Medical Laboratory Technology

Fast Facts

• This program should be completed full-time
• Program Length:
  • Full-Time (6 Semesters)
• This program is delivered in a blended format
• Full-Time Intakes:
  • Fall
• Based on the availability of the practicum sites, students may have to travel or re-locate to anywhere in Alberta (and in some circumstances outside of Alberta) in order to complete their practica
• Students require access to a personal computer and Internet in order to complete the required courses

Certain courses are offered through Open Studies during the daytime, evenings, and/or weekends, as well as in a classroom, blended, or online format. All courses must be completed within the program completion timeframe. Please be advised that for the purpose of student loans, full-time student status requires that learners are enrolled in a minimum of 60% of a full course load per semester.

Your Career

Graduates find work as medical laboratory technologists in hospital or high-volume laboratories, as well as in research labs and scientific supply companies. Employment in medical labs often requires shift work.

Student Success

Students who experience success in this program and profession:

• Have higher secondary and/or post-secondary grades
• Are committed to attend 30 hours per week of classroom activities and spend another 30 hours per week outside of the classroom due to the intesity of this program
• Are committed to consistent program attendance and to the significant additional self-study required
• Possess integrity and a professional attitude
• Have an aptitude for mathematics and science, and a keen interest in scientific work
• Are able to follow verbal and written instructions, and are highly attentive to detail and accuracy
• Can work quickly and accurately, and take precise readings
• Have strong hand and finger dexterity to facilitate handling specimens and small laboratory equipment
• Have strong visual colour and form perception
• Possess good interpersonal and communication skills in English
• Can adapt quickly and easily to change
• Enjoy working in a team environment
• Are physically fit, including the ability to spend a considerable amount of time standing or sitting while performing tasks that may be repetitive
• Are mindful of observing safety precautions in order to reduce the risk of exposure to infectious body fluids or dangerous chemicals

Credentials

After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT Medical Laboratory Technology diploma.

This program is designed so that graduates achieve clinical competence as defined by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) and meet compliance requirements of Accreditation Canada. Graduates are eligible to challenge the CSMLS exams to obtain national certification as a medical laboratory technologist, which will allow national portability.

Accreditation

The Medical Laboratory Technology program delivered by SAIT is accredited by Accreditation Canada.

First Year

Second Year