Medical laboratory technologists perform medical tests, analyse specimens and interpret test results. Accurate medical testing, analysis and interpretation are essential to the diagnosis and treatment of disease and to the maintenance of health and wellness.

In addition to keeping pace with rapid advances in the field of medical laboratory science, medical laboratory technologists must also be prepared to function within multi disciplinary health care teams. Consequently, the body of knowledge required by entry level medical laboratory technologists must evolve beyond a purely technical focus to include broader-based skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, and communication.

In order to prepare future general medical laboratory technologists to practice in an increasingly complex health care environment, CSMLS has updated the competency profile. The revised profile incorporates skills and bodies of knowledge that were identified during an extensive consultation process with employers, educators, regulatory bodies and professional societies and practitioners. The revised profile will become the standard for entry-level general medical laboratory technologists effective 2010, pending a final stakeholder validation. Existing practitioners will not be affected by the new entry to practice requirements.

It is the opinion of the CSMLS Board of Directors that learning outcomes identified in the revised competency profile are best achieved in a baccalaureate degree program. However, as health and education are under provincial jurisdiction, CSMLS will not prescribe an educational credential for entry-level general medical laboratory technologists. All accredited training programs, including those at the college, technical or university levels will be required to integrate the new competency profile into their curricula in preparation for the national certification examinations in 2010.

CSMLS will work in collaboration with its members and key stakeholders to facilitate the transition to the new competency profile thereby ensuring that future entry-level general medical laboratory technologists are equipped with the skills and knowledge required to provide high quality medical laboratory services.

Revised April 28, 2004