​Medical laboratory technologists

Medical laboratory technologists (MLTs) play a vital role in B.C.’s health system by performing essential tests, and analyses on blood, tissue, and other samples to help diagnose, monitor, prevent, and treat diseases.

About medical laboratory technologists

Medical laboratory technologists are highly skilled professionals who play a vital role in patient care by performing tests and analyses that enable accurate diagnosis and treatment decisions.  

Medical laboratory technologists are trained in areas such as clinical chemistry, clinical microbiology, hematology, histology, and transfusion medicine (science). Examples of their typical duties include:

  • Specimen collection and preparation
  • Laboratory testing
  • Operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment and troubleshooting any technical issues
  • Conduct quality control assessment of testing techniques
  • Analyze test results, interpret data, maintain detailed records and report test results
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In general, the qualifications to practice as a medical laboratory technologist in British Columbia include graduation from a recognized medical laboratory technologist program and either certification with the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science or, for new graduates and internationally educated individuals requiring credential assessment, successfully challenging the Canadian Alliance of Medical Laboratory Professionals Regulators Fields-of-Practice Competency Assessment(s). Job postings provide additional details on job requirements.

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British Columbia offers a range of job opportunities for medical laboratory technologists within hospitals across the province, including positions within Interior Health, Island Health, Northern Health, as well as Fraser Health, the Provincial Health Services Authority, Vancouver Coastal Health, and Providence Health within the Lower Mainland Consolidation of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine.

For support and resources to assist in your job search, visit Allied Health Jobs BC and register today. 

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British Columbia’s publicly funded health authorities offer comprehensive compensation packages for regular-status employees, including employer-paid benefits.

  • Wages: $38.93 – $48.59 CAD per hour (as of April 1, 2026) plus applicable shift premiums
  • Paid vacation time: 4 weeks per year, after first year of employment
  • Pension Plan
  • BC Medical Services Plan (MSP)
  • Extended health care  
  • Dental coverage   
  • Life insurance
  • Short-term and long-term disability
  • Employee and Family Assistance Plan
  • Other benefits: such as maternity, paternity and adoption leaves
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  • The Canadian Alliance of Medical Laboratory Professionals Regulators (CAMLPR), representing provincial regulators for MLTs across Canada, is responsible for the national MLT competency profile and entry-to-practice examinations for domestic and internationally trained MLTs. 
  • Internationally educated medical laboratory technologists who wish to work in B.C. may be eligible for the Internationally Educated Medical Laboratory Technologist Credential Assessment and Education Bursary Program, to assist with costs associated with the credential assessment pathway to work in BC. Interested applicants can find more details through the Allied Health Jobs BC website. 
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B.C. news for medical laboratory technologists

Four health professions to be regulated in B.C.

Starting in November 2027, clinical perfusionists, medical laboratory technologists, radiation therapists and respiratory therapists will be regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C. This change will help support safe, high-quality care by setting clear standards and improving public confidence in B.C.’s healthcare system.

Learn more about the proposed regulation

Medical laboratory professionals support quality patient care

People throughout B.C. rely on the expertise of medical laboratory professionals, who play a critical role in diagnosing, preventing and treating illness. During Medical Laboratory Week, the Province is recognizing these essential health-care workers and their contributions to high-quality, team-based care.

Learn more about how MLTs support patient care

Province supports allied health workforce, improves patient care

The Province continues to put people first by launching the new Allied Health Strategic Plan (AHSP), which focuses on recruitment, retention, training and redesigning of the allied health workforce, to ensure people have access to the health-care providers they need.

Learn more about allied health workforce improving patient care

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