OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES FOR IMMIGRANTS TO B.C.

NOC: 3211 REGULATED

Medical Laboratory Technologists [MLT]

Medical Laboratory
Technologists [MLT]
Introduction What are the Occupational Guides for Immigrants to B.C.?

British Columbia welcomes you! Like you, over 35,000

immigrants from around the world settle in B.C. each year and find
work in a variety of professions. The process of finding work can take
time, so it is important to understand each of the steps needed to
gain employment.

If you are preparing to come to B.C., or have just arrived, this guide
provides the following information:

Section 1 - how this occupation is practiced in B.C.

Section 2 - steps to help prepare you before you arrive
Section 3 - qualifications needed in B.C.
Section 4 - tips to help you find employment

Section 1 Occupational Overview Learn More

Some excellent sources of
What is a medical laboratory technologist (MLT)? occupational information include:
MLTs conduct medical laboratory tests, experiments and analyses
to assist in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. National Occupational Classification (NOC)
is Canada’s reference on occupations. The
Areas of specialization for MLTs include clinical chemistry,
NOC provides job descriptions, occupational
hematology, clinical microbiology, transfusion science,
statistics and labour market information.
histotechnology, diagnostic cytology, clinical genetics,
www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/noc
immunology, electron microscopy, virology, parasitology and
flow cytometry.
What qualifications are required to be an MLT in B.C.?
Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) certification
is mandatory to work as an MLT in B.C.

To become certified, you will need to pass the Canadian Society for Medical
Laboratory Science national certification examination. There are two ways Workforce Highlights
for Internationally Educated MLTs to become eligible to write this exam.
1. Complete an accredited medical laboratory education program.
2,900 MLTs in B.C.
2. Challenge the exam through a process called Prior Learning Hourly Wage
Assessment (PLA). $21.47 - $36.82 Range
For detailed information, go to: For more information on wages and workforce see Section 2
www.csmls.org/Certification.aspx

This Occupational Guide for Immigrants to BC is a resource to help immigrants build a career plan. Occupational qualifications and requirements
sometimes change. Planning your career in BC will require additional research and direct contact with the appropriate regulatory bodies,
professional associations and training institutions. This Occupational Guide is for general information only and is not legal or professional advice.

www.WelcomeBC.ca
 OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES FOR IMMIGRANTS TO B.C. NOC: 3211 REGULATED

Medical Laboratory Technologists [MLT]

What skills and attributes do employers expect Learn More

from MLTs? Regulatory Contact Information
Attention to detail
Ability to follow strict procedures British Columbia Society of Laboratory Science
(BCSLS) is the professional association of
A high level of accuracy in work procedures medical laboratory technologists working in B.C.
Ability to maintain concise records www.bcsls.net
Excellent English language and communication skills
Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory
Good interpersonal skills Science (CSMLS)
CSMLS is the national certifying body for medical
Ability to work independently and as a part of a team
laboratory technologists and the national
professional society for Canada’s medical
Where are MLTs employed? laboratory professionals.
Hospitals laboratories Public and private health www.csmls.org
Telephone: 1.800.263.8277
laboratories
Community laboratories
University research labs
Canadian Blood Services
Government research labs
Research institutions

MLTs may also work in specialized environments:

Veterinary clinics
Biotechnology companies

Section 2 Prepare Before You Come to B.C.

Explore Regions in B.C. to Live and Work

The demand for each occupation varies throughout the regions of the province. B.C. is a big province, about the same
size as Tanzania or Venezuela, and bigger than Pakistan or Turkey. Each region has different employment needs and
industries. Use the labour market information and resources in this guide to explore regional employment options.

