Laboratory Sciences Education and Training in Turkey: A National and International Perspective
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Abstract
Laboratory sciences education in Türkiye is structured across vocational, undergraduate, graduate, and medical specialization levels, reflecting the diverse institutional and regulatory framework of the country. At the undergraduate level, education is delivered mainly through health vocational schools and science faculties, with curricula covering anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, hematology, pathology, and laboratory techniques. Postgraduate training includes medical residencies in biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, and genetics, as well as MSc and PhD programs in related fields. These pathways are regulated by the Council of Higher Education and the Ministry of Health’s Medical Specialization Board. Alignment with the Bologna Process and the ORPHEUS framework has strengthened integration into the European Higher Education Area. Several universities have adopted ORPHEUS standards, requiring structured training and international publications for doctoral completion. Continuing professional development (CPD) is supported through national societies and international collaborations. The Turkish Biochemical Society, in partnership with EFLM, IFCC, FEBS, and IUBMB, plays a leading role by organizing specialized workshops and training courses. Key disciplines such as medical biochemistry, microbiology, molecular diagnostics, and immunogenetics are integrated across all levels of training. Education is delivered in both universities and Ministry of Health institutions, supported by modern laboratory infrastructure. This review highlights the organization, regulation, and international collaborations shaping laboratory sciences education in Türkiye. Particular emphasis is placed on curricula, reform processes, and professional development strategies, with attention to evolving global standards. These efforts aim to ensure a competent workforce, strengthen research capacity, and enhance the contribution of Türkiye’s laboratory professionals to global health sciences.
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| Files | ||
| Issue | Vol 4 No 1 (2026): Special Issue: Clinical Laboratory Sciences Education and Training | |
| Section | Review Article(s) | |
| Keywords | ||
| Laboratory sciences education Continuing professional development Health sciences Turkiye ORPHEUS | ||
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