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Internationally Educated Medical Laboratory Technologists (IEMLT) Credential Assessment and Education Bursary Program

On July 19, 2022, the Province of British Columbia announced $4.5M in bursary funding to support high priority internationally educated allied health professionals (IEAHPs) that want to work in BC’s healthcare system. This program will be administered by Health Match BC (HMBC) and will be designed to retain allied health professionals in the public sector. HMBC acts in an advisory capacity to support IEAHPs throughout their journey to practice in British Columbia (BC), Canada.

A bursary of up to $12,884 CAD, plus applicable taxes, is available to assist internationally educated medical laboratory technologists (IEMLTs) with the costs associated with becoming certified to work in BC. HMBC, in partnership with the BC Ministry of Health (MoH) will support eligible IEMLTs who want to work in BC by offering financial support to help pay for costs associated with credential assessment, English language proficiency testing, refresher, subject-specific or comprehensive courses, and optional bridging education. This bursary will become available as of January 15, 2024.

IEMLT Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this bursary, internationally educated medical laboratory technologists (IEMLTs) will need to meet all of the following criteria:

  • The applicant provides supporting identification document. This document must contain legal first and last names.
  • The applicant provides proof of a college or university diploma or degree from a medical laboratory technologist program from a country other than Canada.
    • Acceptable education and work experience must be at the technologist level for clinical/diagnostic human testing not for research, plants, or animals.
  • The applicant has initiated or will be initiating the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) process with the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS).
  • The applicant declares and signs a Return of Service (ROS) Agreement indicating that they intend to complete the full credentialing and certification process.
    • This includes completion of CSMLS Online Self-Assessment (OSA) and PLA, including satisfying any Learning Plan requirements by completing courses where directed, obtaining certification as a general Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) with CSMLS and working with a Qualifying Employer in BC’s public healthcare sector for one year (if employment is over 0.5 FTE), or two years (if employment is 0.5 FTE or less).
  • The applicant has a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)
    • Please note a SIN is not required to register for the bursary. If you are not currently residing in Canada and are eligible for the bursary, you will be reimbursed once you obtain your SIN and Canadian bank account information for direct deposit which are necessary for any reimbursements.
  • The applicant must not currently hold (or have previously held) certification as an MLT in Canada with CSMLS and/or registration or licensure with any provincial MLT regulator.

What is the process for Internationally Educated Medical Laboratory Technologists?

In BC, general Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs) must have certification with the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) in order to practice as MLTs. For IEMLTs to work in BC, the process begins through CSMLS, where the IEMLT will complete a required Online Self-Assessment (OSA) to assess basic level knowledge about medical laboratory practice and identify knowledge gaps. After, the IEMLT will submit a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) for evaluation and review. The PLA process has three (3) stages: 1) Pre-assessment, 2) Assessment, and 3) Post-assessment. The CSMLS will review an IEMLT’s theoretical and clinical (practicum/internship) education, clinical work experience, academic credentials, and English or French language proficiency. Participants should follow the detailed instructions provided on the CSMLS website and in the most recent version of the CSMLS Prior Learning Assessment Medical Laboratory Technologist Information Handbook.

After reviewing the PLA, the CSMLS will provide the IEMLT with one of three possible responses:   

  • Not Recognized: The IEMLT’s education, experience and credentials have been deemed not equivalent to the CSMLS MLT Competency Profile and the IEMLT must take a full, recognized equal MLT training program in Canada in order to practice as an MLT.
    • Note: Applicants who are deemed as Not Recognized are not eligible for the IEMLT Bursary program past the initial OSA and PLA reimbursements.
  • Partially Recognized: The IEMLT is assigned a Technical Report Learning Plan (Learning Plan) and will need to enroll in assigned subject specific, refresher, or comprehensive courses before becoming eligible to challenge the CSMLS MLT Certification exam. IEMLTs may choose to enroll in a bridging program or clinical placement to meet Learning Plan objectives, however these must first be approved by CSMLS.
  • Recognized: The IEMLT’s education and credentials have been deemed equivalent to the CSMLS MLT Competency Profile, they are issued an exam eligibility statement, and they are eligible to challenge the CSMLS MLT Certification exam immediately. 

