Program Information

Medical laboratory technologists are integral members of the health care team who perform diagnostic laboratory testing on blood, body fluids and tissues to aid the physician in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. It is a fast-paced and challenging profession that will appeal to students with a fascination for biological science. It requires manual dexterity, visual color discrimination, a keen eye for detail, organizational/time management skills and judgment/decision-making ability.
 
Medical laboratory technologists perform a wide array of diagnostic tests including examining bacterial cultures for identification and antibiotic sensitivity, assuring the compatibility of blood for transfusion, identifying abnormal cells, and analyzing the chemical composition of body fluids. As one of Canada’s largest group of health care professionals, MLTs play a critical role in the health care system, as up to 80% of decisions related to patient diagnosis and treatment are based on laboratory test results.
 
This program develops not only the technical skills of the medical laboratory technologist but also the ethical and professional behaviours required of the profession. It is a challenging program that provides the student with extensive classroom, laboratory and clinical/practicum experience. Graduates will be prepared to work in a competent manner providing accurate diagnostic testing in accordance with the national standards for medical laboratory technologists.
 
OBJECTIVES 
Upon successful completion of the Medical Laboratory Technology program, graduates will be able to:

CURRICULUM
The curriculum for this program is designed to encompass three years of training. The first three semesters are spent at the college and emphasis is placed on academic and theoretical training. During the fourth semester the student will have an introduction to the clinical application though a two week practicum at an affiliated clinical site. During the second program year an emphasis is placed on theoretical knowledge unique to the program's disciplines and application of this knowledge in a simulated laboratory environment. The programs third and final year encompasses practical training and clinical experience conducted in affiliated health care institutions.
 
Graduates of the program at the Prince Philip Drive Campus will be eligible to sit the certification examination set by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS). The CSMLS is the national professional body for medical laboratory technologists.
 
PROGRAM TRANSFERABILITY
Graduates may elect to further their studies and obtain a Bachelor of Technology degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) or a Bachelor of Sciences (Post Diploma, Human Science) from Athabasca University.

ACCREDITATION
This program is accredited by Accreditation Canada.

CERTIFICATIONS
Students must possess valid Standard First Aid with Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) /Basic Life Support (BLS) certification to be eligible for graduation from the College.

CLINICAL PLACEMENTS
Clinical placements are a required element of this program and students will be assigned placements at approved training sites. Additional sites may be considered in consultation with program faculty. There is no guarantee that students will receive their preferred placement. All expenses associated with the completion of clinical placement will be the responsibility of the student.  
 
Students require a clear Certificate of Conduct (Criminal Record Check and Vulnerability Sector Check) to be permitted into a clinical placement. Students with an unclear Certificate of Conduct are advised to speak with program faculty at the beginning of the program.
 
For programs with competitive admissions, clinical placements are not affected by ranking in the competitive admissions process and will be determined under institutional guidelines.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility for admission to the Medical Laboratory Technology program requires the applicant to meet one of the following four academic criteria:
 
1.  High School
High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% overall average in the following (or equivalent):
i. English 3201 or 3202 (minimum 60%)
ii. Mathematics (4 credits) chosen from:
    Advanced: 2200, 3200 (50% minimum in each course)
    Academic: 2201 (50% minimum), 3201 (60% minimum)
iii. Science (4 credits):
    Biology: 3201 (minimum 60%)
    Chemistry: 3202 (minimum 60%)

2. Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition
Comprehensive Arts and Science (Transition) Certificate with the following courses:
i. English (minimum 60%): CM1060, CM1061
ii. Math (minimum 60%): MA1040, MA1041
iii. Four Science courses:
    Biology: BL1020, BL1021 (minimum 60%)
    Chemistry: CH1030, CH1031 (minimum 60%)

3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with Degree and Technical Profile (overall 60% average) including the following        courses (or equivalent):
i. English (minimum of 60%) 3101A, 3101B, 3101C or 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
ii. Mathematics (minimum of 60%) 1101A, 1101B, 1101C, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
iii. Science:
    Biology (minimum 60%) 1101, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
    Chemistry (minimum 60%) 1102, 2102A, 2102B, 2102C, 3102A, 3102B, 3102C

Note: Applicants with Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with a different Profile (and appropriate grades) may be eligible for admission to the program provided the appropriate selection of courses including those outlined above have been completed.

Additional Entrance Requirements

(See the Additional Information for Health Sciences Applicants (Definitions and Regulations) section of the calendar or under the Admissions Regulations section of our website for details.) 
   
*Casper. The Casper test comprises 12 sections of video and written scenarios. Following each scenario, you will be required to answer a set of probing questions under a time contract. The test typically takes between 75-90 minutes to complete. Each response is graded by a different rater, giving a very robust and reliable view of personal and professional characteristics important to our program. No studying is required for Casper, although you may want to familiarize yourself with the test structure at TakeAltus.com, and ensure you have a quiet environment to take the test. We strongly urge you to take advantage of the 12-section practice test, which will not only immerse you in the test environment but will also ensure you meet the technical requirements to access and complete the test.
 
Casper test results are valid for one admissions cycle. Applicants who have already taken the test in previous years will therefore be expected to re-take it.
 
For a more detailed look at the Casper test, please see this video.
 
**Acceptance of the Certificate of Conduct (Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check) is at the discretion of the Health Authority of which clinical practicum is being sought.

COMPETITIVE ENTRY APPLICATION PROCESS - FALL 2023
Program Start Date   September 2023      
The competitive admissions process is points-based and includes:
View the Competitive Entry Application Process for this program
  

*Documentation received after the deadline WILL NOT be considered
 
**Candidates not accepted for the intake to which they applied must re-apply for admission to future offerings.  Applications WILL NOT be kept on file.