There are around 1100 medical laboratory scientists in New Zealand and they work in a range of settings, including private diagnostic labs, dairy or brewing companies, medical equipment companies and university research labs. However, 80% of medical laboratory scientists are employed by District Health Boards. There are positions for medical laboratory scientists throughout New Zealand, but demand is greatest in the major centres, such as Auckland, Canterbury and Wellington.
1. Registration
Medical laboratory scientists are required by law to be registered by the Medical Laboratory Science Board and to hold a current Annual Practising Certificate.
The Medical Laboratory Science Board has specified two scopes of practice. These are:
For more information on the registration requirements for each of scope of practice, please see the above links and our flow chart.
2. Job offer
After you have gained registration with the Medical Laboratory Science Board and received your Practising Certificate, you can begin looking for a job. You will find job vacancies listed on the national health job website.
3. Work visa
To be eligible to work in New Zealand, you will need a work visa. You can apply for work visas from Immigration New Zealand. If you are an Australian national, you do not need to apply for a work visa.
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