Medical Laboratory Technologist

Working in Ontario

Medical Laboratory Technologist professionals perform complex laboratory investigations on the human body or on specimens taken from the human body. If you are an internationally trained Medical Laboratory Technologist and you want to practise in Ontario you must register with the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario. You can contact the College to find out how to register. You can also view the career map in the ‘Tools and Information’ section of this page.

Tools and Information

The Ontario Government has partnered with the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario to create a Career Map for internationally trained medical laboratory technologists. The Career Map explains in detail every step of the registration process including language requirements, labour market conditions, the credential assessment process, licensing fees and other important information.

You can also view the e-career map for internationally trained medical laboratory technologists. E-career maps are interactive guides that outline the process for registering in a profession or trade.

Getting Help

Entry to practice requirements: You can find information on how you can practise as a regulated medical laboratory technologist in Ontario on HealthForceOntario.

Bridge training programs: If you are qualified in your profession but new to Ontario, you may benefit from a bridging program. Bridging programs help qualified immigrants move more quickly into their professions without duplicating what they have already learned.

The Michener Institute

Michener Bridging Program for Internationally Educated Medical Laboratory Technologists

The Michener Bridging Program for internationally educated medical laboratory technologists is an in class 16 week program. You will gain valuable simulated laboratory experience, intensive theory review, and thorough preparation to write the CSMLS certification exam. The simulated laboratory courses will assist you in obtaining Canadian work experience.

This course will also fulfill all refresher course requirements from your Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). Bridging Program students will have access to a variety of student supports offered at the Michener Institute.

HealthForceOntario offers a number of services to health professionals, including a recruitment centre and jobs listing service.

Contact: Eileen Waweru, Program Coordinator
Website: www.michener.ca/access/
E-mail: access@michener.ca
Phone: 416-596-3101 ext 3321
Location: Toronto

Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology

Enhanced Distance Education for Internationally Educated Medical Laboratory Technologists

This program assists Internationally Educated Medical Laboratory Technologists (IEMLTs) meet new competency requirements of the certification body. It includes language assessment, occupation-specific employment services, preparation to write the National Certification Examination and the opportunity to get Canadian work experience through clinical placements/observerships and mentoring.

Website: www.mohawkcollege.ca/Discover/CE/health/fml.html
E-mail: mary.golba-bylhouwer@mohawkcollege.ca
Phone: (905) 540-4247 ext. 26706
Location: Province-wide

St. Michael's Hospital

Building Employer Capacity for Effective Integration and Retention of Internationally Educated Health Professionals

This project will develop and implement a customized transition/integration and mentorship program for 50 internationally educated health care professionals in nursing, medical radiation, information technology, supply chain management and vendor administration during their first twelve months of employment. The project will also build mentorship and coaching capacity for up to 100 mentors/coaches at the champion, manager and staff level over two years.

Contact: Kate Wilson
Manager Corporate Staffing Strategies
Phone: (416) 864-6060 ext 8140
Fax: (416) 864-7430
E-mail: wilsonkat@smh.toronto.on.ca

University of Toronto - Standardized Patient Program

Improving Medical Literacy: An Assessment and Training Program

Participants in this project will have their listening, speaking, writing and reading skills assessed.

The project includes a 40-hour language training program with online and in-class work.

This project builds on the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario’s Communication and Cultural Competence project.

Contact: Lynn Russell, Project Manager
Phone: (416) 967-5547
E-mail: l.russell@utoronto.ca
Website: www.utoronto.ca

Regulatory Body

College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario
36 Toronto Street, Suite 950
Toronto, ON M5C 2C5
Phone: 416-861-9605
Toll free 1-800-323-9672
Fax: 416-861-0934
Email: mail@cmlto.com
Website: www.cmlto.com

Learning More

To learn about occupations in Canada, visit the Working in Canada website. This site will help you identify the name of your occupation in Canada. It will also give you important information about your profession in many regions of Canada, including job duties, skill requirements and wage rates. To learn about your occupation, visit the website and click the ‘Start’ button on the main page.

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What is a temporary work permit and how can I get one?

Temporary work permits are used to give you permission to work for a specific period of time with an employer in Ontario. You must obtain this permit before entering Canada. Your Canadian employer will be required to consult with Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Citizenship and Immigration Canada. You may also be interested in the Ontario's Multinational Employee Transfer.
How do I find a job in Ontario?

You can access job offers, wage information, job demand and skills requirements with the Working in Canada tool. You may also benefit from labour market information that will provide you with current market trends. Employment Ontario funds a variety of services to help you in your job search. Jobs are also advertised in newspapers, on websites and through local employment agencies.
How can I get my education, professional credentials and skills assessed?

You can find information on education and credential assessment on our site and learn about Ontario's professional licensing bodies. You may also want to know about apprenticeship program to work in the trades and about bridge training programs to enter the Canadian market.
Where can I get job-specific training?

The Ontario government supports Bridge Training programs to help newcomers get their license or certificate in their profession or trade, so that they can work in Ontario. Find out more about these job-specific training.
What jobs and professions are in demand in Ontario?

You can use the Working in Canada tool for wage information, job demand and skills requirements in Canada. You can also find labour market information for Ontario including current market trends.
What should I do if an employer wants to hire me to work in Ontario?

You must either be a permanent resident or have a work permit in order to work in Ontario. You are also required to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN). It may also be necessary to have your international academic credentials assessed and recognized.
What are my rights in the Ontario workplace?

The Employment Standards Act, 2000, known as the ESA, is a law that sets minimum standards in employment for fair workplace practices in Ontario. You can find Employment Standards information on many languages. You may find the frequently asked questions and the Guide to the Employment Standards Act published on the Ministry of Labour's site very useful.
Where can I get information on professional associations and regulatory bodies?

In Ontario, each regulated profession has its own regulatory body. You will find informaton on regulated professions and their regulatory bodies on our site by choosing your profession in the left navigation bar.
Where can I go to improve my English?

Basic English language assessment and instruction for adults is available in Ontario. School boards also deliver English as a Second Language (ESL) programs for children and non-credit programs for adults. Use our language class wizard to find an English language training program near you.
What programs are available if I want to upgrade or improve my education?

Adults who want to earn a high school diploma in Ontario may do so by attending classes through local school boards. Adults may also earn a high school diploma by studying at home through the Ontario Government's Independent Learning Centre. Universities and community colleges accept mature post-secondary students and will often offer continuing education programs.