Job requirements Medical Laboratory Technologist in Canada

Find out what you typically need to work as a medical laboratory technologist in Canada. These requirements are applicable to all Medical laboratory technologists (NOC 32120).

Employment requirements

This is what you typically need for the job.

  • A two- or three-year college program in medical laboratory technology is required and a period of supervised practical training may be required.
  • Registration with a regulatory body is required in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.
  • 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.
  • Some employers may require a university science degree for specialized medical laboratory technologists.

Source National Occupational Classification

Professional certification and licensing

You might need to get a certification and/or license from a regulatory authority (or become registered as an apprentice) before you start working. Find out if this occupation is regulated and contact the regulatory authority to learn about the certification and/or licensing process.

Get your foreign credentials recognized in Canada

If you are a newcomer and want to work in a regulated job, you must have your training, education or work experience from another country assessed. This shows if your qualifications are recognized in Canada. This process is called foreign credential recognition.

The steps to get a license or certification are different in each province or territory. You will need to contact the regulatory authority where you want to work to learn what to do.

Did you know?

Getting your qualifications recognized and obtaining a professional license or certification in Canada can take time, money, and effort. If you need help, you can:

Alberta

Job title Combined Laboratory And X-Ray Technologists
Job title Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLT)

Manitoba

Job title Medical Laboratory Technologist

New Brunswick

Job title Medical Laboratory Technologist

Newfoundland and Labrador

Job title Medical Laboratory Technologist

Nova Scotia

Job title Medical Laboratory Technologist

Ontario

Job title Medical Laboratory Technologist

Prince Edward Island

Job title Medical Laboratory Technologists
Regulated

Québec

Job title Medical Technologist

Source Foreign Credential Recognition Program - ESDC

Do you want to work in another province or territory?

If you are already certified to work in a regulated occupation in your province or territory, it will be easier for you to have your certification recognized in another province or territory. See the Workers Mobility's website to learn more.

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