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 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.
 
 

At the time of application to the Medical Laboratory Technology program, applicants MUST be completing or have completed one of the following:
 
1.  High School
High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% overall average in the following (or equivalent):
i. English 3201 or 3202 (minimum 60%)
Note: Effective 2026-2027 Academic Year intake applicants will need to have completed English 3201
ii. Mathematics chosen from:
    Advanced: 2200, 3200 (50% minimum in each course)
    Academic: 2201 (50% minimum), 3201 (60% minimum)
iii. Science: 
    Biology: 2201 and 3201 (minimum 60% in both courses)
    Chemistry: 3202 (minimum 60%)
Note: Starting with the 2024-2025 Academic Year intake, applicants that have completed BL3201 after September 2020, will be required to have completed both BL2201 & BL3201.
Note: CNA will not apply newly revised requirements to the disadvantage of an applicant whose high school courses were established by earlier requirements. 
2. College Transition (prior to 2024, students would have completed Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition)
College Transition Certificate with the following courses:
i. English (minimum 60%): CM1060, CM1061
ii. Math (minimum 60%): MA1040, MA1041
iii. Four Science courses:
a. Biology: BL1025, BL1026 (minimum 60%)
b. Chemistry: CH1035, CH1036 (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.

Note: ESL students only – must meet School of Health Sciences English proficiency as outlined in Policy No. AC-102-PR.

Additional Admission 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 Caper* Admissions Exam (Casper 2 – CSP10211)
    as part of their application for the 2023/2024 admissions cycle. To complete Casper, visit Taking the Casper assessment - Take Casper (acuityinsights.app).

*Casper. The Casper test comprises 14 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 90-110 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 TakeCasper.com, and ensure you have a quiet environment to take the test. We strongly urge you to take advantage of the 14-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.
Casper Test Dates 2024-2025 Application Cycle

• October 3, 2024
• October 10, 2024
• November 7, 2024
• December 5, 2024
• January 9, 2025
• January 21, 2025
• February 20, 2025
• March 4, 2025
   
  For a more detailed look at the Casper test, please see this video.

Additional Requirements Upon Acceptance

1. Complete a HS Student Information and Program Awareness Package, which includes:

• Criminal Record Screening (RNC) or Criminal Record Check (RCMP)
• Vulnerable Sector Check (RNC or RCMP)
• NL Student Preplacement Immunizations and Communicable Diseases Screening Form

 
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.
 
Notes: 

• Applicants with a criminal offense listed on their Criminal Record Check may be denied access to clinical placements and may be unable to complete their program. Acceptance of the Criminal Record is at the discretion of the clinical placement site.
• The applicant is responsible for ensuring that all medical requirements are met, and health screening records are complete before submission. Certain immunizations require a series of tests or vaccines, requiring weeks or months to complete. Start the process as early as possible.
• The applicant is responsible for all associated costs (vaccinations, laboratory testing, healthcare fees, certificate of conduct fees, etc.).

COMPETITIVE ENTRY APPLICATION PROCESS - FALL 2025
Program Start Date   September 2025      
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.