| Field of Study: | Genetics, General
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
Science, Technology and Society
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| Description: | Genetics Technologists are Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs) health professionals. They perform laboratory analyses, which are used to diagnose and treat patients, as well as monitor and prevent disease. Genetics technologists operate a variety of instrumentation. They must have good motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and manual dexterity. In addition to technical skills, they must have a strong attention to detail, in order to detect subtle changes to the microscopic appearance of chromosomes. Genetics Technologists must also evaluate the validity of the results they obtain, which requires analytical and critical thinking. Genetics Technologists work in a dynamic laboratory environment, working both independently and as a member of a team. They must be organized, able to manage time efficiently, accurate at transcribing information, and able to communicate professionally with other members of the health care team.
Genetics Technology is a 16-month program. The program begins with two semesters of lectures and labs, followed by an 8 week semester of clinical simulation at the Michener Institute before proceeding to a 22-week semester of hospital-based clinical education in Clinical Cytogenetics and Clinical Molecular Genetics. There are 4 online courses taken over the 16-month study period. The program duration is equivalent to 4 academic semesters, but is run continuously with no summer break. Graduates receive Michener's Graduate Diploma in Genetics Technology and are eligible to write the Clinical Genetics national certification examination conducted by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS); successful completion qualifies you to seek employment across Canada. |