Since 1996
Bachelor in Medical Technology (BMLT)
The BMLT course is divided into 4 major subjects: Medical Microbiology, Clinical Biochemistry, Hematology, Histopathology & Cytology. Each of the subjects has a 100 full mark in each academic year.
3-Year Med. Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Technology (BMLT) Tribhuvan University 1996
Year 1,2 &3
Subject
Theory
Practice
Total U.S. equivalent
credits
Microbiology
Bacteriology & Immunology
√
√
4
Parasitology
√
√
2
Virology
√
√
1
Mycology
√
√
1
Clinical Biochemisrty
√
√
8
Hematology
Hematology
√
√
6
Blood Banking
√
√
2
Histopathology &Cytology
Histopathology
√
√
4
(including Histo-technology)
Cytopathlogy
√
√
2
Anatomy & Physiology
√
√
2
Total each year 32
Pass marks: Theory 50% and Practical 60%7. LIST OF PROGRAMS
As of 1996 only one institution provides Medical Laboratory Technology programs: Institute of Medicine Tribhuvan University Maharajgung Kathmandu, Nepal 8. PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION a) Accreditation
Tribuhavan University accredits the Medical Laboratory Technology programs . b) Licensing and Certification
Nepal Health Professional Council has been formed since 2000. This council is licensing body in Nepal for the health laboratory professional.
c) Professional Association
Nepal Association for Medical Laboratory Science Department of Microbiology TU Teaching College P.O. Box 3578
Kathmandu, Nepal
9. EQUIVALENCY/RECIPROCITY
Foreign-trained medical Laboratory personnel can practice in Nepal, but are supposed to get permission from the Ministry of Health of the Government of Nepal.
For further information contact:
N.P. Thapaliya, Assistant Registrar Tribhuvan University, Institute of Medicine
P.O. Box 1524
Maharajgunj, Kathmandu NEPAL Tel: 4 12040, 4-10911, 4-13729
Fax: 4 18186 or
Prof. Nhuchhe Ratna Tuladhar Tribhuvan University, Micobiology Lab.
P.O. Box 1524
NIGERIA
1. EDUCATIONAL OUTLINE
G.C.E. ‘O’ Level/ W.A.S.C. S.S.S.C.E.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 G.C.E. ‘A’ Level/
primary school secondary school 13
(+ J.A.M.B.
Exam) Bachelor of Medical Universities 1 2 3 4 5 Laboratory Science Degree
(B.M.L.S.)
6 Associate of the I.M.L.T (A.I.M.L.T.) Diploma * Bachelor of Science Degree Universities 1 2 3 4 (B.Sc.)
Conversion Course Schools of Medical 2 /3 yrs Associate of the I.M.L.T. Laboratory Technology (A.I.M.L.T.) Diploma
Associate of the I.M.L.T. Schools of Medical 1 2 3 4 (A.I.M.L.T.) Diploma ** Laboratory Technology
Fellow of the I.M.L.T. Schools of Medical 1 2 (F.I.M.L.T.) Diploma Laboratory Technology
Note:
G.C.E. ‘O’ Level = General Certificate of Education ‘Ordinary’ Level (Cambridge) G.C.E. ‘A’ Level = General Certificate of Education ‘Advanced’ Level (Cambridge) W.A.S.C. = West African School Certificate Examinations
S.S.S.C.E. = Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations
J.A.M.B. Exam = Joint Admission and Matriculation Board Examinations B.M.L.S. = Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science
I.M.L.T. = Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology - Nigeria
* = 1-year supervised internship
** = Plans are underway to phase out this program and introduce
2. COUNTRY BACKGROUND
In Nigeria, the training of Medical Laboratory Scientists is a 5-year Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (B.M.L.S.) program which began in the mid-1980s, and is now available at four universities. Successful completion of this program plus one year of supervised internship leads to the qualification of Associate of the Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology (A.I.M.L.T). Admission requires completion of secondary school, success at the Nigeria Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Examination, and a minimum of 5 credit passes in Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology and English Language at the General Certificate of Education Examinations (G.C.E.) at ‘Ordinary’ level/ West African School Certificate Examinations (W.A.S.C.); OR the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations (S.S.S.C.E.). This admission requirement is the same for other health professions such as Medicine and Pharmacy.
