The Medical Laboratory Technician program provides students with the knowledge and skills to enable them to work in a medical laboratory. Students will receive education and training in specimen collection and processing, the administration of ECG’s, set up of Holter monitors, and the use of laboratory equipment while developing the professional attitude and demeanor needed for close patient contact. Students will have the opportunity to perform a variety of lab functions both within the simulated on site medical laboratory and during clinical practicums within both community and hospital laboratories.

Program Contact:
healthsciences@northern.on.ca

Employment Opportunities

Employment opportunities exist with hospitals, private/public health laboratories, clinics, veterinary laboratories, research labs and commercial diagnostic supply companies.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
Grade 12 English (C,U)
Grade 11 Math (C, M or U)
Grade 11 or 12 Biology (C or U)
Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry (C or U)

Or equivalent.

Or mature student status (an applicant who does not have a high school diploma or equivalent, and will have reached the age of 19 years on or before the start of the program). Mature students must undergo academic testing prior to admission into a program. Call the Admissions Office at 705-235-7222 for more details.

Note: Academic prerequisites for this program may be obtained free of charge through Academic Upgrading. Refer to the Postsecondary Preparation section in this calendar for more details.

Additional Admission Requirements

• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (word processing, spreadsheets), web search engines and e-mail systems. Students may assess whether or not they meet the computer proficiency expectations for this program by taking the free online assessment at www.northernc.on.ca/admissions/tool.html.
• Note: Successful completion of Northern’s two-semester Pre-health program will also serve to meet the admission requirements for the Medical Laboratory Technician program.
• Note: Northern College does not offer testing for the science equivalencies.

Other Admission Requirements:

• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (word processing, spreadsheets), web search engines and e-mail systems. Students may assess whether or not they meet the computer proficiency expectations for this program by taking the free online assessment at www.northernc.on.ca/admissions/tool.html.
• Note: Successful completion of Northern’s two-semester Pre-health program will also serve to meet the admission requirements for the Medical Laboratory Technician program.
• Note: Northern College does not offer testing for the science equivalencies

Other Admission Requirements:

• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (CPR - HP content). Standard First Aid Certificate (or equivalent)
• Physician’s medical report as per guide supplied by the College Immunization record including Hepatitis B; two step Mantoux (with follow up chest x-ray if the test is positive)
• Employers who provide clinical placement settings require a criminal record check for criminal offenses before accepting a student into the clinical setting.
• A recent criminal/vulnerable sector record check (within 3 months of start of semester) is required prior to the start of the third semester.
• Note: CPR re-certification, criminal reference checks and immunization updates are required annually. Any costs for these tests/certifications will be the responsibility of the student. To be eligible for participation in clinical training, students must not have been convicted of any criminal offence for which that person has not been pardoned. An unpardoned criminal record will result in an inability to participate in clinical placements and field internship courses and will prevent the student from graduating.
  

Applicant Selection Criteria

Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces in the program, the Applicant Selection Criteria will be:

a) Preference for permanent residents of Ontario
b) Receipt of Application by February 1st
c) Achievement in the Required Academic Preparation

Students are responsible for the cost of appropriate uniforms and books as well as transportation to clinical placement sites. Mask Fit testing will be provided by the College prior to clinical practice. Upon successful completion of all courses outlined in the program of study, students are eligible to write the Examination for Laboratory Technicians as set out by the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS). At time of printing the CSMLS application and fee was $250.00.

It is important to note that this program requires a clinical practice component in semester 3. While the intent is for placements to be arranged in the local community, when this is not possible, alternate communities will need to be considered. Students are responsible for the costs of travel to and from the placement site, parking costs and accommodations (if required). A dress code is in effect during all lab practice sessions and during the practical clinical component of the program. All theory and lab course work must be successfully completed prior to field work placements.

Program of Studies

Semester 1
CM1903 Communications I - Model A
LT1003 Clinical Laboratory Techniques
LT1034 Clinical Data Management
LT1008 Specimen Collection and Handling
LT1013 Applied Anatomy and Physiology
LT1024 Applied Chemistry
EL1003 Elective

Semester 2
LT2034 Laboratory Administration and Quality Management
LT2024 Microbiology, Cytology, and Histology
LT2014 Practical Hematology and Immunohematology
LT2004 Clinical Chemistry and Urinalysis
LT2008 Specimen Collection and Handling
SW2023 Conflict Resolution / Mediation

Semester 3
LT3010 Clinical Practice
LT3002 Medical Lab Review