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Bridging Program for Internationally Trained Medical Laboratory Technologist

This program is intended for internationally educated medical laboratory technologists residing in Canada who have completed the prior learning assessment (PLA) through the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) and are seeking to fill any existing learning gaps and prepare to write the CSMLS General MLT certification exam.

North York

Program Duration
38 weeks
Financial Aid
Various payment options. Financial assistance may be available to those who qualify.

This program is intended for internationally educated medical laboratory technologists residing in Canada who have completed the prior learning assessment (PLA) through the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) and are seeking to fill any existing learning gaps and prepare to write the CSMLS General MLT certification exam.

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ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

  • Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) qualifications from another country with a current (not expired) completed CSMLS Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
  • Recent work experience as an MLT in the country where credentialed or recent MLT graduate (attach resume)
  • Be a permanent resident/landed immigrant or have refugee status or Canadian citizenship and be in Canada
  • Successful completion of Anderson College’s foundation MLT knowledge test (with a passing grade of 60%)
  • Must attend an Anderson College IEMLT Bridging Program virtual open house
  • Considered an asset to be working as a Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician or phlebotomist in a Canadian medical laboratory environment
  • An up-to-date Anderson College immunization record including tetanus and diphtheria, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B (incl. Hep B titer within the last 24 months), TB skin test, influenza and Covid-19.
  • Upon being accepted to the program, the student must attend a virtual orientation to the IEMLT Bridging Program.

*This program does not require approval under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The theory component of the program will be delivered online asynchronously (without formal lectures) with an IEMLT program facilitator hosting regularly scheduled meetings online for student check-ins and to ensure student progress. Scheduled laboratory sessions will be held in person at the Anderson College North York campus and students are required to attend these for program completion.

Asynchronous learning does not occur in the same place or at the same time. Instructors and students do not need to be available at any time or day. Resources will be available on the learning management system Brightspace (D2L), usually with instructions to complete weekly modules. You are free to work through the semester modules at your own speed, however they must be completed by the end date provided by the program.

Hematology 1 introduces hematopoiesis, blood cell metabolism and function, and the components and mechanisms of hemostasis. Theoretical concepts will be supported through laboratory activities.
75 hours - 3 Credits

The chain of infection and methods of prevention and control of microorganisms, including blood borne viruses such as hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) will be reviewed. Immunization, routine practice, additional isolation precautions, sterilization and disinfection, safety and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) are also
covered.
22 hours - 1.5 Credits

Clinical Microbiology 1 introduces the basic concepts of bacterial anatomy and physiology, and detailed methods of staining and culturing identification. Emphasis will be on isolation and identification of clinically relevant microorganisms. The learner will be introduced to antimicrobial susceptibility testing including the spectrum of the major drug groups and their pathophysiologies.
48 hours - 1.5 Credits

Analytical Techniques introduces learners to various laboratory procedures and equipment, analytical principles, and methods related to the clinical laboratory. Methods covered include spectrophotometry, microscopy, osmometry, electrochemistry, electrophoresis and chromatography. Quality control, safety, laboratory math, flow cytometry and mass spectrometry will also be introduced.
90 hours - 3 Credits

This course introduces the learner to the equipment and techniques commonly used to obtain blood specimens for analysis. Techniques for infection control, quality assurance and quality control will be outlined to ensure the safety of both the phlebotomist and patient. This course will also develop the skills and knowledge required to work in the central receiving (specimen reception area) of a clinical laboratory.
75 hours - 3 Credits

In MLT Clinical Chemistry 1, learners are introduced to the metabolism and analysis of biomolecules in body fluids including carbohydrates, hormones, proteins, enzymes, non-protein nitrogen, and electrolytes. Analytical principles of methods that assess organ system functions and correlation of test results with disease are emphasized.
105 hours - 6 Credits

Prerequisites:

ANPH 209 - Human Anatomy and Physiology

INFC 215 - Infection Prevention and Control

MEDL 210 - Analytical Techniques

Hematology 2 involves classifying and describing the etiology and pathophysiology of major disorders of the blood. Laboratory case studies will be completed to support learning of these disorders.
60 hours - 3 Credits

Prerequisites:

