Medical laboratory technologists
Medical laboratory technologists conduct medical laboratory tests, experiments and analyses to assist in the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and prevention of disease. Medical laboratory technologists who are supervisors are included in this unit group.
Very good
Market Demand
TEER 2
Skill Level
SK, AB, NB
Top Provinces
What They Do
- Set up, operate and maintain laboratory equipment
- Conduct and interpret chemical analyses of blood, urine, and cerebrospinal and other body fluids
- Study blood cells and other tissues to determine their relation to various physiological and pathological conditions
- Prepare tissue sections for microscopic examinations using techniques to demonstrate special cellular tissue elements or other characteristics
- Perform and interpret blood group, type and compatibility tests for transfusion purposes
- Validate, document and report test results
- Establish procedures for the analysis of specimens and for medical laboratory experiments
- Conduct quality control assessment of testing techniques
- May supervise and train other medical laboratory technical staff, students and helpers
- May assist pathologists during autopsies.
Qualifications
- checkA two- or three-year college program in medical laboratory technology is requiredanda period of supervised practical training may be required.
- checkRegistration with a regulatory body is required in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.
- checkCertification by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science is usually required by employers.
- checkCombined laboratory and X-ray technicians require completion of a combined laboratory X-ray technology program.
- checkSome employers may require a university science degree for specialized medical laboratory technologists.
Market Outlook by Province
Saskatchewan
The employment outlook will be Very good for medical laboratory technologists (NOC 32120) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to several new positions.Several positions will become available due to retirements.There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Here are some key facts about medical laboratory technologists in Saskatchewan: Approximately 900 people work in this occupation. Medical laboratory technologists mainly work in the following sectors: Hospitals (NAICS 622): 73%Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 23% The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:Full-time workers: 80% compared to 81% for all occupationsPart-time workers: 20% compared to 19% for all occupations78% of medical laboratory technologists work all year, while 22% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 15% compared to 53% for all occupations Women: 85% compared to 47% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 33% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 5% compared to 15% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 66% compared to 17% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 20% compared to 18% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 6% compared to 7% for all occupations
Very good
Outlook
Alberta
The employment outlook will be Very good for medical laboratory technologists (NOC 32120) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to several new positions.A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Here are some key facts about medical laboratory technologists in Alberta: Approximately 2,700 people work in this occupation. Medical laboratory technologists mainly work in the following sectors: Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 78%Hospitals (NAICS 622): 14% The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:Full-time workers: 76% compared to 80% for all occupationsPart-time workers: 24% compared to 20% for all occupations76% of medical laboratory technologists work all year, while 24% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 16% compared to 53% for all occupations Women: 84% compared to 47% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 28% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 49% compared to 19% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 36% compared to 21% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 10% compared to 9% for all occupations
Very good
Outlook
New Brunswick
The employment outlook will be Very good for medical laboratory technologists (NOC 32120) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.The following factors contributed to this outlook:Employment growth will lead to several new positions.A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.Medical laboratory technologists are employed by hospitals, blood banks, clinics, research facilities and post-secondary institutions.Population growth and an ageing population will support demand for medical laboratory technologists going forward, as this will generate an increasing need for medical laboratory tests.Technological advancements are impacting the nature of work as more processes are becoming automated.Medical laboratory technologists must be certified and registered with the New Brunswick Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists in order to practice.Some employers may require a university science degree for specialized medical laboratory technologists.Here are some key facts about medical laboratory technologists in New Brunswick: Approximately 850 people work in this occupation. Medical laboratory technologists mainly work in the following sectors: Hospitals (NAICS 622): 86%Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 12% The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:Full-time workers: 92% compared to 84% for all occupationsPart-time workers: 8% compared to 16% for all occupations86% of medical laboratory technologists work all year, while 14% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 48 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.The gender distribution of people in this occupation is: Men: 14% compared to 52% for all occupations Women: 86% compared to 48% for all occupations The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is: no high school diploma: n/a high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 30% for all occupations apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 48% compared to 23% for all occupations bachelor's degree: 42% compared to 16% for all occupations university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations
Very good
Outlook
Find out if demand for this role is strong near you
See outlook data across all 10 provinces and territories.
Immigration Pathways
TEER 2 occupations require college education or apprenticeship training and qualify for Express Entry under the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Express Entry (FSW)
Canadian Experience Class
Provincial Nominee Programs
Need an LMIA-ready resume for this role?
Get a resume tailored to NOC 32120 with LMIA compliance formatting and employer-specific keywords.
Top Companies Hiring
Organizations with the most NOC 32120 openings right now.
Alberta Health Services
5 active roles · Cardston, AB · Calgary, AB
Canadian Blood Services
5 active roles · Calgary, AB · Vancouver, BC
Trillium Health Partners
4 active roles · Mississauga, ON
Saskatchewan Health Authority
2 active roles · Regina, SK · Meadow Lake, SK
Eastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association
2 active roles · Ottawa, ON
University of Guelph - Improve Life
1 active role · Guelph, ON
See which companies are actively sponsoring this role
Get employer insights, sponsorship history, and hiring trends for Medical laboratory technologists positions.
Recent Job Postings
Jobs matching NOC 32120 posted in the last 30 days.
See Live Medical laboratory technologists Jobs
Browse real-time job postings matching NOC 32120 across Canada — filtered to Medical laboratory technologists roles, including visa-sponsored and LMIA-approved positions.
See Medical laboratory technologists Jobs in Canadaarrow_forwardJob Boards
Search for Medical laboratory technologists positions across Canada's top job platforms.
Job Bank
Government of Canada official job board
Search Medical laboratory technologistsarrow_forwardIndeed Canada
Largest job search engine in Canada
Search Medical laboratory technologistsarrow_forwardProfessional networking and job search
Search Medical laboratory technologistsarrow_forwardGlassdoor
Jobs with salary and company reviews
Search Medical laboratory technologistsarrow_forwardWorkopolis
Canadian job search platform
Search Medical laboratory technologistsarrow_forwardMonster Canada
Global job board with Canadian listings
Search Medical laboratory technologistsarrow_forwardCore Competencies
Equipment and Tool Selection
to carefully choose the appropriate tools, instruments and equipment for conducting medical tests and experiments
Operation Monitoring of Machinery and Equipment
to calibrate and maintain laboratory machinery to ensure proper functioning and detect malfunctions
Pattern Identification
to recognize and interpret patterns in data and test results, such as abnormal cell shapes, bacterial colonies, or unusual blood counts
Near Vision
to work with microscopes and other laboratory equipment to see fine details in samples
Attention to Detail
to ensure accuracy in test results and avoid errors in analysis and record keeping
Knowledge in Physical Health
to interpret test results accurately and understand how various diseases and conditions can affect laboratory results
Get an AI-optimized resume for this career
Our AI builds a resume specifically tailored to NOC 32120 (Medical laboratory technologists) with the exact keywords and qualifications Canadian employers look for.
Upgrade to ProFind Medical laboratory technologists Jobs in Canada
Browse open positions matching this career path and start your application today.
Search Jobs