Overview
Are you a detail and accuracy-oriented individual looking for a career in the health care sector? Become a Medical Laboratory Technologist by enrolling in this two and a half year program.
As a medical laboratory technologist, you will be part of a team of clinical heath care professionals. In this program, you will learn to perform a variety of specialized tests using high-tech equipment that assists physicians in diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease in patients.
What you will learn
Upon completion of this program, you will have the specialized knowledge and skill to confidently perform the following duties:
- Draw blood samples from patients
- Prepare a wide variety of sample types for analysis such as blood, body fluids, tissue samples and culture swabs
- Perform the requested testing procedures using a range of testing techniques. Examples: use an automated analyzer to perform chemical measurements; identify cells and bacteria visually using a microscope
- Interpret and validate test results based on a quality assurance system
- Uphold the ethics and standards of the profession while delivering safe, responsible and culturally aware care
- Interact effectively with other healthcare professionals
Skill development is achieved through a combination of classroom and lab activities as well as an extensive hospital practicum placement.
Completion of the MLTS program ensures you meet the professional competency requirements of the Canadian Alliance for Medical Laboratory Professionals Regulators. It enables you to write the national certification exam for medical laboratory professionals in the following fields of practice: hematology, chemistry, microbiology, transfusion medicine and histology.
Career Paths
Upon completion of this program, you will be able to work in a lab setting in a variety of fields. These fields include:
- Anatomical Pathology
- Clinical Chemistry
- Hematology
- Microbiology
- Transfusion Medicine
Learning Experience at CNC
This program is comprised of three semesters and then a 39-week clinical practicum, where you will work on site for your program.
Semester 1
Learn some foundations about medical terminology, laboratory medicine, anatomy, and the essentials to start your career path.
Semester 2
Explore more topics that will build upon the first semester, such as hematology and clinical chemistry. These skills will set you up for work in a clinical environment.
Semester 3
Explore more advanced topics in the main lab fields, such as microbiology and clinical chemistry and prepare for your practicum.
Practicum
During your practicum, you will take the skills you learned throughout your first three semesters and put them into practice. You will be assigned to a hospital in B.C., gaining real-world experience as you learn from the medical laboratory staff.
Practicum Placement
CNC arranges clinical placements for each student. Clinical placements are located across B.C. at accredited medical laboratories in:
- Northern Health
- Interior Health
- Vancouver Island Health
Clinical placement site assignment is done through an automated matching program. You may rank sites based on preference, however, there is no guarantee that you will receive a clinical site assignment from your list of preferred sites. Therefore, be prepared to attend a clinical practicum anywhere in B.C.
Some sites require travel to a secondary site to complete all required clinical rotations.
Placements will be made based on site capacity and placement requests received. You may be scheduled for days, evenings, or night shifts, as determined by the clinical site.
All travel and accommodation costs are the responsibility of the student.
Post-Graduation
After graduating from the program, you are eligible to take the national certification exam. For more information on the complete exam bundle (hematology, chemistry, microbiology, histology, and transfusion medicine) cost and how to take it, visit the Canadian Alliance of Medical Professionals Regulators (CAMLPR) website.
Medical Laboratory Technology Science Diploma Courses
As a medical laboratory technologist, you'll perform a variety of specialized tests using high-tech instrumentation to help medical practitioners diagnose, treat, and prevent disease. Professional responsibilities include collecting and preparing specimens for analysis; testing blood, body fluids, tissue samples; and interpreting results. You'll work independently, but as an important part of the health-care team. Educational opportunities include a PostDiploma Bachelor of Science in Medical Lab Technology a Bachelor of Health Sciences. Post-diploma professional development is also offered locally, provincially, and nationally. CNC's Medical Laboratory Technology Science Diploma program is fully accredited. After graduating, you'll be eligible to write the CSMLS national examination to become professionally certified, which qualifies you to work as a medical laboratory technologist anywhere in Canada.
