Frequently Asked Questions

Successful medical laboratory technologists tend to have these traits:

1. a love of science
2. manual dexterity
3. good organizational skills
4. effective oral and written communication skills
5. a flexible, positive approach to change
6. honesty and personal integrity

They also:

1. appreciate attention to detail
2. are comfortable with technology and computers
3. enjoy problem solving
4. co-operate well with other
5. respect patient dignity

• How will my application be considered?

  To be considered, you must meet all eligibility requirements (including the English Language Proficiency Requirements of the University of Alberta).

  The preprofessional GPA is compiled from grades on the required courses or their equivalents.

  The cumulative GPA is also considered.

  In deriving these GPAs, the best eligible marks are used. For example, if candidates take a more advanced version of a required course and obtain a better mark, that mark will be used to calculate the GPA. Similarly, for the 3-credit options, the course receiving the best grade will be chosen.

  Because MLS is a quota program that has more applicants than available positions, admission is competitive. An admissions committee meets to consider applicants anonymously. The requirements considered include:

  1. Preprofessional GPA
  2. Cumulative GPA
  3. Letter of Intent
  4. Personal interview

• Is there a minimum GPA to enter the MLS program?
  Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.7 on the University of Alberta 4-point scale. Because the number of candidates who meet the minimum requirements for admission exceeds the quota, it should be understood that eligibility does not guarantee admission. Admission is determined on a competitive basis.

BSc in Medical Laboratory Science pre-professional course requirements:

For Alberta equivalencies visit the Alberta Council on Admission and Transfer.

The preprofessional course requirements for admission have changed. The current application lists the previous requirement of 3 units from Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, or Zoology. This requirement has changed to 3 units from Science or Math, please enter the Science or Math course you wish to use for the current requirement in that section of the application.

Exploration credit courses will not fulfill the pre-professional course requirements and will not be accepted.

Because MLS has a preprofessional year, consideration of mature student status (called "Non-Matriculated Applicant" at the University of Alberta) does not apply to the program. All applicants to MLS must meet the requirements specified for the preprofessional year.

Mature students who are considering taking the preprofessional year prior to applying to MLS should consult Admissions under the intended Program of Study for specific admission requirements.

The MLS Admissions Committee meets approximately two weeks after the deadline for receipt of documents. Candidates are advised whether they have been admitted following this meeting.

There may be a waitlist, and those candidates who have been waitlisted are normally advised of an admission decision by the end of July.