Medical Laboratory Technology
Overview
Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs) are essential members of the healthcare team, performing complex laboratory tests that support diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. Assiniboine College’s Medical Laboratory Technology program prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies needed to work in hospital, community, research, provincial, federal, and private laboratories across Manitoba and beyond.
This program combines classroom theory, hands-on laboratory training, simulation, and a 21-week clinical practicum in healthcare facilities throughout the province. Students gain expertise in specimen collection and handling, hematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, histotechnology, and transfusion science, while developing professional communication, teamwork, and critical thinking skills. Training emphasizes safety, quality assurance, and ethical, culturally responsive practice.
A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is strongly recommended given the potential need to travel for clinical placement to rural and remote locations within Manitoba.
The next intake for Medical Laboratory Technology is September 2027. Following the 2027 intake, Medical Laboratory Technology and Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technology will alternate annual intakes, with MLT offered every second year beginning in September 2029.
See also our Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technology program.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates will be able to:
- Collect blood and process specimens (blood, body fluids, and tissues) using appropriate collection techniques, labelling standards, and handling protocols to ensure specimen integrity and patient safety.
- Apply foundational knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and medical terminology to interpret test requirements and support patient-centered laboratory services.
- Prepare, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment (e.g., analyzers, centrifuges, microscopes) following manufacturer instructions, institutional protocols, and safety standards.
- Perform pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical procedures across the core laboratory disciplines (clinical chemistry, hematology, histotechnology, microbiology, and transfusion science) to generate accurate and reliable diagnostic results.
- Integrate laboratory information systems (LIS) and informatics tools to enter, verify, retrieve, and manage patient and laboratory data while maintaining accuracy, confidentiality, and data security.
- Apply quality assurance and quality control principles in accordance with regulatory, accreditation, and institutional requirements to support continuous improvement and reliability of laboratory services.
- Demonstrate professional communication and collaboration skills to effectively interact with patients, colleagues, and interprofessional healthcare teams in clinical and educational settings.
- Adhere to laboratory safety protocols, infection prevention and control measures, and workplace health and safety legislation to protect patients, colleagues, and self from harm.
- Incorporate ethical, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed care principles when interacting with patients and colleagues.
- Employ critical thinking, problem-solving, and evidence-informed decision-making to recognize, troubleshoot, and resolve laboratory issues in support of diagnostic workflows and patient care.
- Demonstrate adaptability and lifelong learning by integrating new technologies, scientific advances, and professional development opportunities into laboratory practice.
Success Factors
You might be a good fit for this program if you:
- Enjoy helping people and contributing to patient care
- Are comfortable working with blood and other bodily specimens
- Have strong attention to detail and value accuracy in your work
- Can follow strict safety protocols and procedures
- Are interested in medical science, anatomy, or diagnostic testing
- Communicate effectively and professionally in team environments
- Value ethical practices that maintain patient confidentiality and public safety
- Are calm under pressure and able to manage tasks in a busy clinical setting
- Are comfortable using computers, laboratory software, and automated equipment
- Are interested in a fast-paced, hands-on program
The program and industry environment often requires individuals to:
- Attend class in-person for full-time hours (28-36 hours depending on term)
- Work in clinical or laboratory settings that may include exposure to infectious materials such as blood, body fluids, and tissues
- Demonstrate strong technical abilities including fine motor control, good manual dexterity, visual acuity, and accurate colour discrimination
- Stand or sit for extended periods of time and perform repetitive tasks
- Collect specimens directly from patients, requiring emotional maturity and professionalism
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, lab coats, and face shields
- Follow precise protocols and perform tasks under time pressure
- Maintain patient confidentiality and adhere to professional codes of conduct
- Adapt to new technologies and keep pace with evolving laboratory practices
- Work within a 24-hour shift cycle which may include evening, nights, weekends, and holidays depending on employer and discipline.
Admissions
We will begin reviewing applications for the MLT program this fall and expect to make initial admission offers at that time.
Step 1
All step one requirements must be submitted at the time of application to be considered complete.
Academic Requirements
To be considered for admission, applicants must have completed Manitoba Grade 12 or equivalent, including the following required courses:
- English 40G/40S or equivalent with a minimum mark of 70%
- Pre-Calculus, Applied or Essential Math 40S or equivalent with minimum mark of 70%
- Biology 30S and Biology 40S or equivalent with minimum mark of 70%
- Chemistry 40S or equivalent with a minimum mark of 70%
Post-secondary level courses may be used to satisfy subject prerequisites.
If you received your education outside of Manitoba, please review the equivalent admission requirements: Interprovincial or International.
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR EDUCATION JOURNEY?
Before starting your application, be sure to review the program checklist for detailed information and a clear understanding of the admission requirements. Now, let's begin your online application and join Assiniboine College!
DON'T MEET Academic REQUIREMENTS?
If you don’t meet academic requirements, visit our Centre for Adult Learning to upgrade courses.
English Language Requirements
English is the language of instruction at Assiniboine. All applicants educated outside of Canada or in a country not on the test exempt list are expected to meet the English language proficiency requirements.
