Memberships

1. Access to Educational Resources:
   Continuing Education: Members often receive access to workshops, webinars, online courses, and professional development programs that enhance their knowledge and skills.
   Publications and Journals: Membership provides access to industry journals, research articles, and other educational materials that keep students informed about the latest developments in their field.
2. Networking Opportunities:
   Professional Connections: Students can connect with experienced professionals, mentors, and peers, which can be valuable for career advice and opportunities.
   Conferences and Events: Membership typically includes invitations to conferences, seminars, and networking events where students can meet industry leaders and experts.
3. Professional Recognition
   Certification and Credentials: Membership can pave the way for obtaining professional certifications and credentials that are recognized within the industry.
   Credibility: Being a member of a reputable professional body adds to a student’s professional credibility and can enhance their resume.
4. Personal and Professional Growth
   Leadership Opportunities: Membership often provides opportunities to get involved in committees, special interest groups, or volunteer roles, which can help in developing leadership and organizational skills.
   Recognition and Awards: Students may be eligible for scholarships, awards, and recognition programs offered by the professional body.

Examples of professional bodies that provide professional development and certification schemes:

• Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS)
• Australasian Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine (AACB)
• Australian Council for the Certification of the Medical Laboratory Scientific Workforce (CMLS)
• Australian Society for Microbiology (ASM)
• The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA)
• Histotechnology Society of NSW
• Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS)
• Australian and New Zealand Society of Blood Transfusion (ANZSBT)
• Thrombosis and Haemostasis society of Australia and New Zealand (THANZ)
• Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA)
• Australian Society of Cytology (ASC)
• Know pathology know health care

Further to memberships with professional bodies, they also offer fellowship schemes. For example, the Australian Institute of Medical and Clinical Scientists (AIMS) offers a Fellowship for members who have achieved distinction in the field. This is an attractive and highly competitive option to academic post graduate degrees. The Fellowship status reflects a high level of expertise and contribution to medical laboratory science.

Australian Insititute of Medical and Clinical Scientists Fellowship Regulations