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Central Vancouver Island: Think Trades & Technology

Medical Laboratory Technologist

Job Titles: Clinical Technologist, Medical Technologist, Histology Technologist, Clinical Lab Technologist

What's It Like?

The medical laboratory technologist, as a member of the health-care team, performs laboratory investigations related to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease, including analysis of a variety of specimens such as blood, urine, feces, sputum and tissues. Technologists also have significant patient contact primarily through blood collection.

Medical laboratory technologists work in a dynamic and evolving environment and use technological equipment to provide information that must be processed rapidly and accurately. They handle potentially infectious material from patients, and are protected by wearing gloves, gowns, and other protective garments.

Medical Laboratory Technologists may:

• Perform sophisticated laboratory tests that help diagnose and treat disease
• Use complex instruments and electronic equipment
• Ensure test results are accurate
• Work independently but as an essential part of the health care team

Money & Benefits

Wages - Public Sector

Designation	Hourly Rate
Entry Level	$23.78
Experienced (+5 years)	$29.64
Supervisor/Senior	$41.80

Benefits - Public Sector

As members of the HSA (Health Services Association), Medical Laboratory Technologists receive excellent benefits. Permanent part time and full time members receive medical and dental plans and may be entitled to educational leave and funding.

Benefits - Private Sector

The private sector is competitive with the public sector.

Why We're Betting On This

• The Vancouver Island Health Authority is currently hiring medical laboratory technologists and expects the demand for this occupation to continue
• There are an estimated five companies in the central Vancouver Island region that specialize in Medical Laboratory Technology
• T3's interviews with local organizations indicate there has been an increase of over nine positions in the past three months
• People in this occupation can work full or part time, year round with excellent pay and benefits

Interested? Where To Start

Educational Requirements

A high school diploma with an emphasis on sciences and math is a great start.  Post-secondary studies in medical laboratory science at an educational institution are required. Program lengths and specific prerequisites to apply vary.

Professional Certification

On graduation from post-secondary training, exams are written for certification by the nationally recognized Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS).

Educational Institution

British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT)

www.bcit.ca

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