Degree Programme in Biomedical Laboratory Science

Qualification Awarded and the Level of Qualification

Biomedical Laboratory Scientist, Bachelor of Health Care; EQF 6

Contact Information

Head of Competence Area
Kirsi Mansikkamäki

Head of Degree Programme
Aino Pohja

Student counsellor
Tiina Säilä

Special Admission Requirements

General admission criteria, see TAMK's websites.

Recognition of Prior Learning

It is possible for students to have their prior competence recognised.
See TAMK’s credit transfer guidelines

Qualification Requirements and Regulations

Completion of curriculum studies and achievement of related competence objectives.
Further information:
TAMK Degree Regulations
Ministry of Education and Culture

Profile of the Programme

The degree is a bachelor-level professional higher education degree.
The degree complies with the criteria set by the Finnish national degree system as well as with the European framework for degrees and other competence.
Ministry of Education and Culture

Key Learning Outcomes

After the first year, the student is able to operate in the learning and operating environment of the university of applied sciences and is aware of their education and future profession in the social and health care services system. Students are able to utilise evidence based information and the knowledge and skills they have acquired in mathematical and natural science studies as a basis for professional studies. The student is familiarized with taking the most common samples required for the most common laboratory tests, taking into account the pre-sampling preparations, patient and occupational safety, and data protection and confidentiality. The student is able to reliably register an electrocardiogram from patient surveys and also communicate professionally in English.

After the second year, students have familiarized themselves with the scientific bases of health care laboratory work and can perform the most common laboratory tests in diverse laboratory fields. After orientation, students are able to work independently in sampling. Students have expanded their know-how in professional studies in a client-oriented manner taking quality issues, occupational safety and privacy protection into consideration.

After the third year, students can work independently in diverse clinical laboratories. Students can guide patients and other personnel in the diverse fields of laboratory work and work according to the quality criteria. Students can make their bachelor’s thesis independently utilizing supervision. The student is able to work in multi professional projects as an expert of biomedical laboratory science in different operating environments. Biomedical laboratory science students can temporarily work in authorized biomedical laboratory scientist duties after they have completed two-thirds of their studies.

After the fourth year (3,5 years), graduated students can after orientation work in the basic tasks of diverse laboratory fields and have deepened/extended their know-how in special fields of their choice. In bachelor's thesis work and optional professional studies, the student is able to utilise the researched knowledge and participate in professional discussion.

Occupational Profiles of Graduates with Examples

Biomedical Laboratory Scientists work in primary health care, special health care, private laboratories, and other laboratory service production tasks requiring health care laboratory expertise, such as medical and biomedical research institutions and production plants, companies in the field, and animal laboratories. Biomedical Laboratory Scientists participate in the validation of equipment and methods, quality control and in education, supervision and consulting services. Biomedical Laboratory Scientists develop sampling services and point of care testing multi professionally. Participation in international and multicultural work duties requires good and extensive professional skills, language skills, knowledge of different cultures, and the ability to work in diverse clinical and research laboratories.

Access to Further Studies

The degree gives eligibility for master’s degrees.

Examination Regulations, Assessment and Grading

Assessment of study performances is based on TAMK’s assessment criteria
The detailed assessment criteria can be found in course implementation plans. The teaching and assessment methods are agreed on with students at the beginning of each course.
TAMK Degree Regulations

Graduation Requirements

Opintojen suorittaminen ja osaamistavoitteiden saavuttaminen opetussuunnitelman mukaisessa laajuudessa.

Mode of Study

210 ECTS, 3,5 years
The degree programme is implemented according to the legislation concerning universities of applied sciences and it consists of basic studies, professional studies, optional professional studies, elective studies, bachelor’s thesis, and clinical training to enhance professional skills. The supervised clinical training (75 credits) is part of the professional studies and it takes place in the teaching laboratory and clinical and research laboratories which have a clinical training agreement with the universities of applied sciences. The laboratories are required to provide higher education level supervision during the clinical training. The basis of the professional skills of Biomedical Laboratory Scientist is formed by the theoretical knowledge of clinical laboratory science and other related sciences and its application into practice. The key contents of the degree programme are studies in clinical physiology, clinical neurophysiology, haematology, immunology, immunohaematology, histology and cytology, clinical chemistry, clinical microbiology, sampling and client service, molecular biology, genetics, point of care testing, equipment and automation technology, and diagnostic radiography. It is important that students learn to produce practical information. The aim of the clinical training is to familiarise the students with the key practical duties from the viewpoint of the professional studies in a supervised manner as well as application of knowledge and skills in working life. Part of the studies may also be completed in international student exchange.

Development of the Programme

Completion of studies and achievement of competence objectives in the extent set by the curriculum.