National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0

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National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0
Introduction
Hierarchical structure

32120 - Medical laboratory technologists

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.

  • Illustrative example(s)

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

    All examples

  • Exclusion(s)

    • Biological technologists and technicians (See 22110 Biological technologists and technicians)
    • Chemical technologists and technicians (See 22100 Chemical technologists and technicians)
    • Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations (See 33101 Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations)

  • 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.

  • Employment requirements

    • A two- or three-year college program in medical laboratory technology is required
      and
      a 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.

  • Additional information

    • In Quebec medical laboratory technologists are referred to as les technologistes médicaux and are regulated by l'Ordre professionnel des technologistes médicaux du Québec (OPTMQ).
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