Medical laboratory technologists are integral members of the health care team who perform diagnostic laboratory testing on blood, body fluids and tissues to aid the physician 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.
OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of the Medical Laboratory Technology program, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate required knowledge, skills and abilities, as prescribed by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) 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
The curriculum for this program is designed to encompass three years of training. The first three semesters are spent at the 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 the certification examination set by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS). The CSMLS is the national professional body for medical laboratory technologists.
PROGRAM TRANSFERABILITY
Graduates may elect to further their studies and obtain a Bachelor of Technology degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) or a Bachelor of Sciences (Post Diploma, Human Science) from Athabasca University
.
ACCREDITATION
This program is accredited by Accreditation Canada.
CERTIFICATIONS
Students must possess valid Standard First Aid with Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) /Basic Life Support (BLS) certification to be eligible for graduation from the College.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility for admission to the Medical Laboratory Technology program requires the applicant to meet one of the following four academic criteria:
1. High School
High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% overall average in the following (or equivalent):
I. English 3201 or 3202 (minimum 60%)
II. Mathematics (4 credits) chosen from:
Advanced: 2200, 3200 (50% minimum in each course)
Academic: 2201 (50% minimum), 3201 (60% minimum)
III. Science (4 credits):
Biology: 3201 (minimum 60%)
Chemistry: 3202 (minimum 60%)
2. Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition
Comprehensive Arts and Science (Transition) Certificate with the following courses:
I. English (minimum 60%):
CM1060,
CM1061
II. Math (minimum 60%):
MA1040,
MA1041
III. Four Science courses:
Biology:
BL1020,
BL1021 (minimum 60%)
Chemistry:
CH1030,
CH1031 (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
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.
4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the entrance requirements for this program, are must be at least 19 years of age or older,at time of application and have been out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.
Note: Before final acceptance is granted, the applicant must also complete the School of Health Sciences Student Information and Program Awareness Form, and submit the requested documentation, including:
- Current Certificate of Conduct obtained from the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, or local provincial/municipal forces, including the “Vulnerable Sector Check”. Documents must be within no more than two months prior to registration. Applicants with a criminal offence listed on their Certificate of Conduct may be denied admission.
- Student Immunization Record, providing evidence that the applicant has received the required vaccinations / screening tests. Completion of the immunization record will require physician’s visits, blood tests, and a TB screening test; detailed instructions are included on the School of Health Sciences Student Information and Program Awareness Form. The applicant is responsible for ensuring that all medical requirements are fulfilled, and the immunization record complete, before submission. Certain vaccinations require a series of immunizations over a period of time; it is therefore important to start the process as early as possible. The applicant is also responsible for all associated costs (vaccinations, laboratory testing, physician fees, certificate of conduct fees, etc.).
Note: To be employed in the Medical Laboratory Technology field, one must have sufficiently strong eyesight to permit extended microscopic work, and normal colour perception.