Information you need to know to work as a Medical Laboratory Technologist or Assistant

Who is the licensing body responsible for Medical Laboratory Technologists in Alberta?

In Alberta, you must be registered with the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Alberta (CMLTA) to practice as a Medical Laboratory Technologist. Only registered members may call themselves Medical Laboratory Technologists and have right to the title MLT. It is an offence to be employed as a Medical Laboratory Technologist without a valid practice permit or to use the title of Medical Laboratory Technologist if you are not licensed as an MLT in Alberta.

What are the licensure requirements for internationally educated Medical Laboratory Technologists?

To be registered with the CMLTA, you must complete the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process with the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) and be registered to write the CSMLS certification examination or have CSMLS certification.

For complete registration requirements, refer to the Preparing for PLA page and the Prior Learning Assessment Information Handbook & Application 2017 on the CSMLS website. The Become Certified – Internationally Educated Professionals page provides more information about the requirements and process for becoming certified as an MLT. CMLTA compares international education and experience to Canadian entry level standards through the PLA process. PLA services are provided by the CSMLS. See the Competency Profiles for more information.

Note: Before submitting your credentials to CSMLS, you are encouraged to review and complete the Medical Lab Technologists PLA Handbook and the on-line self-assessment.

Note: Read the Medical Laboratory Technology page and the MLT Examination Handbook, and complete the Application.

What are the educational requirements for Medical Laboratory Technologists in Alberta?

Licensing bodies compare international education and experience to Canadian standards. In Alberta, the following institutions offer medical laboratory programs that are at least two years in length:

• Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton
• Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary
• The Michener Institute in Toronto, Ontario offers a Medical Laboratory Science Bridging program.

You must first complete the Prior Learning Assessment process provided by CSMLS to establish eligibility to challenge the CSMLS certification exam. For complete registration requirements, refer to the Prior Learning Assessment Information Handbook & Application 2017.

The CSMLS exam is a competency based exam. The exam tests the candidate’s knowledge on the competency and also that the candidate is able to apply the knowledge to the competency. Candidates have three attempts to pass the exam. If they fail the third time, applicants need to establish their eligibility again by completing a full-time CMA approved program. Candidates are encouraged to be aware of the exam criteria, exam fees, and turnaround time for exam results. CSMLS certification exams are offered February, June, and October.

What resources and supports are available for internationally educated Medical Laboratory Technologists?

Directions for Immigrants offers a study group to assist internationally educated Medical Laboratory Technologists in preparing for the CSMLS exam required as part of the licensing process with the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science. To participate in the CSMLS Study Group you must be registered with the CSMLS and be eligible to write the CSMLS national certification examination. Visit the Study Groups page for more information on this service and eligibility criteria.

Note: This study group is not affiliated with, nor endorsed by the CSMLS.

• Calgary residents: Blended delivery of online and face to face sessions.
• Alberta residents outside Calgary: Blended delivery of online sessions and teleconference sessions.

What supports are available to support internationally educated Medical Laboratory Technologists to integrate into the Canadian labour force?

Directions for Immigrants offers workplace communication groups to help you integrate into the Canadian work environment. The Clear Communication for Health Professionals (CCHP) workplace communication group is designed to help internationally educated health care professionals fine-tune their communication skills with patients, supervisors, and colleagues. In one week, you will learn through role-play and scenarios the nuances and expectations of Canadian patients, inter-disciplinary teams, and other health care industry participants. Topics include overcoming communication barriers, professional workplace interaction/behaviour, Canadian workplace culture, conflict resolution, and teamwork. Visit Clear Communication for Health Professionals for more information.

Where can I find more information about Medical Laboratory Technologist occupations, salary information, and employment options?

• Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS)
• College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Alberta (CMLTA)

Additional Occupational Information

For more information on occupations, duties and wages, visit:

• Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) / Medical Laboratory Technologist
• Opportunity Alberta
• Occupations in Alberta