You are:
- A problem solver
- Science-minded
- Curious
- An independent worker
- Tech-savvy
- Detail oriented & meticulous
You will graduate from this two-year (2 year) program with the opportunity to find employment in hospitals or private laboratories. The Medical Laboratory Technologist’s primary role is to perform laboratory analyses and interpret clinical results, address quality management, and interact with patients.
Further to practicing your skills in our lab, this program includes two practicums totaling 11-weeks in our off-site partnered health care facilities.
Oulton College is currently registered and accredited through the Medical Laboratory Technology Program from the Health Standards Organization (HSO) and its affiliate accreditation (Accreditation Canada) through their new EQUAL Canada program.
If the health care industry interests you and you enjoy analytical inquiry, our Medical Laboratory Technology Program may be the program for you.
What is a Medical Lab Technologist?
Medical Laboratory Technologist’s primary role is to perform laboratory analyses and interpret clinical results. Lab results are generated by conducting diagnostic tests on blood, body fluids and tissues providing important information used in detecting illness and monitoring patient health and wellbeing.
What is taught during the 25 month program?
Our Medical Laboratory Technology program provides in-depth theory and hands-on practical training in:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Clinical Chemistry: detection and quantitation of blood and body fluid analyses such as hormones, proteins, electrolytes
- Hematology: the study of blood cells and blood disorders
- Transfusion medicine: transfusion of blood and blood components
- Microbiology: identification of and susceptibility patterns of microorganisms and fungi
- Histotechnology: laboratory processing of tissue for pathologist study at the cellular level
- Report Compilation: communication skills, technical writing, laboratory mathematics
- Blood & Specimen Collection: collection and analysis, processing techniques, quality management, analytical principles
What kind of real world experience can I expect?
Students receive direct hands-on experience in our modern Health Sciences Laboratory. You will complete clinical rotations through the intensive 25 month program after which you will also complete a 10-week Practicum in one of our partnered health care facilities.
What paths are open to me after I graduate?
Oulton College works hand-in-hand with leading hospitals and regional laboratories to ensure our graduates are highly skilled and prepared to enter the work force directly from their Practicum. The program is structured to meet the national competency profile for Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science. Successful students of this program are eligible to write the national certification exam.
Is this program accredited?
Oulton College in Moncton, NB has been accredited by Accreditation Canada for the Medical Laboratory Technology program (MLT), which began in February 2019. To have an accredited status means that the Medical Laboratory Technology Program at Oulton College has met rigorous national educational and industry standards. With the granting of this status, the public can be assured that the program is training students to practice safely and effectively as medical laboratory technologists throughout Canada. Successful completion of this accredited program will allow graduates to challenge the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science national examination to become certified as medical laboratory technologists in Canada. Upon certification, medical laboratory technologists can apply through provincial regulatory bodies to become eligible for work.
Term: February to February (Note: This is a two-year program)
Practicum: 9 weeks during the two-year program in addition to clinical rotations throughout the program.
You Will Learn:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Safety & Infection Control
- Basic Laboratory Procedures
- Specimen Processing and Procurement
- Laboratory Mathematics
- Analytical Principles
- Communications & Professionalism
- Quality System Essentials
- Clinical Chemistry
- Hematology
- Transfusion Medicine
- Microbiology
- Histotechnology
- Technical Writing and Research
Admissions Requirements:
- Grade 12 Diploma, Adult Diploma or GED
- Grade 11 or 12 Biology* with a minimum average of 65%
- Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry* with a minimum average of 65%
- Grade 11 or 12 Academic Math* with a minimum average of 65%
- Grade 11 or 12 English* with a minimum average of 65%
- Credits from university are considered assets
- Meeting with an Admissions Advisor
- Completion of the pre-admissions Aptitude Test
- Completion of a Faculty Interview
- Acceptance by the Admissions Committee
- Completion of the Post-Admissions Package
- Geographical quotas may apply.
