Skills, Education and Experience

• must be detail oriented and able to follow strict procedures
• require a high level of accuracy, both in work procedures and in maintaining concise records
• good communication and interpersonal skills
• ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Source: WorkBC

To work as a medical laboratory technologist or technician you require:

• completion of a two or three year medical laboratory education program approved by the British Columbia Society of Laboratory Science
• certification by the BC Society for Medical Laboratory Science and/or Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science is not mandatory, but is usually required by employers

This occupation is not regulated in British Columbia.

However, many employers prefer you to be certified by the BC Society for Medical Laboratory Science (for medical laboratory technicians) or Canadian Society for Medical Science (for medical laboratory technologists). To learn about certification see:

If you wish to become a certified member of the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science you must:

• apply for a prior learning assessment (PLA). The PLA evaluates your education, training and work experience and compares it to the national standard.
• write the CSMLS National Certification Examinations (if your PLA assessment is satisfactory)

For more information see: