St. John's University

What you'll study

The programme combines foundational science with specialised clinical laboratory modules and hands-on experience. Early years focus on core biological and chemical sciences; later years concentrate on clinical laboratory disciplines, diagnostic techniques and professional practice.

Typical modules and topics

• Human anatomy and physiology
• General, organic and analytical chemistry
• Microbiology and infectious disease diagnostics
• Clinical biochemistry/clinical chemistry
• Haematology and transfusion science
• Immunology and serology
• Molecular diagnostics and PCR-based methods
• Laboratory management, quality assurance and regulatory aspects
• Research methods, statistics and data interpretation
• Professional issues, ethics and patient safety
• Capstone project or research dissertation
• Supervised clinical placements in hospital or community laboratories

Students gain practical competence through laboratory classes, simulation sessions and extended placements where they learn routine and specialised testing, instrumentation, result interpretation and reporting.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have completed secondary education with good grades in science and mathematics. Typical academic prerequisites include biology and chemistry; physics and mathematics are advantageous. Entry processes often consider a combination of academic record and evidence of laboratory interest or experience.

• High-school diploma or equivalent with strong performance in science subjects
• Prerequisite courses: biology and chemistry; applicants without both may be asked to complete bridging modules
• Personal statement outlining interest in clinical science and any relevant laboratory or volunteer experience
• Some programmes may require interviews, references and background checks for placement suitability
• Immunisation and health screening may be required prior to clinical placements

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of roles in diagnostic and applied health science. The degree provides both vocational skills for immediate employment and a foundation for further professional study.

• Clinical laboratory scientist/medical laboratory technologist in hospitals and private pathology laboratories
• Roles in public health and reference laboratories, infection control and outbreak investigation
• Laboratory research technician roles in universities, biotech and pharmaceutical companies
• Positions in laboratory management, quality assurance and regulatory affairs
• Technical or scientific roles in diagnostic equipment and reagents companies
• Progression to postgraduate study: MSc in clinical laboratory science, molecular diagnostics, public health, or professional programmes such as physician associate or medicine

Why study at St. John's University

St. John’s offers an undergraduate clinical science programme with an emphasis on practical skills and clinical connectivity. Students benefit from on-campus laboratory facilities designed for diagnostic training and supervised placement partnerships with local hospitals and healthcare providers, which support the application of theory to real-world practice.

Teaching is delivered by faculty with clinical and research experience, and the university provides career support services to help students secure clinical placements and employment. The programme’s location also facilitates networking with healthcare organisations and access to a diverse patient population for clinical learning.