*Level II or University Preparatory courses are required based on New Brunswick Anglophone High School Curriculum. For other provincial or international requirements please contact us directly.
Unless they have completed a minimum of three years of study at a school where English is the language of instruction, international students whose first language is not English must submit proof of English language proficiency. Please see the international application process here.
- IELTS – 6.0, with no individual score lower than 5.5
- TOEFL (IBT) – 80, with no individual score lower than 18
- Duolinguo – minimum score of 90 with no subject test score less than 90
- Cambridge English – minimum score of 169
- CAEL – minimum score of 60
- Pearson Test of English – minimum score of 55
- MELAB – minimum score of 80
Admissions Requirements – French School System
- Diplôme grade 12, diplôme adulte ou GED
- Rencontre avec un Admission Advisor
- Anglais 311 ou 411 ou 421 avec un minimum de 65%
- 2 sciences : biologie (411 ou 421) et chimie (311 ou 411) avec un minimum de 65%
- Math 311B ou 321B avec un minimum de 65%
- Test Pré-Admission
- Entrevue de Faculté
- Crédits de l’université considérés des atouts
- Des quotas géographiques peuvent être considérés
Oulton College is happy to bring you Academic Upgrading Program to help you achieve your dream of a career in the health sciences field. Upgrading in Math, Biology, Chemistry, and English is available to help get you into a rewarding career like Practical Nurse, Primary Care Paramedic, Dental Assistant, Medical Laboratory Assistant, Medical Laboratory Technology, Optician, Veterinary Technician or Veterinary Assistant.
Course Descriptions
Anatomy & Physiology
The student will learn the different body systems, structure and function of the major organs, pathophysiology of common diseases and conditions within each system. This course will provide the foundation for subsequent courses in microanatomy, histology, transfusion science, hematology and clinical chemistry. The student will become familiar with clinical procedures, laboratory tests and abbreviations related to each system and other specialized areas of medicine.
Safety & Infection Control
The student will review and develop a working knowledge of safety and infection control protocols in the laboratory environment:
- Routine Practices
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Utilization of safety devices
- WHMIS
- Spill containment and clean up procedures
- Incident reporting
- Occupational health and safety guidelines
- Infection Control
- Appropriate methods for disinfection and sterilization
Basic Laboratory Procedures
This course will provide the student with knowledge of labware, microscopy, basic laboratory instrumentation, reagent preparation, and basic laboratory procedures. Proper use, safety and maintenance will be emphasized.
Specimen Processing and Procurement
Students will learn how to safely collect blood samples from patients for routine and specialized collection methods. They will also learn procedures in handling, transporting, processing, and storing laboratory specimens. Laboratory information systems are covered, as well as an introduction to various laboratory departments.
Laboratory Mathematics
Students will learn the mathematics used in a medical laboratory environment including:
- Mathematical essentials
- Measurement systems and conversion procedures
- Dilutions, solutions, and concentrations
- Charts, tables, and graphs
- Introductory statistics
Analytical Principles
Students will learn about analytical principles used in the analysis of laboratory specimens in clinical laboratories. Students will learn about various analytical techniques including spectrophotometry, electrochemistry, chromatography, electrophoresis, and immunoassays.
Communications & Professionalism
This course will discuss skills in effective communication and key aspects of professionalism that impact client care. The student will learn strategies in dealing with conflict, change management and critical thinking. Ethical and legal requirements, scope of practice and professional development will be discussed as important factors in the professional practice of the medical laboratory technologist.
Quality System Essentials
Students will learn about all aspects of quality management in laboratory practices. There will be an emphasis on quality control techniques, quality policies, planning and quality assurance. Students will also learn the importance of quality management processes in ensuring patient safety and accuracy of test results.
Hematology
Students will study blood cell lines in bone marrow, peripheral blood and other body fluids. Students will learn to differentiate normal and abnormal blood cells and study the concepts of coagulation and
hemostasis. Students will learn to recognize abnormalities and link them to diseases such as: leukemia, anemia and thrombocytosis.