HEMA 256 – Hematology 1

INFC 215 – Infection Prevention and Control

MEDL 210 – Analytical Techniques

Clinical Microbiology 2 will emphasize the isolation and identification of clinically relevant microorganisms, Enterobacteriaceae media and lab procedures.
64 hours - 3 Credits

Prerequisites:

MBIO 345 – Clinical Microbiology 1

INFC 215 – Infection Prevention and Control

MEDL 210 – Analytical Techniques

Transfusion Medicine uses classroom discussion, laboratory practice, and independent study to train students to identify and analyze antigen antibody reactions. Topics covered include clinically significant blood group systems (ABO, Rh, Lewis, other), pre-transfusion testing (including a study of blood bank reagents), blood donation, component preparation, quality assurance, transfusion reactions, autoimmune hemolytic anemias, hemolytic disease of the newborn, ABO discrepancies, and antibody detection.
105 hours - 6 Credits

Prerequisites:

HSCI 300 - Immunology

INFC 215 – Infection Prevention and Control

MEDL 210 – Analytical Technique

Immunology will focus on the body’s acquired defense mechanisms, various immune system disorders and tumor and transplantation immunology. Learners will also be presented with a basic overview of immunological testing techniques and immunoassays.
30 hours - 1.5 Credits

This course will introduce the principles and practices of preparing tissue sections from clinical specimens including gross dissection, fixation, decalcification, processing, embedding, microtomy, and cryotomy. In addition, the learner will be introduced to the functional classification of cells and tissue arrangements, followed by a description of the microanatomical structure of the major organs of the body.
48 hours - 1.5 Credits

Prerequisites:

ANPH 209 – Anatomy and Physiology

MEDL 210 – Analytical Techniques

This course is designed to provide the learner with an overview of quality laboratory practices. This includes an emphasis on the use of established quality control techniques to validate results.
23 hours - 1.5 Credits

In Medical Laboratory Technology Clinical Chemistry 2, learners are introduced to the metabolism and measurement of analytes in body fluids including lipids and lipoproteins, cardiac markers, blood gases, acids and bases. Analytical principles of methods that assess organ system functions and correlation of test results with disease are emphasized, including immunoassays.
23 hours - 1.5 Credits

Prerequisites:

CHEM 252 – Clinical Chemistry 1

MEDL 354 – MLT Quality Management

This course will emphasize the isolation and identification of clinically relevant microorganisms and mycology.
30 hours - 1.5 Credits

Prerequisites:

MBIO 360 – Clinical Microbiology 2

MEDL 354 – Medical Laboratory Technology Quality Management

Molecular Medicine Fundamentals begins with a review of nucleic acid basics followed by the collection and preparation of samples used for nucleic acid analysis. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) amplification, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sequencing, and methods to label and read probes will be covered. New techniques and applications in laboratory disciplines will also be discussed. Applications of molecular diagnostics in the clinical lab will be discussed and learners will isolate DNA, perform the PCR technique, sequence and detect nucleic acid products, and apply knowledge to case studies in a lab setting.
30 hours - 3 Credits

Prerequisite: MEDL 210 – Analytical Techniques

Histotechnology 2 will cover general staining techniques used to demonstrate cellular and non-cellular components in tissue sections. It will introduce the learner to a variety of special stain techniques and will include principles, methodology, pathological applications and troubleshooting.
45 hours - 3 Credits

Prerequisites:

HSCI 300 - Immunology

MEDL 310 – Histotechnology 1

MEDL 354 – MLT Quality Management

This is a hands-on practical lab session held on campus over a two-week period. Students will write three   National Certification Practice Exams. Attendance is mandatory. During this time, students will also gain access to some professionalism and case study material that is for CSMLS exam preparation and is not a gradable component.

Students are responsible for arranging the accommodations and paying for the travel expenses.

80 hours

TUITION & FEES

Bridging Program for Internationally Trained Medical Laboratory Technology Program tuition fees (in CAD) for Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents.

Tuition: $9,000

Compulsory Fees: $1,000

Total: $10,000

GRADUATES

Graduates are eligible to write the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) general MLT certification exam. To practice in Ontario, graduates of the program must register and meet strict requirements established by the provincial regulatory college, the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO). Registration is mandatory.

For more information, please visit CSMLS – SCSLM / Home and CMLTO.

