Thinking about studying Medical Technology or Medical Laboratory Science, but not sure where to start?
You’re not alone and the good news is: you don’t need a lab, fancy equipment, or a university admission letter to begin learning.
Today, anyone with a phone and data can start building real foundational skills through verified, free, globally accessible courses. These short programs introduce you to lab science, immunology, microbiology, biosafety, and even translational research, all the things you’ll study in a Medical Tech degree.
Here are 10 free online courses you can take from anywhere in the world (including Nigeria and across Africa), to prepare yourself before committing to a full degree.
1. Medical Laboratory Technician Training — Alison
Beginner-friendly course covering basic lab techniques, sample handling, and diagnostic processes.
2. Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) — Global Health Training Centre
Short, peer-reviewed module on GCLP principles, quality, and documentation for clinical trial labs.
3. The Immune System: New Developments in Research — Osaka University (edX)
A short course that covers core immunology ideas and recent research advances (free to audit on edX).
4. Fundamentals of Immunology — Rice University (Coursera / edX listings & course materials)
Foundational immunology content (immune cells, antibodies, innate vs adaptive immunity); free to audit depending on platform.
5. Introduction to Cellular Biology — edX (various short modules)
Cell biology fundamentals – many edX courses you can audit for free, including topic-specific short modules.
6. Microbiology — edX (course collection)
edX hosts multiple microbiology courses (microbial genetics, pathogens, infection control) available to audit for free.
7. Biospecimen / Laboratory Techniques — MOOC-List & My-MOOC
Collections and short courses on biospecimen collection, biobanking, and sample handling (practical lab technique topics).
8. Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Disease — literature & MOOC directories (overview)
A useful review and pointers to MOOC examples in clinical microbiology and infectious diseases, good for picking short targeted modules. See the review: “E-learning in clinical microbiology and infectious diseases.”
9. Chemical Lab Safety / Hazard Awareness — American Chemical Society & related resources
Short safety education resources covering hazard recognition, safe handling, and lab best practices (search ACS education and lab-safety modules). Example ACS & course guide pages are available via ACS publications and course listings (search ACS safety education).
10. From Lab to Clinic: Translational Research for Rare Diseases — ReconNET / ERN MOOC
Short MOOC explaining how lab discoveries become clinical trials and treatments – helpful for understanding the research-to-patient pipeline.
Quick Note
Preparing for a degree in Medical Technology doesn’t have to wait until you enroll in school or travel abroad. These free online courses give you:
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A strong academic foundation
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Familiarity with real lab principles
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Confidence before starting a full degree
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A competitive edge for study abroad applications
Whether you’re in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, or anywhere else you can start building your future today, one short course at a time.
This courses do not take the place of a full degree but puts you ahead making you more knowledgeable, the 2026/2027 admission is currently ongoing.
Follow us on instagram @studyquestabroad for assistance or book a consultation session today.