B.C. Labour Market Information B.C. DEVELOPMENT REGIONS

To learn more about your chosen profession visit the following 1. Vancouver Island/Coast 5. Cariboo
websites where you will find information including salaries, regional 2. Mainland/Southwest 6. North Coast
3. Thompson-Okanagan 7. Nechako
employment opportunities, job descriptions, and more. 4. Kootenay 8. Northeast

B.C. Job Trend Tracker 7

www.bcjobtrendtracker.ca 8

Education Planner
www.educationplanner.ca 6

WorkBC
www.workbc.ca

Working in Canada Tool 5

www.workingincanada.gc.ca
3
BC Wage and Salary Survey 2009 1
www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/StatisticsBySubject/LabourIncome/Earnings.aspx 4
2

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 OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES FOR IMMIGRANTS TO B.C. NOC: 3211 REGULATED

Medical Laboratory Technologists [MLT]

Prepare Yourself
Plan and prepare for your career as much as possible before
arriving in B.C. Be sure you understand the provincial job
market and professional requirements of your occupation. You
may be able to start or complete many of these tasks before you
arrive in Canada.

Get Started!
1. Learn about the occupation. Know the name of the job in Canada, and make lists of potential employers.
2. Collect documents. Collect copies of relevant documents, and if necessary, have them translated into English.

Degrees, diplomas or certificates from universities, colleges or schools

Program descriptions related to your studies, and transcripts of grades
Reference letters and performance reviews from employers
Work descriptions and letters from professional agencies

3. Improve your workplace skills. You may need to improve your skills or knowledge before you start working in B.C.
Explore all of the resources provided in this guide.

Section 3 Qualifications

The following information will help you to understand how to

become qualified to work as an MLT in B.C. This is only a guide; You ! Begin the qualification and career
planning process and obtain all
will have to do more research to make a career plan that will work for required documents before leaving
you. It is important to complete all of the activities listed below. It is your country. If you have already
not necessary to complete the activities in the order they are listed. arrived in B.C., develop a career plan
To save time, work on many of these activities at the same time. immediately to avoid creating a gap
in your professional experience.
Learn more about what is required to become
qualified to work as an MLT in B.C.
Learn More
Certification by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Learn more about being an
Science (CSMLS) is mandatory for MLTs and is required by MLT in B.C. and Canada
employers in B.C.
Potential to Prosperity – what it takes to work
As an internationally educated medical laboratory technologist as an MLT in Canada.
(IEMLT), you can become eligible to write the CSMLS National www.cfeep2p.com
Certification Examination through the prior learning assessment
The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory
process or by completing an accredited MLT education program. Science (CSMLS) has created a test for individuals
who would like to check their knowledge of
The examination is offered three times a year at locations across general medical laboratory science in Canada. To
Canada. You do not have to live in Canada to take the examination, view the online assessment tool, visit:
but you must come to Canada to write it. You must apply to write www.csmls.protraining.com
the examination and pay the appropriate fees.

On the CSMLS website, the steps required to become qualified are

listed and fully explained. It is important to begin this process as
soon as possible. To learn more, go to:
www.csmls.org/Certification/Certification-Process/IEMLT.aspx

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 OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES FOR IMMIGRANTS TO B.C. NOC: 3211 REGULATED

Medical Laboratory Technologists [MLT]

It is important to review the CSMLS website regularly to get the

most up to date information as improvements to the certification
process for new immigrants are in progress.

Apply for a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

Review and download the PLA Information Handbook and
Application.
www.csmls.org/csmls/media/documents/certification/PLA-Information-
Handbook---2012-_2_.pdf

Once you understand the process of becoming a medical

laboratory technologist, contact the CSMLS to request an
Application for Registration.