Transfusion Medicine
Students will learn about immunity, the major blood group systems and explain the significance of these in transfusion medicine. Pre-transfusion testing such as ABO/Rh typing, antibody screening, blood products and compatibility testing will be studied.
Microbiology
Students will learn how to identify clinically significant microorganisms in specimens taken from the human body including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungus. Emphasis will be placed on isolating and identifying disease-causing microorganisms. Students will also learn how to screen and confirm microorganism resistance and susceptibility to antibiotics.
Histotechnology
Students will learn the principles and practices of preserving and preparing clinical specimens for histological and microscopic examination. Students will learn special staining techniques for identification of microanatomy of body tissues and their components.
Research and Technical Writing
This course will introduce students to basic research and technical writing as it applies to Medical Laboratory Science. Students will consider the progression of ethical standards in medical research. Students will use various medical journals to track the development and progression of clinical methodology. Students will be responsible for completing their own research proposal.
Board Exam Prep
At the end of their second year, students will complete an intensive exam preparation course to help identify and address strengths and weaknesses ahead of the board certification exam.
Practicum
The student who meets all the work term criteria will be placed in a health care facility for a 2-week and a 9-week practicum session. Specific objectives in all aspects of program and national competencies must be met before progressing to this module. Successful completion is mandatory for graduation from the program.
Cost Breakdown
Please refer to your contract for the detailed cost/ tuition breakdown. Costs vary by year, so please ensure you are referring to the correct dates.
Most Medical Laboratory Technologists work in hospitals and private clinics/labs.
Other types of employment:
- Hospital
- Private clinics/labs
- Community Health Centers
- Canadian Blood Services
- Industrial laboratory/quality assurance
- Pharmaceutical and biological sector
- Research Laboratories
- Laboratory equipment sales representative/technical support
- Educational institutions
You are:
- A problem solver
- Science-minded
- Curious
- An independent worker
- Tech-savvy
- Detail oriented & meticulous
You will graduate from this two-year (2 year) program with the opportunity to find employment in hospitals or private laboratories. The Medical Laboratory Technologist’s primary role is to perform laboratory analyses and interpret clinical results, address quality management, and interact with patients.
Further to practicing your skills in our lab, this program includes two practicums totaling 11-weeks in our off-site partnered health care facilities.
Oulton College is currently registered and accredited through the Medical Laboratory Technology Program from the Health Standards Organization (HSO) and its affiliate accreditation (Accreditation Canada) through their new EQUAL Canada program.
If the health care industry interests you and you enjoy analytical inquiry, our Medical Laboratory Technology Program may be the program for you.
What is a Medical Lab Technologist?
Medical Laboratory Technologist’s primary role is to perform laboratory analyses and interpret clinical results. Lab results are generated by conducting diagnostic tests on blood, body fluids and tissues providing important information used in detecting illness and monitoring patient health and wellbeing.
What is taught during the 25 month program?
Our Medical Laboratory Technology program provides in-depth theory and hands-on practical training in:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Clinical Chemistry: detection and quantitation of blood and body fluid analyses such as hormones, proteins, electrolytes
- Hematology: the study of blood cells and blood disorders
- Transfusion medicine: transfusion of blood and blood components
- Microbiology: identification of and susceptibility patterns of microorganisms and fungi
- Histotechnology: laboratory processing of tissue for pathologist study at the cellular level
- Report Compilation: communication skills, technical writing, laboratory mathematics
- Blood & Specimen Collection: collection and analysis, processing techniques, quality management, analytical principles
What kind of real world experience can I expect?
Students receive direct hands-on experience in our modern Health Sciences Laboratory. You will complete clinical rotations through the intensive 25 month program after which you will also complete a 10-week Practicum in one of our partnered health care facilities.
