There is no formal regulatory body responsible for medical laboratory technologists (MLTs) in British Columbia (BC). The British Columbia Society of Laboratory Science (BCSLS) is the professional association for MLTs in the province.
Membership in the BCSLS is not mandatory in the province; however, eligibility for BCSLS membership is sometimes an employment requirement by health authorities in BC.
The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) is the national certifying body and professional society for MLTs in all Canadian provinces and territories except Quebec.
The CSMLS certifies medical laboratory professionals in four disciplines: general medical laboratory technology, diagnostic cytology, clinical genetics and medical laboratory assistant. In order to become certified, one must successfully pass the national certification examination.
Please note that a qualification requirement to work in BC as a Medical Laboratory Technologist is current registration with the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS). For further information refer to the CSMLS website at www.csmls.org.
Internationally educated medical laboratory technologists (IEMLTs) who wish to become certified must apply for a prior learning assessment (PLA). The PLA process evaluates your education, training and work experience. CSMLS uses this information to find out how you compare to the national competency profile, which is the standard for Canadian-trained MLTs. International technologists must show that their education and work experience are equivalent to the professional entry level expected in Canada. The Prior Learning Assessment is available for General Medical Laboratory Technology, Clinical Genetics or Diagnostic Cytology. The application process is the same for each assessment.
Additionally, you may find this link helpful as it describes the Prior Learning Assessment Process (PLA) for internationally educated medical laboratory technologists seeking certification in Canada.
Download or view our Medical Laboratory Technologists brochure for licensing and immigration information for Medical Laboratory Technologists.