Medical Laboratory Technology

Program Details

Medical Laboratory Technology
Program Code: 2B3
Credential: Diploma
Duration: Three Years
School of Health Sciences
Area: Health Sciences
Domestic Applications: OPEN
International Applications: CLOSED

Deadlines: (1) for receipt of application – February 24, 2027; (2) for receipt of ALL supporting documentation - March 2, 2027.

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Program Overview

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Location/Delivery Modes & Dates

C
Prince Philip Drive - On Campus - September 2027

A specimen of a career.

Medical laboratory technologists are integral members of the health care team who perform diagnostic laboratory testing on blood, body fluids and tissues. Their work supports detection, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. It is a fast-paced and challenging profession that will appeal to those with a fascination for health sciences, laboratory technology and scientific investigation. It requires manual dexterity, visual color discrimination and a keen eye for detail. It also calls for effective organizational and time management skills, as well as sound judgment and decision-making abilities.

These dedicated professionals examine 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. They understand the principles of testing and use their skills to analyze and evaluate test results on a variety of specimens. As one of Canada’s largest groups of health care professionals, medical technologists contribute significantly to patient outcomes, with up to 70 per cent of medical decisions related to patient diagnosis and treatment are based on laboratory test results.

If you’d like to be one of these integral health professionals, look no further than CNA’s Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) program! It covers five core areas of study: clinical chemistry, hematology, histology, microbiology and transfusion science. You will gain hands on experiences in diagnostic testing and analyzing human blood and body fluids, preparing tissue samples for microscopic examination, and performing compatibility testing of blood and blood products. Other areas of study include molecular diagnostics, genetics and the collection of human blood samples.

It is a challenging program that provides you with extensive classroom, laboratory and clinical/practicum experience. In addition to learning the technical skills of the medical laboratory technologist, you will also develop the ethical and professional behaviours required of the profession.

Upon graduation, you will be highly knowledgeable and well prepared to provide accurate diagnostic testing in accordance with national standards for medical laboratory technologists.

Be a vital part of a critical team – apply today!

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Robust training to become an integral part of the healthcare community and fill the identified occupational need
Accredited by Accreditation Canada
Leverage your diploma for transition into the X-Ray Skills for Medical Laboratory Technologists program at CNA
Prepares you to challenge the Canadian Alliance of Medical Laboratory Professionals Regulators (CAMLPR) certification exam Facilitating the Regulation of Medical Laboratory Professionals across Canada - CAMLPR
The CAMLPR provides the option to work in most provinces and territories

DID YOU KNOW?

Medical laboratory technologists are in demand provincially and nationally.
Approximately 20,000 work in Canada today.
Medical laboratory technologists analyze nearly every kind of body fluid or tissue samples, from blood and urine to spinal fluid and biopsies. They use a variety of instruments.
The five general disciplines of the MLT field are:
- Clinical Chemistry – Monitoring and testing blood and body fluids for diabetes, heart attacks, and medication and drug levels.
- Hematology – Analyzing blood cells to detect for anemia, blood clotting and leukemia.
- Histology – Preparing biopsies and tissue samples searching for potential cancers.
- Microbiology – Identifying bacteria, fungi and viruses that cause infections.
- Transfusion Science – Ensuring safe blood transfusions with blood grouping and pre-transfusion testing.

OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of this program graduates will be able to:

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

CURRICULUM

This three-year program combines classroom study, hands-on laboratory practice and clinical experience across clinical chemistry, hematology, histology, microbiology and transfusion science . The first three semesters are spent at 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 for the certification examination set by the Canadian Alliance of Medical Laboratory Professionals Regulators (CAMLPR). CAMLPR is the national professional body for medical laboratory technologists.

CERTIFICATIONS

During the program students will complete the following certificate(s)/certification(s):

Standard/Intermediate First Aid with Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation CPR (level C)
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems (WHMIS)
Mask fit testing

Note: Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation requires the use of an approved respirator when there is potential for exposure to airborne hazards. This program requires respirator use and you must be fit tested on the respirator approved for your program. A fit test ensures the respirator is suitable to you, sized appropriately, and provides a tight seal. It will also educate you on respirator use and care. Facial hair impacts the fit of respirators, therefore, students with facial hair will be required to be clean shaven at the time of fit testing and every time you wear a respirator. Your instructor will arrange fit testing. If you have a medical condition that could affect your ability to wear a respirator, you must be assessed by a health care provider before being fit tested. Your provider will need to confirm that it is safe for you to use a respirator. If you are unable to pass a fit test, alternative respirator options may be available; however, these options are more expensive, and students are responsible for any associated costs.