Collect relevant documents and professional

evidence for a PLA
CSMLS requires the submission of numerous documents. This is
a current list of required documentation:

Current List of Required Documents:

Credential Evaluation Continuing Education (if applicable)

Language Proficiency (if required)
MLT Education: your education institutions must send
official educational transcripts and course outline /
syllabus of studies directly to the CSMLS
Clinical Education
Other Academic Education (if applicable)
Professional Development (if applicable)
Professional Certification (if applicable)
Work Experience
Personal Competency Rating Booklet
Online Self Assessment

The CSMLS accepts credential evaluations from these two

assessment centres:

• International Credential Evaluation Services -

comprehensive evaluation
www.bcit.ca/ices

• World Education Services - course-by course evaluation

www.wes.org

Improve your language skills

The CSMLS uses credential evaluation to determine if an applicant
requires language testing. If your credential evaluation form shows
that you were not trained in English or French, you must take a
language test.

Obtaining the necessary language skills to successfully complete

the required assessments can take a long time. Study to improve
your English language abilities as much as possible while in your
native country. If possible, complete the language assessments
before you arrive.

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 OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES FOR IMMIGRANTS TO B.C. NOC: 3211 REGULATED

Medical Laboratory Technologists [MLT]

The CSMLS has a two stage language requirement. See the table
below. Complete information is available at: ! Consider taking further English
language and Canadian cultural
www.csmls.org/Certification/Certification-Process/IEMLT.aspx
training. This is a list of some courses.
Research to find others and to be sure
The following lists the current language assessments accepted by to select the one that is right for you.
CSMLS. Please note that in addition to fulfilling the language skill
requirements, excellent communication skills are also required and
efforts to improve your communication and presentation skills
should be ongoing.
! Make English language assessment
and training a priority. If possible,
have your English language levels
assessed and upgrade your language
skills before coming to Canada.

English Language and Communication Services

DIVERSEcity S.U.C.C.E.S.S. TOEFL

www.dcrs.ca www.successbc.ca www.toefl.org
English Language Services for Adults MOSAIC Welcome BC
www.elsanet.org www.mosaicbc.com www.welcomebc.ca
Planning to Work in British Columbia, IELTS International English Immigrant Services
Canada Workbook Language Testing System Society of BC
www.welcomebc.ca/local/wbc/docs/ www.ielts.org www.issbc.org
BC_Workbook_EN_June4_Fillable.pdf

The Language Assessments and Scores Currently Accepted by APEGBC

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 1 Stage 2
English Language Language Skill Minimum Minimum English Language Language Skill Minimum Minimum
Assessments Components Score Score Assessments Components Score Score

Speaking - 24 Speaking 3.0 4.0

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Writing - 22 Writing 3.0 4.0
The Canadian Test of English for
and Test of Spoken English (TSE) Reading - 22
Scholars and Trainees (CanTEST) Reading 3.0 4.0
Internet-based Test (iBT)
Listening - 20 Listening 3.0 4.0
Total Score 61-79 88 Overall Band Score 3.0 4.0

Speaking 5.5 7.0 Speaking - 8

Writing 5.5 7.0 Writing - 7
International English Language Michigan English Language
Testing System (IELTS – AC or GT) Reading 5.5 7.0 Assessment Battery (MELAB) Reading - 7
Listening 5.5 7.0 Listening - 8
Overall Band Score 5.5 7.0 Overall Band Score - -

Stage One: Technical Report

You must meet the requirements above to have your Technical Report completed by the assessment team.

Stage Two: Equivalent and Eligible to Exam

You must meet the requirements above to be eligible to write the exam.

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Medical Laboratory Technologists [MLT]

After your PLA assessment – challenge the

certification exam ! Many of these programs have waitlists
and so it is important to make contact
If you are eligible to challenge the certification exam, check the and register as soon as possible.
exam schedule and fees. Go to:
www.bcsls.net/index.html
Learn More
If you are not eligible, you must complete a Learning Plan to For a list of accredited programs in B.C. visit:
be eligible to write the exam, or complete a full-time, Canadian www.csmls.org/About-CSMLS/Becoming-a-Lab-
Medical Association accredited MLT training program. Professional/Training-Programs.aspx
www.csmls.org/Certification/Certification-Process/Learning-Plans.aspx
Medical Laboratory Science – Professional
Qualifying Certificate
You can also consider other professional options including
www.bcit.ca/study/programs/6565certt
certification as a medical laboratory assistant or other opportunities
in Biotechnology. See the Occupational Guide – Medical Laboratory
British Columbia Society of Laboratory Science
Assistant.
(BCSLS)– Back to the Basics:
www.bcsls.net/pages/ed-training.html
Telephone: 604.714.1760 or 1.800.304.0033
Fax: 604.738.4080

Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory

Science (CSMLS)– Continuing Education
www.csmls.org/CE
Section 4 Tips to Finding Employment in B.C.

