Diploma in Science Laboratory Technology

The Diploma in Science Laboratory Technology prepares learners to perform scientific laboratory procedures in education, research, manufacturing, agriculture, environmental science, food production, quality control and other laboratory-based sectors.

The programme combines practical competencies in biology, chemistry and physics with laboratory safety, reagent preparation, scientific measurements, equipment maintenance, materials testing, microbiological analysis, scientific research and laboratory management.

Learners are trained to collect and prepare samples, operate laboratory equipment, perform scientific tests, record and interpret results, manage laboratory resources, maintain quality standards and dispose of laboratory waste safely.

Training is delivered through classroom instruction, laboratory practicals, projects, competency-based assessments and supervised industrial training.

Important Programme Distinction

Science Laboratory Technology is different from Medical Laboratory Science.

This programme prepares graduates for general scientific, industrial, educational and research laboratories. It should not be advertised as automatically qualifying graduates to diagnose diseases, test human clinical specimens or obtain a Medical Laboratory Science practising licence.

KMLTTB registration applies to graduates of approved Medical Laboratory Science programmes who meet the Board’s examination and registration requirements.

Applicants should meet one of the following requirements:

• KCSE mean grade C− or its equivalent;

• Science Laboratory Technology Level 5 with demonstrated competence;

• Craft Certificate in Science Laboratory Technology with a pass; or

• Another equivalent qualification recognised by TVETA.

Recommended Subject Requirements

Applicants entering through KCSE should normally have:

• At least D+ in Chemistry;

• At least D+ in Biology; and

• At least D in Mathematics or Physics;

or the equivalent grades in Physical Science, Biological Science and Mathematics.

These subject requirements appear in TVETA’s harmonised admission guidance and are more accurate than the current JFC statement that merely says “specific subject requirements apply.

Graduates may pursue entry-level or trainee opportunities such as:

• Medical Engineering Technologist

• Biomedical Equipment Technician

• Biomedical Engineering Technologist

• Hospital Medical Engineering Technician

• Medical Equipment Maintenance Technician

• Field Service Technician

• Medical-Device Technical Support Officer

• Equipment Installation and Commissioning Assistant

• Clinical Engineering Assistant

• Hospital Plant Maintenance Technologist

• Medical Equipment Sales and After-Sales Support Officer

• Medical Equipment Inventory or Maintenance Coordinator

• Workshop Technician

• Equipment Quality-Control Assistant

Potential work environments include:

• Public and private hospitals

• County healthcare facilities

• Diagnostic and imaging centres

• Medical laboratories

• Dialysis centres

• Medical-equipment suppliers

• Equipment maintenance contractors

• Medical-device manufacturers and importers

• NGOs and humanitarian health programmes

• Research and training institutions

• Healthcare construction and hospital-engineering projects