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Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science

The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS)- website www.csmls.org- is the certifying body and professional association in Canada. Each province in Canada has a provincial organization which represents the medical laboratory technologist profession in that province. The CSMLS represents 15,000 Canadian medical laboratory technologists (MLT), although there are 23,000 certified technologists.

Canadian programs in medical laboratory technology include the disciplines of: Clinical Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, Transfusion Medicine and Histotechnology. Most MLT programs in Canada are diploma programs that run for two to three years. The diploma programs are based by the CSMLS. There are also some medical laboratory technologists that possess a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (BScMLS).

The following steps will guide you to a med lab diploma program in Canada. (Permission has been obtained to print the CSMLS template described below.)
The path to becoming an MLT in Canada:

1. High School diploma: With an emphasis on Biology, Computer Science, Chemistry and Math.

2. Post-secondary studies in Medical Laboratory Science: This is usually a two or three year accredited training program at the community college or university level. The program consists of an average of 40 weeks of unpaid clinical training at hospital laboratory affiliated sites. The Med Lab student works under the supervision of a Med Lab Technologist and performs procedures on real biological specimens.

All programs are accredited by the Conjoint Committee for Accreditation of Educational Programs in Medical Laboratory. After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology.

Specialized training programs in Cytotechnology and Clinical Genetics are offered in several provinces. Graduates from these programs write a subject CSMLS certification exam.

3. Professional Certification: CSMLS certification is recognized through-out Canada, and is a requirement to work as an MLT in Canada. Graduates of accredited programs in medical laboratory technology are eligible to write the CSMLS general certification exams that cover the five disciplines in the laboratory- Microbiology, Clinical Chemistry, Hematology, Blood Transfusion Medicine and Histology- to become certified technologists in Canada.

The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) & Provincial Regulatory Bodies

CSMLS works in partnership with provincial regulatory bodies, but the regulatory bodies are completely separate organizations. Provincial regulatory bodies establish the rules and regulations that determine who may practice as an MLT. You must be registered by a provincial regulatory body in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Most employers in the unregulated provinces and territories (British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island, Northwest Territories, Yukon, Nunavut) require CSMLS certification.

Advanced Registered Technologist Certification

Certified MLTs have the option of pursuing an advanced certification through the ART process (Advanced Registered Technologist). There are certain prerequisites to qualify for this exam. The process focuses on problem solving ability, critical thinking, research and investigation skills, and supervisory and communication skills, both written and oral.

University route to become a Med Lab Technologist

Graduates of the diploma program can transfer their credits to obtain a degree in Medical Laboratory Science at universities where transfers agreements exist between the university and the diploma program. The transfer programs are accredited with the Canadian Medical Association. Graduates of the med lab program may also choose to purse graduate studies.

Internationally trained medical laboratory technologists who wish to become certified musty apply to the CSMLS for a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). The PLA process is used to establish equivalency to the accredited training programs. If deemed equivalent, the candidate is eligible to take the certification exam. More information can be found at the CSMLS website http://www.csmls.org/english/international.htm>.

Another option for foreign-trained technologist is the professional qualifying certificate that is offered at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). This program allows them to challenge the CSMLS exams and be granted certification upon successful completion of the exam. Go to http://www.bcit.ca/study/programs/6565certt for details on this option.

Employment Opportunities for a Med Lab Technologist in Canada

As an MLT, you can live and work anywhere in Canada. Once may choose to specialize in a discipline of his or her choice. NSH Region IX members are proud to work in one of the most interesting fields of laboratory medicine, the Histology Lab.

As in the U.S., Canada is experiencing a shortage of MLTs, and the employment outlook for medical technologists in Canada is expected to grow even more because of Med Lab Technologists retiring in a few years. For those who are interested, the webpage http://www.jobfutures.ca/noc/3211p2.shtml contains more information.

MLTs are primarily employed in hospitals, but jobs are also available in private laboratories, community health clinics, public health facilities, university research labs or in biotechnology companies. In each of these work settings, management positions are available. Some MLTs go into teaching and train the future generation of medical laboratory technologists. Salaries for MLTs vary from each province, but are comparable to other health care professions.

Information Submitted by Rose Clarke, NSH Member Since 1997