What paths are open to me after I graduate?
Oulton College works hand-in-hand with leading hospitals and regional laboratories to ensure our graduates are highly skilled and prepared to enter the work force directly from their Practicum. The program is structured to meet the national competency profile for Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science. Successful students of this program are eligible to write the national certification exam.
Is this program accredited?
Oulton College in Moncton, NB has been accredited by Accreditation Canada for the Medical Laboratory Technology program (MLT), which began in February 2019. To have an accredited status means that the Medical Laboratory Technology Program at Oulton College has met rigorous national educational and industry standards. With the granting of this status, the public can be assured that the program is training students to practice safely and effectively as medical laboratory technologists throughout Canada. Successful completion of this accredited program will allow graduates to challenge the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science national examination to become certified as medical laboratory technologists in Canada. Upon certification, medical laboratory technologists can apply through provincial regulatory bodies to become eligible for work.
Term: February to February (Note: This is a two-year program)
Practicum: 9 weeks during the two-year program in addition to clinical rotations throughout the program.
You Will Learn:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Safety & Infection Control
- Basic Laboratory Procedures
- Specimen Processing and Procurement
- Laboratory Mathematics
- Analytical Principles
- Communications & Professionalism
- Quality System Essentials
- Clinical Chemistry
- Hematology
- Transfusion Medicine
- Microbiology
- Histotechnology
- Technical Writing and Research
Admissions Requirements:
- Grade 12 Diploma, Adult Diploma or GED
- Grade 11 or 12 Biology* with a minimum average of 65%
- Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry* with a minimum average of 65%
- Grade 11 or 12 Academic Math* with a minimum average of 65%
- Grade 11 or 12 English* with a minimum average of 65%
- Credits from university are considered assets
- Meeting with an Admissions Advisor
- Completion of the pre-admissions Aptitude Test
- Completion of a Faculty Interview
- Acceptance by the Admissions Committee
- Completion of the Post-Admissions Package
- Geographical quotas may apply.
*Level II or University Preparatory courses are required based on New Brunswick Anglophone High School Curriculum. For other provincial or international requirements please contact us directly.
Unless they have completed a minimum of three years of study at a school where English is the language of instruction, international students whose first language is not English must submit proof of English language proficiency. Please see the international application process here.
- IELTS – 6.0, with no individual score lower than 5.5
- TOEFL (IBT) – 80, with no individual score lower than 18
- Duolinguo – minimum score of 90 with no subject test score less than 90
- Cambridge English – minimum score of 169
- CAEL – minimum score of 60
- Pearson Test of English – minimum score of 55
- MELAB – minimum score of 80
Admissions Requirements – French School System
- Diplôme grade 12, diplôme adulte ou GED
- Rencontre avec un Admission Advisor
- Anglais 311 ou 411 ou 421 avec un minimum de 65%
- 2 sciences : biologie (411 ou 421) et chimie (311 ou 411) avec un minimum de 65%
- Math 311B ou 321B avec un minimum de 65%
- Test Pré-Admission
- Entrevue de Faculté
- Crédits de l’université considérés des atouts
- Des quotas géographiques peuvent être considérés.
Oulton College is happy to bring you Academic Upgrading Program to help you achieve your dream of a career in the health sciences field. Upgrading in Math, Biology, Chemistry, and English is available to help get you into a rewarding career like Practical Nurse, Primary Care Paramedic, Dental Assistant, Medical Laboratory Assistant, Medical Laboratory Technology, Optician, Veterinary Technician or Veterinary Assistant.
Course Descriptions
Anatomy & Physiology
The student will learn the different body systems, structure and function of the major organs, pathophysiology of common diseases and conditions within each system. This course will provide the foundation for subsequent courses in microanatomy, histology, transfusion science, hematology and clinical chemistry. The student will become familiar with clinical procedures, laboratory tests and abbreviations related to each system and other specialized areas of medicine.
