This diploma programme being offered by the Pacific Paramedical Training Centre (PPTC), aims to give a theoretical background to supplement the practical training that medical laboratory technicians receive in their laboratories. The programme consist of five (5) modules covering the major Medical Laboratory Technology sciences. Each module will be made up of between 5 to seven weekly sections each being 1-2 hours in length. The materials will be provided on a CD-ROM and in some cases there may be additional reading materials provided in hardcopy. At the conclusion of each section there will be a number of multi-choice questions which must be completed and returned to the PPTC for marking.

Each module covers the basic principles of that Medical Laboratory Science and will give the student an understanding of the theory behind why and how a particular test is requested and performed in the medical laboratory.

To successfully complete each module the student will also have to complete an assignment and a log book showing that they have done the technical work associated with the theoretical component. The diploma is planned as a 1 year programme but could be spread over a two (2) year period.
 

Modules

POLHN 026 Biochemistry

This module commences with an introductory section covering the basics of Medical Laboratory Technology covering areas such as why do laboratory test, medical terminology, safety and anticoagulants. For this reason it is recommended that students commence with this module first. Following this introductory section the module introduces the student to the biochemical analysis of blood and other fluids. It explains the functions of the major organs of the human body and how biochemical analysis assists in the diagnosis of any dysfunction of these organs. The module also has sections covering analytical methods and laboratory equipment used in Biochemistry and introduces the principles of quality control and quality assurance.

POLHN 015 Haematology

In this module the student will learn about the various haematological components of blood. Sections cover the maturation of blood cells, the recognition of both normal and abnormal white and red cells and their involvement in diseases such as leukaemia and anaemia. A section will also cover the mechanisms of blood coagulation and tests that are used to detect adnormalities in the coagulation pathway.

POLHN 016 Microbiology

This module introduces the student to bacterial anatomy and physiology, methods used for staining micro-organisms and the media used for growing them. Methods used for the identification of common bacteria and yeasts will be explained as will the methods for performing antimicrobial susceptibility testing along with a brief explanation of how the common antibiotics inhibit the growth of micro-organisms.

POLHN 017 Transfusion Science (Blood Bank Technology)

In this module the student will learn the concepts of Transfusion Science and the importance of safe blood transfusion. The module will cover selection of blood donors and pre-donation testing to ensure a safe storage of donor blood and the preparation of basic blood components will also be taught. Some elements of immunology including antigens and antibodies and basic genetics as it applies to blood banking grouping and compatibility testing and the appropriate methods to be used. An outline of the antigens and antibodies of the common blood groups will be given.

POLHN 018 Immunology

This module will introduce the student to the basics of immunology discussing antigens and antibodies, cell biology, the different classes of immunoglobulins and their relevance. It will define immunity and the mechanisms of immunity. The student will learn about the different methods used in immunology especially those used in the detection of antigen and antibodies associated with infectious diseases that are common in the Pacific Islands and included in the key diseases of the PPHSN, dengue, influenza, leptospirosis, measles, rubella, HIV. Although not included in the PPHSN target diseases, the module will include the testing for hepatitis A, B and C, syphilis and other infectious diseases.

Who is this course for?

 This programme is primarily aimed at staff that have just started working in a medical laboratory, have come straight from high school or college and have had no previous training in this field. However, staff already working in laboratory may wish to complete all or some modules of the course as a refresher programme.

Only students who successfully complete all modules will be awarded the Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology but students who successfully complete individual modules will be awarded a certificate of attainment in that module.