Why study this program?
Do you want to work in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving health care setting and make contributions to patient care? With a Medical Laboratory Science degree, you can become a Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT), playing a key role behind the scenes in providing laboratory test results. MLTs require a strong sense of responsibility, a caring and professional attitude, meticulous work habits, and the ability to work in a busy and stressful environment.
This versatile, professional program not only prepares you for certification with the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science but also provides you with a Bachelor of Science degree, which can be the foundation for further opportunities and study.
If you already hold a general certification from the CSMLS, please see our BSc Medical Laboratory Science Post-Professional Certification Degree Completion Program.
Why study Medical Laboratory Science at the University of Alberta?
The BSc in MLS degree program, offered by the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, is designed to provide a well-rounded education with multiple opportunities. After one year of pre-professional courses, you will complete a didactic year in all disciplines of laboratory medicine, followed by a 38-week clinical practicum in Edmonton-area hospital and private laboratories. During the fourth year, you will undertake a research project along with advanced coursework.
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- Medical Laboratory Technologist
- Educator
- Research Technologist
- Environmental Technologist
- Biotechnologists
- Food technologists
Non-Direct Entry
This program does not allow admission directly from high school. See requirements below for more details.
Alberta Grade 12 Preparation:
It is recommended that students have the following Grade 12 subjects: English Language Arts 30-1, Biology 30, Chemistry 30 and Mathematics 30-1.
Academic Requirements:
Preprofessional Study Time: minimum 30 units of course weight
The 30 units of course weight required must include:
- English 6 units
- General Chemistry 6 units
- Organic Chemistry 3 units
- Biology 3 units (cell biology)
- Biology 3 units (molecular genetics and inheritance)
- 3 units from Science or Math
- Statistics 3 units
- 3 units in options (any Faculty)
Additional Requirements:
- Spoken English language proficiency.
- Letter of Intent: Applicants must submit a letter with their application for admission before the designated deadline. Prospective students are encouraged to investigate the career to assist in their understanding of the program. Please see the MLS Letter of Intent page for instructions.
- Personal Interview.
Selection Process: A minimum GPA of 2.7 is required in preprofessional coursework. The selection process is competitive, and applicants will be ranked primarily on academic achievement in the required preprofessional courses. Other factors considered in ranking include overall academic achievement (emphasizing recent academic performance), a demonstrated ability to perform well in a consecutive Fall/Winter Term of full-time study (preferably 30 units), a personal interview, and a letter of intent.
For more information on the admission requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science program, see Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science at the University of Alberta Calendar website.
Because the U of A wants you to succeed, our admissions policy ensures that all students, regardless of citizenship, have the language skills they need to understand, participate and learn in our classes. The primary language of instruction in our classes, with the exception of those at the Faculté Saint-Jean, is English. For more information on the English Language Proficiency policy refer to the U of A Calendar. Information on writing ELP examinations is also available.
At the U of A, we are committed to encouraging Indigenous Students in their work towards a degree. Indigenous students have been under-represented in higher education in Canada, thus our policy is aimed at increasing opportunity, with the goal of our Aboriginal student population being representative of the public we serve. For more information on Admission of Indigenous Students refer to the U of A Calendar.
Deadline
For a complete listing of application and document deadlines refer to the University Calendar.
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The Office of the Registrar administers over $52 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for undergraduate students, as well as financial and loan advising. Additional scholarships are also available for specific faculties and programs.
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