An Overview of Department of Medical Laboratory Science
The Department of Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) at Wolkite University, under the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, was established to train competent and ethical laboratory professionals who can play a critical role in disease diagnosis, prevention, and monitoring. Accurate laboratory services are foundational to effective healthcare delivery, and the department is dedicated to equipping students with the scientific knowledge and practical skills required to meet the growing demand for high-quality diagnostic services in Ethiopia.
Since its inception, the department has contributed significantly to the national effort of expanding access to skilled medical laboratory professionals, especially in underserved areas. It offers an integrated and practice-oriented curriculum that combines theoretical instruction with intensive laboratory and clinical training, delivered in collaboration with teaching hospitals, health centers, and regional laboratories.
In addition to teaching, the department is actively engaged in research, quality assurance, community service, and capacity-building activities. It aims to produce graduates who are capable of working across a variety of diagnostic settings and who uphold the highest standards of professionalism and public health ethics.
Objectives/Goals
The Department of Medical Laboratory Science seeks to achieve the following objectives:
- Provide Quality Education: Offer a robust and comprehensive MLS curriculum that prepares students with essential competencies in clinical laboratory science.
- Train Competent Professionals: Develop skilled laboratory technologists who are proficient in diagnostic testing, laboratory management, and data interpretation.
- Support Public Health Goals: Strengthen the national health system by producing graduates who can contribute to disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, and diagnostic quality assurance.
- Promote Research and Innovation: Encourage scientific research that improves diagnostic methods and contributes to evidence-based healthcare.
- Enhance Laboratory Services: Improve the quality and reliability of laboratory services in Ethiopia through academic and community engagement.
- Foster Ethical Practice: Instill a strong sense of professional ethics, confidentiality, and patient-centered service delivery.
- Strengthen Community Engagement: Participate in outreach programs and public health campaigns aimed at disease prevention and health promotion.
Duties and Responsibilities
Academic Responsibilities
v Teach core MLS courses such as clinical chemistry, hematology, microbiology, parasitology, immunology, molecular biology, and histopathology.
v Prepare up-to-date course materials, lab manuals, and teaching aids.
v Conduct laboratory practicals and supervise clinical training in affiliated health institutions.
v Evaluate student progress through tests, practical assessments, and final examinations.
v Participate in curriculum development, review, and academic quality assurance.
Clinical and Professional Duties
v Coordinate and monitor student internships in hospitals and health centers.
v Ensure that students adhere to national laboratory standards and biosafety protocols during clinical practice.
v Support diagnostic activities in partner institutions during field attachments and outreach programs.
Research and Community Engagement
v Conduct research in diagnostic science, antimicrobial resistance, disease surveillance, and laboratory quality systems.
v Publish findings in academic journals and present them at professional forums.
v Engage in health promotion, disease prevention, and diagnostic outreach programs in surrounding communities.
v Collaborate with national and regional laboratories to improve diagnostic capacity and public health response.
Administrative and Institutional Roles
v Contribute to departmental planning, reporting, and resource management.
v Mentor junior staff and support academic staff development initiatives.
v Participate in university committees, workshops, and interdepartmental collaboration.
v Uphold academic integrity, professional ethics, and institutional values.