Medical Laboratory Science

Program description - September 2026

Medical laboratory technologists play an integral role in the healthcare system by conducting sophisticated medical laboratory tests and assisting with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. This three-year advanced diploma program will provide you with a mix of hands-on laboratory skills, classroom learning, use of state-of-the-art laboratories, simulation learning, and real-world experience through clinical placements. Throughout the program, you will take a broad array of science and mathematics courses, emphasizing laboratory analysis in five key disciplines: Clinical Biochemistry, Microbiology, Hematology, Histotechnology, and Transfusion Sciences. In the final level of the program, you will complete a series of three-week hospital rotations that will emphasize clinical procedures and acquaint you with hospital operation and administration. As a graduate of the Medical Laboratory Science Advanced Diploma, you will be eligible to write the national certification examination(s) conducted by the Canadian Alliance of Medical Laboratory Professionals Regulators (CAMLPR). Certification qualifies you to work across Canada or for registration with the provincial colleges, such as the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO), which is a requirement to practice in Ontario. You may choose to continue your studies and complete a degree at Conestoga College within the Bachelor of Applied Biotechnology, Bachelor of Environmental Public Health, or Bachelor of Applied Health Information Science Program. The Medical Laboratory Science program has successfully applied for accreditation status with Accreditation Canada/EQual and is currently Admitted for accreditation.

Note:

• This is a highly competitive program. Apply by February 1 (for September). See oversubscribed programs for more information.
• Students living outside of Ontario are not eligible to apply.
• This program is not open to international students.
• Students who have successfully completed Conestoga's Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician program are eligible to receive advanced standing in this program. Refer to Admissions for more information.

Turn your diploma into a degree

After completing this diploma, you can pursue the following degree(s) through advanced standing:

• Bachelor of Environmental Public Health (Honours)