www.nscc.ca
Dalhousie University
www.schoolofhealthsciences.dal.ca
Professional Organizations
Canadian Society for Medical
Laboratory Science (CSMLS)
www.csmls.org
Nova Scotia College of Medical
Laboratory Technologists
www.nscmlt.org
Career and Job Prospects
Nova Scotia Career and
Labour Market Information
For up-to-date information visit
www.novascotiacareeroptions.ca
Job Futures
Canada’s National Career and
Education Planning Tool
www.jobfutures.ca
Human Resources and
Skill Development Canada
National Occupational Classification (NOC)
www23.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca
NOC Code Search
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Medical Laboratory Assistant: 3212
Medical Lab Technologist: 3211
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There are also specialized areas of
medical laboratory technology such as
clinical, cytology, electron microscopy,
flow cytometry, genetics, immunology,
parasitology, and virology. The
availability of training facilities and
national exams differs for each
specialty discipline.
NSCC Nova Scotia Community College
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Medical laboratory technologists
prepare samples, perform laboratory
testing on various types of specimens,
including blood, body fluids, and tissue
using many types of sophisticated
laboratory instruments. They also
interpret test results to help doctors
diagnose and treat illnesses.
Programs
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Medical laboratory assistants
perform pre-analytical work including
collecting and processing specimens,
preparing substances used for various
laboratory tests, and maintaining
laboratory equipment.
more information
what they do
There are many promising occupations
in the health field. Prepare yourself
for growing career opportunities as
a medical laboratory assistant or
technologist.
People who succeed have skills and abilities
that include the following:
technological skills
accuracy and thoroughness
manual dexterity
physical endurance
people and teamwork skills
adaptability to work
flexible hours
Medical laboratory
technologists require
strong troubleshooting skills
sound judgement/
decision-making skills
organizational skills
scientific analysis skills
human resource
management skills
excellent speaking and
writing skills
work
Medical laboratory assistants and
technologists may work in
hospitals
private sector medical laboratories
pharmaceutical firms
research institutes
police forensic laboratories
earn
Medical Laboratory Assistant
Average hourly income: $19.00
Minimum: $15.75
Maximum: $24.00
Medical Lab Technologists
Average hourly income: $27.75
Minimum: $18.75
Maximum: $32.00
Assistants and technologists perform related work, but their duties differ in depth and scope.
Assistants’ duties usually include blood collection; set-up of routine blood and urine tests and other types
of specimens; entering patient and test information into a computerized information system; setting up,
cleaning, and maintaining lab equipment; sorting samples; and answering phones.
Technologists may perform the assistants’ duties, but are also responsible for setting up, performing,
analysing and interpreting tests, and conveying information to the doctor. This requires an in-depth
understanding of the biological and chemical sciences. In addition, technologists are responsible for the
activities in the lab, solving problems that may arise, and supervising assistants.
required
where they
Medical laboratory assistants (also known
as medical laboratory technicians) and
technologists must enjoy working with
medical specimens and instruments in a
laboratory environment.
what they
personal skills
needed
courses
High School
To prepare for a medical laboratory assistant
or technologist program, complete a high school
diploma including English, biology, chemistry,
physics, computer science, and math.
Post Secondary
Medical laboratory assistant or technician
programs last approximately one year
and may include a clinical placement. Postsecondary requirements for medical laboratory
technologists are changing with increasing
specialization. You will need to check admission
requirements carefully. Currently, for the general
medical laboratory technologist program,
which includes clinical chemistry, microbiology,
hematology, transfusion science, and histology,
you may complete a two- or three-year diploma
program or a bachelor’s degree in science. Both
programs include a clinical placement.
After graduation, assistants and technologists
must complete the Canadian Society for Medical
Laboratory Science (CSMLS) national exams. To
practise in Nova Scotia, technologists must be licensed
with the Nova Scotia College of Medical Laboratory
Technologists (NSCMLT). Currently, assistants do not
require a licence to practise in Nova Scotia.
For program admission and licensing requirements,
visit the links on the back of this brochure.
People of diverse identities, backgrounds and experiences find medical
laboratory assisting and technology to
be challenging and rewarding careers.
Both men and women are employed in
a broad range of settings, roles, and
responsibilities, often enjoying job
security at good rates of pay.