Department of Medical Laboratory Technology:
Established in 2016, IIHAS is officially registered with the Ministry of Education and Sports (MOES) and is assigned the Examination Centre Number UAHEB/087.
Licensed Courses:
- Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (3 years)
- Basic Entry Requirements: ‘A’ level sciences with one Principal pass in either chemistry or biology and a subsidiary pass in another, plus any other subsidiary pass.
- Award: Diploma
- Admission Time: July
- Certificate in Medical Laboratory Technology (2 years)
- Basic Entry Requirements: ‘O’ level standard with five passes in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English & Biology.
- Award: Certificate
- Admission Time: July
Number of Seats:
- 3 Years Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technician: 25 Seats
- 2 Years Certificate Course in Medical Laboratory Technician: 40 Seats
Teaching Staff:
- Medical Laboratory: 7
Non-Teaching Staff:
- Non-Teaching Staff: 10
Practicum Attachment Sites / MOU’s:
- Rubaga Hospital
- Butabika Hospital
- Kisubi Hospital
Role of School to Learners:
The School of Medical Laboratory Technology is designed to develop skills in investigative, scientific research, and diagnostic laboratory practice for health centers, hospitals, and research centers. The Examination Centre Number is UAHEB/087.
Examination Board:
The school offers certificate (2 years) and diploma (3 years) programs in Medical Laboratory Technology on a semesterized system, examined by the Uganda Allied Health Examination Board.
Curriculum Guiding Training of Learners:
Students are trained using a competency-based education curriculum, focusing on 70% practical and 30% theory. Competencies include Microbiology, Parasitology, Clinical Chemistry, Haematology, Immunohaematology, Histopathology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Socio-Psychology, Primary Health Care, ICT, General Laboratory Methods, Laboratory Management, Entrepreneurship, First Aid, Research Method, Counseling, Laboratory Management, and Pharmacology.
Assignments, Practical Work, Research Projects, directed self-study, active learning, and attachments are utilized to build student competencies.
Affiliation:
The school is affiliated with Butabika Hospital, Lubaga Hospital, and Kisubi Hospital. It has also applied for practicum attachment with Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala Capital City Authority Health Centers, and Cancer Institute.
Student Intake and Minimum Qualification:
Student recruitment occurs between June and August. Minimum criteria include passes in English, Math, Biology, Physics, and Chemistry for the Certificate in Medical Laboratory. For the diploma, one must have a Certificate in Medical Laboratory Technology and one principal pass in Biology and one subsidiary pass in either Chemistry or Physics.
Upgrading:
Applicants seeking to upgrade should possess a Certificate in Medical Laboratory Technology.
Teaching Hours for Upgrading Learners Only:
- Evening Program: 3 pm – 9 pm (every day)
- Weekend Program: 8 am – 9 pm (every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)
Responsibilities After Completion of Medical Laboratory Course:
Graduates are equipped to:
- Conduct cultures of tissue samples and body fluids
- Evaluate samples for chemical content and concentrations
- Type and cross-match blood samples for transfusions
- Perform various tests such as metabolic panel, electrolyte panel, complete blood count, and liver function tests
- Examine the chemical content of fluids and perform urinalysis
- Test drug levels in patients’ blood
- Prepare specimens for examination and analyze test results
- Monitor, screen, and troubleshoot analytical equipment
- Calibrate laboratory equipment
- Utilize automated equipment and computerized instruments for simultaneous testing
Staffing:
The school is staffed with qualified and experienced professional trainers holding a minimum qualification of a bachelor’s degree in medical education or medical laboratory technology.
Students Association:
Students have formed the Indian Institute of Health and Allied Sciences Medical Laboratory Students Association. This association organizes seminars, presentations, and study tours to enhance the learning experience.
Training Facilities:
The school boasts three laboratories—immunoheamatology, clinical chemistry and hematology, parasitology, entomology and microbiology, and histopathology—to facilitate the acquisition of competencies.