Proposed MLT Structure in Hospital Authority

The Hospital Authority is going to implement a new structure in the profession of medical laboratory technology. The new structure will have 3-tiers, viz. Clinical Scientist (CS), Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT). The essences of this reform are as follows,

l          To raise the basic entry qualification to BSc level.

l          To merge Scientific Officer with the medical laboratory technologist professionals to form a single and integrated structure for effective operation and facilitate staff continuous development.

l          To simplify the staff structure and at the same time, to improve the efficiency of operation and management.

Here below is the table showing details of 3-tiers system.

Title

Entry Requirements

Pay Scale (HGPS)

Remarks

Clinical Scientist (CS)

PhD or equivalent qualification
7 years relevant post qualification experience
Able to demonstrate the required core competencies

 
40-49

 

 

Subject to position control

Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)

MSc in Medical Laboratory Science or equivalent
Registered in Part I of the Register of the MLT Board of HK
A valid practicing certificate issued by the MLT Board of HK
5 years relevant post qualification experience
Able to demonstrate the required core competencies

 
 
 ¬¬° 24-38

Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT)

BSc in Medical Laboratory Science or equivalent
Registered in Part II of the Register of the MLT Board of HK
A valid practicing certificate issued by the MLT board of HK
Relevant clinical experience
Able to demonstrate the required core competencies

 
 
 
(9-13) - 23

 
 
 
Nil

In addition there will be a 1-year training programme for fresh graduate of medical laboratory science. ¬¬° The following table gives detailed information.

Graduate Medical Laboratory Technologist (GMLT)

BSc in Medical Laboratory Science or equivalent
Registered in Part II of the Register of the MLT Board of HK

 
 
6

Pre-basic rank training
1-year employment

Transition of staff

It is expected the transition of staff will take a long time as there are a lot of constraints such as financial implication, the willingness of staff and management, and the smooth operation of existing medical laboratories.

The following is a typical scenario of existing staff fitting into the new model.

From
 

Pay Scale

 

To

Pay Scale

SO

22-44

CS

40-49

SMT

34-39

MT

29-33

MLS

24-28

MLT I

22-28

MLT II

6-21

MLT

(9-13)-23