How many years is Medical Laboratory Science?

If you’re thinking about studying Medical Laboratory Science in Nigeria, one of the first questions that might come to your mind is: how many years will it take? 

In this article, we’ll break it down clearly, using real facts from Nigerian universities and official education bodies like the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN). 

How many years does it take to study Medical Laboratory Science in Nigeria?

In Nigeria, the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS) degree takes five (5) years of full-time study in the university. 

After completing the five years, you must also go through a one-year internship at an accredited medical laboratory or teaching hospital. 

This makes the total duration six years before you can be fully registered and work as a licensed Medical Laboratory Scientist.

The five years of university study are approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC), and the internship is supervised by the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN). 

This setup ensures that students get both theoretical and hands-on practical training.

What subjects are studied in Medical Laboratory Science?

Students take both science and clinical subjects throughout the five years. 

In the first year (100 level), you will focus mostly on general science courses like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. These build your foundation.

From 200 level onwards, you will take more specialized courses such as:

• Human Anatomy and Physiology

• Medical Biochemistry

• Hematology

• Clinical Chemistry

• Histopathology

• Immunology

• Parasitology and Entomology

• Medical Microbiology

• Instrumentation and Laboratory Techniques

By your final year, you will focus on research and laboratory-based projects. You’ll also rotate through hospital labs to gain real-life experience.

What is the difference between a Medical Lab Scientist and a Lab Technician?

A Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) holds a BMLS degree and is trained to perform advanced diagnostic tests, interpret lab results, and even manage laboratory operations. 

After graduation, they are licensed by MLSCN.

A Medical Laboratory Technician, on the other hand, usually attends a College of Health Technology for about three years. 

Technicians assist scientists in the lab but are not trained to work independently or interpret results in the same way.

So, the training, career level, and responsibilities of both are very different. MLS is a full degree program, while Lab Technician is a diploma.

Do I need JAMB to study Medical Laboratory Science?

Yes, you must write the JAMB UTME exam to get admission into a university for Medical Laboratory Science. The required subjects are:

• Use of English

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Physics

Most universities require a JAMB score between 180 and 250, but it depends on how competitive the school is. 

Federal universities usually have higher cut-off marks.

Can I switch to Medical Laboratory Science from another course?

Yes, you can change your course to Medical Laboratory Science, but it is not always easy. 

You must meet the department’s requirements, including:

• Having the right subject combination in your O’level and JAMB

• A high CGPA (usually above 3.5 or 4.0)

• Space in the department

Universities like UNILAG, OAU, and ABU allow inter-department transfers, but it’s usually easier to switch early, like in the 100 or 200 level.

Is Medical Laboratory Science a good career in Nigeria?

Yes, it is a good career, especially if you like science, research, and helping doctors diagnose diseases. 

Medical Laboratory Scientists are always in demand in:

• Hospitals

• Diagnostic centers

• Research institutes

• Public health labs

• Private laboratories

• Even abroad, especially in countries like Canada, UK, and Saudi Arabia

With a BMLS degree, you can also go into teaching, further research (MSc/PhD), or own a private lab after some years of practice.

Do I need to do NYSC after studying Medical Laboratory Science?

Yes, after your one-year internship, you must also complete the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program. 

This is compulsory for all Nigerian university graduates under the age of 30.

The internship is not the same as NYSC. An internship is part of your professional training and is supervised by MLSCN. 

NYSC, on the other hand, is a national service and may or may not involve working in a lab.

What is the salary of a Medical Laboratory Scientist in Nigeria?

The salary depends on where you work. In government hospitals, the starting salary is usually around ₦120,000 to ₦180,000 per month, according to the CONHESS salary scale. 

This increases with years of experience and promotion.

In private hospitals or labs, the pay can be lower, around ₦70,000 to ₦150,000, but it depends on the location and size of the lab. 

Some Medical Laboratory Scientists also earn more through side jobs, weekend duties, or consulting work.

If you work abroad, the salary is much higher. For example, in the UK, lab scientists earn from £25,000 to £40,000 per year, depending on the hospital and experience.