Overview
Medical laboratory technologists conduct medical laboratory tests, experiments and analyses to assist in the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and prevention of disease. They are employed in medical laboratories in hospitals, blood banks, community and private clinics, research facilities and post-secondary educational institutions. Medical laboratory technologists who are supervisors are included in this unit group.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Set up, operate and maintain laboratory equipment
Conduct and interpret chemical analyses of blood, urine, and cerebrospinal and other body fluids
Study blood cells and other tissues to determine their relation to various physiological and pathological conditions
Prepare tissue sections for microscopic examinations using techniques to demonstrate special cellular tissue elements or other characteristics
Perform and interpret blood group, type and compatibility tests for transfusion purposes
Validate, document and report test results
Establish procedures for the analysis of specimens and for medical laboratory experiments
Conduct quality control assessment of testing techniques
May supervise and train other medical laboratory technical staff, students and helpers
May assist pathologists during autopsies.
Medical laboratory technologists may specialize in areas such as clinical chemistry, clinical microbiology, hematology, histotechnology, transfusion medicine or immunohematology, cytotechnology, cytogenetics and molecular genetics.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$52,140
$77,167
$95,938
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
Strong job outlook
British Columbia
663expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
A two- or three-year college program in medical laboratory technology is required and a period of supervised practical training may be required.
Certification by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science is usually required by employers.
Combined laboratory and X-ray technicians require completion of a combined laboratory X-ray technology program.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certification are optional to practice as Medical laboratory technologists in B.C.
- Registration with the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science
Registration with the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification. To work as a medical laboratory technologist in B.C., you may choose to register with the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science. Eligibility is achieved by completing an accredited medical laboratory program and successfully writing the CSMLS Certification Exam.
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