Certification / Registration of SIRT members

Your status as a certified medical laboratory professional is a public guarantee that you are qualified, competent and continuing your professional development. It is a formal recognition of scientific qualifications; your certification is aligned with competency development and assessment processes and acknowledges your participation in continuing educational activities.  We also believe the scheme demonstrates increased professional credibility and prestige in the industry.

We hope employers may look to certification as a desirable attribute during the recruitment process and when we have online competency assessment tools developed you will be able to demonstrate to your employer your continued competence in a standardised way, reducing their administrative burden.

1. For a Medical Scientist or Clinical Scientist, a relevant degree in Science or Applied Science (AQF Level 7 or above) which would permit membership as a scientist of a member organisation.
   
   
2. In addition, for a Clinical Scientist, one or more of the following qualifications:
   • Fellowship of Australasian Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine;
   • Fellowship of the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists;
   • Fellowship of the Australian Society for Microbiology (Medical Microbiology or Clinical Microbiology);
   • Fellowship of the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (Biochemical Genetics, Cytogenetics or Molecular Genetics);
   • Fellowship of the Australian Society of Cytology;
   • Fellowship of the Faculty of Science (by examination) of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia;
   • A Doctorate of Philosophy, Australian Qualifications Framework level 10 or equivalent doctoral level degree, in a subject relevant to the scope of diagnostic testing of the laboratory they are supervising.
   • For ART laboratories, meets the criteria in the RTAC code of practice for scientific directors.
   • For Bone Marrow Transplant laboratories, meets the requirements of the Bone Marrow Transplant Scientists Association of Australasia (BMTSAA).
3. For a Technical Officer, documentary evidence of completing a relevant VET sector course at AQF 5 or 6 which would permit membership as a technical officer of a member organisation (or higher relevant qualification such as a science degree).
   
   
4. Evidence of minimum 2 years relevant recent experience for a Technical Officer or Medical Scientist, and minimum 5 years relevant experience for a Clinical Scientist.
   
   
5. Willingness to agree to the Code of Conduct/Ethics.
   
   
6. Declaration of competency assessment, in their current role by applicant's supervisor using the form available on the website.
   
   
7. CPD Certificate from an accredited CPD provider (e.g. APACE) or an outline of CPD activities undertaken in the previous 2 years. which meets the requirements of APACE (https://www.aims.org.au/documents/item/1272). Medical Scientist or Technical Officer applicants who cannot meet the CPD requirements may be granted Provisional Certification (see website for more details). Clinical Scientist applicants must meet the CPD requirements and no Provisional Certification option is offered.