Competitive Entry
The Medical Laboratory Technology program has limited spaces and admission is competitive. The following items are required to be considered for admissions and will be evaluated in the competitive entry assessment.
CASPer © 2 Test Score
- Applicants will be required to take the CASPer © 2 test, an online situational judgment assessment. CASPer is designed to evaluate key personal and professional attributes such as communication, empathy, and problem-solving, which are important for success in healthcare fields.
- You can apply to your program before receiving your CASPer © 2 test score. Once you have applied to Assiniboine and receive your student ID number, register for the next available CASPer © 2 test date using your college student ID number.
- If you have not yet applied for your program, you can still take CASPer © 2, but you will not have a student ID number to provide during registration and can leave the field blank.
Letter of Intent
- Applicants are required to submit a letter of intent as part of their complete admissions submission. This letter is an opportunity for applicants to share their interest in the program, their motivation for pursuing a career in laboratory science, and how their goals and strengths align with the field.
- View the Letter of Intent Writing Guide (PDF)
Step 2
The following will be required for admission into the program. All applicants must be willing and able to meet immunization, checks and certification requirements. These documents are not required at the time of application; however, applicants who are selected and receive a conditional offer of admission must submit all required documentation by the specified deadlines to secure their place in the program.
Immunizations, Checks and Certifications
Certifications
- Proof of current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Level Health Care Provider (CPR-HCP)
Checks
- Current Criminal Record Check (with Vulnerable Sector Check)
- Current Child Abuse Registry Check
- Current Adult Abuse Registry Check
Registry checks must be current (within 6 months)
In some instances, applicants with a criminal record or listed on the Child Abuse and/or Adult Abuse Registry may not be admitted to the program. If you fall into one of these categories, please contact the Dean of Health and Human Services prior to applying.
Immunizations
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Immunization Record or lab results showing immunity (positive antibody titres)
- Hepatitis B Vaccination Record showing all 3 doses or a positive Hepatitis B surface antibody titer. Students may attend if they are in progress toward completing the 3-dose series and have received at least one dose
- Varicella Vaccine
- Meningococcal Vaccine
- Polio Vaccine
- Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccine (recommended)
- Tdap Adult Does (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis)
- Tuberculosis (TB) Screening:
- 2-step Mantoux test (if this is the initial test)
- 1-step Mantoux test (for subsequent annual tests)
- Or a Chest X-ray (if applicable)
Continuous Admission
Applications are accepted throughout the year, and there is no specific deadline to apply; however, we have limited space available in each intake and acceptance of qualified applicants is offered continuously.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early and ensure their application is complete.
Careers & Connections
This program prepares graduates for success on the Canadian Alliance of Medical Laboratory Professionals Regulators Fields-of-Practice Exams, required for licensure with the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Manitoba (CMLTM). With licensure, graduates may pursue careers in medical laboratory sciences.
Career Opportunities
Workplaces and Employers
- Urban, Community, or Rural Hospital Laboratories (Shared Health Manitoba)
- Provincial Laboratories (Cadham Provincial Laboratory and Veterinary Diagnostic Services Laboratory)
- Federal Laboratories (PHAC, CFIA, NML, etc.)
- Private Laboratories (Dynacare)
- Canadian Blood Services
- Research Laboratories
Difference Between Industry Roles
Healthcare services in Manitoba are dynamic, and staffing needs can change over time. If you have a specific location in mind, we strongly recommend connecting with the employer or facility directly to discuss local hiring needs and ensure your program planning aligns with potential employment opportunities.
| Role | Description |
| Medical Laboratory Assistant / Technician (MLA)* | Collects and prepares specimens Plays a critical frontline support role in the lab by collecting patient blood specimens, ensuring proper identification, and preparing samples for testing. Their work is essential for maintaining accuracy and workflow efficiency as errors at this stage can impact all downstream results. |
| Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) | Performs and interprets laboratory testing A highly trained diagnostics professional who performs manual and complex laboratory testing. Disciplinary areas include chemistry, histotechnology microbiology, hematology, and transfusion medicine. MLTs interpret data to produce reliable results for clinicians to make diagnosis and treatment decisions for patients. |
| Medical Radiological Technologist (MRT)* | Performs diagnostic imaging (X-ray) Specializes in diagnostic imaging, using equipment like X-ray to visualize internal structures. MRTs play a key role in identifying injuries, diseases, and abnormalities, often in urgent or acute care situations. They balance technical expertise with direct patient care while ensuring strict radiation safety standards, making them essential for timely, accurate diagnoses and patient safety. |
| Combined Laboratory & X-Ray Technologist (CLXT) | Performs both laboratory testing and X-ray imaging A versatile practitioner trained in both laboratory testing (hematology, chemistry, and blood bank) and diagnostic imaging (X-ray). CLXTs are especially critical in rural or smaller healthcare settings where access to multiple specialists is limited. Their dual skill set allows facilities to offer both lab and imaging services efficiently, ensuring patients receive timely diagnostics without needing to travel, thereby improving access to care. CLXTs serve the needs of rural communities for diagnostic services and are not typically hired in urban settings. |
*Not currently offered at Assiniboine College
Tools & Supplies
Program Checklists, Textbooks, and Supplies
A list of textbooks and supplies will be posted here once it is confirmed.
