Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) is a field that involves the study and application of different medical laboratory procedures, tests and analyses to help in treating, diagnosing, monitoring and preventing diseases.
Due to the shortage of health workers, there are numerous opportunities for medical laboratory technologists in Canada. As a medical laboratory technologist, your job role is to perform diagnostic tests on blood, urine and tissues in clinical laboratories.
To pursue a career in this field, you will need a post-graduate diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology. There are institutions in Canada that offer this program.
We would provide you with the names of these institutions, their admission requirements, tuition fees, the duration of study and much more.
What is a Post-Graduate Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology?
Postgraduate Diploma in MLT is a specialized educational program. It is designed to equip relevant bachelor’s degree holders with the required expertise to become professional medical officers in the laboratory.
The program highly focuses on teaching these individuals core values like
- Advance laboratory techniques
- Research methodologies
- And scientific principles to perform medical diagnosis
Benefit of Post Graduate Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology
- Post graduate diploma in medical laboratory technology will enable students to learn various topics including pathology, biochemistry, microbiology, and blood banking.
- There will be opportunities to gain practical experience with equipment including x-ray machines and various tests.
- Being a student with a post-graduate diploma in MLT will equip them with practical training through lab activities and instructive lectures.
- Applying for a postgraduate diploma in MLT will be the best decision for any student who wants to become a professional medical laboratory technologist.
Medical Laboratory Technologist Vs Medical Laboratory Scientist Vs Medical Laboratory Technician
The three professional terms in the field of medical laboratory technology are always confused with one another.
It is very important that, even as an applicant or an aspiring student for a postgraduate diploma in medical laboratory technology. You should have better clarification about these professionals in your field to avoid making wrong choices.
Firstly, medical laboratory technologists and medical laboratory scientists play the same role. The terms are mostly used interchangeably, but their role is not the same as a medical laboratory technician.
Both medical laboratory technicians and technologists or scientists are all important.
They all work hand in hand in the laboratory to produce results for investigations that will aid the successful diagnosis of diseases.
Here are some differences:
- In terms of qualifications and years of training, medical laboratory technologists spend more years studying than medical laboratory technicians.
- Medical laboratory technicians have diplomas while medical laboratory technologists have bachelor’s degrees as their first degree.
- A Medical laboratory technician performs basic tests and diagnoses in the laboratory while the technologist always handles complex analysis that requires critical thinking. The Medical Laboratory Technologist also supervises the medical laboratory technician.
For some of the reasons that have been highlighted above, you must have a bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory technology before you can apply for a postgraduate diploma in medical laboratory technology.
This means that for a medical laboratory technician to pursue a postgraduate diploma in MLT. They will have to get their bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory technology first.
Read: Post Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education in Canada
Schools offering Post Graduate Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology in Canada
Most schools offer diplomas in medical laboratory technology; only a few institutions offer postgraduate diplomas in medical laboratory technology in Canada.
Below is a list of institutions in Canada that offer postgraduate diplomas in medical laboratory technology.
1. Saskatchewan Polytechnic
The School of Health Sciences at Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers an advanced diploma in medical laboratory technology in their Saskatoon campus. Their program promises to
- Immerse learners in an exciting diagnostic environment
- Make you work independently and with a team of co-learners
- Enables you to perform complex procedures and tests on all types of human specimens.
| Program Name | Medical Laboratory Technology Advance Diploma |
| Duration | 104 weeks |
| Start Dates | September |
| Admission Method | Competitive |
| Course Credits | 42 (21 per semester) |
| Tuition and Fees | $28520 ($13150 first semester, $9270 second semester, $6100 third semester) |
Admission Requirements:
- English language proficiency requirements
- Grade 12 with a minimum of 70% in English language, Arts A30, English language Arts B30, Foundation of Math 30 or pre-calculus 30, physical science 20, Chemistry 30, and Biology 30.
- Minimum of 70% in Math B30
- Minimum of 70% in Physics 20
2. North Alberta Institute of Technology
The Graduate Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology at North Alberta Institute of Technology located in Edmonton, Canada focuses on the analysis of human blood and body fluids for microorganisms and cellular and chemical components.
It also teaches compatibility testing of blood and blood products, plus preparation of tissue samples for microscope examination.
| Program Name | Graduate Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology |
| Duration | 24 months |
| Start Date | September 2024 (International students are to apply before April 2024) |
| Total Program Credit | 60 alternative Credit |
| Disciplines | Public health, medicine, health sciences |
| Fees and Funding | $12,918.043NGN/Year |
Admission Requirements:
- 65% in each of English 30-1 or English 30-2, Math 30-1, Biology 30, Chemistry 30
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
- 5 or more credits of post-secondary Human Anatomy and Physiology completed within 5 years of the application deadline with a final grade of 60% or greater. The NAIT course that meets this prerequisite requirement is ANPH100 Anatomy and Physiology. Completion with a minimum passing grade of 60% by July 31st.
- 1 credit of post-secondary Medical Terminology completed within 5 years of the application deadline with a minimum final grade of 60%. The NAIT course that meets this prerequisite requirement is ITMS100- Medical Terminology.
- Online Interview
3. Cambrian College
Cambrian College is located in Sudbury Ontario province in Canada. The school offers an Advanced Diploma in Medical Technology.
The following are the provided reasons you can choose to study for an Advance Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology at Cambrian College.
- It is the most preferred by international students.
- It provides an extensive hands-on learning experience.
- There is provision to study in high-end classrooms and from experienced teachers
- There is provision for Internship and work opportunities after course completion
- The Advanced Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology at Cambrian College has produced incredible professionals in the past and has a strong alumni network.
| Program Name | Advanced Diploma In Medical Laboratory Technology |
| Duration | Fall Term Start |
| Program Delivery | Semester 1 Fall 2024, Semester 2 Winter 2025, Semester 3 Fall 2025, Semester 4 Winter 2026, Semester 5 Fall 2026 Semester 6 Winter 2027 |
| Course Credits | 123 |
Admission Requirements:
- Aspirants must have completed their 10+2 from a recognized board
- Must have a good GPA in their 10 + 2
- Must have a good SAT OR ACT score
- English language proficiency
Final Thoughts
Choosing any institution from the listed ones in this article for your postgraduate diploma in MLT. Be rest assured that you are making a choice that will enable you to become that professional medical laboratory officer.
Your dream of becoming an expert in medical laboratory technology will become a reality.
Ensure to meet the requirements for any institution you are choosing. Take notice of your English language proficiency, your previous academic qualifications and other important requirements.
It will help you avoid losing your money when you don’t meet up with some of the stated requirements of the institution and you have paid your fees.
The payment policies of most of the institutions are non-refundable. So, ensure you agree to their terms in items they requested from you to be a student of their institute.