BSc Medical Laboratory Science
Learn to perform diagnostic tests and analyses that help physicians detect, diagnose, and treat diseases.
4 years
Duration
GHS 5,500
Regular Tuition/Year
~30
Class Size
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Career Path
Programme Overview
The BSc Medical Laboratory Science programme trains students to become skilled laboratory professionals who perform complex diagnostic tests on blood, tissues, and other body fluids. Graduates play a crucial role in disease diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and public health surveillance.
Course Highlights
Career Opportunities
Entry Requirements
- WASSCE/SSSCE with passes in Core Mathematics, English, and Integrated Science
- Three science electives including Chemistry and Biology
- Aggregate 36 or better for WASSCE / 24 or better for SSSCE
About This Programme
Medical laboratory scientists are the backbone of modern healthcare diagnostics. An estimated 70% of all clinical decisions depend on laboratory test results, yet Ghana faces a significant shortage of qualified laboratory professionals, particularly outside Accra. The BSc Medical Laboratory Science programme at KCoHAS prepares students to fill this gap with confidence and competence. Affiliated with the University of Cape Coast and aligned with the Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC) standards, the programme provides comprehensive training across all major laboratory disciplines: clinical chemistry, haematology, microbiology, parasitology, blood banking, and immunology. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the indispensable role of laboratory scientists in disease detection and surveillance, and graduates of this programme are trained to work at the frontline of infectious disease response. Students gain extensive practical experience through rotations at accredited hospital laboratories, learning to operate automated analysers, perform molecular diagnostics, and maintain quality control systems. The programme also prepares students for careers in research, pharmaceutical quality assurance, and public health laboratory networks. With one of the highest employment rates among allied health graduates in Ghana, medical laboratory science offers a stable, rewarding career path for science-minded students.
Why Study at KCoHAS?
Clinical Placements
Students undertake supervised clinical rotations at 37 Military Hospital, Tema General Hospital, and selected accredited research laboratories across Greater Accra. Rotations begin in Year 3 and cover all core laboratory departments including clinical chemistry, haematology, medical microbiology, parasitology, blood bank, and histopathology. Students complete over 1,200 hours of clinical training, working with automated analysers, performing diagnostic tests on patient samples, and participating in laboratory quality assurance processes under the supervision of senior laboratory scientists.
Graduate Outcomes
96%
Employment Rate (within 6 months)
GHS 3,800–6,000/month
Starting Salary Range
“I did my clinical rotation at 37 Military Hospital and it opened my eyes to the real impact of laboratory science. We were running malaria RDTs, processing blood cultures, and doing cross-matching for transfusions. By graduation, I had practical experience that some of my peers from other schools had only read about in textbooks.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a medical laboratory scientist and a medical laboratory technician?
A medical laboratory scientist holds a bachelor's degree and is qualified to perform complex diagnostic tests, interpret results, troubleshoot equipment, and supervise laboratory operations. A medical laboratory technician typically holds a diploma and performs routine tests under the supervision of a scientist. The BSc programme at KCoHAS prepares you for the scientist role, which offers greater responsibility, career advancement, and higher earning potential.
Can I specialise in a particular area of laboratory science?
Yes. While the BSc programme provides a broad foundation across all laboratory disciplines, graduates can specialise through postgraduate study or on-the-job experience in areas such as clinical microbiology, molecular diagnostics, haematology, or histopathology. Many graduates go on to pursue MSc or MPhil programmes in their area of interest.
Is this programme recognised for practice outside Ghana?
The BSc Medical Laboratory Science degree from KCoHAS, awarded through the University of Cape Coast, is recognised across West Africa and provides a strong foundation for international certification. Graduates have successfully pursued licensure and employment in the UK, USA, Canada, and other countries after completing the relevant national certification examinations.
What equipment will I train on during the programme?
Students train on modern laboratory equipment including automated haematology analysers, clinical chemistry analysers, microscopes with digital imaging, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, ELISA readers, and PCR machines. Clinical placements also expose students to hospital-grade automated systems used in routine diagnostics.
Ready to start your journey to becoming a Medical Laboratory Scientist? Apply now for the 2026/2027 academic year.
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