There are about 1,100 members of the Association of Medical Laboratory Sciences which represents 90 to 95 per cent of medical lab technicians and technologists in the Republic. As can be seen from the Factfile, starting annual salaries are good at almost £17,000. However, progress up to the maximum of almost £26,000 is slow and as medical lab science is a relatively young profession opportunities for promotion may not be as plentiful as most basic grades would wish.

With the advent of the degree, career opportunities have broadened somewhat. A careers leaflet produced by the Academy of Medical Laboratory Sciences lists career opportunities in diagnostic labs in hospitals, blood transfusion service, virus reference labs, university research labs, veterinary labs, the pharmaceutical industry, public health labs, food industry and research institutes.

The reality is that most graduates will find work in diagnostic labs in hospitals. "To work as a medical laboratory scientist in a modern hospital laboratory requires a knowledge of the pathology of disease and its investigation. It also commands an expertise in advanced forms of technology and computer literacy," according to the Academy.

The hospital lab is divided into specialisms such as haematology, blood transfusion, histology, cytology, microbiology, immunology, and clinical chemistry.

The job scene is reasonable. Most graduates will first find employment in locum or temporary positions and it may take up to four years to secure permanent employment.