Medical laboratory technician program compresses curriculum into three semesters
1. Medical Laboratory Technician Program Compresses
Curriculum into Three Semesters
In the world of health and medicine, medical lab techs play a crucial
role. Additionally, with their role expanding, there are numerous
opportunities for full- and part-time employment in both clinics and
hospital laboratories. According to Human Resources and Skills
Development Canada, these professionals are tasked with vital duties
such as:
• Collecting blood or other samples from patients
• Receiving tissue samples from patients
• Logging patient samples and preparing them for testing
• Setting up medical laboratory equipment
• Conducting routine laboratory tests and sample analyses
• Cleaning and maintaining medical laboratory and medical
laboratory equipment
• Phlebotomy
• Performing ECGs and Holter monitoring
• Assisting in clinical or veterinary labs, physicians’ offices, private
and public health labs, research labs and diagnostic supply
companies
To take on these responsibilities, one must attend a Medical Laboratory
Technician program, such as the one offered at Centennial College. Because
professionals in this area work with a diverse population, the offering — which takes
just three semesters to complete — considers technical and customer service
aspects. This is achieved through familiarizing students with all of the tasks they will
perform and the use of laboratory equipment and medical terminology, while helping
them to develop the professional attitude and demeanor needed for close patient
contact. Excellent communication skills and good interpersonal skills are essential,
so the program includes courses such as Transcultural Health – A Canadian
Sociological Exploration on How Race, Class and Gender Inform Health,
Communication and Professional Practice, Lab Administration & Quality
Management.
Unlike other Medical Laboratory Technician programs, this offering prides itself on
ensuring that despite its short length students are receiving as much practical
practice prior to graduation as possible. As such, the entire final semester is spent in
a clinical practice setting under the direction of a medical laboratory assistant. This
serves several purposes, including allowing for easy transition into the workplace
environment, the opportunity to become proficient at specimen collection and
handling, learning to function as an effective member of a medical laboratory team,
expanding professional networks and applying theoretical knowledge to the real
world.
After successfully completing each Medical Laboratory Technician course, students
not only obtain an Ontario College Certificate, but they are also eligible for
certification as a Medical Laboratory Assistant/ Technician with the Ontario Society
of Medical Laboratory Technologists and the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory
