The program typically takes about two years to complete for a Diploma in MLT. The course equips students with essential knowledge and skills that enable them to practice in the field of a medical laboratory. This includes hands-on training as well as theoretical knowledge of microbiology, biochemistry, hematology, and clinical pathology. Laboratory equipment operation, tests, and diagnosis are also covered under this curriculum for students to gain a full understanding of what occurs in a hospital or other research-based medical setting.
The course may take a different number of years depending on the institution offering it, though some institutions may offer part-time or flexible learning, which may increase the duration. This period is taken to train the students practically in laboratories under the supervision of experienced professionals, which is very important for developing hands-on skills. Graduates of the diploma program are ready to take up laboratory technician, clinical laboratory technologist, or laboratory assistant positions in hospitals, diagnostic centers, and research laboratories. The diploma also serves as a foundation for further studies in medical technology or allied health sciences.