There are also 10 Schools of Medical Laboratory Technology running a 4-year A.I.M.L.T. Diploma program. The admission requirement for these schools is the same as for the university programs. This pathway is currently being seriously considered for gradual phasing-out in line with the trend in other parts of the world. Plans are underway to commence a 5- year program for the direct A.I.M.L.T. program by the Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology in 1997. The Schools of Medical Laboratory Technology also run the 2-year Fellowship program (Fellow of the I.M.L.T.) which may be by written examinations or a thesis. They also provide a 24 or 36-month conversion program for B.Sc. applied science graduates desiring to become Medical Laboratory Scientists.
Until 1968, when the Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology of Nigeria (l.M.L.T.-Nigeria) was established, the training of Medical Laboratory Technologists in Nigeria followed the system in the United Kingdom. The training was both organized and supervised by the Institute of Medical Laboratory Science in London. This meant that the Nigerian Medical Technologists either took their full program of training in the United Kingdom or started their training program in Nigeria by taking the examinations of the I.M.L.S., London, up to the Intermediate level, after which the final training was undertaken in approved laboratories in the United Kingdom.
Since the establishment of the I.M.L.T.-Nigeria, the full educational program is completed in Nigeria under the general supervision of the Institute, which awards the diplomas to successful candidates. The I.M.L.T. is a government statutory body established by Decree No. 56 of 1968, which is currently being processed for amendment. In conjunction with the Nigeria University Commission, the I.M.L.T.-Nigeria also accredits the degree program in Medical Laboratory Science.
3. LEVELS AND LENGTH OF TRAINING
There are 4 levels of Medical Laboratory Science training:
(i). Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science - requires 5 years of undergraduate training.
(ii). The Associate of the Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology - requires 4 years of undergraduate training or 2-3 years for holders of B.Sc. in fields related to Medical Laboratory Science at a School of Medical Technology. Graduates of Medical Laboratory Sciences from Nigerian Universities are required to undergo 1-year supervised internship prior to registration as Associate Members of the I.M.L.T. of Nigeria.
(iii). Fellow of the Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology - requires a minimum of 2 years of study following the B.M.L.S./A.I.M.L.T.
(iv). M.Sc., M.Phil. & Ph.D. in various fields of Medical Laboratory Science - requires 1-4 years of full-time studies following the B.M.L.S./A.I.M.L.T. Specific duration is dependent on degree in view.
4. ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
(i) Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science-
W.A.S.C. examination, AND
• Pass at the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (J.A.M.B.) Examination, OR • Direct entry for B.Sc. holders or 3 passes at the ‘Advanced’ Level G.C.E. in Physics, Biology and Chemistry, with a credit pass in English at the ‘O’ Level.
(ii) Associate of the Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology-
• Pass at the credit level in the following subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology,
Mathematics and English Language at the Senior Secondary School Certificate, G.C.E. or W.A.S.C. examination.
• Holders of B.Sc. in fields related to Medical Laboratory Science are admitted for 2-3 years of training and examination.
(iii) Fellow of the Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology-
• Admission to the 2-year program for the Fellowship diploma requires at least 2 years post admittance as B.M.L.S. or A.I.M.L.T, and success in examination.
5. SCOPE OF THE FIELD
The training of Nigerian Medical Technologists is specialized and the respective degrees or diplomas are awarded in the following specialities: Histopathology, Chemical Pathology, Hematology and Blood Group Serology, Bacteriology, Parasitology and Virology. At both the degree and diploma levels, speciality training follows coursework and clinical postings in all laboratory concentrations. With this diploma/degree the Medical Laboratory Scientist can work in Medical and Veterinary Laboratories, Universities, Research Institutes or in any relevant industry.