Once an IEMLT has satisfied any assigned Learning Plan requirements, or was initially CSMLS Recognized, they will receive an exam eligibility statement and must successfully challenge the CSMLS MLT Certification exam. There is a maximum of three exam attempts allowed, and exam eligibility status is valid for 12 months after the date of issue. If the IEMLT is not successful on their first exam attempt, they must complete their second attempt within 12 months of initial exam eligibility. If the IEMLT is not successful on their second exam attempt, they will be placed into a Re-establishing Eligibility Learning Plan which must be completed before they can attend their third and final exam attempt.

Return of Service

IEMLTs must commit to a Return of Service (ROS) agreement with the BC Ministry of Health to receive financial support through this program. The ROS agreement states that you intend to complete the full credentialing and certification process and will work in BC with a public sector employer for a specified length of time.

The ROS is an agreement to work in the public health system for one year, if the participant’s employment is over a 0.5 FTE; or two years, if the participant’s employment is 0.5 FTE or less.

A publicly funded health sector employer includes regional health board designated under section 4(1) of the Health Authorities Act, Provincial Health Services Authority, or Providence Health Care; or (b) a publicly funded private laboratory provider that is approved by the Province in writing. For reference, Lifelabs and Dynacare Valley Medical Laboratories are the approved publicly funded private laboratory providers as of September 1, 2023. Qualifying employers EXCLUDE contract agencies supplying temporary and/or short-term staffing solutions to eligible facilities. 

Note: Once eligibility has been confirmed, HMBC will send a ROS agreement to the applicant which must be signed and returned.

 

Financial Support (Bursaries)

Bursary amounts that may be available to the Participant, as applicable, relating to the IEMLT credentialing and certification process. All amounts are contingent on a signed ROS.

Certification Process Steps Eligible for Bursary Program

Bursary Amount

Requirements for Reimbursement

Online Self-Assessment through CSMLS 

$60 CAD plus applicable taxes

Upon proof of payment to HMBC

Application for CSMLS Prior Learning Assessment

Up to $1,850 CAD
(PLA Stage 1 Fee: $975) 
(PLA Stage 2 Fee: $875) 

Upon proof of payment for Participants who have submitted a PLA to CSMLS and are waiting for the results. A positive result letter (e.g., a Technical Report stating Learning Plan requirements or granting Exam Eligibility) from CSMLS is also required for Participants who have already completed the PLA with CSMLS. 

IEMLTs who have previously paid PLA Stage 1 Fee may be eligible for reimbursement of this cost, in addition to reimbursement of their PLA Stage 2 fee. 

Credential Evaluation (WES or ICES)

$214-249 CAD plus applicable taxes 

Reimbursement can occur upon completion and proof of payment provided to HMBC.

English Language Proficiency (ELP) testing if required for credentialing or certification process 

Up to $800 CAD 

After proof of payment for CSMLS assessment. The ELP test bursary is available for up to two (2) attempts of a CSMLS accepted test, whether an applicant is successful or not. Funding is up to $400 CAD per test and is based on official receipts and completion of testing from a recognized English Language Proficiency Test.

Refresher, Subject-Specific Courses and/or Comprehensive Courses Required by CSMLS (as outlined in Learning Plan) 

Up to $3,000 CAD. Courses range in cost and length, and students may need to take several to meet their Learning Plan requirements.

Upon proof of payment, copy of assigned Learning Plan, and course completion submitted to HMBC. 

IEMLT Bridging Program offered by the Michener Institute (Optional, possible alternative to taking courses noted in the IEMLT’s Learning Plan)

$5,900 CAD 

Reimbursement can occur with proof of payment and course completion provided to HMBC, and upon commencement of the ROS with a Qualifying Employer. The applicant must submit the Province’s Return of Service Commencement Form.

Travel bursary for optional in-person IEMLT Bridging Program offered by the Michener Institute.

Up to a $1,000 CAD travel subsidy to defray travel costs for out-of-town applicants

Reimbursement can occur with proof of payment and course completion provided to HMBC, proof of address, and upon commencement of the ROS with a Qualifying Employer. The applicant must submit the Province’s Return of Service Commencement Form.

Maximum Eligible Bursary Amount (with maximum education bursary amount and travel subsidy): 

$12,884 CAD plus applicable taxes 

Note: Travel subsidies are calculated using estimated ferry costs and fuel consumption based on distanced travel from an applicant’s primary residence in BC.

