Department of Laboratory Technology

The Laboratory Technician Diploma course started in the Faculty of Science in 1972 with the primary objective of producing trained personnel for the science laboratories in the second cycle institutions and training colleges in the country. However, some of the products of the course who gained employment in educational institutions were also made to teach science subjects, while others found their way into industry and research institutes.

In view of the interest shown in the course by various stakeholders, the Faculty of Science in 1998 decided that the diploma course should be reviewed with the aim of upgrading it to a degree programme. A committee was set up and tasked to prepare a comprehensive curriculum for training leading to a B.Sc. degree in laboratory technology. The Academic Board of the University of Cape Coast approved the programme in the year 2000 to commence in the 2002/2003 academic year.

Vision
The Department of Laboratory technology is resolved to become a training centre for the production of highly qualified Laboratory Technologists. Therefore, our programmes are designed to meet the demands of the nation as it progresses towards a developed society with modern hospitals, industries and research/educational institutions.

Rational
The use of Medical Laboratory Technologists in medical laboratory tests on blood, other body fluids and issues plays a crucial role in the detection, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease.

The medical laboratory personnel essentially look for bacteria, parasites and other microorganisms, analyse the chemical content of fluids, match blood for transfusions; and test for drug levels in the blood to determine how a patient is responding to treatment. They also prepare specimens for examination, count cells and look for abnormal cells to aid the other medical personnel for both health maintenance and disease management.

The area of concentration embraces a wide variety of techniques in the underlisted disciplines:

Histopathology and Cytology

Microbiology

Blood Transfusion

Immunology and Haematology

Clinical Chemistry

This programme is bound to equip the medical laboratory technologists:

i. to perform test and evaluate test results, develop and modify procedures and establish and monitor programmes to ensure the accuracy of tests under little supervision,

ii. to develop research and computer skill with innovative ideas in new type of tests and offering creative solutions to problems while working within ethical and legal framework,

iii. develop the attitude for good analytical judgement,

iv. within an internship programme.

With the springing up of new Regional Hospital in Ghana and the introduction of National Health Insurance Scheme in the country, the greater involvement of the populace in medical care will require greater manpower laboratory professionals to administer such laboratory tests, to confirm and enhance diagnostic procedures; and also to upgrade the required skills. Such needs have been recognized as a means to cope with changing trends in the technology of medical equipment and to support good medical practice.

Objectives
The main objectives of the programme are:
i. to train high caliber laboratory technologists to manage laboratories of educational institutions, industries and research establishments in line with objectives of the current educational reforms,
ii. to produce graduates with technical skills who with further training could function as teachers in technical education.

Admission Requirement
(i) Candidates must have passes in Core English, Core Mathematics and Core Science.
(ii) In addition to the above, candidates must have obtained aggregate 10 or better in Physics, Mathematics, and either Chemistry or Biology at grades not lower than D in three (3) of the following elective subjects: Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics with grades not lower than D in Biology and one (1) other Science subject.