32120

Medical laboratory technologists

TEER 2 — College diploma, apprenticeship (2+ yrs) or supervisory

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: Yes

Classification

Health

3 › 32 › 321 › 3212

Definition

Medical laboratory technologists conduct medical laboratory tests, experiments and analyses to assist in the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and prevention of disease. They are employed in medical laboratories in hospitals, blood banks, community and private clinics, research facilities and post-secondary educational institutions. Medical laboratory technologists who are supervisors are included in this unit group.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following 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.
Medical laboratory technologists may specialize in areas such as clinical chemistry, clinical microbiology, hematology, histotechnology, transfusion medicine or immunohematology, cytotechnology, cytogenetics and molecular genetics.

Example job titles

•clinical genetics technologist
•cytogenetics technologist - medical laboratory
•histology technologist
•medical laboratory cytotechnologist
•medical laboratory technologist
•medical laboratory technologists supervisor

Overview

Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, Medical Laboratory Technologists are classified under code 32120. This occupation falls under TEER 2, making it eligible for key Canadian economic immigration programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class under the Express Entry system. Individuals in this occupation conduct medical laboratory tests, experiments, and analyses to assist physicians in diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease.

To qualify as a medical laboratory technologist in Canada under NOC 32120, candidates must meet specific education and licensing standards. This typically requires the completion of a two- to three-year college program in medical laboratory technology and a period of supervised practical training. Additionally, certification by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) is required in most provinces and territories, and registration with a provincial regulatory body is mandatory to practice.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice. For official guidelines, please consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a regulated Canadian immigration professional.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.