Education and clinical biochemistry in Australia

Education of clinical biochemists within Australia occurs primarily after the individual has attained a primary degree (Science or Applied Science) and is employed within a clinical laboratory, public or private. In the case of medical graduates, professional education is conducted under the auspices of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australia and results in the successful candidate obtaining the status of Fellow of that professional body. While scientists have a number of means of obtaining postgraduate qualifications in clinical biochemistry it is the Membership and Fellowship examinations of the Australian Association of Clinical Biochemists (AACB) which have greatest recognition within the profession. The majority of the continuing education of, and training programmes for, clinical biochemists are undertaken by the AACB. Currently, there are no formal registration requirements for laboratory scientists within Australia.