Assiniboine Bookstore
Textbooks, supplies and uniforms may be purchased at the Assiniboine Bookstore at the Victoria Avenue East Campus. Booklists, tool lists and supply lists are available from your school office 30 days prior to the start date of your program.
Technology Requirements
Students in this program are required to bring their own laptop for use on-campus. The laptop must meet the technical needs outlined by the program. Mac computing devices are not compatible with program software. See Technology Requirements for detailed information.
Courses & Costs
Costs
Estimated Program Costs
| Year 1 | Year 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Credits | 52.0 | 42.0 |
| Tuition | $3,360 | $2,670 |
| Course Fees | $2,640 | $2,150 |
| Students' Association fees (including Health Premium) | $600 | $540 |
| Estimated textbooks, tools, and supplies | $1,400 | $0 |
All fees are estimated and subject to change without notice.
Courses
A full listing of courses and estimated costs will be posted here once it is confirmed.
Topics of study will include:
- Applied Immunology
- Laboratory Safety
- Specimen Collection and Handling
- Clinical Chemistry
- Hematology
- Histotechnology
- Microbiology
- Transfusion Science
- Quality Assurance
- Communication
- Professionalism
Class time is augmented by hands-on training in labs. This program includes clinical practicum experience in hospitals and laboratories around the province, including placements in different settings to gain specific laboratory experiences, organizational skills and technical competence.
Courses | Year 2
| Title | Credits/CEUs | Elective | Distance | PLAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Advanced Practices (WRKP-0108)Prerequisite: SIMM-0001 Integrated Simulation Corequisite: PRAC-0475 Clinical Practicum - CLXT In this fully online seminar taken alongside clinical practicum, students integrate leadership, evidence-based practice, quality systems, risk management, and informatics across laboratory and radiographic services. Through case discussions and a practice-improvement project, students evaluate emerging technologies, strengthen ethical decision-making, and advance safe, patient-centered services in diverse care settings. |
3 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Clinical Chemistry 2 (MEDL-0011)Prerequisite: PEDV-0356 College Foundations, HLTH-0338 Medical Terminology, COMM-0457 Professional Practice, WRKP-0107 Lab Safety, SCIE-0103 Anatomy and Physiology, MEDL-0001 Lab Fundamentals, MEDL-0002 Sample Collection & Handling, MEDL-0006 Applied Immunology, MEDL-0007 Clinical Chemistry 1 |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Clinical Practicum - MEDLT (PRAC-0476)Prerequisite: SIMM-0002 Integrated Lab Simulation |
3 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Hematology 2 (MEDL-0012)Prerequisite: PEDV-0356 College Foundations, HLTH-0338 Medical Terminology, COMM-0457 Professional Practice, WRKP-0107 Lab Safety, SCIE-0103 Anatomy and Physiology, MEDL-0001 Lab Fundamentals, MEDL-0002 Sample Collection & Handling, MEDL-0006 Applied, Immunology, MEDL-0008 Hematology 1 |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Histotechnology 2 (MEDL-0013)Prerequisite: PEDV-0356 College Foundations, HLTH-0338 Medical Terminology, COMM-0457 Professional Practice, WRKP-0107 Lab Safety, SCIE-0103 Anatomy and Physiology, MEDL-0001 Lab Fundamentals, MEDL-0002 Sample Collection & Handling, MEDL-0006 Applied Immunology, MEDL-0009 Histotechnology 1 |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Integrated Lab Simulation (SIMM-0002)Prerequisite: MEDL-0011 Clinical Chemistry 2, MEDL-0012 Hematology 2, MEDL-0013 Histotechnology 2, MEDL-0014 Microbiology 2, MEDL-0015 Transfusion Science This intensive five-week simulation course provides students with a realistic, hands-on environment to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills developed throughout their MLT program. Designed as a capstone experience before clinical placement, students will rotate through authentic laboratory scenarios representing core disciplines such as chemistry, hematology, histotechnology, microbiology, and transfusion science. The course emphasizes workflow efficiency, professional communication, safety, specimen handling and prioritization, quality assurance, and collaboration. Through role playing, time-sensitive tasks, and simulated problem-solving, students will gain confidence in their ability to perform essential MLT duties in a fast-paced clinical setting. |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Microbiology 2 (MEDL-0014)Prerequisite: PEDV-0356 College Foundations, HLTH-0338 Medical Terminology, COMM-0457 Professional Practice, WRKP-0107 Lab Safety, SCIE-0103 Anatomy and Physiology, MEDL-0001 Lab Fundamentals, MEDL-0002 Sample Collection & Handling, MEDL-0006 Applied Immunology, MEDL-0010 Microbiology 1 |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
Transfusion Science (MEDL-0015)Prerequisite: PEDV-0356 College Foundations, HLTH-0338 Medical Terminology, COMM-0457 Professional Practice, WRKP-0107 Lab Safety, SCIE-0103 Anatomy and Physiology, MEDL-0001 Lab Fundamentals, MEDL-0002 Sample Collection & Handling, MEDL-0006 Applied Immunology |
6 credit(s) | No | No | No |
