It is undeniable that the lingering challenges and evolving strains of the COVID virus have had detrimental affects on our society, above all on our healthcare system. And few divisions of that system have been taxed more than the laboratory. As the need for testing and results rise, so too does the need for qualified, technical staff to support and deliver. There has simply never been a better time in history to pursue a career as a medical laboratory technologist (MLT). Let us tell you why.
Top 5 Reasons to Pursue a Career as a Medical Lab Technologist Right Now
1.Massive Shortages Fuel Job Opportunities
“The main issue right now is that MLTs are overworked and they’re stressed,” says Michelle Hoad, Chief Executive Officer of The Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario (MLPAO). “Ontario urgently needs medical laboratory technologists.
Before the pandemic, the MLPAO reported that 70% of labs entered COVID-19 short-staffed. The staff shortages are exacerbated by the demands of the pandemic, but the needs were there prior to this most recent challenge and will continue to expand.
2.Great Long-Range Job Prospects and Salary
For the Medical Technologist occupation, according to Job Bank Canada shortages are projected. And “Over the period 2019-2028, new job openings (arising from expansion demand and replacement demand) are expected to total 20,400, while 20,400 new job seekers (arising from school leavers, immigration and mobility) are expected to be available to fill them.”
With these projected shortages and the solid salary base available, the opportunities are rich for students looking to study and train at medical laboratory technologist schools in Canada within leading-edge programs.
3.Opportunities Across Canada
There are few jobs that are as certain, and few opportunities as guaranteed to bring job prospects as pursuing a medical laboratory technologist program and diploma.
Provinces across Canada are facing shortages, and the essential responsibilities that medical lab technologists fill will be required long after COVID-19 and what transpires in its wake.
“Our nation’s ability to respond to this and future pandemics is contingent on having a sufficient supply of qualified medical laboratory professionals,” said Christine Nielsen, Chief Executive Officer of The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Sciences (CSMLS).
4.Rewarding, Life-Saving Career
Specifically, MLTs play a vital role in providing physicians with crucial diagnostic information. They run complex tests and interpret results to aid in the diagnosis, treatment and management of a patient’s health. This career is technically challenging and infinitely rewarding, as you are an integral team member providing high-level patient care. It is remarkable to be a part of a healthcare team that makes a significant difference in the lives of others.
5.Educational Training Available is Empowering
The medical technologist school you select is essential to your career path to becoming an MLT. The type of education you receive should include a balance between industry-expert knowledge training and hands-on experience. You want to ensure you have access to a strong medical technologist program which bases its curriculum on the CSMLS national competency profile. Anderson College’s program is two years, full time and fast paced. Anderson’s program is designed to train students to become skilled in applying the scientific, technical, and medical principles needed to perform and evaluate laboratory testing in a healthcare setting and prepare them for writing the national CSMLS certification exam. Graduates will be ready for entry-level MLT positions in clinical laboratories in both the public and private sector, research labs or scientific supply companies.
Take the “Medical Professional Career Discovery Quiz”
The shortages in this field are real; the needs of patients and families across our country are critical. Are you ready to take your place within an industry and a healthcare team that can make a powerful difference? If you are ready to explore your Medical Laboratory Technology training options with us. Book a virtual appointment today and let’s get you started!
Quick Links to Fuel Your Success!
We want to make sure you have what you need to succeed! Check out these reference links:
- Anderson College’s New Medical Laboratory Technology Program to Address Massive Industry Shortages (yahoo.com)
- Medical Laboratory Technology Hybrid at Anderson College
- Medical Laboratory Technologist near Toronto (ON) | Job prospects – Job Bank
- Medical Technologist – Medical Laboratory in Canada | Job prospects – Job Bank
- CSMLS – SCSLM / Who are Lab Professionals
- How to become an MLT (cmlto.com)
