Program Description
As part of Canada’s fourth largest group of healthcare professionals, medical laboratory technologists play an integral role in our healthcare system. Medical laboratory technologists are trained to perform a broad spectrum of laboratory testing and procedures, and they play a vital role in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease.
Based in large part on the national competency profile issued by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS), this two-year, full-time and fast-paced Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) program will train you to become skilled in applying the scientific, technical, and medical principles needed to perform and evaluate laboratory testing in a healthcare setting. The first year of the MLT program consists of classroom instruction and laboratory training. The second year consists of theory instruction and an extensive clinical practicum at affiliated sites. This practicum provides a range of clinical experiences where you’ll have opportunities to develop and integrate the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes in practical or simulation settings. In the last term, you will write practice competency-based exams in preparation for challenging the national CSMLS certification exam. Fast Facts
- 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 are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practicum, including pre-practicum requirements as outlined by the program, and relocation costs to practicum sites outside of Calgary
- Students require access to a personal computer and Internet in order to complete the required courses
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
Job expectations for success in this profession include: - Fine motor skills
- Critical thinking
- Communication (speaking, reading, writing, and listening)
- Able to work independently
- Able to participate in classroom, lab, and practicum activities as scheduled by the program
- Adaptable
- Able to work well under stress
- Able to use technology
- Attention to detail
- Able to maintain professional behaviour; emotional self-regulation
- Able to wear Personal Protective Equipment for extended periods of time
- Able to work extended hours, including nights and/or weekends and shift work
- Able to tolerate the sight of human blood and tissue
- Able to assist in transporting, lifting, and positioning of patients and/or equipment
- Able to meet the physical demands of the job (e.g. spend most hours working on your feet, walking, repetitive bending, repetitive tasks)
- Able to visualize in three dimensions
- Possess normal colour vision
- Able to tolerate latex and disinfection chemicals
Prospective students are strongly encouraged to refer to the ALIS website for career, learning, and employment information for Medical Laboratory Technology, as well as the governing body’s competency profile for the profession, to ensure that they are able to successfully demonstrate the skills required to achieve all the competency-based objectives for the program and profession. 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.
Progression
The progression requirement for students taking credit courses is a Term GPA and Total Institutional GPA of 2.0, with the exception of English Language Foundations and Academic Upgrading programs.
Admission Requirements
Completion of the following courses or equivalents AND a combined average of 75%: - At least 70% in Math 30-1, or at least 75% in Math 30-2,
- At least 70% in English Language Arts 30-1,
- At least 70% in Chemistry 30,
- At least 70% in Biology 30
Successful applicants must meet or exceed a score of 50% in the School of Health and Public Safety’s Entrance Testing Process. All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada. Semester 4
Note: The following courses continue through to the end of your program.
Program Outcomes
- Conduct professional practice according to established protocols, safety guidelines, and existing legislation.
- Verify relevant data to ensure that appropriate specimens are collected and handled according to established protocols.
- Perform analytical techniques and assess results on a variety of specimens while understanding the underlying principles.
- Interpret, document, and report laboratory results, according to established protocols using scientific knowledge and skills.
- Practice and promote principles of quality management.
- Apply critical thinking skills when constructively investigating, evaluating, and problem solving.
- Interact using effective communication, teamwork skills, and inter-professional collaboration with patients, clients, and other healthcare professionals.
- Meet the legal and ethical requirements of practice while protecting a patient’s right to a reasonable standard of care.
- Demonstrate scope of practice, professionalism, and ownership of personal growth and learning.
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