Career guide
Medical laboratory technologist
Medical laboratory technologists test blood, tissue and other samples so doctors can diagnose and treat patients.
- StatusCertification required by employers
- TrainingDiploma or degree
- Pay scale$38.93–$48.59 an hour
- Openings now1
A day in the job
You run and check tests on analyzers, look at samples under the microscope, prepare blood for transfusion, check quality controls and report critical results to the care team right away. Hospital labs run day and night.
Where you could work: Hospital laboratories, Shared Health diagnostic services
How to get there
- Complete an accredited medical laboratory science program (BCIT offers one)
British Columbia schools: BCIT (opens in a new tab)
Before you start work
- Pass the national certification exam of the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS), which BC employers ask for
Trained outside Canada?
Technologists trained outside Canada usually start with a prior learning assessment through the national society (CSMLS).
Important: Requirements can change and may differ for internationally educated professionals. CareZelo links to official bodies but does not determine eligibility.