32120 – Medical laboratory technologists
Lead statement
Medical laboratory technologists conduct medical laboratory tests, experiments and analyses to assist in the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and prevention of disease. Medical laboratory technologists who are supervisors are included in this unit group.
Main duties
- Set up, operate and maintain laboratory equipment
- Conduct and interpret chemical analyses of blood, urine, and cerebrospinal and other body fluids
- Study blood cells and other tissues to determine their relation to various physiological and pathological conditions
- Prepare tissue sections for microscopic examinations using techniques to demonstrate special cellular tissue elements or other characteristics
- Perform and interpret blood group, type and compatibility tests for transfusion purposes
- Validate, document and report test results
- Establish procedures for the analysis of specimens and for medical laboratory experiments
- Conduct quality control assessment of testing techniques
- May supervise and train other medical laboratory technical staff, students and helpers
- May assist pathologists during autopsies.
Employment requirements
- A two- or three-year college program in medical laboratory technology is requiredanda period of supervised practical training may be required.
- Registration with a regulatory body is required in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.
- Certification by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science is usually required by employers.
- Combined laboratory and X-ray technicians require completion of a combined laboratory X-ray technology program.
- Some employers may require a university science degree for specialized medical laboratory technologists.
Example job titles
medical laboratory biochemistry technologist · blood bank technologist · clinical laboratory technologist · clinical genetics technologist · cytogenetics technologist - medical laboratory · electron microscopy technologist - medical laboratory · hematology technologist - medical laboratory · immunology technologist - medical laboratory · medical laboratory technologist · medical laboratory microbiology technologist · registered medical technologist · registered technologist - medical · serology technologist · medical laboratory technologists supervisor · histopathology technologist · autopsy technologist · medical technologists supervisor · anatomical pathology technologist · medical laboratory technologist - anatomical pathology · medical laboratory tissue technologist · medical laboratory cytotechnologist · histotechnologist - medical laboratory · histology technologist - medical laboratory · histology technologist · cytology technologist · medical technologist · medical technologist - medical laboratory · combined laboratory and x-ray technologist · advanced registered medical laboratory technologist · medical laboratory charge technologist · combined laboratory and x-ray technician · medical laboratory technologist – core laboratory
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $25.13 | $39.00 | $49.00 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $32.00 | $38.00 | $42.10 |
| Nova Scotia | $30.00 | $35.00 | $42.56 |
| New Brunswick | $30.50 | $35.78 | $44.95 |
| Quebec | $29.72 | $35.00 | $40.00 |
| Ontario | $23.00 | $42.00 | $50.00 |
| Manitoba | $36.00 | $38.00 | $41.00 |
| Saskatchewan | $32.00 | $38.00 | $44.90 |
| Alberta | $25.00 | $45.79 | $50.00 |
| British Columbia | $30.00 | $41.00 | $45.90 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.