Medical laboratory technologists (MLT) carry out laboratory tests that help health professionals diagnose and treat patients. Most MLTs in Canada work in private medical clinics, public health clinics, hospitals, blood transfusion service laboratories or government labs. Upon completion of an MLT program in British Columbia, the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS), the national body that certifies MLTs, administers the certification exam.
Types of Medical Laboratory Technologist Programs
To become a medical laboratory technologist in British Columbia, individuals must have completed a program accredited by the Canadian Medical Association. There are three types of medical laboratory technologist programs available in Canada. There is the General MLT program and then areas of certified specialization, which are the Diagnostic Cytology program and the Clinical Genetics program. All three are available in British Columbia.
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)
The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) offers both the General Medical Laboratory Technologist and Clinical Genetics programs at its Burnaby campus.
The General MLT program is 2.5 years in length and provides a combination of practical, theoretical and clinical training. The cost of tuition is more than $12,000 and does not include the cost of clinical fees.
The area of clinical genetics involves the detailed analysis of the human genome. To be admitted into the Clinical Genetics program at BCIT, prospective students must hold a Bachelor of Science degree in cell biology with a major in genetics. The program is 13.5 months in length and preference is given to students who have a minor in cytogenetics, molecular genetics or human genetics. Fees for the Clinical Genetics program are approximately $7,500.
College of New Caledonia
The College of New Caledonia in Prince George also offers the General Medical Laboratory Technologist program. The program length is 2.5 years, one of which is a practicum with the college guaranteeing placement within British Columbia. Tuition fees for the entire program are $15,926.
British Columbia Cancer Agency
The British Columbia Cancer Agency in Vancouver offers the Diagnostic Cytology program. A cytotechnologist is responsible for the microscopic examination of different specimens on slides. The Diagnostic Cytology program is 23 months in length, and tuition is approximately $4,500.
Tags: British Columbia, Clinical Genetics program, Cytology program, Diagnostic Cytology, Diagnostic Cytology program, Laboratory Technologist, Medical Laboratory Technologist
