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Questions About Lab Professionals

Who are medical laboratory technologists and what do they do?

What is the difference between a medical laboratory technologist and a medical laboratory assistant/medical laboratory technician?

A medical laboratory technologist (MLT) is a regulated health professional in Ontario, as defined by the Medical Laboratory Technology Act, 1991. Medical laboratory assistants and medical laboratory technicians are not regulated in Ontario.

The role of a medical laboratory assistant or medical laboratory technician is partially defined by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, through the Laboratory and Specimen Collection Centre Licensing Act, 1990. According to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, the role of the medical laboratory technologist (MLT) and a medical laboratory assistant or medical laboratory technician varies in the application of knowledge, skill, and judgment. 

The CMLTO Council has identified the regulation of medical laboratory assistants and medical laboratory technicians as one of its strategic priorities, based in large part on member feedback. The CMLTO believes that increased access to a broader range of regulated health professionals in the clinical laboratory is in the public’s best interest. Learn more about the regulation of medical laboratory assistants and medical laboratory technicians.

 

How does someone become a medical laboratory technologist?

How does regulation of medical laboratory professionals protect the public?

If I have a complaint about a medical laboratory professional, what can I do?