Medical Laboratory Sciences
In order to practice medical laboratory sciences in Canada, you must successfully pass the Certification Exam offered by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) and apply for registration with the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO).
If you have not already done so, please review general requirements on the CSMLS website under "International Technologists".
Practicing in Ontario
Four Steps to the National Certification Examination
- Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
- Access & Options Program Application & Assessment
- Individualized Program Design & Completion
- Certification Examination
Step 1 - Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) will evaluate your academic/education qualifications and your past medical laboratory technology training and experience. When completed, the CSMLS will issue you a PLA assessment report. If deemed equivalent to a graduate of a Canadian program, you are eligible to enroll in courses offered through Access & Options that will help prepare you to challenge the certification examination. If upgrading is required in order to be deemed equivalent to a graduate of a Canadian program, contact A & O to discuss refresher courses offered by Michener’s Centre for Continuing Professional Education.
Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS)
P. O. Box 2830, LCD 1
Hamilton, ON L8N 3N8
Phone: 905 528-8642 x24
Fax: 905 528-4968
E-mail: pla@csmls.org
Web: www.csmls.org
Step 2 - Complete an A&O Program Application & Book Appointment
Admission Requirements
- Permanent Resident (Landed immigrant or Canadian citizen)
- PLA Report from CSMLS
- Completion of an A & O assessment:
- Profession specific knowledge
- English Language proficiency
Office of ACCESS & OPTIONS for International Health Professionals
The Michener Institute
222 St. Patrick Street
Toronto, ON M5T 1V4
Phone: 416 596-3101 ext 3219
Fax: 416 596-3114
E-mail: access@michener.caAppointments must be made in advance by calling the above number or by sending an email. (No drop-ins please)
Complete an application form and submit copies of the following documents to the address above:
- Record of Landing or Permanent Resident Card
- CSMLS PLA report, and
- Recent resume
Step 3 - Individualized Program Design and Completion
The Michener Institute’s Office of ACCESS & OPTIONS will contact you and, based on your CSMLS PLA and your A&O assessment, a program will be developed to help you prepare to write the national certification examination.
Program Length
The program length varies since the course combination is tailored to your individual needs.
Tuition
Tuition is charged and paid for on a course by course basis.
The Michener Institute’s Office of ACCESS & OPTIONS offers courses and support in the following areas:
- Language
- The Canadian Health Care System
- Preparing to write a competency based certification examination
- Medical Laboratory Science Review
- Medical Laboratory Science Clinical Experience
The table below outlines the courses offered in the Medical Laboratory Technology Program. For details on these courses, please click on the course code below.
Code |
Course Title |
Medical Laboratory Science Assessment |
|
Medical Laboratory Science Exam Review |
|
Preparation for Practice in Canadian Healthcare |
|
Medical Laboratory Science Program Review |
|
Medical Laboratory Technology Simulated Clinical Experience-Transfusion Science |
|
Medical Laboratory Technology Simulated Clinical Experience-Clinical Chemistry |
|
Medical Laboratory Technology Simulated Clinical Experience-Hematology |
|
Medical Laboratory Technology Simulated Clinical Experience- Microbiology |
|
Medical Laboratory Technology Simulated Clinical Experience-Histotechnology |
Courses are offered at the The Michener Institute.
Step 4 - Write the Certification Examination
Write the CSMLS national certification examination. Successful completion of the examination enables you to apply for registration with the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO) which will allow you to practice as a Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) in Ontario.
Provincial Regulatory and Professional Associations
| Province/Territory | Professional Association/Regulatory Body Website |
| British Columbia | BC Society of Laboratory Science (BCSLS) |
| Alberta | Alberta College of Medical Laboratory Technologists (ACMLT) |
| Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists (SSMLT) |
| Manitoba | Manitoba Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists (MSMLT) |
| Ontario | Ontario Society of Medical Technologists (OSMT) College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO) |
| Quebec | Ordre professionnel des technologistes médicaux du Québec (OPTMQ) |
| New Brunswick | New Brunswick Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists (NBSMLT) |
| Prince Edward Island | Prince Edward Island Society of Medical Technologists (PEISMT) |
| Nova Scotia | Nova Scotia College of Medical Laboratory Technologists. (NSCMLT) |
| Newfoundland | Newfoundland and Labrador Society of Laboratory Technologists (NLSLT) |