Get Help with Your Job Search

Finding a job in B.C. may be very different than in your home
country. You may need help finding job vacancies, updating
your resume, writing cover letters, preparing for interviews, and
understanding what B.C. employers are looking for.

Skills Connect for Immigrants program provide
employment-related support services that move
internationally educated professionals into the B.C. labour
market: www.welcomebc.ca/skillsconnect
B.C. Employment and Labour Market Services
employment programs: www.labourmarketservices.gov.bc.ca
! The Canadian government provides employment
and settlement services in China, India, the
Philippines and the United Kingdom. The program
is called the Canadian Immigrant Integration
Program (CIIP). To get more information about
these pre-arrival services, go to:
www.newcomersuccess.ca

Build connections to your profession – begin

networking
Many job vacancies are not advertised. To find out about jobs that
are not advertised, you must make connections with working MLTs
and others in the healthcare field. Taking a junior position in the
healthcare field or working as a volunteer is a good way to meet
people, understand Canadian workplace culture and to improve
your English language and communication skills.

To learn about membership with the BCSLS including the Affiliate

Membership for new immigrants, conventions and events open to
non-members and those in the process of certification, go to:
www.bcsls.net/index.html

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Medical Laboratory Technologists [MLT]

Search for job vacancies

Most jobs for MLTs are in hospitals and community laboratories.
Check job openings on websites of the following regional health
authorities, the BCSLS and community laboratory websites:

Regional Health Authorities Learn More

Provincial Health Services Authority – manages MLTs may have different job titles or do
different jobs such as:
recruitment and hiring for all of B.C.
careers.phsa.ca Clinical immunology technologist
Vancouver Coastal Health Authority - manages Cytogenetics technologist – medical
recruitment and hiring for Vancouver, Vancouver’s laboratory
North Shore, Richmond, the Sea-to-Sky Highway, Histology technologist
Sunshine Coast, Bella Bella, Bella Coola the Central Immunohematology technologist
Coast and the surrounding areas.
Medical laboratory supervisor
www.vch.ca
Medical laboratory technologist
Vancouver Island Health Authority – manages
recruitment and hiring for Vancouver Island, the islands Medical technologist – medical
laboratory
of the Georgia Strait, and in the mainland communities
north of Powell River and south of Rivers Inlet. Pathology assistant
www.viha.ca
Fraser Health – manages recruitment and hiring for
communities from Burnaby to White Rock to Hope.
www.fraserhealth.ca
Interior Health – manages recruitment and hiring for
the interior of the province includes larger cities such as
Kelowna, Kamloops, Cranbrook, Penticton and Vernon,
and a multitude of rural and remote communities.
www.interiorhealth.ca
Northern Health – manages recruitment and hiring
for the northern part of B.C. including larger cities
such as Prince George, Prince Rupert, Terrace, Fort
St. John, and Quesnel, as well as many smaller and
more remote communities.
careers.northernhealth.ca
British Columbia Society of Laboratory Science
(BCSLS) – BCSLS is the professional association of
medical laboratory technologists working in B.C.
www.bcsls.net/index.html
BC Biomedical Laboratories
www.bcbio.com
Life Labs Medical Laboratory Services
www.lifelabs.com
Canadian Blood Services
www.bloodservices.ca

This project is made possible through funding from

the Government of Canada with support from the Province of British Columbia. Updated November 2012
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