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Medical Laboratory Technician

Post-Secondary Programs
Credential Earned: College Certificate (1 Year)
Campus: Timmins
Program Length: 3 Semesters

Program Codes
H150 (PC) – Timmins Campus

The entire healthcare system depends on your results

Northern’s Medical Laboratory Technician diploma will set you up with the knowledge and expertise you need to take charge of the lab. Along with an overview of applied anatomy, physiology, microbiology and chemistry, you’ll learn specimen collection and processing. You’ll master the various tests and equipment used to measure vital signs. You’ll develop the professional bedside manner that’s so critical for close patient contact.

Students should be aware that working in a Medical Lab setting will result in exposure to potentially challenging environments, such as patient contact and trauma, mental health issues and challenging family dynamics in an emergency setting. Graduates must be capable of managing this work-related stress as a part of their daily duties.

Thanks to comprehensive simulations in our state-of-the-art medical lab, you’ll get all the practice you need. Plus, you’ll get experience at various local laboratories as part of your placement. It all adds up to a smooth transition to the workplace, and a rewarding career in a hospital, research lab, private or public clinic, and beyond.

The Medical Laboratory Technician program provides students with the knowledge and skills to enable them to work in a medical laboratory. Students will receive education and training in specimen collection and processing, the administration of ECG’s, set up of Holter monitors, and the use of laboratory equipment while developing the professional attitude and demeanor needed for close patient contact. Students should be aware that working in a Medical Lab setting will result in exposure to potentially challenging environments, such as patient contact/trauma, mental health issues and challenging family dynamics in an emergency setting. Graduates must be capable of managing this work-related stress as part of their daily duties.

Students will have the opportunity to perform a variety of lab functions both within the simulated on site medical laboratory and during clinical practicums within both community and hospital laboratories. Upon successful completion of all courses outlined in the program of study, students are eligible to write the Examination for Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician with the MLPAO.

This program is currently applying to Accreditation Canada/Equal to pursue accreditation status.  Equal is Accreditation Canada’s specialized health professional education accreditation program that helps health professions and their higher education institutions and programs deliver quality education to the future workforce.  For more information on how this process relates to your future working as a Med Lab Technician, please contact the Program Coordinator, Violet Jewitt at jewittv@northern.on.ca.

Career Opportunities
Employment opportunities exist with hospitals, private/public health laboratories, clinics, veterinary laboratories, research labs and commercial diagnostic supply companies.

 

Contact Information

Violet Jewitt
Program Coordinator
Tel: 705-235-3211 ext. 2187
Email: jewittv@northern.on.ca

Admission Requirements

Program Specific Requirements

Medical Laboratory Technician Clinical Requirements

 

General Admission Requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
  • Grade 12 English (C,U)
  • Grade 11 Math (C, M or U)
  • Grade 11 or 12 Biology (C or U)
  • Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry (C or U)

Or equivalent

Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (word processing, spreadsheets), web search engines and e-mail systems.

Successful completion of Northern’s two-semester Pre-Health Sciences program will also serve to meet the admission requirements for the Medical Laboratory Technician program. Northern College does not offer testing for the science equivalencies.

 

Academic prerequisites for this program may be obtained free of charge through Academic Upgrading.

Applicants who do not have a high school diploma or equivalent and will have reached the age of 19 years on or before the start of the program must undergo academic testing and may be required to complete Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) process to demonstrate equivalency of admission requirements prior to admission into a program.

For more details, please contact the Admissions Office at 705-235-7222 or admissions@northern.on.ca.

Additional Requirements for International Students

In addition to the general and program admission requirements, international students must have proof of English Proficiency and meet the requirements below.

1. Proof of Senior High School Diploma/Certificate with 50% in each equivalents for Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology.

2. English Proficiency (we will require one of the following):

  • IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System – minimum overall score of 6.5 must be achieved, with no individual band score under 6.0.
  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) – Computer based overall minimum score of 88+
  • PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic 60+

If your country of citizenship has English as its official language, we may accept alternate proof of English Proficiency.

All educational documents must be submitted in English and will be dependent on the country of citizenship.

For more information, please contact admissions@northern.on.ca.

