Medical Laboratory Science

UOIT offers a Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) in Medical Laboratory Science. This degree is the first of its kind in Ontario and connects students with the most recent advances in modern medical research. The facultyпПХs mission is to prepare professional Medical Laboratory Science technologists who are committed to excellence and innovation in a rapidly changing allied health environment; to value collaborative learning as a means to develop team-oriented workplace skills; to encourage the transition to self-directed learning; and to foster opportunities that build personal accountability, adaptability and transferable skills. In recent years, modern health care has become increasingly dependent on complex laboratory tests. Medical laboratory technologists perform tests in all laboratory areas. The results of these tests aid in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of disease. Increasing consumer and physician demand for diagnostic laboratory services and the anticipated Ontario population growth of 18 per cent over the next 10 years are excellent indicators of continued and growing employment opportunities for Medical Laboratory Science graduates. Students learn fundamental knowledge and skills in biological, physical and health sciences. In the medical laboratory science-specific courses, students develop strong laboratory, interpersonal, analytical and problem-solving skills with consolidation of these skills occurring during the fourth-year practicum. When in the laboratories, students will work with all types of human specimens. It is important that applicants are aware of this aspect of the program. Throughout Years 1 to 4, students will be expected to collect blood specimens. Gaining competence in blood collection is essential to complete prior to entering the first practicum semester in Year 4. Medical laboratory professionals are dedicated to serving the health care needs of the public; therefore, the welfare of the patient is paramount at all times. In order to meet this expectation on graduation, it is important that students considering Medical Laboratory Science realize there is an expectation throughout the program that they perform testing protocols within a pre-established time standard and meet the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science competencies so that they are prepared for the clinical environment. Applicants with colour blindness should be aware that the ability to clearly differentiate colours is essential for working in a diagnostic medical laboratory.

Field of study: Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology/Technologist