The Government, through the Ministry of Health, accords professional recognition to Medical Laboratory Science as a distinct health profession in its health delivery system. This places qualified Medical Laboratory Scientists on the same salary level as other university graduates on joining the govemment service. Special remunerations like call duty allowance, hazard, inducement, etc., gives the Medical Laboratory Scientist an edge over many other graduates.
In addition to the Ministry of Health, other major employers of Medical Laboratory Scientists include the universities, Ministries of Science & Technology, Agriculture & Natural Resources, various research institutes and relevant areas in industries like the brewery etc.
There is a large increase in the self-employment trend of Medical Laboratory Scientists in areas as diverse as private clinical diagnostic laboratories, manufacture of laboratory equipment, production and sales of laboratory supplies through management consulting to general business. This has been of tremendous benefit to the Nigerian populace, especially in the provision of better health care, since the governmental health institutions cannot always cope with demands.
A large number of Medical Laboratory Scientists have acquired higher degrees (M.Sc., M.Phil., Ph.D.). This acquisition has not led to abandonment of normal duties. It has, rather, aided operational research. It is also now possible for a Medical Laboratory Scientist to become a director of a group without changing career.
6. CURRICULUM
The broad philosophy of medical education in Nigeria as it affects Medical Laboratory Science is:
(a) to provide an indepth scientific and professional background for the production of Medical Laboratory Scientists who would be capable of working anywhere in Nigeria, especially with reference to Primary Health Care;
(b) to produce Medical Laboratory Scientists who would satisfy internationally recognizable standards and who could undertake further training towards full specialization; and
(c) to produce Medical Laboratory Scientists with sufficient management ability to play leadership role in training and the practice of laboratory science.
University education is important to the growth of any profession. Optimal professional Medical Laboratory Science education can best be achieved in the University with facilities to provide a foundation for general education in the various
sciences and humanities. Medical Laboratory Science is a very dynamic profession with continuous emergence of new procedures and instruments which justify adequate orientation for operational research by practitioners. The graduates are therefore expected to keep pace with changing trends.
The Medical Laboratory Scientist is expected to:
(a) perform effectively in Hospital Diagnostic Services, Preventive and Public Health Services, Research, Academics and in Quality Assurance in industries;
(b) function independently or in collaboration with other members of the health team in the care of individuals and groups in the community in primary, secondary and tertiary health services;
(c) produce biological and diagnostic reagents as well as fabricate and maintain laboratory equipment.
Sample Curriculum
(i) Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (B.M.L.S.)* YEAR 1
Course Title Credit Units
1st Semester Introductory Biology I 3 Introductory Physics I 3 Introductory Chemistry I 3 General Mathematics 3 Nigeria Heritage 3 Use of English I 3 Basic Psychology 2 Total 20 YEAR 1
Course Title Credit Units
2nd Semester
Introductory Biology II 3 Introductory Physics II 3 Genetics and Cytology 3 Use of English II 3 Philosophy and Logic 2 Introduction to Computer Sciences 3 Introductory Chemistry II 3
Total 20
YEAR 2
Course Title Credit Units
1st Semester
Gross Anatomy I 2
