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Program Information

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Medical Laboratory Technology

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DIPLOMA

  • School of Health Sciences
  • Duration: Three Years
  • Start Date: September 2023

    Deadline for receipt of application – March 3rd 2023; other important deadlines noted in the Competitive Entry Application Process located under the Description tab.

  • Locations & Delivery Modes
  • Description
  • Courses

Locations & Delivery Modes

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Delivery Legend:
C
On Campus
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On Campus: All courses in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location. Some courses may have online elements.
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B
Blended
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Blended: Some courses, or parts of courses, in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location, while other courses, or parts of courses, will be delivered online or virtually to students at another location.
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OA
Online - Asynchronous
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Online - Asynchronous: Delivered fully online with no scheduled classes, and allows students to learn on their own schedule, in a flexible environment, within a certain time frame.
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OS
Online - Synchronous
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Online Synchronous: Delivered fully online with live, scheduled videoconference classes. The instructor and the students in the course engage with the course content and each other at the same time, from different locations.
Prince Philip Drive - On Campus delivery

Description


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:
  1. Demonstrate required knowledge, skills and abilities, as prescribed by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) competency profile, with timelines, accuracy and proficiency.
  2. Practice and promote the principles of quality management and the efficient utilization of resources.
  3. Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills that promote competence in the performance of laboratory procedures.
  4. Demonstrate research skills to constructively solve problems.
  5. Communicate effectively and work collaboratively with other members of the health care team to serve patients and employers with the highest degree of competence.
  6. Demonstrate a high level of professional conduct in the performance of duty.

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
The Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) program is accredited by Accreditation Canada until May 2028.
 
This program is currently “Accredited” with Accreditation Canada/EQual. Our “Accredited” status serves as an important demonstration of our commitment to providing quality education in alignment with accreditation and regulatory requirements. If you require additional information regarding our accreditation status and endeavors and/or any potential implications our accreditation status may have on your future abilities to practice as a healthcare professional, we encourage you to reach out to the Dean for the School of Health Sciences.

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
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, CM1061
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ii. Math (minimum 60%): MA1040
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, MA1041
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iii. Four Science courses:
    Biology: BL1020
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, BL1021
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(minimum 60%)
    Chemistry: CH1030
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, CH1031
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(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
  • Completion of the Casper Admissions Exam.
    • The Casper Admissions Exam official score will be used as part of the points-based system to determine ranking in the competitive entry process
    • All applicants are required to complete Casper* Admissions Exam (CSP-10201 – Canadian Professional Health Sciences) as part of their application for the 2023/2024 admissions cycle. To complete Casper, visit TakeAltus.com.
  • Valid** Certificate of Conduct, including Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check.
  • Students will require a clear and current Certificate of Conduct (Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check) prior to clinical practicum. Applicants with a criminal offense listed on their Certificate of Conduct (Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check) may be denied access to clinical placement and may be unable to complete their program.
  • Immunization Record providing evidence that the applicant has received the required vaccinations/screening tests. Completing the immunization record will require physician's visits, blood tests, and a TB screening test; detailed instructions are included on the School of Health Sciences Student Information and Program Awareness Form. The applicant is responsible for ensuring that all medical requirements are fulfilled, and the immunization record complete before submission. Certain vaccinations require a series of immunizations over a period; therefore, it is essential to start the process as early as possible. The applicant is also responsible for all associated costs (vaccinations, laboratory testing, physician fees, certificate of conduct fees, etc.).
  • ESL students only – one of the following:
    • IELTS: minimum overall band score of 7
    • TOEFL Score: minimum score of 94
(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
  
Deadline for receipt of application March 3rd 2023
Deadline for receipt of ALL supporting documentation* March 10th 2023
Initial round of acceptances April 30th 2023

*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.