Safety & Infection Control
The student will review and develop a working knowledge of safety and infection control protocols in the laboratory environment:
- Routine Practices
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Utilization of safety devices
- WHMIS
- Spill containment and clean up procedures
- Incident reporting
- Occupational health and safety guidelines
- Infection Control
- Appropriate methods for disinfection and sterilization
Basic Laboratory Procedures
This course will provide the student with knowledge of labware, microscopy, basic laboratory instrumentation, reagent preparation, and basic laboratory procedures. Proper use, safety and maintenance will be emphasized.
Specimen Processing and Procurement
Students will learn how to safely collect blood samples from patients for routine and specialized collection methods. They will also learn procedures in handling, transporting, processing, and storing laboratory specimens. Laboratory information systems are covered, as well as an introduction to various laboratory departments.
Laboratory Mathematics
Students will learn the mathematics used in a medical laboratory environment including:
- Mathematical essentials
- Measurement systems and conversion procedures
- Dilutions, solutions, and concentrations
- Charts, tables, and graphs
- Introductory statistics
Analytical Principles
Students will learn about analytical principles used in the analysis of laboratory specimens in clinical laboratories. Students will learn about various analytical techniques including spectrophotometry, electrochemistry, chromatography, electrophoresis, and immunoassays.
Communications & Professionalism
This course will discuss skills in effective communication and key aspects of professionalism that impact client care. The student will learn strategies in dealing with conflict, change management and critical thinking. Ethical and legal requirements, scope of practice and professional development will be discussed as important factors in the professional practice of the medical laboratory technologist.
Quality System Essentials
Students will learn about all aspects of quality management in laboratory practices. There will be an emphasis on quality control techniques, quality policies, planning and quality assurance. Students will also learn the importance of quality management processes in ensuring patient safety and accuracy of test results.
Hematology
Students will study blood cell lines in bone marrow, peripheral blood and other body fluids. Students will learn to differentiate normal and abnormal blood cells and study the concepts of coagulation and
hemostasis. Students will learn to recognize abnormalities and link them to diseases such as: leukemia, anemia and thrombocytosis.
Transfusion Medicine
Students will learn about immunity, the major blood group systems and explain the significance of these in transfusion medicine. Pre-transfusion testing such as ABO/Rh typing, antibody screening, blood products and compatibility testing will be studied.
Microbiology
Students will learn how to identify clinically significant microorganisms in specimens taken from the human body including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungus. Emphasis will be placed on isolating and identifying disease-causing microorganisms. Students will also learn how to screen and confirm microorganism resistance and susceptibility to antibiotics.
Histotechnology
Students will learn the principles and practices of preserving and preparing clinical specimens for histological and microscopic examination. Students will learn special staining techniques for identification of microanatomy of body tissues and their components.
Research and Technical Writing
This course will introduce students to basic research and technical writing as it applies to Medical Laboratory Science. Students will consider the progression of ethical standards in medical research. Students will use various medical journals to track the development and progression of clinical methodology. Students will be responsible for completing their own research proposal.
Board Exam Prep
At the end of their second year, students will complete an intensive exam preparation course to help identify and address strengths and weaknesses ahead of the board certification exam.
Practicum
The student who meets all the work term criteria will be placed in a health care facility for a 2-week and a 9-week practicum session. Specific objectives in all aspects of program and national competencies must be met before progressing to this module. Successful completion is mandatory for graduation from the program.
Cost Breakdown
Please refer to your contract for the detailed cost/ tuition breakdown. Costs vary by year, so please ensure you are referring to the correct dates.
Most Medical Laboratory Technologists work in hospitals and private clinics/labs.
Other types of employment:
- Hospital
- Private clinics/labs
- Community Health Centers
- Canadian Blood Services
- Industrial laboratory/quality assurance
- Pharmaceutical and biological sector
- Research Laboratories
- Laboratory equipment sales representative/technical support
- Educational institutions
