Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), Canada

This program is structured to provide comprehensive training in medical laboratory science, preparing you to contribute effectively to patient care through diagnostics, treatment, and prevention of disease.

In this program, you will:

• learn to apply scientific, technical and medical principles in conducting and assessing laboratory tests within healthcare environments
• learn about the area of clinical pathology concerned with analyzing bodily fluids
• learn about the detection of pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses
• study hematology, the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases related to the blood
• study histology, which involves preparing clinical specimens and applying specialized staining and techniques for diagnostic microscopic examination
• perform serological testing to determine the ABO and Rh antigens and prepare and provide blood and blood components to ensure a safe transfusion to patients
• Gain professional responsibility, including scope of practice, ethics, communication, critical thinking, accountability and how to collaborate professionally.

In the first year, you will focus on building a strong foundation through classroom instruction and applied simulated laboratory training.

In the second year, you will engage in an in-depth clinical practicum at our partner sites, which provide practical experience across various medical laboratory disciplines. You will be able to integrate knowledge, skills and professional attitudes through real-world clinical experiences and simulation activities.
You will complete the program by writing competency-based practice exams to prepare you for the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) certification exam.

Once qualified, you will be eligible to work as a medical laboratory technologist in hospital laboratories, medical diagnostic laboratories and specialized research laboratories.

As a graduate, you will be well-equipped to enter the health technology field, a rewarding career critical to the healthcare system, with growing opportunities due to medical advancements and an increasing need for diagnostic services.