Medical Laboratory Technology

Overview

• Operate a variety of complicated instrumentation
• Prepare tissues
• Study cells and micro-organisms under the microscope
• Analyze the composition of body fluids and secretions

• Work both alone and as part of a team
• Manage time wisely and communicate clearly
• Exercise close attention to detail

Clinical placement

• Clinical placements are mandatory credit courses. They provide you with the opportunity to integrate theory with practice and understand the everyday challenges of a work environment.
  • You participate in work placements within the Nova Scotia Health Authority and the IWK Health Centre.
  • Placement opportunities are typically unpaid.
  • Students may have to relocate to other areas within the province to complete clinical placements.
  • Some evening, weekend and/or holiday shifts may be required.
  • Transportation, living accommodations and other costs related to clinical placements are the responsibility of the student.
• For more information visit Work Experience Opportunities.

Choose NSCC

• The MLT program has been accredited by Accreditation Canada (EQual).
• The MLT program meets the national competencies as defined by Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science.
• The MLT program has been recognized by the Canadian Armed Forces and now qualifies for a Canadian Armed Forces Paid Education program. Students who graduate from the program may receive advanced standing as a Medical Laboratory Technologist in the Canadian Armed Forces (subject to successful enrolment in the Canadian Armed Forces).
• Develop skills to meet a growing need in the medical industry.
• Small class sizes provide the support and attention you need to succeed.
• Hands-on learning and work terms in real medical environments provide the experience employers look for on a résumé.

Other info

• Before applying for this program, it’s important you review the self-assessment statements below and can answer yes to the following: 
  • I understand that this is an intensive 3-year program that requires significant commitment of time each week, often outside of the regularly scheduled classes.
  • I understand The MLT profession involves performing laboratory testing and investigations related to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease in a wide variety of specimens, including blood, body fluids and tissues.
  • I understand this program requires fine motor control, good manual dexterity, and visual colour discrimination to maintain safety standards.
  • I understand excellent communication skills within the English language are required (oral, written, comprehension and direction).
  • I understand the demands of the MLT field require you to spend long periods of time in stationary positions.
  • I understand Medical laboratory services are generally required on a 24-hour basis. As a result, most positions in medical labs require shift work (evenings, nights, weekends and holidays).
• Graduates who have successfully completed the MLT program are eligible to challenge the national certification exam for Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT).

2022-23 programs

Program delivery may be subject to change based on Public Health guidelines.

Availability

Waitlist

• This is a high-demand program, resulting in an annual waitlist. The waitlist for this program will expire at the end of the intake. If you are not offered a seat, you are required to apply again. 

September 2022

Campus	Location	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Ivany Campus	Dartmouth	Full time	In person Delivered in-person. Some courses may have online elements.	Waitlist

Admission requirements

• High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent, including:
  • A minimum mark of 70% in Grade 12 Academic Biology, English and Math
  • A minimum mark of 80% in Grade 12 Academic Chemistry
• Completed CASPer® assessment.
  • View dates and times for CASPer® assessments.
• If you do not have the required academic credits, NSCC offers a variety of credit courses through the Academic and Career Connections program.

• The application deadline for 2022-23 has passed. Check back in September to apply for the 2023-24 offering.
• This program has a competitive entry process. View details on the competitive entry process
• This program is not open to International applicants. 

Program requirements

• A current, official criminal record check and vulnerable sector check are required to complete work placements in this program. A conviction may impact your ability to complete program requirements. Inability to obtain a work placement will impact the student's ability to complete program requirements and proceed through to graduation. Information on this process is provided at the beginning of your program.
• Health and Human Services programs have additional requirements including immunizations and completion of Standard First Aid, CPR Level C. You must submit documentation that you have completed these requirements at the beginning of your program. View additional Health and Human Services program requirements
  • Receiving immunizations may take up to 10 months to complete. Failure to complete immunizations can result in a delayed work placement.
• Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.
• Pass mark for this program is 70%.

Tuition

Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

• Medical Laboratory Technology - Year 1
• Medical Laboratory Technology - Year 2
• Medical Laboratory Technology - Year 3

Career options

• Graduates are eligible to work in any medical laboratory in the province once they become licensed.
• Graduates also have several other employment options, such as research and pharmaceutical labs, sales, technical support and education.
• Medical Laboratory Technologists are one of the largest groups of healthcare professionals in Canada. Due to a national shortage of qualified technologists, the outlook for employment opportunities is positive.

Future study options

• Graduates who have successfully completed the national certification exam for MLT are qualified to apply for licensing with the Nova Scotia College of Medical Laboratory Technologists. A license to practice will be granted if the applicant meets the requirements of NSCMLT Regulations section 9 and applicable policies. https://members.nscmlt.org/apply/initial
• Continue your studies at university – This program includes courses that count towards a university degree. Find out more

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you can apply to earn credit. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

ANAP 1004 - Anatomy and Physiology for Med Lab Tech
This course provides an overview of the sciences of anatomy and physiology. Knowledge of the basic structure and functions of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems is essential for a variety of Health and Human Service programs. The integration of these systems will be discussed.

MLTD 1003 - Medical Terminology for Medical Laboratory Technology
This course introduces the student to the fundamentals of medical terminology including the spelling, pronunciation and meaning of medical terms and abbreviations. Greek and Latin derivatives (prefixes, suffixes and combining forms) will be introduced and analyzed.

MLTD 1006 - Human Relations for Medical Laboratory Technology
This course uses an experiential and self-reflective approach to help students develop self-awareness and understanding of how one’s own interpersonal style affects others. The student will have the opportunity to develop the skills required to communicate clearly and professionally using a variety of communication mediums to patients, clients, colleagues, students and other health care professionals. Emphasis will be placed on cultural uniqueness and diversity, empathy, courtesy while maintaining good relationships with others in a work environment and when working as part of a team. Students will prepare and deliver oral presentations and will have an introduction to Portfolio Learning.

MLTD 1105 - Medical Laboratory Practices
Students will learn the theory and skill required to perform basic procedures in a laboratory. The course includes laboratory safety, infection control practices, glassware, balances, pipettes, centrifuges, microscopes, reagent preparation with related calculations, and an introduction into clinical specimen processing. The students will learn safety including the different types of potential hazards associated with working in a clinical laboratory environment and how to protect themselves and others. As well, students will learn the Professional Conduct expectations for students health professions. NSCC Portfolio Learning is included in the course. Application of quality practices will be emphasized. Students must successfully complete both the theory and lab components of the course.

MLTD 1109 - Histology I
This course consists of the introduction to the human micro-anatomical structure and function of the basic tissue types and organ systems. Students will be preparing specimens for Histology procedures including processing surgical and autopsy tissue specimens through fixation, paraffin processing and routine staining. Application of quality practices will be emphasized. Students must successfully complete both the theory and lab components of the course.

MLTD 1110 - Introduction to Laboratory Quality
In this seminar-based course, students are introduced to common quality concepts including quality assurance, quality control assessment and Westgard rules. Basic statistical concepts are defined and applied to ensure students understand the foundational role of quality in ensuring accurate laboratory results. Concepts of the Quality System Essentials (QSEs) are introduced.

MLTD 1202 - Interprofessional Practice
This course introduces students to the history, principles, and factors affecting the Canadian health care system. It applies an experiential and self-reflective approach to help students develop self-awareness and understanding of how one’s own interpersonal style affects others. Students will have the opportunity to develop the skills required to communicate clearly and professionally using a variety of communication mediums with an emphasis placed on cultural uniqueness and diversity, empathy, courtesy. Working as part of a team, students will prepare and deliver oral presentations.

MLTD 1203 - Clinical Microbiology II
The course continues to build on the knowledge and competency in the discipline of clinical microbiology. Clinically relevant bacteria are studied, with an emphasis on the ability to isolate, identify and perform susceptibility testing on common pathogens isolated from simulated clinical specimens, using appropriate media. Performance and assessment of quality control procedures will be performed. Application of quality practices will be emphasized. Students must successfully complete both the theory and lab components of the course.

MLTD 1204 - Molecular Diagnostics
This course will provide students with a basic introduction to molecular diagnostics. Students will study DNA/RNA/Protein structures and chemistry as well as develop skills in molecular testing techniques. Principles and interpretation of molecular diagnostic test methods will be covered. Application of quality practices will be emphasized. Students must successfully complete both the theory and lab components of the course.

MLTD 1207 - Clinical Chemistry I
Students will be introduced to clinical chemistry medical laboratory concepts through theory and lab practice. The theory component of the course aligns with lab practice of manual and automated techniques. Students will perform testing on various specimen types using various analytical techniques to test common analytes used to evaluate water, electrolyte balance and renal function. Students will perform analysis and apply Quality Control and Westgard Rules to determine analytical system performance. Application of quality practices will be emphasized. Students must successfully complete both the theory and lab components of the course.

MLTD 1208 - Hematology I
In this course students will be introduced to medical laboratory concepts through theory and application of hematology lab practices. Manual and automated testing will be performed using foundational hematology methodologies/techniques. Application of quality practices will be emphasized. Application of quality practices will be emphasized. Students must successfully complete both the theory and lab components of the course.

MLTD 1304 - Specimen Procurement and Processing
Students will focus on the collection, receipt, and pre-analytical processing of clinical laboratory specimens. Activities will include specimen collection by venipuncture and capillary puncture. After learning the techniques on a simulated arm, students will collect specimens from one another to further develop their skill set.

MLTD 1315 - Applied Investigations
Students to continue to build on the skills and competencies learned during the first year of the program. The course will incorporate all disciplines and roles within a clinical laboratory. Students will also have opportunities to build on concepts of laboratory safety, quality processes, professionalism, patient relationships and communication. During this course, students will be provided the opportunity to develop and demonstrate critical thinking skills necessary for success in the Medical Laboratory field.

MLTD 1350 - Clinical Practicum I
During this Clinical Practicum, students will develop competence in phlebotomy procedures, core lab processing, including the loading of samples onto automated and semi-automated analyzers, Histotechnology accessioning and processing, and Microbiology accessioning and processing.

MLTD 2013 - Clinical Microbiology I
The course continues to build on the knowledge and competence in the discipline of clinical microbiology. Clinically relevant bacteria are studied, with an emphasis on the ability to isolate, identify and do susceptibility testing on common pathogens, from simulated clinical specimens, using appropriate media. Performance and assessment of quality control procedures will be performed.

MLTD 2019 - Histotechnology I
This lab-based course consists of processing surgical and autopsy specimens and builds on skill-sets learned in Introduction to Histotechnology/Cytology. It includes activities such as tissue fixation, embedding, sectioning and processing tissue requiring special procedures and microscopic review of tissue components.

MLTD 2023 - Clinical Microbiology II
The course continues to build on the knowledge and competence in the discipline of clinical microbiology. Clinically relevant bacteria are further studied, with an emphasis on the ability to isolate, identify and do susceptibility testing on common pathogens, from simulated clinical specimens, using appropriate media. Performance and assessment of quality control procedures will be performed.

MLTD 2024 - Quality Systems
This course builds on concepts introduced the Introduction to Laboratory Quality and in discipline-specific courses in previous semesters. Students will study Quality Management Systems and the relationship of these quality practices to clinical laboratory safety. We will discuss how quality and patient safety interact as the cornerstones of clinical laboratory practice.

MLTD 2026 - Transfusion Medicine I
This course continues to build on foundational transfusion medicine concepts learned in the introductory course. Other major blood group systems are covered as well as related phenotype testing and genotype predictions. Basic antibody detection and identification procedures are studied and correlation of theory with the laboratory techniques occurs. An introduction to the Canadian Blood system, blood and blood products.

MLTD 2027 - Clinical Chemistry II
In this course students will build on their clinical chemistry knowledge by learning to perform testing and evaluate results to identify liver, cardiac, digestive, protein and lipid disorders. Testing methodologies will include light measuring and immunoassay methods.

MLTD 2028 - Hematology II
This course is a study of peripheral blood and body fluids with a focus on white blood cell abnormalities encountered in a hematology lab. The students will apply their previous learned skills by microscopically evaluating blood cells, correlating their findings with automated hematology CBC analyzers reports, and demonstrate good quality practices while performing a variety of hematology tests.

MLTD 2050 - Clinical Practicum II
This clinical practicum provides the student with the opportunity to practice skills in routine Clinical Chemistry, Hematology and Histotechnology. They will spend 2 weeks in each discipline.

MLTD 2067 - Clinical Chemistry I
In this course students will receive further instruction in the utilization of laboratory procedures, equipment and instrumentation to produce accurate, precise test results within established quality control parameters. They will learn to use automated instruments to perform testing on specimens for routine analytes used to evaluate acid-base balance, water and electrolyte balance, carbohydrate, mineral and bone metabolism, and renal function.

MLTD 2068 - Hematology I
This course expands on previous hematology concepts learned in Core lab. Hematology theory and coagulation concepts will be discussed throughout the course with the opportunity for the students to apply their knowledge in a laboratory settling. Students will learn to evaluate normal and abnormal blood cells, with a focus on red blood cell abnormalities, perform a variety of manual tests, and operate automated laboratory equipment, including blood and coagulation analyzers. Students will learn to interpret laboratory data from a variety of tests to aid in the clinical diagnosis of hematology and coagulation diseases.

