Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

As a registered medical laboratory technologist, you will assist in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. In this program the focus will be on the analysis of human blood and body fluids for microorganisms and cellular and chemical components. Compatibility testing of blood and blood products, plus preparation of tissue samples for microscopic examination. While the majority of time medical laboratory technologists are analyzing samples and interpreting results, collection of blood samples from patients is an integral part of the profession.Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) focuses on the analysis of human blood, body fluids and tissues, with students learning a variety of skills to become entry level professionals. This program includes general laboratory related courses with progression to discipline specific courses in Microbiology, Transfusion Science, Hematology, Clinical Chemistry, and Histotechnology while at NAIT.Upon completion of courses at NAIT, students progress to affiliated clinical sites where they will train alongside registered medical laboratory technologists (MLT’s) and have the ability to apply the knowledge and skills learned at NAIT. Students will also continue to develop their organizational, critical thinking, communication and professionalism skills. Clinical training (Work integrated learning – WIL) takes place at multiple locations and students should plan to be able to travel to sites within about a one-hour radius of their assigned clinical (WIL) site. Shifts during clinical will include days, evenings and weekends.