Medical Laboratory Technologist Career Profile

What is a Medical Laboratory Technologist?

A Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) is a health-care professional that uses a variety of complex instruments and processes to analyze tissue samples, blood and other body fluids in order to detect, prevent, and manage physiological and pathological conditions. MLTs provide the results of these sophisticated tests to physicians, allowing them to make accurate diagnosis and if needed, appropriate treatment. MLTs play an essential role in providing health-care services and main areas to specialize in include:

• Chemistry - Conducting tests on blood and body fluid to detect chemicals, hormones and/or drugs.For example getting a blood glucose(sugar) test to monitor or diagnose diabetes.
• Microbiology - Conducting tests on blood, body fluid and/or tissue samples to detect bacteria, fungi, viruses, and/or parasites. For example, running the tests for the COVID-19 virus.
• Hemotology - Conducting tests to measure blood cells and to detect diseases/disorders of the blood. For example, running a Complete Blood Count(CBC) and potentially looking at a slide of the blood under a microscope to see if there are any abnormal cells that may suggest a type of leukemia
• Transfusion Science - Conducting blood typing and blood compatibility tests.
• Histology - Preparing samples of body tissue for tests to detect disease. For example, a biopsy of skin mole.

What is like working as a Medical Laboratory Technologist at the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA)?

As a MLT with the SHA you will be a part of a interdisciplinary team made up of laboratory professionals, physicians and nurses. Work settings may include specialized departments in bigger city centres and hospitals or community clinic and health centres in smaller communities. Rural and remote centres allow MLTs to practice on a broader scope of areas based on the needs of the facilities and patients. MLT work in shifts which include evenings and weekends but is based on the needs of the health-care facility. Opportunities to move up to supervisor and leadership roles are available for MLTs to progress your career.

What can I earn as a Medical Laboratory Technologist?

The approximate pay per hour is listed below. In addition to the above pay bands, Enhanced Dental and Health benefits and vacation packages are also included.

• Medical Laboratory Technologist I - $36.62 to $39.22
• Medical Laboratory Technologist II - $41.98 to $44.97
• Medical Laboratory Technologist Supervisor - $45.07 - $48.29

Medical Laboratory Technologists working with the SHA are unionized employees and may be a member of one of the following unions based on work location throughout the province.

• Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE)
• Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
• Saskatchewan Government and General Employees Union (SGEU)

How do I become a Medical Laboratory Technologist?

To work as a Medical Laboratory Technologist, you will require a Medical Laboratory Technologist diploma. Most accredited courses are two year programs and there are many accredited programs throughout Canada. If you are looking to train in Saskatchewan, you can take the following two year program offered in Saskatoon:

• Saskatchewan Polytechnic - Medical Laboratory Technologist Advanced Diploma

After completing your program, you will need to obtain a license from the Saskatchewan Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists before practising in the province.