Medical Laboratory Technologist

Overview

As a member of the military, Medical Laboratory Technologists provide medical laboratory data used in the treatment and diagnosis of surgical and medical conditions in detachments and clinics, as well as in combat and operational units.

They must perform their duties according to established protocols, safety guidelines and existing legislation at all times. Their duties include:

• Collecting and preparing biological specimens for analysis;
• Performing routine and specialized analyses;
• Validating test results;
• Perform analytical techniques on specimens that originate from a variety of sources; and
• Practice and promote the principles of quality and resource management

Work environment

Medical Laboratory Technologists work in a variety of medical facilities and temporary labs while deployed in peacekeeping, combat and humanitarian missions around the world. They may work in shifts. They are posted to bases in Canada, are deployed on missions around the world or on ships at sea.

If you chose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career. However, if you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full-time employment.

Entry plans

• Direct Entry Options
• Paid Education Options

To apply for this position you must be unconditionally accepted or currently enrolled as a full-time student in an academic program at a post-secondary institution selected by the CAF under the Non-Commissioned Member Subsidized Training and Education Plan (NCMSTEP) program.

The ideal candidate will already have a college diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology, certification from the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) and have an unrestricted license or registration to practice (active status) and letter of good standing from a provincial/territorial regulatory authority you may enroll under the Direct Entry Plan. If you graduated more than 12 months ago, six months full or part-time clinical medical laboratory experience gained in the last two years is required. If you graduated within the last 12 months no experience is required.

Foreign education may be accepted.

Non-Commissioned Member Subsidized Training Education Plan (NCMSTEP)

Since this position requires specialty training, the Canadian Armed Forces will pay successful recruits to attend the diploma program at an approved Canadian college. NCMSTEP students attend basic training and on-the-job training during the summer months. They receive a full-time salary including medical and dental care, as well as vacation time with full-pay in exchange for working with the Forces for a period of time. If you choose to apply to this program, you must apply both to the Forces and the appropriate college.

For further information, please contact a Canadian Forces Health Services Recruiter: ***email_hidden***

Training

The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification course, or Basic Training, held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. A goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.

Medical Laboratory Technologists are posted to a medical unit in Canada to complete a one-year preceptor program under the supervision of senior staff. This training provides the core knowledge required to practice as a Medical Laboratory Technologist in a military setting.

Applicants who enrol under the Non-Commissioned Member Subsidized Training and Education Program (NCMSTEP) will have the opportunity to complete a portion, or all of their Basic Occupational Qualification Training at an approved Canadian college, university, other postsecondary establishment.

Medical Laboratory Technologists may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including:

• Leadership
• Management

As they progress in their career, Medical Laboratory Technologists who demonstrate the required ability and potential will be offered advanced training.

Related Civilian Occupations

• Medical Laboratory Technologist and Pathologist Assistant
• Biochemistry Technologist
• Histology Technologist
• Microbiology Technologist