Medical Laboratory Science at KAAF University

Medical Laboratory Science is the applied science dealing with the application of science, technology, engineering or mathematics to the effective delivery of healthcare. Within the Faculty of Health and Allied Sciences, Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) is a key component of healthcare science. It is the application of biology-based science to medical use, be it research, health monitoring or treatment.

The Role of Medical Laboratory Scientists

Healthcare scientists are scientists directly involved in the research diagnosis, treatment, care and support of patients in healthcare systems. As 21st century medicine and healthcare become increasingly sophisticated, the demand grows for highly skilled medical laboratory scientists capable of performing and analyzing a battery of technical procedures to screen, treat, maintain and improve human health. The medical laboratory scientist has a critical role to play in supporting the delivery of essential health care all over the world through good laboratory services.

Educational Outcomes and Research

It is generally expected that at the end of the training, students would be familiar with current technological developments in medical diagnostics in the specialty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, and therefore, be in a position to coordinate laboratory services in their communities. Furthermore, graduates are expected at the end of their studies to be involved in high quality and innovative biomedical research and therefore contribute to the improvement of currently available diagnostic methods or knowledge of the pathogenesis of a variety of disease states.

Admission and Entry Requirements

Candidates applying to the programme must meet the following entry requirements as specified below:

GCE Advance Level and Professional Certificates

For GCE Advance Level applicants, requirements include passes in three (3) subjects (at least, one of the passes should be Grade D or better). Also, the applicant must have had credit passes (Grade 6) in five GCE Ordinary Level subjects including English, Mathematics and a Science subject (for non-science students) and an Arts subject for Science students.

Additionally, applicants with Ministry of Health Certificates in Medical Laboratory Technology or Science Laboratory Technology with elective science background shall be interviewed and successful applicants placed in the FIRST YEAR. However, those without elective science background will go through an Access Course that encompasses the Six (6) major areas in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English, and Mathematics.

Mature Students’ Entry

Applicants should be at least 25 years at the time of submitting the application. They must provide proof of age with a birth certificate or any legitimate documentary proof of birth date which is at least 5 years old at the time of application. In addition, they should have:

• FIVE (5) credits at the ‘O’ level, including English language and mathematics; OR
• WASSCE/SSSCE credit passes in THREE relevant Elective Subjects: Biology, Chemistry and Physics, Elective Mathematics, Food and Nutrition, Forestry, Crop Husbandry, Fisheries, Clothing and Textiles.