Aspiring medical lab technicians need to undergo a formal education and practical training to enter the world of work. Besides this, they are also expected to have some licenses and certifications for being able to work in Canada. Centennial College’s medical laboratory technician program prepares them for entry-level jobs in the industry.

1. Career Advice for Aspiring Medical Laboratory Technicians
Medical laboratory technicians typically need to undergo a post-secondary diploma program to enter
the world of work. This is the minimum requirement to seek entry level jobs in the industry. A medical
laboratory technician course is an intensive program and covers a wide selection of subjects, including
applied anatomy and physiology, transcultural health, clinical laboratory techniques, applied chemistry,
clinical data management, practical haematology and immunohaematology, microbiology, cytology and
histology, specimen collection and processing, clinical chemistry and urinalysis and lab administration
and quality management.
The program helps aspiring medical lab technician become proficient in the collection of blood
samples, the use of laboratory equipments, processing samples and testing them and performing
ECGs. By the end of the program, the students become fluent in medical terminology, gain necessary
technical skills and develop professional attitude and demeanour needed for close patient contact. The
course addresses both the theoretical and practical aspects of this profession.
Practical Training
Along with theoretical understanding, the lab technicians are also expected to possess
relevant experience in sample collection and processing and conducting tests in a real
world setting. Therefore, it is important for aspiring technicians to carefully choose a
program. Not all medical laboratory technician programs incorporate industry field
placements.
Centennial College’s one-year post-secondary program in medical laboratory technician
not only offers students hands-on laboratory but also provides them with an opportunity
to work in a real world setting through industry field placement during the term of the
program. A clinical placement is arranged for all students during the third semester
which helps put their learning into practice and gain relevant contacts that can be later
used as references.
Besides, it is a collaborative program that is taught by Centennial’s School of Community
and Health Studies and School of Engineering Technology and Applied Science, with
representatives from hospitals, private laboratories and the Ministry of Health.
To apply for this program, the individuals need to submit a secondary school diploma
certificate, and scores of English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent, Mathematics
Grade 11 M or 12 C or University or equivalent, and Biology grade 11 or 12 C or
University or equivalent.
Licenses and Certifications
Some organizations require laboratory personnel to be licensed or certified or registered, for which
they need to pass various exams. Centennial College’s program also provides students eligibility for
certification as a Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician (MLA/T) with the Ontario Society of Medical
Laboratory Technologists and the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science.
Additional Requirements
The laboratory personnel must understand how to use medical equipment flawlessly. In addition, they
are expected to be detail oriented, in order to perform the tests correctly. They must also be aware of
the correct procedures to conduct tests and handle tools and equipment in the right manner. The
technicians may also be expected to work long hours to collect and test samples. This requires them to
be physically fit.

2. Further Studies
The one year diploma program prepares aspiring lab technicians for entry level jobs only. For more
advanced career opportunities, they can consider upgrading their skills and understanding by enrolling
into higher studies programs at the university.