Additional Information

Applicant Selection Criteria

Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces in the program, the Applicant Selection Criteria will be:

  • Preference for permanent residents of Ontario
  • Receipt of Application by February 1st
  • Achievement in the Required Academic Preparation

 

Required Documentation

  • Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (CPR – HP content). Standard First Aid Certificate (or equivalent)
  • Physician’s medical report as per guide supplied by the College Immunization record including Hepatitis B; two step Mantoux (with follow up chest x-ray if the test is positive)
  • Employers who provide clinical placement settings require a criminal record check for criminal offenses before accepting a student into the clinical setting
  • A recent criminal/vulnerable sector record check (within 3 months of start of semester) is required prior to the start of the third semester.
  • CPR re-certification, criminal reference checks and immunization updates are required annually. Any costs for these tests/certifications will be the responsibility of the student.
  • To be eligible for participation in clinical training, students must not have been convicted of any criminal offence for which that person has not been pardoned. An unpardoned criminal record will result in an inability to participate in clinical placements and field internship courses and will prevent the student from graduating.

 

Clinical & Fieldwork Requirements

It is important to note that this program requires a clinical practice component in semester 3. While the intent is for placements to be arranged in the local community, when this is not possible, alternate communities will need to be considered.

Students are responsible for the costs of travel to and from the placement site, parking costs and accommodations (if required). A dress code is in effect during all lab practice sessions and during the practical clinical component of the program. All theory and lab course work must be successfully completed prior to field work placements.

Students are responsible for the cost of appropriate uniforms and books as well as transportation to clinical placement sites.

Mask Fit testing will be provided by the College prior to clinical practice.

 

Examination for Laboratory Technicians

Upon successful completion of all courses outlined in the program of study, students are eligible to write the Examination for Laboratory Technicians as set out by the Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario (MLPAO). At the time of publishing, the application fee was $50.00.

What you learn

Semester 1
CM1913 Communications I – Model B

Communications 1 is designed to enhance students’ writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills as required in academic and workplace settings. Emphasis will be placed on the use of appropriate structure, writing conventions, tone and style as well as the enhancement of interpersonal, teamwork, and presentation skills. Topics covered include the three-step writing process, paragraph development, academic integrity, essay composition, grammar and mechanics, A.P.A. and employment documents. Attention to detail is emphasized.

LT1002 Specimen Collection and Handling Theory I

This course will introduce students to the proper techniques for the collection of blood, and body fluid specimens. . Students will be introduced to the processing of specimens for the various tests and the importance of storage to ensure valid test results. Students will be introduced and utilize standard precautions in handling biological specimens. This course will provide students with opportunities to perform ECGs and set-up Holter monitors. An exciting aspect of this course is the focus on the theoretical knowledge and skills needed to interact with patients in the collection of specimens. Legal and ethical issues pertaining to specimen collection and processing will be explored and discussed.

LT1003 Clinical Laboratory Techniques

This course provides students with an introduction to the concept of safety in the laboratory environment for patients, co-workers, and medical laboratory technicians. General safety measures, employee safety and occupational health and safety issues are explored in this course. In addition, the topics of basic specimen handling, storage, shipping and disposal of biological hazards, blood borne pathogens and drug samples in accordance with current government legislation and regulations and institutional policies is examined. Emergency response plans are reviewed and discussed. The discussion of use, care and maintenance of common laboratory equipment provides for hands-on experience and application of theory.

LT1012 Specimen Collection and Handling Practice I

This course will introduce students to the proper techniques for the collection of blood, urine and fecal specimens. Students will be introduced to the processing of specimens for the various tests and the importance of storage to ensure valid test results. Students will be introduced and utilize standard precautions in handling biological specimens. This course will provide students with opportunities to perform ECGs and set-up Holter monitors. An exciting aspect of this course is the focus on the theoretical knowledge and skills needed to interact with patients in the collection of specimens. Legal and ethical issues pertaining to specimen collection and processing will be explored and discussed.

LT1013 Applied Anatomy & Physiology

This course will assist the student to increase his/her foundational knowledge of the normal structure and functions of the major organ systems. This course will also assist the student to identify the common pathologies of the various organ systems and familiarize him/her to the relevant tests utilized for proper diagnosis. In addition, the student will gain an appreciation for the physical and biochemical changes from early childhood to the senior years.