WHAT SETS US APART

Beyond our industry-expert instructors, easy-to-use training materials and a hands-on learning environment for you to experience what it feels like to work in a healthcare facility – what sets us apart, is a community of support, sharing your interests and goals for creating a life-changing career path, one that will become like a family as you navigate your way to success.

FROM CLASSROOM TO LIFE

  • Gain real-time knowledge and best-practices onsite from our industry-expert instructors
  • Learn the fundamentals for various clinical laboratory testing procedures in our state-of-the-art laboratory
  • Learn with your fellow classmates, through materials and practice, how to provide exceptional patient support and be part of a professional team

INTERESTED IN APPLYING?

Your first step is to send us your enquiry using of the forms on our website. Also please refer to the ENTRANCE REQUIREMENT section above. Once you’ve submitted your enquiry, you will be contacted by our registrar team, and a phone call appointment will be arranged. For further details and information, you are encouraged to register into the next Virtual Open House by clicking the button below.

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I am very thankful that I enrolled in this School. I have learned a lot of things. Trained and assisted by the best people. All the staff are knowledgeable with what they do. And the people are the best in the field. I would definitely recommend this school to all the people I know! And to all staff, keep up the good work!

Camille J.

Faculty

Adela B. , B. Sc., MLT

bujor-adela

Adela is a Medical Laboratory Technologist, who graduated from the Medical Laboratory Technology Program at the Michener Institute in 2010, after gaining a strong foundation in her native country, Romania, by graduating Biology and Ecology University Sibiu.

Ever since becoming a registered MLT she has dedicated her professional life to working and continuously learning, in various departments in a few Ontario hospitals: Stratford General Hospital, Grand River Hospital, St Marys Hospital, Brantford Hospital. She has strong technical skills in departments such as Hematology, Transfusion Medicine and Microbiology and she has also been involved with teaching MLT students that were having their placement done in these departments.

Managing supplies inventory, contributing to SOPs writing and being a Safety Officer for 2 years as part of the Safety Committee, were also some of the skills she has amassed during her over 12 years of working in the industry.

She is looking forward to growing, teaching and not lastly, learning more along with the students in the MLTH program at Anderson College.

Sally (Shua) H., MLT, B.Ed.

Sally-hong

Sally is a creative and passionate MLT and educator. She focuses on quality learning and training and emphasizes connecting theoretical practices into the clinical laboratory. She likes to build strong foundations and collaborate with her students and fellow MLT colleagues to continue to grow and advocate the field with confidence. Sally commits to challenging herself with continued learning and taking on new roles and experiences to enhance her knowledge in the field.

Sally began her Medical Laboratory career in 2019 and has worked in hospital and reference laboratory settings, both offering their unique experiences. She also possesses a Bachelor of Education and worked in the York Region District School Board for several years. However, realizing that her passion was in healthcare, she left the teaching world and enrolled in the MLT program. Now, she hopes to combine her knowledge and experiences as an MLT and educator to lead the future MLTs at Anderson College.

Realizing the MLT field is one that is vast and ever-growing and being in the fairly early stages of her career, Sally hopes that her future in the field will continue to expand within Education, accreditation, and advocacy.

Shweta P. , B. Sc., MLT, MPH

shweta-pant

Shweta is a Medical Laboratory Technologist who has dedicated her life to learning and teaching others. She continuously strives to expand her knowledge, and is highly passionate about the medical laboratory field.

Shweta gained a strong foundation in microbiology and biological sciences owing to the Honors Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Guelph. After realizing her aptitude for the laboratory during her undergraduate degree, she completed a 3 year Advanced Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science from St. Lawrence College in Kingston Ontario, where she graduated with distinction.

She earned her MLT certification in 2018, and has since worked in various departments at multiple hospitals in Ontario. She has amassed clinical experience in clinical microbiology, chemistry, hematology, transfusion medicine, phlebotomy and molecular biology. In addition to working as a MLT, she has been involved in managing a student training program, performing internal audits, writing SOPs and conducting literature reviews for new processes at her workplaces. During the pandemic, she was part of the laboratory which processed regional COVID-19 tests in Waterloo region. Currently, she works as a casual MLT at Cambridge Memorial Hospital’s core laboratory. She also continues to demonstrate her commitment to learning as she is also pursuing a Master of Public Health Degree from the University of Waterloo.

