Medical Laboratory Technology

Program Overview

Medical Laboratory Technologists are excited by life under a microscope. They work with laboratory equipment to conduct and analyze microscopic, immunologic, biologic, bacteriologic, hematologic, and chemical tests. You'll learn how to evaluate the technical validity of bodily specimens, and how to perform laboratory investigations related to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. The demand for qualified Medical Laboratory Technologists is high and your work will feel meaningful as an important member of a healthcare team.

Career Possibilities

Graduates can work in hospital medical laboratories or public health departments. They may also be found in medical clinics, blood transfusion services, biological supply houses, veterinarian hospitals, research centres and related commercial fields. Medical Laboratory Technologists often work shifts including days, evenings and midnights. Graduates working in a New Brunswick hospital laboratory will need to be registered with the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Sciences (CSMLS) and licensed by the New Brunswick Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists (NBSMLT).

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Specific Considerations

Good health and a good level of physical fitness and stamina are essential. Individuals with colour blindness will find difficulty with certain aspects of required microscopic work and should contact the program directly. MLTs must have a strong attention to detail, critical and analytical skills are essential. The ability to multi-task, prioritize and communication skills are also essential. Good motor skills, manual dexterity, hand eye coordination, and the ability to work in a rapidly changing environment are needed. In addition to analytical work, students are required to interact with patients while performing tasks such as drawing blood. Prior to the beginning of the applied workplace experience, host facilities throughout the province may require the completion of an Immunization and Medical form (pdf), proof of valid CPR Level C Lifesaver certification, and specific immunizations. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that he or she has met these requirements.

Mandatory Clearance Requirements

To protect the health and safety of students during their clinical/practicum placements, as well as anyone they may encounter, students will be obligated to complete mandatory clearance requirements as a part of the process of being assigned a placement. There will be a cost associated with completing these requirements, which has been calculated as part of the Material Cost of this program. Students who do not complete the requirements will be unable to attend their clinical/practicum placements, which could impact eligibility for the required courses or industry facility visits needed to complete their program. See Clinical/Practicum Placement Requirements for more details.

Host agencies require students to provide a current criminal record check and vulnerable sector check from a recognized police service in order to be considered for an applied workplace experience. Individuals who have been convicted criminally and not pardoned may be prohibited from proceeding to a work placement. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that he or she is eligible to participate.

There is a strong possibility due to the number of clinical placements available, in order to complete your practicum, you will be required to travel to clinical sites outside the Saint John area for a six month period. The practicum is required to graduate from the Medical Laboratory Technology Program. Costs incurred for travel and accommodation are at your own expense.

International applicants are not currently eligible for this program.

Technology Requirements
NBCC is a connected learning environment. All programs require a minimum specification, including access to the internet and a laptop. Your computer should meet your program technology requirements to ensure the software required for your program operates effectively. Free wifi is provided on all campuses.

External Certifications

Medical Laboratory Technology graduates may have an opportunity to acquire the following external certifications upon meeting the external agencies certification requirements and paying any required fees to the external agency:

Institution: Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Sciences (CSMLS)
External Certification: Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT)
Information: The student may challenge the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Sciences National Certification Examination. Once the student becomes certified by the CSMLS, they can apply for licensure with the provincial regulator, the New Brunswick Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists (NBSMLT), and may be given the designated title of Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) by the regulator. This certification provides the technologist with mobility options throughout the country and in other parts of the world.

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