Gross Anatomy II 2 Introduction to Biochemistry 2 Chemistry of Biological Molecules 2 Metabolism and Bioenergetics 2
General Principles of Physiology, Blood 2 and Body Fluids
Respiratory and Cardiovascular Systems 2 Introduction to Medical Laboratory Science I 2
2nd Semester
Histology and Gross Anatomy 2 Nutritional Biochemistry 2 Special Topics in Biochemistry 2
Gastrointestinal and Reproductive Endocrinology 3 Nerves & Autonomic Nervous Systems 3
Introduction to Medical Laboratory Science II 4 Introduction to Medical Laboratory Science III 2
Total 18
YEAR 3
Course Title Credit Units
1st Semester
Biomedical Electronics 3 General Microbiology 3
Pharmacology 3
Medical Laboratory Science Ethics 2
Medical Physics 3
Biometrics 3
Laboratory Posting 3
Total 20
YEAR 3
Course Title Credit Units
2nd Semester Computer Applications 3 General Pathology 3 Laboratory Posting 3 Instrumentation 4 Immunology I 3
Laboratory Management & Organization 3
Total 19
YEAR 4
Course Title Credit Units
1st Semester
Basic Chemical Pathology 3
Basic Parasitology/Medical Entomology 3 Basic Hematology 3
Basic Blood Group Serology 3 Basic Histopathology 3 Virology 2 Basic Bacteriology/Mycology 3 Immunology II 2 Total 22 2nd Semester
Clinical Posting in all Sections (Built-in Internship) 12
YEAR 5
CHEMICAL PATHOLOGY (Specialty)
Course Title Credit Units
Ist Semester
Chemical Pathology I 3 Chemical Pathology II 2 Chemical Pathology III 3 Research Methodology 2
Enzymology 2
Project 3
Laboratory Posting 3
Total 18
CHEMICAL PATHOLOGY (Specialty)
Course Title Credit Units
2nd Semester
Endocrinology 2
Toxicology 2
Advanced Chemical Pathology Techniques 3
Seminar 2 Project 3 Laboratory Posting 3 Total 15 HISTOPATHOLOGY (Specialty) 1st Semester Histopathology I 3 Histopathology II 2 Histopathology III 3 Exfoliative Cytology 2 Research Methodology 2 Laboratory Posting 3 Project 3 Total 18 YEAR 5 HISTOPATHOLOGY (Specialty)
Course Title Credit Units
2nd Semester
Seminar 2
Project 3
Cytogenetics 2
Advanced Histopathology Techniques & Embalment 3
Museum Laboratory Techniques 3 Laboratory Posting 3
Total 15
HEMATOLOGY/BLOOD GROUP SEROLOGY (Specialty) 1st Semester
Hematology I 3
Hematology II 2
Blood Group Serology I 3 Blood Group Serology II 2
Research Methods 3
Project 3
2nd Semester
Project 3
Seminar 2
Laboratory Posting 3
Cytogenetics 2
Advanced Hematological Techniques 3 Advanced Blood Group Serology Techniques 2
Total 15
MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY/PARASITOLOGY (Specialty)
Course Title Credit Units
1st Semester
Medical Microbiology I 3 Medical Microbiology II 2 Advanced Parasitology/Epidemiology 2
Public Health Microbiology 3
Project 3 Laboratory Posting 3 Research Methodology 2 Total 18 2nd Semester Medical Mycology 2 Pharmaceutical Micro. and Adv. Techniques 3
Seminar 2
Project 3
Microbial Genetics 2 Laboratory Posting 3
Total 15
* = The above curriculum is recommended I.A.M.L.T. curriculum, 1991, initiated at the University of Calabar 1995/96;
Imo State University 1992/93; The University of Nigeria, and Rivers State University of Science and Technology 1993/94.
(ii) Associate of the Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology (A.I.M.L.T.)
The 4-year, direct AIMLT program consists of lectures, seminars, practical classes/work, and a research project in the area of the specialty.
The program is divided into 4 parts:
Part 1 : 6 months full-time course in basic sciences after which there is an examination.
Part 2 : 6 months full-time course at a university following success in Part 1. The subjects cover the basic sciences at an advanced level.
Part 3 : 18 months in an approved medical laboratory with lectures and practical in all areas of Medical Laboratory Science. The practical experience is on a rotational basis to all the various disciplines in the laboratory.
Part 4 : 18 months of theory and practice in the subject area of specialization.