Gemma Joy G.

Gemma is a hardworking, highly organized, has a strong work ethic and exhibits professionalism in her ability. Gemma is highly motivated dependable in her career. She Always want to learn and expand her knowledge and skills. She believes that education is a continuous process.

Gemma finished her Medical Laboratory Assistant program at Anderson College of Health, Business and technology – North York Campus. She completed her internship program at Humber River Hospital. Started her Medical Lab career before and after completing her course. She works at Alpha Laboratory as a Medical Laboratory Technician for a year. Right after she completed her internship, she got absorb at Sick Kids Hospital as Medical Laboratory Technician. She also a member certified Medical Laboratory Professionals in Ontario. Joined the CSMLS seminar in Transfusion Science Certification.

Taking great pride in her work and consistently working on her skills to ensure she is operating at the highest caliber. Has a positive outlook and energy as an asset to any organization.

Ashneet Saini, MLT, HBSc

Ashneet Saini, MLT, HBSc

Ashneet Saini is an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual who inspires students to learn and grow in their careers. She has a passion for learning and always finds opportunities to expand her knowledge and understanding. She believes that education is the key to success and is grateful to be a part of the medical laboratory technologist program (MLT) and faculty.

Ashneet graduated from the University of Toronto in 2015 with an Honours Bachelor of Science and began a position as a medical laboratory technician of haematology at LifeLabs in 2017.

Through her experiences, she discovered the medical laboratory sciences profession and completed her schooling at The Michener Institute of Education. She has been a certified MLT since 2020 and worked in the core lab at William Osler Health System and Mackenzie Health. She played a vital role in staff training and teaching MLT students during their clinical placements at her sites.

Ashneet loves to give back to her community, advocate for her profession and is always looking for ways to volunteer in her spare time. As a Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) member, she volunteered on the exam panel and was the charity committee Vice President at The Michener Institute of Education. Ashneet hopes to motivate her students to pursue their goals and ambitions and guide them towards success.

Frank Kwa, MLT, HBSc

Frank Kwa, MLT, HBSc

Since he was a child, Frank Kwa was interested in the sciences. Whether building a steam engine from a tin can or exploring nature in a conservation area, he had passion and curiosity. This love of the sciences enables him to keep growing as a medical laboratory technologist (MLT) and an MLT instructor.
After earning an HBSc in Human Biology from the University of Toronto, he completed his MLT training at The Michener Institute of Education in 1998. Since then, he has worked in various hospital laboratories in Toronto and is now the charge medical laboratory technologist of haematology for Scarborough Health Network at both the Lawrence Ave E and Birchmount Rd hospitals.

Frank has experience working in a core laboratory and an additional 5 years specializing in haematology, his passion and dedication to the medical laboratory profession have enriched the students that he teaches.

His teaching philosophy is captured in the words of Bertrand Russell:
“Education is not to be viewed as something like filling a vessel with water but, rather, assisting a flower to grow in its way.”
In Frank’s own words, “I began my career in the medical laboratory sciences field in 1998 and I can think of no better way of giving back to it than by educating and inspiring the future generation of our profession. Many can teach but few can inspire, and it is that which I want to accomplish.”

Megan Spencer, MLT, B.Sc.F.S.

Megan Spencer, MLT, B.Sc.F.S.

Megan Spencer started working as a medical laboratory technologist (MLT) in 2012. A mere 2 years after her career beginnings she started working in the biochemistry department at the University Health Network (UHN) and became a senior worker in the immunology department. She brings 11 years of experience working in fast-paced core labs with her to Anderson College.

Megan discovered her love for teaching when she became a clinical educator at UHN, teaching MLT students rotating through the lab. Since 2014, she trains and teaches clinical chemistry post-doctoral fellows and medical students doing elective rotations. Previously, she designed a 1-week enrichment rotation in autoimmune diagnostics for the clinical chemistry fellows for which she was the supervising faculty.

She has presented at Med Lab Week seminars and scientific conferences, including the AutoAntibody Summit. She welcomes opportunities to conduct academic research and with that attitude, she is the co-author of four different peer-reviewed publications. You can see Megan’s work for poster presentations at conferences at both the national and international levels.

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