The Power of Medical Lab Technician Certification – All You Need to Know

It is no secret that our country is in dire need of medical laboratory technicians to support physicians as they diagnose and treat their waitlist of patients. Whether you’re embarking on your first or second career or want to take your healthcare position to a new level, following up leading-edge training for lab technician with medical technician certification will drive your success. And to graduate with credibility, you want to select an MLA/T program that aligns its curriculum with the national and provincial governing standards, preparing you for achieving that certification.

In our dedication to ensuring our students head into the work world confident and in demand, at Anderson College we’ve worked diligently to achieve EQual Accreditation and provide the training/diploma required for graduates to earn their Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) national certification and/or their Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario (MLPAO) provincial certification.

So, why is certification important; what does it all mean and how do you get yours? Here is your guide to understanding and connecting to it all.

The Power of MLA/T Certification – All You Need to Know and What’s Next

Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario (MLPAO) Certification

Who is the MLPAO and what does this certification mean?

• The MLPAO is the certifying body for Medical Laboratory Assistants/Technicians (MLA/Ts) in the province of Ontario. This certification validates that an individual has attained a recognized level of standards and training through an MLPAO-approved educational institutions. Anderson College is an approved institution.

Why is MLPAO certification ideal?

• MLPAO certification is regarded as the preferred examination by many employers in Ontario.
• Applying what you learned in your program to the rigorous MLPAO exam and achieving certification demonstrates to the public and employers that you are knowledgeable, competent and skilled. Meeting the provincial standard immediately puts you ahead of those who have not achieved this credential in a competitive market.
• As we know, credibility leads to a wider range of opportunities and better-quality job offers, as well as a higher pay scale.

Why become a member of the MLPAO?

• There is a comprehensive package of benefits that includes: professional liability insurance coverage, discounts to numerous affinity programs, free online education, reduced education symposium day fees and a subscription to the Advocate publication.
• The MLPAO is dedicated to supporting members in their personal growth and professional development, providing networking, and learning opportunities that allow you to continually evolve in your work and in your life.

Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Certification

Who is the CSMLS and what does this certification mean?

• CSMLS is the national certifying body for medical laboratory technologists and medical laboratory assistants, and the national professional society for Canada’s medical laboratory professionals.
• Promotes and maintains a nationally accepted standard of medical laboratory technology, assuring other health professionals and the public of effective and economical laboratory services.
• Promotes and protects the professional identity and interests of the medical lab professional and the profession.
• Sets the qualification standards in med lab science, conducts exams across Canada and issues certificates to candidates who meet the prescribed standard.
• Provides prior learning assessment (PLAs) to internationally educated medical laboratory technologists who are seeking Canadian certification.
• Once members are certified, CSMLS provides professional development and continuing education to help members update skills and achieve their professional goals.

Why is CSMLS certification ideal?

• Medical laboratory assistant is currently an unregulated profession and CSMLS certification gives you the credibility some employers require and others, even if not requiring it, will recognize what sets you apart.
• National recognition of competence to practice within national standards, opening doors for you to work anywhere in Canada.
• Rigorous exam development unlike any other MLA exam offered at the lowest price in Canada.
• An exam developed by MLAs for MLAs.

Why become a member of the CSMLS?

• Empowers you to continually evolve in your skills with over 1000 hours of free learning.
• A community of over 14,000 to network with.
• Access the latest national job postings across Canada and see what skills employers are looking for.
• Extensive professional liability insurance for just pennies a day if you opt in.
• Discover new trends, their impact on today’s laboratory and how to prepare yourself for the future.
• Learn best practices to support you in your day-to-day work life.
  CSMLS stays informed about the profession, at federal and provincial levels, and keeps a finger on the pulse of situations that need to be addressed and proposes solutions for the betterment of the laboratory profession.
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If you’re intent on being on the leading-edge of knowledge in the industry, looking for professional recognition and advancement and connecting to like-minded colleagues as you evolve in your career and life, certification is a pathway for you.

To set yourself on this trajectory, you now need to train with industry experts who can prepare you for the examinations. Anderson College can be that program and supportive community you need.

If you are still considering whether medical lab technician or perhaps other healthcare training programs are for you, you can take the “Anderson College Medical Professional Career Training Readiness Quiz”.

But if you’re ready to become a medical technician, we’re here to help you navigate every step along the way. Explore your options in our Medical Lab Sciences programs, then book a virtual appointment 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 – Medical Lab Sciences programs
• How to become an MLT (cmlto.com)
• 7 Clear Signs a Medical Lab Technician Career is an Ideal Fit for You
• Career Opportunities as a Medical Laboratory Assistant Technician
• Finding work as a Medical Laboratory Technician in Ontario