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- Ngee Ann Polytechnic's Diploma in Biomedical Laboratory Technology was the first of its kind and the most established biomedical laboratory technology program in Singapore. The course has been running since 1990.
- It is the only polytechnic Diploma program where the students spend 2 years learning in a hospital environment. At NUH, you will not be undertaking practicals with prepared reagents but will actually be performing examination and making diagnosis on specimens from real patients.
- You will learn under clinicians and senior laboratory technologists from NUH and other Singapore Hospitals. The staff from the Department of Laboratory Medicine at NUH have significant research and teaching experience.
- Students will be trained using the very same equipment used by senior laboratory staff. The transition from being a student to a professional is thus very smooth. Not surprisingly, all our graduates find ready employment in Singapore's developing healthcare sector.
- Our classes are small and all students have the opportunity of hands-on learning.
The Diploma in Biomedical Science is more focussed on research. Students will be equipped with knowledge and techniques for research such as molecular biology, bioinformatics, genomics, proteomics and so on.
The Diploma in Biomedical Laboratory Technology focuses on the application of Biomedical Science in the clinical environment. Students will be based at the National University Hospital, Tan Tock Seng Hospital and the NHG polyclinics. Students will focus on clinical disciplines such as Clinical Chemistry, Clinical Hematology and Clinical Microbiology. They will also attend lectures and tutorials provided by clinicians and practicing laboratory technologists. They will learn to conduct routine and specialised tests on patient samples, and interpret results to assist doctors in their diagnosis. Graduates will typically work in diagnostic laboratories and clinical research laboratories.
- Is Biology a prerequisite for the Diploma in Biomedical Science or Biomedical Laboratory Technology?
 No! In fact, this is a common misconception about Molecular Biotechnology, Biomedical Science and Biomedical Laboratory Technology. Biology is only one component of these courses. Just as important is a solid background in chemistry or mathematics. The minimum entry requirements for all Diploma courses offered by the School of Life Sciences and Chemical Technology are: English (D7), a pass in any 2 subjects including Advanced or Elementary Mathematics and science subjects. The science subject can be combined science eg., Physics and Chemistry and hence, no Biology is required..
- Where do graduates work and how much do they earn?
Graduates are typically employed in clinical and research laboratories. Graduates from this diploma are in high demand and typically all students find employment before graduation. The starting salary for Diploma in Biomedical Science graduates typically ranges from $1,400 - 1,700 per month. - Will I get involved in research and development during my Diploma studies?
Most definitely. The School of Life Sciences and Chemical Technology and the National University Hospital both have very active Research and Development programmes. We believe that R&D should be at the heart of any science related courses and that our graduates should have the skills, independence and creativity to undertake R&D activities. During their studies, Biomedical students undertake R&D projects as part of their curriculum.
- Can I study medicine once I have completed my diploma?
Yes. A number of BLT graduates are currently pursuing medical studies both locally and overseas. Some graduates applied for medical school after first obtaining a bachelor's degree in a related field such as biology, biomedical science or biotechnology. Outstanding graduates have also gained admission directly to medical school after their diploma. In 2007, two Ngee Ann Polytechnic graduates, one from BLT and one from the Diploma in Biotechnology, were the only polytechnic graduates granted direct admission to the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. You should check with the appropriate bodies before choosing to undertake a degree in medicine.
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