Bachelor in Biomedical Laboratory Techniques
Siena, Italy
Bachelor's degree
DURATION
3 years
LANGUAGES
Italian
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
The Degree Course in Biomedical Laboratory Techniques is the result of academic collaboration among the Departments of Medical Biotechnology, Molecular and Developmental Medicine, and Medical, Surgical and Neurosciences.
The Course also benefits from a training network involving the region, specifically the University Campus of Siena based in Arezzo, as well as the healthcare facilities of the Tuscany-SouthEast Health Authority (USL Toscana-SudEst).
It prepares the Biomedical Laboratory Health Technician, a healthcare professional who performs laboratory activities in biomedical and biotechnological analysis and research, particularly in biochemistry, microbiology and virology, genetics, molecular biology, pharmacotoxicology, immunology, clinical pathology, haematology, cytology, histopathology, and anatomical pathology.
The biomedical laboratory health technician is responsible for the tasks within their professional competence.
Graduates acquire a solid foundation in the basic sciences and proficiency in the English language, both within their professional field and for general communication.
Graduates develop their professional skills through theoretical training and extensive internship activity. The final exam qualifies them for professional practice, and therefore, particular emphasis is placed on hands-on training, which accounts for one-third of the total credits (CFU) of the degree program. This training is carried out under direct supervision in a real work environment, ensuring the development of appropriate professional behaviour and mastery of the necessary skills. All these elements allow for immediate entry into the workforce.
Their tasks will be technical in nature, using equipment designed for biomedical laboratory diagnostics. Graduates will plan and manage the proper functioning of the equipment under their responsibility; ensure the correct application of support techniques; carry out their professional activity in public or private healthcare facilities, either as employees or as freelancers; contribute to the training of support staff; and participate in continuing education and research. Additional career opportunities are found in the pharmaceutical industry and in both public and private research laboratories.
Several scholarship options are available, please visit the university website for information.
Biomedical Laboratory Technician
Role in a work context:
The biomedical laboratory health technician:
- performs their work with technical and professional autonomy, in direct collaboration with the graduate laboratory staff responsible for the various operational areas;
- is responsible, within laboratory facilities, for the correct execution of analytical procedures and their own work, within the scope of their duties, in accordance with work protocols defined by the responsible managers;
- verifies that the services provided meet the indicators and standards established by the head of the facility;
- monitors and ensures the proper functioning of the equipment used, performs routine maintenance, and resolves minor technical issues;
- participates in the planning and organisation of work within the structure in which they operate;
- carries out their activities in public and private laboratory facilities, authorised under current legislation, either as employees or as freelancers. The biomedical laboratory technician also contributes to the training of support staff and is directly involved in continuing education related to their professional profile, as well as in research.
Skills associated with the role:
The biomedical laboratory health technician is a licensed healthcare professional, responsible for the tasks within their competence, who performs laboratory analysis and research activities related to biomedical and biotechnological testing, particularly in the fields of biochemistry, microbiology and virology, pharmacotoxicology, immunology, clinical pathology, haematology, cytology, and histopathology.
Career opportunities:
The main career opportunities for biomedical laboratory technicians are in biomedical and biotechnological analysis laboratories within all public healthcare facilities of the National Health Service (SSN) and in accredited and non-accredited private biomedical and biotechnological facilities, both in clinical diagnostics and research. It is estimated that among approximately 30,000 professionals in the field, there is a turnover of 5–6% per year.
Additional career opportunities include employment in veterinary healthcare, in zooprophylactic laboratories, as well as in industries producing laboratory reagents and equipment, and in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics industries.
Why Studying in Siena?
The University of Siena, located in the historic city of Siena in Italy, is an attractive choice for higher education for various reasons.
Tradition and Prestige: Established in 1240, the University of Siena is one of the oldest universities in Italy and Europe. It has a rich history and a longstanding reputation for academic excellence.
Diverse Course Offerings: The University of Siena offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs in various disciplines, including humanities, sciences, medicine, engineering, economics and social sciences. This allows students to pursue their interests and career goals.
International Environment: The University of Siena attracts students from all around the world, creating a diverse and multicultural learning environment. This exposure to different perspectives and cultures can be highly enriching for students.
Quality of Life: Siena is known for its relaxed lifestyle, friendly locals, and delicious cuisine. The city’s manageable size and welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal location for students looking to balance their studies with a vibrant social life.
Research Impact: The University of Siena’s research output is recognised globally, with its faculty and researchers contributing to significant advancements in various fields. The university’s research publications and citations in international journals reflect its commitment to high-quality research and global impact.
Research Opportunities: The University of Siena has strong research programs and collaborations with other institutions, both in Italy and internationally. This can provide students with valuable opportunities for research and professional development.
Affordability: Compared to universities in some other countries, tuition fees at the University of Siena are relatively affordable. Additionally, the cost of living in Siena is generally lower than in larger Italian cities like Rome or Milan.
Exchange Programs: The University of Siena participates in several international exchange programs, such as the Erasmus+ program, which allows students to study abroad for a semester or academic year, providing valuable international experience.
Career Prospects: Graduates from the University of Siena have a strong record of finding employment or continuing their education, both within Italy and internationally. The university’s reputation and connections can help students access opportunities in their chosen fields.
Beautiful Location: Siena is a picturesque city with a rich history and stunning architecture. The city’s medieval cityscape and scenic countryside provide a unique and inspiring setting for studying.
Language and Cultural Immersion: Studying in Siena offers the opportunity to learn or improve Italian language skills, as well as gain a deep understanding of Italian culture and history.
Studying Abroad
International students enrolled at the University of Siena can participate in several international exchange programs, such as the Erasmus+ program, which allows our students to study abroad for a semester or one academic year, providing valuable international experience.
Our International programs allow students of the University of Siena to spend a study period (from 2 to 12 months) at one of the other 500 partner universities worldwide.
It is possible to carry out the mobility during each study cycle (bachelor, master of PhD), attend courses and sit exams, prepare thesis work and carry out internship activities. Participants in the International mobility programs will get full recognition for the credits obtained abroad.
In addition to in-presence teaching, which continues to be the preferred method also in the next Academic Year, every single lesson will be simultaneously live-streamed and/or video recorded and uploaded on our digital platform for subsequent viewing. This mode is essential for students who are temporarily unable to be on premises.