MLTD 3013 - Clinical Microbiology III
The course continues to build on the knowledge and competence in the discipline of clinical microbiology. Clinically relevant bacteria, parthenogenesis and manifestations of disease within urinary, genital, gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, blood stream, central nervous system, joints and soft tissues will be covered. Appropriate antimicrobial susceptibility testing and mechanisms of resistance are included.

MLTD 3016 - Transfusion Medicine II
This course continues to develop the student’s Transfusion Medicine skill set. Students will have opportunities to practice basic techniques and perform complex forms of testing including pre-transfusion testing. Identification of irregular antibodies, complex patient presentation, adverse reactions to transfusions and hemolytic disease of the newborn will be covered, as well as autoimmune conditions, complex clinical case studies and transfusion therapy.

MLTD 3017 - Clinical Chemistry III
In this course students will enhance their knowledge of clinical chemistry by focusing on the production of accurate, precise results to evaluate acid-base and hormone imbalances, tumour markers, therapeutic drug monitoring and toxicology. Testing methodologies will include light measuring, electrochemistry, immunoassay, chromatography and mass spectrometry.

MLTD 3019 - Histotechnology II
This lab-based course includes the performance and interpretation of biological staining procedures such as methods for connective tissue, carbohydrates, microbiological specimens, pigments, leukocyte enzymes, silver impregnation and immunohistochemical markers.

MLTD 3024 - Specialized Diagnostics
This course will provide the student with an introduction to specialized diagnostics and techniques in the clinical laboratory. The student will learn about the expanding application of molecular techniques in clinical laboratories and will have the opportunity to develop skills in basic molecular techniques. Principles, interpretation of results and opportunities to analyze the interdependences of specialized diagnostic tests will be provided.

MLTD 3033 - Clinical Microbiology Practicum
This practicum is spent in the clinical laboratory where students will have the opportunity to continue to build on the skills learned in their previous training in Clinical Microbiology. They will set up, identify and report cultures set up from the various body sites. The students will also have further opportunities to build on concepts of laboratory safety, professionalism, patient relationships and communication.

MLTD 3035 - Transfusion Medicine Practicum
This practicum is spent in the clinical laboratory where students will have the opportunity to continue to build on the skills learned in the classroom and laboratory sessions. They will gain experience in grouping and Rh typing of blood specimens and will perform compatibility testing, antibody investigation and other special topics. Students will also have further opportunities to build on concepts of laboratory safety, quality processes, professionalism, patient relationships and communication.

MLTD 3037 - Clinical Chemistry Practicum
This practicum is spent in the clinical laboratory where students will have the opportunity to continue to build on the skills learned in their previous training in clinical chemistry. They will rotate though routine and specialized sections where they will perform analyses for hormones, tumour markers, therapeutic drugs, drugs of abuse, acid base balance and oxygenation status. Students will have further opportunities to build on the concepts of laboratory safety, quality, professionalism, patient relationships and communication.

MLTD 3038 - Hematology Practicum
This practicum is spent in the clinical laboratory where students will have the opportunity to continue to build on the skills learned in their previous training in Hematology. They will gain experience in coagulation studies, practice reading differentials, operating hematology CBC analyzers and perform other Hematology tests as required in the laboratory setting. Students will also have further opportunities to build on concepts of laboratory safety, quality processes, professionalism, patient relationships and communication.

MLTD 3039 - Histotechnology Practicum
This practicum is spent in the clinical laboratory where students will have the opportunity to continue to build on the skills learned in their previous training in Histotechnology. They will gain experience in processing, fixing, embedding and cutting tissue as well as cutting tissue blocks and preparing the tissue slides for staining. The focus of this practicum will be on staining procedures, using a variety of special stains. Students will also have further opportunities to build on concepts of laboratory safety, professionalism, patient relationships and communication.

MLTD 3050 - Interdisciplinary Simulation
This practicum will be provided at the NSCC and provide an opportunity for students to continue to build on the skills learned in their previous practicums. The simulation will incorporate all disciplines and roles within a clinical laboratory and be led by faculty and supported by program assistants. Students will also have opportunities to build on concepts of laboratory safety, quality processes, professionalism, patient relationships and communication. During the 4-week simulation, opportunity for assessment and evaluation will be provided. The final week will be a review week in preparation for the CSMLS National Exam.

SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.

SAFE 1001 - Introduction to NS OH&S Act
This course offers students an introduction to the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Act of Nova Scotia, which is required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge of the Act for students and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given.