About the School of Medical Laboratory Sciences
The academic framework provides unique and comprehensive instruction that prepares students for professional and skilled work in medical research and laboratory fields.
The School of Medical Laboratory Sciences was established in 1997 as part of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. The school trains students at the highest level in the fields of medical sciences in general and medical laboratory sciences in particular.
The academic framework provides unique, focused, and comprehensive instruction that prepares students for professional and skilled work in medical research and laboratory fields, equipping them to face future challenges.
New developments in immunology, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, and genetic engineering—alongside the use of advanced molecular and biotechnological methods—necessitate an innovative approach to medical research and laboratory medicine. Additionally, the global trend toward centralizing laboratory testing in large institutes to maximize financial resources requires a new and modern perspective in the field.
This shift calls for a different approach to the profession: while technical work has diminished, the need for strict quality control and monitoring processes has increased. The centralization of testing systems in national centers, the use of expensive and sophisticated equipment, and the decentralization of medical services across various branches demand an efficient, cost-effective approach—one that prioritizes operational speed, rapid data delivery, and, above all, high-level skill, reliability, and quality control in laboratory testing.
This academic program is designed to meet the evolving demands of medical research professionals and laboratory staff. It not only requires mastery of advanced electronic equipment operation but also a deep understanding of disease mechanisms, their biology and epidemiology, and the biochemical/molecular basis of their virulence and invasiveness. Graduates must be able to evaluate the necessity, significance, and implications of laboratory tests.
The academic program provides a broad foundation in both basic medical sciences and laboratory medicine. It includes 145 credit hours, which exceed the standard 122-hour curriculum in the natural sciences. This means that medical studies are an addition to the basic sciences rather than a replacement.
Additionally, the program includes a 500-hour internship (including a scientific research project and practical experience), which is an integral part of the curriculum. This internship not only expands students' knowledge and exposes them to scientific research methods and laboratory operations, but also introduces them to various medical and research institutions. This exposure facilitates their transition into further studies or employment in these institutions. The goal is to train the next generation of professionals who will lead and advance the medical, research, and laboratory fields.
The program grants a Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences (B.Med.L.Sc.) degree and enables graduates to pursue higher academic degrees (M.Sc. and Ph.D.) at research institutes in Israel and worldwide. Outstanding students may enroll in a direct Master's track in medical sciences as early as their third year of undergraduate studies.
Furthermore, graduates can immediately integrate into various sectors of the chemical and biological industries. Those interested in teaching biology and life sciences in high schools can obtain a teaching certificate, similar to the existing framework in the natural sciences.
Under new regulations from the Ministry of Health, which took effect in February 2005, only graduates of medical laboratory science schools are automatically eligible for a work license upon graduation. All others are required to complete an internship and pass an exam to obtain this license. These requirements further emphasize the uniqueness of the school and its significant role in advancing and developing Israel’s healthcare system.
Since the school was established 16 years ago, 556 students have completed their undergraduate degrees, with an additional 140 students currently enrolled in their first, second, or third year. Of those who graduated, approximately 70% continued to pursue M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees. Additionally, top-performing graduates who met the admission criteria are now studying at medical and veterinary schools across the country.
Vision
Currently, the healthcare system in Israel is undergoing a new structured reorganization, in which the National Health Insurance Law is just one aspect. Other key components include the hospital corporation model and state-level quality control. The increasing demand for quality assurance in all areas of medicine, including laboratory medicine, requires strict oversight and control of testing processes and results. At the same time, it necessitates the training of highly qualified academic professionals who can meet these new requirements and keep pace with the continuous advancements in medical laboratory sciences.
