The course provides basic training in biomedical and specialized disciplines in the different areas of Laboratory Medicine.

These include: biochemistry, microbiology and virology, pharmacotoxicology, immunology, clinical pathology, hematology, immunohematology, cytology and histopathology, delving into biomolecular, immunohistochemical and histochemical techniques, genetic and biotechnological techniques, and autopsy techniques.

Theoretical, theoretical-practical lectures and internships are aimed at acquiring the specialized knowledge and achieving the autonomy necessary for the practice of the profession.

The practical placement, which is carried out in conjunction with classroom teaching, consists of laboratory work at National Health Service (SSN) hospitals across all the provinces of Liguria, totalling 1,400 hours over the three-year course.

Students are supervised by biomedical laboratory technicians who are experts in the various disciplines; the programme includes interim assessments, practical placement examinations at the end of each year and a final examination leading to professional qualification.

Work in public and private biomedical laboratories, university and non-university research laboratories in the biomedical sector, the pharmaceutical industry, Regional Environmental Prevention and Protection Agencies, and the scientific laboratories of the State Police, the Carabinieri and the Guardia di Finanza, experimental zooprophylactic institutes, veterinary laboratories, and representative roles for manufacturers of laboratory equipment, either as an employee or on a freelance basis.

The course provides adequate training to understand the pathophysiological phenomena of the human body, including those caused by microorganisms.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• plan and carry out all stages of laboratory testing, using methods and technologies recommended by international guidelines
• critically assess and document the reliability of test results, taking into account patients’ health status
• make decisions in line with the role held, taking into account not only the results obtained but also the legal, ethical and professional standards governing the healthcare organisation and professional liability
• participate in the organisation of laboratory diagnostic activities in collaboration with the doctor, colleagues and graduates from other disciplines within the healthcare-technical sector.

Pathological Anatomy
Department of Integrated Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences - DISC
Via De Toni 14 – 2nd floor
16132 Genoa

Academic Secretariat
Department of Experimental Medicine - DIMES
Viale Benedetto XV
16132 Genoa

Public and private facilities affiliated with UniGe are used for teaching on the Healthcare Area Diploma programmes.

1) What does a graduate in Biomedical Laboratory Technology do?
The responsibilities and duties of a biomedical laboratory technician are set out in Ministerial Decree No. 745 of 14 September 1994, Regulations concerning the definition of the role and professional profile of the biomedical laboratory technician, which specifically state: the Biomedical Laboratory Technician is a healthcare professional, holding a qualifying university degree, who is responsible for the acts falling within their remit, and who carries out laboratory analysis and research activities relating to biomedical and biotechnological analyses, and in particular to biochemistry, microbiology and virology, pharmacotoxicology, immunology, clinical pathology, haematology, cytology and histopathology. The Biomedical Laboratory Technician: 1) carries out their work with technical and professional autonomy, in direct collaboration with the laboratory staff holding university degrees who are responsible for the various operational duties within their remit; 2) is responsible, within the laboratory facilities, for the correct implementation of analytical procedures and for their own work, within the scope of their duties and in accordance with the working protocols defined by the relevant managers; 3) verifies that the services provided comply with the indicators and standards predefined by the head of the facility; 4) monitors and checks the correct functioning of the equipment used, carries out routine maintenance and resolves any minor faults; 5) participates in the planning and organisation of work within the facility in which they operate; 6) carries out their work in public and private laboratory facilities, authorised in accordance with current legislation, either as an employee or on a freelance basis.
 
2) What does a graduate in Biomedical Laboratory Technology not do?
The Biomedical Laboratory Technician processes biological samples received by the laboratory up to the stage of technical validation. They cannot carry out the final clinical validation of the report, as this function is reserved for a doctor or biologist.
 
3) What motivates those who choose to study for a degree in Biomedical Laboratory Technology?
A passion for diagnosis and research linked to laboratory methodologies, such as clinical pathology, pathological anatomy, microbiology, genetics and transfusion medicine, with the aim of providing a diagnosis and assisting clinicians in understanding a condition and/or, based on laboratory results, recommending appropriate treatment for patients.
 
4) Where can I find work with a degree in Biomedical Laboratory Technology?
Graduates in Biomedical Laboratory Technology can find employment in hospital laboratories, local health authorities (ASLs), zooprophylactic institutes, private laboratories, veterinary practices, pharmaceutical companies and firms specialising in laboratory diagnostic technologies.
 
5) What types of clients does a graduate in Biomedical Laboratory Technology work with?
The laboratory technician has no direct contact with clients/patients; they analyse the biological samples from clients/patients that arrive at the laboratory.
 
6) In which public sector organisations can a graduate in Biomedical Laboratory Technology work?
Biomedical Laboratory Technicians carry out their work in the laboratories of hospital trusts and local health authorities (in clinical pathology, microbiology, pathological anatomy, genetics and transfusion medicine laboratories), as well as in zooprophylactic institutes.
 
7) What career opportunities are available to a graduate in Biomedical Laboratory Technology in the private sector?
Biomedical Laboratory Technicians work either as employees or as self-employed professionals with a VAT number in private laboratories, veterinary practices, pharmaceutical companies and manufacturers of laboratory diagnostic technologies.
 
8) What further study options are available to graduates of the Biomedical Laboratory Technician degree programme?
Biomedical Laboratory Technicians can continue their education by enrolling on first-level Master’s programmes and specialised courses, obtain a Master’s degree and, subsequently, enrol on second-level Master’s programmes and PhD programmes.
 
9) What are the job prospects for a graduate in Biomedical Laboratory Technology?
The chances of a Biomedical Laboratory Technician entering the labour market are close to 100 per cent, as demand in both public and private sector organisations currently exceeds the number of available professionals.
 
10) What career prospects does a graduate in Biomedical Laboratory Technology have?
Career progression can lead to the role of Laboratory Coordinator following the completion of the relevant Master’s degree, as required by Law 43 of 2006. After obtaining a Master’s degree, graduates may take up managerial positions, as provided for by Law 251 of 2000, or choose to pursue research or teaching at university level.