Medical Technology and Radiology Support

By the end, you understand the science behind lab tests and imaging, lab and radiation safety, and the study routes. This path prepares you for study; it does not qualify you.

Career pathwayAbout 80 hours3 stagesFree

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Career pathway. This is a regulated career. Online learning gives you strong foundations and a clear plan, but you will need to study and register formally to work in it. The route is explained on this page.

Lessons play here, from free YouTube courses.

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Medical technologists test blood and samples in laboratories; radiographers take X-rays, CT and MRI scans. Both are regulated by the HPCSA and need formal study, but there are support roles such as phlebotomy and lab assistance.

Turn on JavaScript to track your progress. The lessons are:FoundationsBuild science foundations: biology, chemistry and physics.Task: Summarise how a blood sample travels from a patient to a lab result, step by step, in a simple diagram.Core skillsLearn how lab tests and imaging work, and safety rules.Task: Explain in plain words how an X-ray works and why radiation safety matters. List five lab safety rules.Applied practicePrepare for study.Task: Research programmes in biomedical technology, clinical technology and radiography, their entry requirements and bursaries, and write your plan.

Your plan

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What competent looks like

Explains common lab tests in simple terms
Understands how X-rays and scans work
Knows lab and radiation safety basics
Respects patient confidentiality
Knows the HPCSA routes

The South African route

Biomedical scientists, clinical technologists and radiographers study accredited degrees or diplomas and register with the HPCSA. Phlebotomy technicians also register with the HPCSA after a short accredited course.

Free resources

Professional boards and registration
HPCSA
Health sector learnerships
HWSETA

These links go to free courses and sites run by other organisations. We chose them in October 2026 but do not run them, so check costs, dates and entry requirements on their site. Broken link? Tell us.

Jobs it can lead to

Laboratory assistant
Phlebotomy technician (after training)
Radiography student
Medical technology student