CLINICAL PLACEMENTS

Clinical placements are a required element of this program, and students will be assigned placements at approved training sites. There is no guarantee that students will receive a placement at their preferred clinical site. 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 contact student.placements@cna.nl.ca prior to beginning 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.

CNA has a service agreement with a third-party provider Verified to prepare School of Health Sciences students for clinical placements in health care environments. The cost associated with Verified is available on the program cost forms. More information about this service will be provided upon the start of classes.

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.

ARTICULATION AGREEMENT

Graduates of College of the North Atlantic's Medical Laboratory Technology Diploma program are eligible for admission to Fisheries and Marine Institute of the Memorial University of Newfoundland's Bachelor of Technology degree program. Students admitted may satisfy the requirements of the Bachelor of Technology degree program by succesfully completing thirteen courses (39 credit hours).

Admission Requirements

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 (60% minimum)
ii. Mathematics chosen from:
Advanced: 2200, 3200 (50% minimum in each course)
Academic: 2201 (50% minimum), 3201 (60% minimum)
iii. Biology: 2201 and 3201 (minimum 60% in both courses)
iv. 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.
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. Biology: BL1025, BL1026 (minimum 60% in both courses)
iv. Chemistry: CH1035, CH1036 (minimum 60% in CH1036)
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% average in all courses) 3101A, 3101B, 3101C or 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
ii. Mathematics (minimum of 60% average in all courses) 1101A, 1101B, 1101C, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
iii. Biology (minimum 60%) 1101, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
iv. 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: The School of Health Sciences requires the following minimum English language proficiency scores for applicants whose first language is not English (IELTS Academic Test overall band score of 7.0, Speaking 7.0, Listening 7.5, Reading 6.5 and Writing 7.0). 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 Casper* Admissions Exam (Casper 2 – CSP10211)
  as part of their application for the 2026-2027 admissions cycle. To complete Casper, visit Taking the Casper assessment - Take Casper (acuityinsights.app).

*Casper. The Casper test comprises 2 sections of 11 scenarios – 4 video, 7 written. Following each scenario, you will be required to answer a set of probing questions under a time constraint. The test typically takes between 65-85 minutes to complete. Each response is graded by a different rater. No studying is required for Casper, although you may want to familiarize yourself with the test structure at About Casper - Take Casper, and ensure you have a quiet environment to take the test. We strongly urge you to take advantage of the 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 2026-2027 Application Cycle

October 3, 2026
October 6, 2026
October 8, 2026
October 14, 2026
November 5, 2026
November 29, 2026
December 1, 2026
January 7, 2027
January 21, 2027
February 18, 2027
March 4, 2027

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

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 visits, certificate of conduct fees, etc.).

COMPETITIVE ENTRY APPLICATION PROCESS - FALL 2027
Program Start Date: September 2027
The competitive admissions process is points-based and includes:
View the Competitive Entry Application Process for this program

Deadline for receipt of application	February 24, 2027
Deadline for receipt of ALL supporting documentation*	March 2, 2027
Initial round of acceptances	April 12, 2027

*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

COURSES

CODE	TITLE	Hrs/wk
Semester 1		Cr	Le	La
CM1250	Communications in Healthcare	3	3	0
TM1130	Medical Terminology	3	3	0
ML1055	Immunology and Hematology	4	3	2
ML1025	Laboratory Calculations	3	3	0
BL1601	Human Biology	5	4	2
ML1095	Medical Lab Fundamentals	4	3	2
HG2051	Professional Practice & Ethics	3	3	0

Semester 2		Cr	Le	La
BL2601	Intro to Microbiology	4	3	2
ML1335	Histology	4	3	2
PS1420	Health Care Organization and Structure	3	3	0
ML1072	Specimen Collection	3	2	2
ML1140	Intro to Quality Management	2	2	0
ML1230	Instrumentation & Techniques	3	2	2
HG1110	Applied Science for Allied Health	4	3	2

Semester 3	Intersession (7 weeks)	Cr	Le	La (hrs)
CH1300	Intro to Clinical Chemistry	2	0	28 hrs
ML1213	Hematology 1	2	0	28 hrs
BL2425	Clinical Microbiology 1	2	0	28 hrs
ML1360	Histotechnology 1	2	0	28 hrs
ML1660	Clinical Practicum 1	2	0	2 wks
Students must successfully complete all prerequisite courses for ML1660 in order to be eligible for this course.

