Nova Scotia continues to train more medical laboratory technologists, faster.
A medical laboratory technologist at work at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre lab.
Photo : Communications Nova Scotia / File
These healthcare professionals are in high demand, and to help address this need, Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) is increasing the number of seats in its training program to 60, up from 40, this September.
"Medical laboratory technologists are critical to our healthcare system, and it is an in-demand career," said Brian Wong, Minister of Advanced Education. "These additional seats will help train more healthcare professionals, faster. I want to thank NSCC, and all of our post-secondary partners, for helping us remove barriers and find solutions that will improve access to healthcare for all Nova Scotians."
The increase at NSCC follows last year's introduction of a second training program in the province - a hybrid program for up to 40 people through the Province's partnership with the Michener Institute of Education at University Health Network.
So far, 18 students have completed their first year of training in the program, which has a mix of online and in-person learning. Additionally, 12 people who received medical laboratory technologist training internationally or elsewhere in Canada have completed Michener's 16-week bridging program, which helps them get ready to work in Nova Scotia. Of those students, nine have passed their licensure exam and are qualified to work in the field in Nova Scotia.
Medical laboratory technologists perform laboratory testing and investigations related to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Both NSCC and Michener graduates are able to work in any medical laboratory in the province once they become licensed.
Quotes:
"Having worked closely with medical laboratory technologists in my career, I know how important they are to the healthcare system. Opening up more seats will get even more MLTs into our hospitals faster so they can help diagnose and prevent diseases for Nova Scotians across the province."
Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness
"This has been an in-demand program for many years, and we are pleased to have government's support to be able to make the changes needed to increase the number of seats. Medical laboratory technology is another critical area of the health system the college is pleased to be able to support through training and education."
Don Bureaux, President, Nova Scotia Community College
"The MLT profession is integral to the health sector because we provide physicians with valuable clinical information from a variety of patient samples. I chose this field of study because I have a passion for science, and this career allows me to apply my knowledge to benefit both patients and clinicians. Adding additional spaces will allow more students to train for this important area."
Maddy McDonald, medical laboratory technology student, Nova Scotia Community College
Quick Facts:
- prior to the partnership with Michener, NSCC offered the only medical laboratory technologist training program in Nova Scotia
- there is typically a wait list for NSCC's program, a three-year diploma at the Ivany campus in Dartmouth
- the NSCC program has a competitive entry process; applications for the September course closed May 1
- in January, a third cohort of seven internationally and domestically trained medical laboratory technologists began their studies in the Michener bridging program
Additional Resources:
- Information on becoming a medical laboratory technologist: https://novascotia.ca/become-medical-laboratory-technologist/
- News release - Province training more Medical Laboratory Technologists https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2023/04/06/province-training-more-medical-laboratory-technologists-through-innovative
