Laboratory Sciences Education and Training in Türkiye: A National and International Perspective

Sedef  Yenice; Ferhan  Sağın; Zübeyde  Erbayraktar; Doğan  Yücel; Gül Güner  Akdoğan

doi:10.18502/abi.v4i1.21859

Sedef Yenice Group Florence Nightingale Hospitals Gayrettepe Mah. Cemil Aslan Güder sokak., No:8 Beşiktaş, Istanbul 34349 Türkiye
Ferhan Sağın Ege University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Bornova, Izmir, Türkiye
Zübeyde Erbayraktar Erbayraktar Merkez Laboratuvarları Grubu YK Başkanı Şair Eşref Bulvarı, No:68/1 Alsancak, 35220 Izmir, Türkiye
Doğan Yücel Lokman Hekim University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Ankara, Türkiye
Gül Güner Akdoğan Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Izmir University of Economics, Balcova, Izmir, Türkiye

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/abi.v4i1.21859

Keywords: Biomedical education standards; Continuing professional development; Health sciences; Laboratory medicine specialization; Laboratory sciences education; Medical laboratory technician training; ORPHEUS

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.