LT1024 Applied Chemistry

This course is designed to assist the student in developing a basic knowledge of chemistry to be applied in understanding chemical compounds and enzymatic reactions. The course begins with a broad discussion of atoms and compounds and progresses to practical discussion of chemical nomenclature. The course culminates with the exploration of more complex chemical structures in the field of organic chemistry and the discussion of the physical properties and function of enzymes.

LT1034 Clinical Data Management

This course will assist the student in gaining familiarity with the use of a coherent system of measurement units vital to precise clinical laboratory analyses. Students will be introduced to statistical calculations and quality control methods. In addition, students will be able to perform mathematical calculations relating to the clinical laboratory techniques. Students will be able to develop computer literacy skills and beginning competency in data entry and laboratory information systems.

Semester 2
GN1443 Indigenous Culture and Awareness

This general education course will provide students with an introduction to Canadian Indigenous Nations’ history, sovereignty, land titles, cultural history and current critical issues. Topics addressed include the content of Indigenous rights, economic and social development, community and political processes, and business law and policies, justice & social services. Canadian Indigenous History and Relations is a general education course that has been incorporated into all programs at Northern College.

LT2002 Specimen Collection and Handling Theory II

This course will assist students in the application of proper techniques for the collection of blood, urine and fecal specimens. Students will develop skills in processing specimens for the various tests and the importance of storage to ensure valid test results. Students will learn to use standard precautions in handling biological specimens. This course will provide students with opportunities to perform ECGs and set up Holter monitors. An exciting aspect of this course is the focus on the theoretical knowledge and skills needed to interact with patients in the collection of specimens. Legal and ethical issues pertaining to specimen collection and processing will be explored and discussed.

LT2004 Clinical Chemistry & Urinalysis

This course will assist students to understand the specimen requirements for all routine clinical chemistry tests. It will provide students with the clinical laboratory practice to setup/load both automated and manual instrumentation including QC samples for initial analysis. Students will gain an understanding of the normal ranges for all routine chemistry tests, recognize variant results and report relevant information.

LT2012 Specimen Collection and Handling Practice II

This course will introduce students to the proper techniques for the collection of blood, urine and fecal specimens. Students will be introduced to the processing of specimens for the various tests and the importance of storage to ensure valid test results. Students will be introduced and utilize standard precautions in handling biological specimens. This course will provide students with opportunities to perform ECGs and set-up Holter monitors. An exciting aspect of this course is the focus on the theoretical knowledge and skills needed to interact with patients in the collection of specimens. Legal and ethical issues pertaining to specimen collection and processing will be explored and discussed.

LT2014 Practical Hematology & Immunohematology

This course will introduce students to the formed elements of blood, and the routine tests in hematology and blood bank departments. Students will learn the underlying principles, use and care of equipment found in the hematology and Transfusion Medicine departments. Students will learn how to prepare and stain a peripheral blood film and examine it for proper staining.

LT2024 Microbiology, Cytology and Histology

This course will assist students in understanding the major classes of micro-organisms. Students will learn about common media used in a microbiology laboratory including preparation, autoclaving and dispensing. Students will learn to how to handle specimens using aseptic technique. They will learn to inoculate specimens using the proper media and incubation conditions. Students will be able to perform common stain techniques and examine them for proper staining. Students will learn the different specimen types, collection for submission for testing and basic techniques in the Histology and Cytology Departments.

LT2034 Laboratory Administration and Quality

This course will introduce students to the organization and structure of the clinical laboratory and the movement of specimens from collection to analysis and storage. Students will gain an understanding of the complexity of laboratory systems that encompass the receipt, organization, prioritization and transmission of information. Students will learn strategies for effective time management and priority setting. Students will be introduced to the various components of a quality assurance program within a medical laboratory.

Semester 3
LT3010 Clinical Practice

This course will provide students with an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a clinical practice setting under the direction of a medical laboratory technician. The focus of this course is to allow for easy transition into the workplace environment. Students will be given the opportunity to become proficient at specimen collection and handling and be able to function as an effective member of a medical laboratory team.

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