Term 1: Required Courses
Term 2: Required Courses
Term 3: Required Courses
Practicum: Required Courses
Locations & Dates
CNC programs have varying lengths and start dates to meet your needs, and are offered across multiple campuses where possible. Don’t see the campus you’re looking for? Check back with us soon as this page is updated throughout the school year.
| START DATE |
CAMPUS |
DELIVERY |
LENGTH |
| Spring 2026 |
Prince George |
In Class |
2 years |
| Spring 2027 |
Prince George |
In Class |
2 years |
Entry Requirements
- High school graduation or equivalent
- The following courses, completed with an average GPA of 3.0 ("B") with no grade
lower than a "C":
- Anatomy and Physiology 12, or BIO 050, or equivalent
- Chemistry 12, or CHEM 050, or equivalent
- English Studies 12, or English First Peoples 12, or ENGL 050, or ENGL 051, or
equivalent
- Foundations of Math 12, or equivalent
English Language Proficiency requirements
Candidates whose first language is not
English must meet the English requirements and provide proof of English language
proficiency through one of the following:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) score of 88 with no section
below 20, within the last two years, OR
- International English Language Testing System-Academic (IELTS Academic)
score of 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, taken within the last two years,
OR,
- Successful completion of six credits of post-secondary English studies at a
recognized college or university in an English-speaking country.
Need help meeting these requirements? Check out our Academic Upgrading options.
Limited admission
If there is room in the program, you will be accepted once you have met all the admission
requirements. This is called “first qualified, first accepted.” If you qualify after the program is
full, you will be put on a wait list.
Self-identified Canadian Aboriginal applicants meeting the admission requirements will be
given priority for 20% of seats in the program until the institutionally recognized release
date.
Program Requirements
Completed acceptance package must be submitted by the date indicated in the package.
Incomplete certifications and documentation will prevent students from entering clinical
practice placements. Practicum is required for graduation. All certifications must remain
valid throughout the program.
- Career investigation
- Participate in an MLTS program information session
- Proof of immunization status as outlined by the BC Centre for Disease Control and as
outlined in the Practice Education
- Criminal Record Check (RCMP criminal record checks are not accepted)
Students must complete a provincial Schedule B criminal record search because there is a
practicum component involving work with vulnerable people. A search which identifies
relevant criminal convictions may prevent students from registering for practicum. To
graduate from the MLTS program, each practicum must be successfully completed.
Note 1: All costs associated with certifications, courses and/or documentation requirements
are the student’s responsibility.
Note 2: May be required to travel for practicum placements.
Invest in your future
The MLTS program includes a clinical practicum at sites across British Columbia and the Northwest Territories. The costs for travel and accommodation for clinical placements are the responsibility of the student.
The estimated cost per semester $3625. Off campus placement is $12,559.
These costs are an estimate. Student fees vary by campus. Check the fee schedule for more details.
Books for this program can be purchased from the bookstore.
Miscellaneous items required for the laboratory activities include:
- White lab coat
- Safety glasses
- Non-skid, fluid impermeable footwear
Also recommended is a tablet or laptop to facilitate participation in classroom activities.
Paying for college
Financial planning is an important aspect of preparation for the program and MLTS applicants should be aware of the financial considerations of participation. The workload is heavy, leaving little opportunity for outside work while being a student in the program.
Please review these important considerations:
- The MLTS program includes a 39-week clinical practicum in second year.
- The MLTS program has clinical sites across BC – this includes Northern Health, Interior Health and the Vancouver Island Health authorities. Most sites require travel to a secondary site to complete all required practicum rotations.
- Students must be prepared to attend a clinical practicum anywhere in BC.
- Students must pay for their own travel and living expenses during clinical practicums.
- Clinical practicums are not paid positions.
- The program is eligible for student loans - you can also investigate other financial options, such as student lines of credits at various banking institutions, if necessary.
We're here to help. You can apply for scholarships and bursaries through CNC. We can also help you find loans and other funding. Visit Financial aid to find out how.
Salaries and employment
Looking for a job? Check the student employment opportunities board.