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In the world of health and medicine, medical lab techs play a crucial role. Additionally, with their role expanding, there are numerous opportunities for full- and part-time employment in both clinics and hospital laboratories. According to Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, these professionals are tasked with vital duties such as: • Collecting blood or other samples from patients
• Receiving tissue samples from patients
• Logging patient samples and preparing them for testing
• Setting up medical laboratory equipment
• Conducting routine laboratory tests and sample analyses
• Cleaning and maintaining medical laboratory and medical laboratory equipment
• Phlebotomy
• Performing ECGs and Holter monitoring
• Assisting in clinical or veterinary labs, physicians’ offices, private and public health labs, research labs and diagnostic supply companies To take on these responsibilities, one must attend a Medical Laboratory Technician program, such as the one offered at Centennial College. Because professionals in this area work with a diverse population, the offering — which takes just three semesters to complete — considers technical and customer service aspects. This is achieved through familiarizing students with all of the tasks they will perform and the use of laboratory equipment and medical terminology, while helping them to develop the professional attitude and demeanor needed for close patient contact. Excellent communication skills and good interpersonal skills are essential, so the program includes courses such as Transcultural Health – A Canadian Sociological Exploration on How Race, Class and Gender Inform Health, Communication and Professional Practice, Lab Administration & Quality Management. Unlike other Medical Laboratory Technician programs, this offering prides itself on ensuring that despite its short length students are receiving as much practical practice prior to graduation as possible. As such, the entire final semester is spent in a clinical practice setting under the direction of a medical laboratory assistant. This serves several purposes, including allowing for easy transition into the workplace environment, the opportunity to become proficient at specimen collection and handling, learning to function as an effective member of a medical laboratory team, expanding professional networks and applying theoretical knowledge to the real world. After successfully completing each Medical Laboratory Technician course, students not only obtain an Ontario College Certificate, but they are also eligible for certification as a Medical Laboratory Assistant/ Technician with the Ontario Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists and the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science. It is worth noting that the Medical Lab Technician offering is a collaborative program that is taught by Centennial’s School of Community and Health Studies and School of Engineering Technology and Applied Science, with representatives from hospitals, private laboratories and the Ministry of Health. Jason wrote this piece about Centennial College’s Medical Laboratory Technician offering, which is completed in just three semesters but includes a field experience that enhances learners’ resumes.
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