Courses


CODE TITLE Hrs/wk
Semester 1   Cr Le La
CM2201
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Oral Communications 2 2 0
TM1130
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Medical Terminology 3 3 0
ML1035
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Immunology and Hematology 3 2 2
MA1021
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Basic Laboratory Calculations 3 3 0
BL1600
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Human Biology 4 3 2
ML1090
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Medical Lab Knowledge 3 2 2
ML1011
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Orientation to MLT 3 2 2
         
Semester 2   Cr Le La
BL2601
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Intro to Microbiology 4 3 2
ML1335
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Histology 4 3 2
CH2340
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Biochemistry 2 2 0
ML1070
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Specimen Collection 3 2 2
CS2311
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Research Methods and Stats 2 2 0
HG2050
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Professional Practice and Ethics 4 4 0
         
Semester 3 (8 weeks) Cr Le La (hrs)*
CH1350
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Urinalysis 2 0 30 hrs
ML1213
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Hematology 1 2 0 30 hrs
BL2425
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Clinical Microbiology 1 2 0 30 hrs
ML1360
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Histotechnology 1 2 0 30 hrs
ML1660
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Clinical Practicum 1 2 0 70 hrs /
2 wks**
**Students must successfully complete all pre-requisite Semester 3 courses for ML1660
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Clinical Practicum 1 in order to be eligible for this course.
Clinical Practicums in Semesters 3 and 8 will take place in a hospital-based setting.
         
Semester 4   Cr Le La
ML2100
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Hematology 2 3 2 2
CH2252
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Clinical Chemistry 1 3 2 2
BL2431
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Clinical Microbiology 2 3 2 3
ML2120
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Histotechnology 2 3 2 2
ML2401
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Intro to Blood Banking 3 2 2
ML1140
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Intro to Quality Management 3 3 0
         
Semester 5   Cr Le La
CH2513
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Clinical Chemistry 2 4 3 2
ML2225
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Hematology 3 4 3 2
BL2441
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Clinical Microbiology 3 3 2 3
ML1520
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Intro to Transfusion Medicine 3 2 2
ML2230
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Histotechnology 3 4 3 2
PS1420
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Health Care Organization and Structure 3 3 0
         
Semester 6 (6 weeks) Cr Le La (hrs)*
BL3410
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Clinical Microbiology Sim 1 2 0 30 hrs
CH3510
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Clinical Chemistry Sim 1 2 0 30 hrs
ML2210
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Hematology Sim 1 2 0 30 hrs
ML2310
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Histotechnology Sim 1 2 0 30 hrs
ML2510
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Transfusion Medicine Sim 1 2 0 30 hrs
ML2320
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Molecular Diagnostics Sim 1 2 0 30 hrs
         
Semester 7   Cr Le La (wks)
BL3411
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Clinical Microbiology Sim 2 3   3 wks
CH3511
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Clinical Chemistry Sim 2 3   3 wks
ML2211
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Hematology Sim 2 3   3 wks
ML2311
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Histotechnology Sim 2 3   3 wks
ML2511
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Transfusion Medicine Sim 2 3   3 wks
         
Semester 8   Cr Le La (wks)
BL4410
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Microbiology Practicum 3   3 wks
CH4510
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Clinical Chemistry Practicum 3   3 wks
ML3210
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Hematology Practicum 3   3 wks
ML3310
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Histotechnology Practicum 3   3 wks
ML3510
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Transfusion Practicum 3   3 wks
Clinical Practicums in Semesters 3 and 8 will take place in a hospital-based setting.      
         
Semester 9 (5 weeks) Cr Le La (wks)
ML1160
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Laboratory Pathophysiology 3 3 0
ML2610
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Interdisciplinary Studies 5   5 wks
 


Notes:
*Courses with 30 hrs lab to be delivered in condensed block format over a period of 5 days

Students in the 3rd and 8th semesters of the program will be assigned to one of the affiliated hospitals: Burin Peninsula Health Care Centre, Carbonear General Hospital, Central Newfoundland Regional Health Centre, Dr. G. B. Cross Memorial Hospital, Health Sciences Centre, St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital, James Paton Memorial Hospital, Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital, Labrador Health Centre, and Western Memorial Regional Hospital.  Smaller rural sites may also be utilized in Semester 3.
.

College of the North Atlantic reserves the right to cancel or alter the delivery date and location of any program offering and delivery method, and will do so in a timely manner in order to minimize the impact on applicants.

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