RPL Guide – Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (3007322)

Prior Learning Recognised

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) (credit) can occur for all units (with Note 2 and Note 3) within this course for:

• Formal learning — learning gained through study in a structured, accredited program that leads to full or partial achievement of a qualification, and/or

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can occur for some units (Note 2 units only) in this course for:

• Non-formal learning — learning gained through study in a structured, non-accredited program (such as a short course, seminar, credential or professional development) that does NOT lead to a qualification, and/or
• Informal learning — learning gained through years of paid or voluntary experience, professional standing or performance.

To meet the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS) professional standards, RPL (credit) cannot be given for all units noted under Mandatory units with Note 3 within this course. These are professional units at the advanced level.

Credit thresholds

If your prior learning is already recognised, you’ll find it in the Credit Search and Calculator.

Coursework units with Note 2

The following credits may apply into coursework units with Note 2, for related prior formal, non-formal or informal learning.

• 24 units (288 Credit Points) is normally awarded for completion of a related Australian Bachelor Degree (or equivalent)
• 16 units (192 Credit Points) is normally awarded for completion of a related Australian Associate Degree (or equivalent)
• 12 units (144 Credit Points) is normally awarded for completion of a related Australian Advanced Diploma (or equivalent)
• 8 units (96 Credit Points) is normally awarded for completion of a related Australian Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree (or equivalent)
• 4 units (48 Credit Points) is normally awarded for completion of a related Australian Certificate IV (or equivalent).

For more information about a comparable overseas qualification, non-accredited study and the years of experience that may substitute for holding a discipline-related Australian qualification, view Appendix A of the Advanced Standing and Recognition of Prior Learning Procedures - Schedule 1.

A link to Schedule 1 is found in Clause 13 of the Advanced Standing and Recognition of Prior Learning Procedures.

Coursework units with Note 3

To meet the Australian Institute for Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS) professional accreditation standards and Code of Conduct, credit may only be granted into coursework and placement units with Note 3, for related prior formal learning in an Australian Bachelor Degree, equivalent or higher.

Prior learning in Bachelor Degree units must be at least 80% equivalent to the learning and assessment outcomes and content of coursework units with Note 3, for which credit is sought and fulfil 100% of the hours required for placement units with Note 3, for which credit is sought.

Additional credit

If you believe your prior learning exceeds these thresholds you should request a waiver of normal credit limits by email to enquiry@scu.edu.au.

Currency

If your prior learning occurred more than ten years before the application for course Admission or Advanced Standing (whichever occurs first), you must provide supporting documents to demonstrate the ways you have generated and maintained currency of practice due to more recent and ongoing learning in a relevant field, such as professional memberships with peak bodies, on-the-job training, professional development, certification, credentials or research.

Related fields of prior learning

Apply for Advanced Standing if your prior learning relates to:

Mandatory units

There are three mandatory advanced professional discipline units that are not eligible for recognition of prior learning, under the AIMS professional accreditation standards:

• BIOL3003 – Haematology II
• BIOL3004 – Advanced Histopathology and Cytopathology
• BIOL3006 – Integrated Pathology

Apply

It is important to apply as early as possible. If you apply for direct admission with Southern Cross University using our online Application for Admission, in the Advanced Standing section, indicate that you wish to be considered by selecting yes from the drop-down box.

If you wish to be considered for credit after course commencement, use your Student ID to log into the My Enrolment portal. Select eForms from the menu bar to complete and submit your application for advanced standing at least:

• Four months before the commencement of a placement unit; or
• One month before the commencement of a coursework unit.

Credit granted will affect the units you choose in your study plan. Don’t enrol in a unit for which credit is sought. For more information view How to apply.

Your portfolio of evidence for experience (applicable to units with Note 2 only)

The table below outlines the minimum years of full-time equivalent paid/voluntary experience at ANZSCO Skill level 1 or 2 that is required to be granted credit for informal learning (work experience).

View the ANZSCO Structure to identify the indicative skill level of an occupation, such as the related Skill Level 1, 2346 Medical Scientists and Skill Level 2, 3112 Medical Technicians occupations listed below:

If you apply based on informal learning (work experience) for coursework units with Note 2, Read the Portfolio of Evidence for Experience - Guidelines, which will help you use the Portfolio of Evidence for Experience - Form to describe and provide evidence of how your knowledge, skills and experience meet unit learning and assessment outcomes and the AIMS professional standards and Code of Conduct.

Each of your statements in the Portfolio of Evidence for Experience - Form must be a minimum of 400 words (plus or minus 10%). To verify the accuracy of your statements, you must include the signatures of at least one current or former Supervisor/Trainer, for each unit for which credit is sought.

The supporting documents you submit must include:

• A current resume or curriculum vitae detailing past and current experiences (including dates and hours of service) for the positions or roles you have held;
• Other primary and secondary evidence, including personal, workplace and third-party information from the list of supporting documents for verifying professional experience and expertise; PLUS
• A transcript of results of study and unit outlines, including learning and assessment outcomes (if applicable).

After you have applied

The outcome will be emailed to you within 20 working days of receiving your application unless further clarification or supporting documents are required, in which case we will contact you.

If you haven’t enrolled in units via My Enrolment, do so now using the recommended course progressions. For personal assistance with your study plan, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Accepting credit granted for international students

If you’re an international student studying in Australia on a student visa, you must sign, date and return the Credit Acceptance Declaration within 14 working days. This allows International Student Support to adjust your ‘Confirmation of Enrolment’ (CoE) to show your new study duration (if applicable).

Your right to an appeal

If you disagree with the outcome, you may appeal within ten working days of the credit decision. The appeal will be commenced within ten working days and should take no longer than ten working days for an outcome to be reached. Within this time, you may be invited to participate in an interview and/or offered an alternative means of establishing the level of your existing skills and knowledge, such as a challenge test or special project.

You will receive notification about the outcome of the appeal as soon as possible. If the decision-maker is the Course Coordinator, any appeal is to the Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic Quality) and their decision is final. If the decision-maker is the Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic Quality), any appeal is to the Chair of Academic Board and their decision is final. Any student unsatisfied with the outcome may appeal externally to the relevant Ombudsmen Office.

• INDG2001 – Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples
• PHAR2001 – Introductory Pharmacology
• PBHL2001 – Epidemiology
• HLTH1001 – Introduction to Science for Health Professions
• Option unit 1
• Option unit 2
• Elective

Foundation accredited units:

• HBIO1010 – Integrated Anatomy & Physiology
• STAT2001 – Introduction to Evidence for Health Science Practitioners
• STAT1002 – Scientific Data Management and Analysis
• CHEM1001 – Chemistry
• CHEM2002 – Organic Chemistry
• BIOL2007 – Biochemistry
• BIOL1006 – Introduction to Medical Science
• BIOL2002 – Molecular Genetics
• MICR2001 – Microbiology