When it comes to health-related courses in Nigeria, many students get confused about which career path to choose. Among the most misunderstood are Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) and Biomedical Science (BMS). Some even confuse them with Biomedical Engineering (BME), assuming they are all the same.
So, what is the difference between Medical Laboratory Science and Biomedical Science? This post will break it down in simple terms for Nigerian students, parents, and aspiring healthcare professionals.
Table of Contents
What Is Medical Laboratory Science?
Medical Laboratory Science (MLS), also known as Medical Laboratory Technology in some institutions, is a health profession that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease through laboratory tests. It is a professional course that plays a critical role in modern medicine.
Who Are Medical Laboratory Scientists?
Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) are professionals trained to:
- Collect and analyze samples (blood, urine, tissue, etc.)
- Perform complex lab tests
- Interpret results
- Operate laboratory equipment
- Ensure accuracy of diagnostic data
In Nigeria, MLS is a regulated profession under the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN). After graduation, students must undergo one-year internship and licensing to be recognized as qualified medical laboratory scientists.
What Is a Biomedical Science?
Biomedical Science is a broader and more research-focused field. It involves the study of biology as it relates to health and disease in humans. It includes areas like molecular biology, immunology, pharmacology, genetics, and cell biology. I believe now, we know the differences between Medical Laboratory Science and Biomedical Science?
Who Are Biomedical Scientists?
Biomedical Scientists:
- Work mostly in research laboratories
- Investigate how diseases develop
- Explore new methods of diagnosis and treatment
- Work in hospitals, research centers, pharmaceutical companies, or academia
Biomedical science is not a regulated profession in Nigeria. There is no professional association or Acts under which it is registered. In many Western countries, biomedical scientists are involved in clinical diagnosis, but in Nigeria, clinical diagnosis are done by medical laboratory scientist and the medical laboratory technician, which is the lower cadre of the profession.
The Key Take Home
Now, what then is the difference between Medical Laboratory Science and Biomedical Science, If you are in Nigeria and you wish to pursue a career in clinical diagnosis, the option available for you is Medical laboratory Science not biomedical science. However, BMLS are accepted as BMS equivalent in countries like UK. With you BMLS degree from Nigerian Universities, you are qualified to register I some professional regulating body in UK like the HCPC. More so, if you obtain a BMS degree from British universities, you may be qualified to practice as medical laboratory scientist in Nigeria. The two are just the same with different nomenclature across country system of education.
Core Differences: Medical Laboratory Science vs Biomedical Science
I may say thta it is difficult to distiguish between Medical Laboratory Science and Biomedical Science, notwithstanding, below are few of the differences.
| Aspect | Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) | Biomedical Science (BMS) |
| Focus | Clinical testing and disease diagnosis | Clinical testing including research and development in medical science |
| Career Path | Clinical labs in hospitals, diagnostic labs | Research institutes, Clinical labs in hospitals, and academia |
| Licensing in Nigeria | Regulated by MLSCN | Not currently regulated in Nigeria but regulated in UK |
| Workplace | Hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centres | Research labs, universities, biotech firms |
| Internship & NYSC | Mandatory 1-year internship + NYSC | Not available in Nigeria |
| Title upon graduation | Medical Laboratory Scientist | Biomedical Scientist (researcher) |
| Course Duration in Nigeria | 5 years + internship | 4 years (mostly) |
Where Does Biomedical Engineering Fit In?
Now that we have clarified Medical Laboratory Science and Biomedical Science, Let’s also touch on Biomedical Engineering, which many students confuse with the above two.
Biomedical Engineering is an engineering discipline that combines biology, medicine, and engineering to develop medical devices and technology. Have you now seen that Medical Laboratory Science and Biomedical Science are not the same.
Some of the biomedical engineer roles are: Designing prosthetic limbs, Developing MRI machines and Creating health monitoring devices
Biomedical Engineers:
- Work with equipment design and maintenance
- Often found in hospitals, manufacturing, or medical device firms
- Must have engineering background, with knowledge in biology and anatomy
In Nigeria, biomedical engineering is offered in universities like University of Lagos (UNILAG), Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), and Covenant University and in some polytechnics where National Diploma or Higher National Diploma are awarded.
Biomedical Engineering is not in any way related to medical laboratory sciences and biomedical sciences. It only focuses on designs, installations and maintenance of diagnostic and clinical laboratory equipment.
Admission Requirements
Both Medical Laboratory Science and Biomedical Science have almost the same requirements. If you are in Nigeria and considering any of these courses, here are typical admission requirements:
Medical Laboratory Science:
- 5 O’Level credits including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- UTME subject combination: English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Offered in universities like UNN, UNILAG, UNIBEN, OAU, NAU, ABU, etc.
Biomedical Science:
- Mostly offered under biology/biotechnology programs
- Focused more on research and theoretical knowledge
- Available in UNILORIN, FUTA, Covenant University, etc.
Biomedical Engineering:
- UTME combination: English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry
- Requires strong background in mathematics and physics
- Offered in universities like UNILAG, FUTO, and AUN
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose between medical laboratory science and biomedical science, you are still in the career line. what matters is the country where your propsed undergraduate studies will be undertaken.
Choose Medical Laboratory Science if:
- You are undertaking your studies in Nigeria and other African countriess or if you want a professionally licensed career in Nigeria
- You want to work in a hospital setting
- You like clinical diagnosis and testing
- You want a job faster after graduation
Choose Biomedical Sciences if:
- You are in Western countries like UK where it is available as undergraduate degree
- You enjoy scientific research
- You are in Nigeria but you are considering studying abroad or doing a Master’s/PhD
Choose Biomedical Engineering if:
- You are passionate about technology, machines, and healthcare
- You have engineering and biology interests
- You’re good with maths and physics
- You want to work on medical device innovation
Career Prospects in Nigeria
Medical Laboratory Scientists:
- Can work in government hospitals, private labs, teaching hospitals
- May open private labs (after experience and licensing)
- Good employment prospects especially in urban cities
Biomedical Scientists:
- Not a recognized or regulated profession in Nigeria.
- Those who gained the certificate abroad can be recognised to work in diagnostic labs after obtaining provional licence from MLCN
- More recognition and opportunities abroad
Biomedical Engineers:
- Growing demand as Nigeria invests in health tech
- More jobs in private hospitals and device firms
- Opportunities in maintenance of medical equipment
If you are in Nigeria and seeking a direct clinical role with easier job prospects, MLS is the better option and if your passion lies in innovating medical devices and working with machines, then look into Biomedical Engineering.
Medical Laboratory Science and Biomedical Science are good and usually referred as the future of mordern medicine.
Have Questions or Need Career Advice?
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