Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Laboratory Technologist
Medical Laboratory Technologist are the professionals who are responsible for collecting, preparing and analyzing blood, body fluids and tissue samples and interpreting test results. A Medical Laboratory Technologist plays a key role in assisting physicians with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. There are five different disciplines within the Laboratory; your career opportunities may include:
- Hematology – The study of blood and blood disorders, such as Leukemias.
- Biochemistry – Biochemical analysis of body fluids in support of the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
- Microbiology – Various analytical methods to test and identify organisms that are responsible for infection including bacteria, fungi and parasites.
- Transfusion Medicine – Performs cross match testing to ensure patients receive compatible blood products. Analyzes blood group systems and receives various blood products from Canadian Blood Services.
- Histology – Receives biopsies and tissues from surgeries to process, cut and stain.
Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs) are rewarded with competitive salaries and enjoy the freedom of choosing a pace of work that suits their career and lifestyle goals. In Manitoba there are many exciting career opportunities to work in across the province in both urban and rural health centres. In Manitoba, Medical Laboratory Technology is a regulated health profession and MLTs must meet eligibility criteria in order to work in this field.
Education Timeline:
Recommended High School courses include: Biology 40S, Chemistry 40S, Mathematics 40S (Applied or Pre-calculus) and Physics 40S (recommended, not required).
After High School successful completion of 18 + credit hours at a degree level post-secondary institution will need to be completed. When admission requirements are completed you can now register for the Medical Laboratory Sciences program which is a 28-month advance diploma program offered at Red River College Polytech. The course starts out with three full academic terms over 1.5 years at the Notre Dame Campus in Winnipeg. Followed by a one-year practicum which could be located throughout Manitoba with base sites in Winnipeg or Brandon. Upon graduation, all MLTs are required to challenge the certification exam offered by the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Sciences (CSMLS) in order to be eligible for employment.
Careers:
There are currently many Medical Laboratory Technologist positions available at labs across Manitoba in Rural and Urban settings. Labs are open 24/7, work evenings/nights, weekends, and on call could be required with your position.
Regulatory Body and Registration
The College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Manitoba(CMLTM) is the regulatory body for the profession of Medical Laboratory Technology in Manitoba. Registration with the CMLTM is a requirement to practice in Manitoba.
Internationally Educated Medical Laboratory Technologists (IEMLTs) who wish to practice in Manitoba must confirm their eligibility to write the National certification exam through the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS). Visit the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Manitoba for more information on the process for IEMLTs.
The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) is the national certifying body and national professional society for MLTs in al Canadian provinces and territories except Quebec. Everyone who wants to work as an MLT in Manitoba – both internationally educated MLTs and graduates of Canadian programs – must pass the CSMLS National Certification Examination. To be eligible to write exams, you must have graduated from a Accreditation Canada Health Standards Organization EQual CanadaTM accredited MLT program.
The Manitoba Association of Medical Laboratory Science (MAMLS) is the provincial professional association of CSMLS.