Fact Sheet - Medical Laboratory Technologist

Regulated profession (NOC 2021)
Regulatory bodyCollege of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Manitoba (CMLTM)
Regulated titles
  • Medical Laboratory Technologist (M.L.T.)

Note: Certification as a medical laboratory assistant, while not yet mandatory in any province or territory, is gaining recognition across Canada.
National bodiesThe Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) is the national certifying body for medical laboratory technologists and medical laboratory assistants, and the national professional society for Canada's medical laboratory professionals. CSMLS conducts exams across Canada and issues certificates to candidates who meet the prescribed standard, as well as provides prior learning assessment to internationally educated medical laboratory technologists.
Membership associationsThe Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) offers various membership categories, including options for students and individuals who are not CSMLS-certified.

The Manitoba Association for Medical Laboratory Science (MAMLS) offers various membership categories, including joint options with the CSMLS.
Certification processSee CSMLS - Internationally Educated Medical Laboratory Technologists (IEMLT) and CMLTM - Steps to Registration.
Credential assessmentThe CSMLS Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program includes a credential evaluation. The CSMLS accepts credential evaluations from two assessment agencies: World Education Services (WES) or the International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES).

Note: Before applying for a credential evaluation, see details in the MLT PLA Handbook (Stage 1: Pre-Assessment).
Language proficiencySee CMLTM's Language Proficiency policy.
Professional competency profilesSee CSMLS - Competency Profiles.
Tools/resources
Essential skills profileGo to Job Bank - Explore careers by essential skills, search for the occupation via name or NOC code, and view the essential skills profile.
Employment outlookGo to Job Bank - Explore job outlooks, search the occupation name or NOC code, and view employment outlook by provinces and regions across Canada.
Job search toolsSee CSMLS - Career Centre (sign-up required).

To search job postings in any occupation, visit Job Bank or Work in Manitoba.
Related occupations/alternate careers (NOC 2021)Below are examples of occupations in the broader field of health and technology:

  • 31303 – Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals
  • 32120 – Medical laboratory technologists
  • 33101 – Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations
  • 32109 – Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment
  • 33103 – Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants
  • 33109 – Other assisting occupations in support of health services
  • 62100 – Technical sales specialists - wholesale trade
  • 70012 – Facility operation and maintenance managers
  • 75101 – Material handlers
  • 22110 – Biological technologists and technicians
  • 22100 – Chemical technologists and technicians

While each occupation will have its own set of employment requirements, none are regulated occupations in Manitoba and therefore do not have certification/registration requirements with a professional regulatory body. Employers often, however, require applicants to have job-specific experience, training, and/or certification. Always check the hiring criteria carefully. Hiring criteria is set by the employer and will vary from employer to employer.
Last updated December 2022.

Notes

  1. This fact sheet serves as a guide and will be updated periodically. When researching information on professional registration processes, always refer to the regulator to ensure accurate, up-to-date information.
  2. The Government of Canada updates the National Occupational Classification (NOC) every five years. At present, users can access four versions of NOC (2021, 2016, 2011, and 2006) on the NOC website. When searching an occupation on the NOC website, always use the most recent version (NOC 2021).
  3. The regulatory body is the only organization that can grant entry into a regulated occupation via registration and the issuing of a licence or certificate. Other organizations (e.g., national bodies, regional bodies, membership associations, etc.) are not regulatory bodies.