Medical Laboratory Technology Science Diploma

Diploma
TYPE:
  • Full Time
LENGTH: 2+
CAMPUS: Prince George
FEES: Starting at $3,100 per semester
START DATE: Spring 2024
DELIVERY:
  • In Class
  • Overview
  • Courses
  • Location & Dates
  • Entry Requirements
  • Fees

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 knowledge, skills and abilities 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 the testing results based on a quality assurance system

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

    
COURSE CODE COURSE TITLE CREDITS LENGTH
MLTS-101 Medical Terminology 1 17 weeks
MLTS-110 Microbiol & Infect Prevention 4 17 weeks
MLTS-112 Intro to Laboratory Medicine 3 17 weeks
MLTS-114 Anatomy & Physiology 4 17 weeks
MLTS-116 Quality Systems 3 17 weeks
MLTS-122 Principles of Lab. Analysis 3 17 weeks

Term 2: Required Courses

    
COURSE CODE COURSE TITLE CREDITS LENGTH
MLTS-131 Histotechnology 1 2 17 weeks
MLTS-143 Microbiology II 3 17 weeks
MLTS-158 Introduction to Hematology 3 17 weeks
MLTS-164 Clinical Chemistry I 3 17 weeks
MLTS-176 Molecular Diagnostics 2 17 weeks
MLTS-181 Transfusion Medicine I 3 17 weeks

Term 3: Required Courses

COURSE CODE COURSE TITLE CREDITS LENGTH
MLTS-136 Histotechnology Principles II 3 17 weeks
MLTS-144 Microbiology III 3 17 weeks
MLTS-161 Hematopathology 3 17 weeks
MLTS-168 Clinical Chemistry II 3 17 weeks
MLTS-182 Transfusion Medicine II 3 17 weeks
MLTS-195 Practicum Preparation 0 17 weeks

Practicum: Required Courses

COURSE CODE COURSE TITLE CREDITS LENGTH
MLTS-238P Histotechnology Practicum 0 39 weeks
MLTS-248 Microbiology Practicum 9 39 weeks
MLTS-264 Hematology Practicum 7 39 weeks
MLTS-268 Clinical Chemistry Practicum 7 39 weeks
MLTS-270P Specimen Collection Practicum 0 39 weeks
MLTS-288 Transfusion Medicine Practicum 4 39 weeks

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 2024 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 is $3,100. Off campus placement is $10,597

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.

Paying for college

Not all segments of this program are eligible for student loans. Students need to begin financial planning early

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.

Recruitment and Retention Bursary

 

As a student enrolled in the Medical Laboratory Technology Science Diploma you may be eligible for the recruitment and retention bursary. This bursary is awarded to first and second year students for a grand total of up to $4000 ($2000 per year).

How do I apply?

This bursary does not require an application and will be distributed as a tuition credit.

Do I qualify?

You may qualify for the bursary if you:

  • are a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident;
  • do not have your tuition already being paid by a third party (employer, other government programs, etc,);
  • have student loans.

Salaries and employment

Looking for a job? Check the student employment opportunities board