
The Master of Science (MS) in Medical Laboratory Science program at PCOM prepares graduates for crucial roles in healthcare, providing essential diagnostic services. Medical laboratory scientists, also known as medical technologists, perform a wide range of tests on blood and body fluids. Their accurate and reliable results are vital for physicians in diagnosing and treating diseases, including cancers, anemias, and infectious processes. The field encompasses five major disciplines: clinical hematology and coagulation, clinical chemistry, immunohematology, medical microbiology, and urinalysis and body fluids, all of which are covered in the program.
Medical Physics is a specialized field that applies the principles and methods of physics to the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases. It plays a crucial role in modern medicine, where sophisticated physical tools, techniques, and scientific advancements are essential for improving medical technology. Medical physicists are integral members of multidisciplinary healthcare teams, contributing to areas such as radiology, nuclear medicine, and radiation therapy. They work to enhance patient outcomes through scientific knowledge and technological skills, ensuring the safe and effective use of medical equipment and radiation. The University of Canterbury (UC) offers both clinical and non-clinical pathways in Medical Physics. The clinical option is primarily for students employed by Aotearoa New Zealand District Health Boards, while the non-clinical option caters to research-focused students. Both pathways share an identical course structure and equip graduates for diverse career opportunities in the health sector and research environments. UC is noted for having the only internationally accredited medical physics academic program in Aotearoa New Zealand.