Semester 4		Cr	Le	La
ML2100	Hematology 2	3	2	2
CH2253	Clinical Chemistry 1	3	2	2
BL2431	Clinical Microbiology 2	3	2	3
ML2120	Histotechnology 2	3	2	2
ML2401	Intro to Blood Banking	3	2	2
CH2341	Biochemistry	2	2	0

Semester 5		Cr	Le	La
CH2514	Clinical Chemistry 2	4	3	2
ML2225	Hematology 3	4	3	2
BL2442	Clinical Microbiology 3	4	3	3
ML1520	Intro to Transfusion Medicine	3	2	2
ML2230	Histotechnology 3	4	3	2
CS2311	Research Methods and Stats	2	2	0

Semester 6	Intersession (7 weeks)	Cr	Le	La (hrs)
BL3410	Clinical Microbiology Sim 1	2	0	28 hrs
CH3510	Clinical Chemistry Sim 1	2	0	28 hrs
ML2210	Hematology Sim 1	2	0	28 hrs
ML2310	Histotechnology Sim 1	2	0	28 hrs
ML2510	Transfusion Medicine Sim 1	2	0	28 hrs
ML2320	Molecular Diagnostics Sim 1	2	0	28 hrs

Semester 7		Cr	Le	La (wks)
BL3411	Clinical Microbiology Sim 2	3	0	3 wks
CH3511	Clinical Chemistry Sim 2	3	0	3 wks
ML2211	Hematology Sim 2	3	0	3 wks
ML2311	Histotechnology Sim 2	3	0	3 wks
ML2511	Transfusion Medicine Sim 2	3	0	3 wks
ML3100	Phlebotomy Practice	0	0	1

Semester 8		Cr	Le	La (wks)
BL4410	Microbiology Practicum	3	0	3 wks
CH4510	Clinical Chemistry Practicum	3	0	3 wks
ML3210	Hematology Practicum	3	0	3 wks
ML3311	Histotechnology Practicum	2	0	2 wks
ML3510	Transfusion Practicum	3	0	3 wks
ML3215	Phlebotomy Practicum	1	0	1 wk

Semester 9		Cr	Le	La
ML2611	Interdisciplinary Studies	4	4	0

Tuition & Fees

Canadian Students

Canadian Students

The confirmation fee is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance. It is required in order to hold your seat in the program.

Mandatory Fees

Application Fee - $30.00 (per program)

A non-refundable fee required for each application submitted to the College | Application Page

Application fees are only refundable if the program does not go ahead, and the applicant does not want to transfer the application to another program.

Note: The following fee is non-refundable and must be paid within two (2) weeks of receiving your Letter of Acceptance for each program at the College.

Confirmation Fee - $105.00 (per program annually)

A non-refundable annual fee due upon confirming acceptance into each program. This covers registration and student association services and must be paid each academic year.

Academic Audit Fee - $50.00 (once per program)

A one-time fee assessed for auditing academic records during your program.

Technology Fee - $83.00 (per semester)

A semester-based fee to support student access to software, internet, and digital services across all campuses.

Full-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

School	Regular Term (15 weeks)	Intersession (up to 7 weeks)
Health Sciences	$1,301.00 (per semester)	$625.00 (per semester)

Part-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Program Type	Tuition Fee
Certificate & Diploma Programs	$320.00 (per course)

Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
Students with outstanding balances are:
- Ineligible for future term registration
- Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
- Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes

If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
Students auditing a course must pay:
- 50% of tuition
- 100% of any applicable technology fees

International Students

A fee, which is applied toward program tuition and compulsory fees and includes a deposit fee, is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance.

Mandatory Fees

Full-Time Student Fees

School	Regular Term (15 weeks)	Intersession (up to 7 weeks)
Health Sciences	$4,685.00 (per semester)	$2,344.00 (per semester)

Part-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Program Type	Tuition Fee
Certificate & Diploma Programs	$1,046.00 (per course)

Estimated Program Costs

The document below provides a summary of estimated program costs for international students applying to the 2026–2027 academic year. Please note that all amounts are approximate and subject to change without notice. These costs apply only to international applicants.

Download Estimated Program Costs (PDF)

Making Payments

Application Fee

If applying online, the application fee must be paid via credit card during the submission of your application to College of the North Atlantic.

Tuition and Other Payments

College of the North Atlantic has partnered with PayMyTuition for all international tuition payments. All tuition payments, unless otherwise noted, can be paid via PayMyTuition.

Payments can be made from any bank, in any country, and in any currency.
Offers better than bank exchange rates.
Fast, secure, and cost-effective.

Please note that you can only use PayMyTuition once you have been assigned a CNA student number.

Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
Students with outstanding balances are:
- Ineligible for future term registration
- Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
- Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes

If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
Students auditing a course must pay:
- 50% of tuition
- 100% of any applicable technology fees

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.