Subject Hours of Lecture
Part 1
Use of English Language 60
Introduction to Medical Sociology & Psychology 60
Mathematics 60
Statistics 60
Chemistry 180
Biology 180
General Applied Science 90
Subject Hours of Lecture Part 2 Anatomy 90 Histology 60 Biochemistry 150 Physical Chemistry 90 Pharmacology 90 General Microbiology 90 Introductory Computer Science 90
Physiology 150
Part 3
Bacteriology Lectures, practicals Chemical Pathology and laboratory
Hematology postings for three
Blood Group Serology terms of 6 months
Parasitology each.
Histopathology
Part 4
Advanced lectures, practicals, seminars, laboratory postings and research project work and presentation/oral defense in the area of specialization
(iii) Fellow of the I.M.L.T.(F.I.M.L.T.)
The Fellowship of the Institute may be obtained by submission of an acceptable and successfully defended thesis by an Associate who has been a member for not less than 2 years at the time of enrollment, OR by examination.
7. LIST OF PROGRAMS
(i) B.M.L.S. Program Date Department of Medical Laboratory Science 1982/83 College of Medicine
University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu
Department of Medical Laboratory Science 1982/83 Rivers State University of Science and Technology
P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt
Department of Medical Laboratory Science 1983/84 College of Medical Sciences
University of Calabar, P.M.B. 1115, Calabar
Department of Medical Laboratory Science 1992/93 Imo State University, P.M.B. 2000, Owern
Some other Universities in Nigeria have plans to commence degree programs in Medical Laboratory Science. (ii) A.I.M.L.T. Diploma Program
School of Medical Laboratory Technology Lagos University Teaching Hospital Sumlere, Lagos
Federal School of Medical Laboratory Technology Jos, Plateau State
School of Medical Laboratory Technology University of Benin Teaching Hospital Benin, Edo State
School of Medical Laboratory Technology University College Hospital
Ibadan
School of Medical Laboratory Technology Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Ile-Ife
Federal College of Medical and Veterinary Laboratory Science National Veterinary Research Institute
P.O. Box 19, Vom
School of Medical Laboratory Technology Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria
School of Medical Laboratory Technology University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu
School of Medical Laboratory Technology University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital Port-Harcourt, Rivers State
School of Medical Laboratory Technology University of Calabar Teaching Hospital Calabar
8. PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION
(a) Accreditation -
All the Departments of Medical Laboratory Science in the Universities and the Schools of Medical Laboratory Technology are run by the Government. The degree program is
accredited by the Nigeria National Universities Commission in conjunction with the Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology (I.M.L.T.). The diploma program is accredited by the I.M.L.T
(b)Certification -
Medical Laboratory Scientists are admitted, registered and licensed by the I.M.L.T.: The Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology of Nigeria
8 Harvey Road (Block D) P.M.B. 1048, Yaba-Lagos Tel: 01-863368
(c) Licensure -
Medical Laboratory Scientists are admitted, registered and licensed by the I.M.L.T. (d) Professional Association -
The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria is legally recognized, following its registration by relevant Government agencies. After several collective bargaining
negotiations with the Government, the new designation of ‘Medical Laboratory Scientist’ is now acceptable and plans are at advanced stages to rename the Institute (see above): Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria
c/o Mr. A.O. Emeribe, KSM Department of Hematology
College of Medical Sciences Tel: (087) 225814/222409 extn. 248 University of Calabar Fax: (010) 234-87-220143
Calabar
9. EQUIVALENCY/RECIPROCITY
There is a government policy on reciprocity for foreign qualifications for eligibility to practice in Nigeria. The I.M.L.T - Nigeria assesses the transcripts and qualifications of foreign-trained Medical Technologists before registering them.
Qualifications from the United Kingdom and other countries are no longer accepted for direct registration in Nigeria. Each is evaluated on its merits and, when necessary, the applicant may be called upon to write the I.M.L.T. examination at the appropriate level.
For further information please contact:
The Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology of Nigeria 8 Harvey Road (Block D), P.M.B. 1048
Yaba-Lagos, Nigeria Tel: 01-863368