Documents Required

Bursary participants who are somewhere along the pathway to certification with CSMLS can submit receipts for eligible expenses incurred on or after July 19, 2022. To be eligible for the Internationally Educated Medical Laboratory Technologists (IEMLTs) Bursary through HMBC, applicants must:

  • Apply for the IEMLT Bursary by registering for an account with HMBC.

  • Provide proof of a college or university diploma or degree from a medical laboratory technologist program from a country other than Canada.

  • Apply for the Canadian Society of Medicine Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Prior Learning Assessment (PLA):
    • If you have already completed the CSMLS PLA, you may be eligible for reimbursement:

      • Provide HMBC with a copy of the receipt showing the PLA application fee for the assessment has been paid and a CSMLS Technical Report, indicating your experience and education is deemed equivalent to the CSMLS MLT Competency Profile, OR your experience and education is deemed partially equivalent to the CSMLS MLT Competency Profile, and you have been assigned a Learning Plan. Note: Reimbursement for the CSMLS Fee requires receipts showing the fee has dated on or after July 19, 2022, and a result letter has been issued.

    • If you have not yet initiated the CSMLS PLA, you may be eligible to have this fee waived upfront by CSMLS.
  • Submit receipts of payment for:
    • Credential evaluations from World Education Services-Canada (WES) or International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES).
    • Online Self-Assessment (OSA) –Note: MLT PLA applicants are required to complete the OSA before applying for the PLA.
    • English Language Proficiency (ELP) Testing.
      • Note: HMBC will only accept language proficiency tests accepted by CSMLS for the purpose of the assessment process:
        • Michener English Language Assessment (MELA)
        • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT
        • International English Language Testing System Academic (IELTS AC)
        • International English Language Testing System General Training (IELTS GT)
  • Once an applicant receives a Technical Report Learning Plan (TRLP) from CSMLS, they may be eligible for the following:
    • Refresher and Subject-Specific Courses Required by CSMLS – Outlined on the Learning Plan
      • Note: HMBC will reimburse for assigned coursework on the TRLP only. Courses or Medical Laboratory Technologist programs taken prior to receiving a TRLP CANNOT be counted towards fulfilling any requirement identified in a TRLP. The costs for remedial education will be reimbursed once the course(s)/semesters have been paid to the educational institution and when the IEMLT can provide proof of successful course completion. Applicants must submit proof of payment and successful course completion for individual course(s).
    • IEMLT Bridging Program offered by the Michener Institute – Optional
      • Note: The costs for the eligible MLT bridging program at Michener Institute with out-of-province in-person component will be reimbursed once the applicants submit proof of payment and course completion, and commences the ROS with a Qualifying Employer by submitting the Province’s Return of Service Commencement Form.

Note: Payment can be expected within 4-6 weeks of submitting all required documentation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

GENERAL ALLIED HEALTH BURSARY PROGRAM QUESTIONS

  • What is the new Internationally Educated Allied Bursary Program?

    On July 19, 2022, the Province of British Columbia announced $4.5M in funding to provide bursaries to high priority internationally educated allied health professionals (IEAHPs) that want to work in BC’s health system. 

    Health Match BC, in partnership with the BC Ministry of Health, will support eligible IEAHPs who want to work in BC by offering financial support to help pay for many of the costs associated with credential assessment, English Language proficiency testing, and supplementary education, such as exam preparation and bridging or gap-filling education.

    To be eligible, IEAHPs must commit to a Return of Service (ROS) agreement with the BC Ministry of Health to receive financial support through the bursary program.

    By reducing barriers to the assessment and licensing or certification process, qualified IEAHPs will be able to enter the workforce sooner, so that people in British Columbia will have access to even more allied health professionals to support their healthcare needs.

INTERNATIONALLY EDUCATED MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS (IEMLTs) 

RETURN OF SERVICE (ROS) AGREEMENT

IMMIGRATION

Allied Health Jobs BC

This site is maintained by Health Match BC, a free health professional recruitment service that is becoming part of
BCHealthCareers.ca. While we complete this transition, Health Match BC programs and services will remain unchanged. We respectfully acknowledge that our head office is located on the traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations.