Education
Analytical, compassionate and curious.
Medical laboratory professionals use these skills to find answers about your health. If you are interested in a career in the medical laboratory sciences, your career path starts in the classroom.
High school diploma
Entry into an accredited training program in medical laboratory sciences is dependent on a high school diploma, with an emphasis on biology, computer science, chemistry and math.
Post-secondary education for medical laboratory science
Medical Laboratory Technologists
MLT students pursue post-secondary studies in medical laboratory science, usually three to four years, at an EQual™ accredited Canadian training program in a community college or university.
General Medical Laboratory Technology programs include courses in:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Clinical Microbiology
- Hematology
- Histology
- Transfusion science
Clinical Genetics Medical Laboratory Technology programs include courses in:
- Molecular Genetics
- Cytogenetics
Diagnostic Cytology Medical Laboratory Technology programs include courses in:
- Gynecological Analysis
- Non-gynecological Analysis
- Histology
Medical Laboratory Assistants
MLA students pursue post-secondary studies, usually 9 to 12 months, at an EQual™ accredited Canadian training program, in a community college or private career college
More information about the MLA profession can be found here.
Professional certification by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS)
Once you’ve graduated from your post-secondary training, you’ll need to write the national certification exam to be certified by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS). This certification allows you to work as a medical laboratory professional throughout Canada. It is the accepted certification by regulators in most provinces and seen as a requirement of employment by most employers.