboratory tests. Personnel are required to calculate quantities and make dilutions. This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory assistants working in all industry sectors. While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• MSL973004

  Perform aseptic techniques

  CIT Code:	LABT120
  Description:	This unit of competency covers the ability to perform aseptic techniques to maintain the integrity of both the sample source and the sample. It applies to sampling techniques in tissue culture and to generic microbiological procedures. This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory assistants and technicians working in the field or laboratory in the biomedical, biological, food processing and environmental industry sectors. While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• MSL973007

  Perform microscopic examination

  CIT Code:	LABT194
  Description:	This unit of competency covers the ability to perform aseptic techniques to maintain the integrity of both the sample source and the sample. It applies to sampling techniques in tissue culture and to generic microbiological procedures. This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory assistants and technicians working in the field or laboratory in the biomedical, biological, food processing and environmental industry sectors. While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• MSL975003

  Perform histological tests

  CIT Code:	LABT133
  Description:	This unit of competency covers the ability to perform tests and procedures associated with processing and staining tissues for examination of tissue structure and abnormalities by pathologists and scientists to assist with disease diagnosis. The unit covers tests and procedures that are associated with anatomical pathology and may involve the use of automated processors and staining machines. This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory technicians and technical officers in the biomedical sector. The unit principally refers to techniques performed on human tissues, but many aspects may be relevant to animal and plant tissues. This unit of competency assumes that the technical officer would perform tests and procedures under the close supervision of scientific and/or medical staff. Although a supervisor may not always be present, the technician will follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) that will clearly describe the scope of permitted practice in modifying testing procedures, quality control procedures, interpretation of data, and for communicating test results to people outside the laboratory. Technical workers may need to interrupt their routine work in order to assist with or perform procedures to facilitate rapid diagnosis of specimens from patients in the operating theatre. The involvement of the technical officer in mortuary work will be determined by the workplace. Work of this nature will always be closely supervised by scientific/medical staff. While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
  Prerequisites:	LABT194 MSL973007 Perform microscopic examination

• MSL944001

  Maintain laboratory or field workplace safety

  CIT Code:	OHSS420
  Description:	This unit of competency covers the ability to follow work health and safety (WHS) policies and procedures, deal with the identification and control of hazards, work safely at all times, follow emergency response procedures and contribute to the maintenance of workplace safety. This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory assistants and instrument operators working in all industry sectors. WHS responses are restricted to a 'first response' approach, including the notification of appropriate workplace personnel. Workers will be provided with clear directions, information, training and appropriate supervision. While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• MSL924002

  Use laboratory application software

  CIT Code:	COMP206
  Description:	This unit of competency covers the ability to use and apply computer software in the laboratory, field and/or production plants for analysis and reporting. This unit of competency is applicable to technical officers and laboratory technicians in all industry sectors. It describes the application and use of software packages in the context of a laboratory or fieldwork. Typically this software would be for the storage, retrieval, analysis and display of information. There is no expectation that candidates would be able to customise the software to meet specific needs. While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
  Prerequisites:	Nil

• MSL975001

  Perform microbiological tests

  CIT Code:	LABT131
  Description:	This unit of competency covers the ability to contribute to the culture, isolation and identification of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoans, algae and parasites, in order to investigate the physiology and pathology of plants and animals, monitor the natural environment, and to assist in the production of foods, pharmaceutical goods and other manufactured materials. This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory technicians and technical officers working in the biomedical, biotechnology, environmental, manufacturing and food processing industry sectors. The results of work performed by technical personnel would normally be integrated, interpreted and reported on by scientists, medical, veterinary or plant pathologists or other responsible officers in a workplace. Although a supervisor may not always be present, the technician will follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) that will clearly describe the scope of permitted practice in modifying testing procedures, interpreting of data and for communicating test results to people outside the laboratory. It is applicable to investigations as well as addressing the broader needs of biotechnology and tissue culture applications. While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
  Prerequisites:	LABT120 MSL973004 Perform aseptic techniques LABT194 MSL973007 Perform microscopic examination

Certificate III: Laboratory assistant in a variety of industry settings eg food industry, pathology laboratory, schools.

Certificate IV: Technical assistant in a variety of industry settings.

Students will learn in simulated laboratory environments, through eLearn (online) and self-directed learning.

Teachers will assess students through practical observations and knowledge assessments.

Students who successfully complete the Certificate III in Laboratory Skills and the Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques may gain entry into CIT’s Bachelor of Forensic Science (Crime Scene Investigation).