Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs)
Governing Bodies
Canadian Alliance of Medical Laboratory Professionals Regulators (CAMLPR) – As of June 1, 2025, British Columbia aligned with CAMLPR to assess the education and qualifications of Internationally Educated Medical Laboratory Technologists (IEMLTs) and administer the certification examinations.
British Columbia Society of Laboratory Science (BCSLS) – Manages the professional affairs of Medical Laboratory Technologists in BC by advocating on behalf of the profession with the provincial government, health authorities and coordinating bodies.
Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) – While CSMLS is no longer the national certifying body, it will continue its role as the professional society for Canadian Medical Laboratory Technologists.
Fields of Practice
CAMPLR has developed new competency frameworks (profiles) for entry-level MLTs in eight fields of practice:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Hematology
- Transfusion Medicine (Science)
- Clinical Microbiology
- Histology
- Cytology: Gynecologic and Non-gynecologic
- Cytogenetics
- Molecular Diagnostics
With these new competency profiles, MLTs can be considered to work in British Columbia in the specific Fields of Practice where they have shown they are competent.
Education and Certification
Canadian trained MLTs must complete their education through a program accredited by the Health Standards Organization’s (HSO) EQual™ Accreditation program and successfully write the CAMPLR Field-of-Practice exam for each field in which they intend to practice.
Internationally Educated Medical Laboratory Technologists
If you were educated and/or trained as a Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) outside of Canada, you must apply to the Canadian Alliance of Medical Laboratory Professionals Regulators (CAMLPR) for an assessment to determine language proficiency, substantial similarity of qualifications, and work experience. You will be required to submit information for the assessment, which CAMLPR will review to determine your eligibility to apply for the CAMPLR Field-of-Practice exams.
English Language Proficiency
Internationally Educated MLTs that did not complete their education in English or French must provide proof they have passed a CAMPLR approved English test.
Certification Exams
Canadian Alliance of Medical Laboratory Professionals Regulators (CAMLPR) Field-of-Practice exams are competency-based exams with emphasis placed on the application of knowledge in the practice environment.
