What They Do
Medical Laboratory Technologists (M LAB TECH) are members of the Health Services team that provides health care to Canadian Forces personnel. They provide military doctors with medical laboratory data used in the treatment and diagnosis of surgical and medical conditions in detachments and clinics, as well as in combat and operational units. They must perform their duties according to established protocols, safety guidelines and existing legislation at all times. Their duties include collecting and preparing biological specimens for analysis as well as performing routine and specialized analyses, and validating the results. They must also perform analytical techniques on specimens that originate from a variety of sources. M LAB TECHs must practise and promote the principles of quality management and the efficient utilization of resources.
Qualification Requirements
You must be a Certified Laboratory Technologist with the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS). You must have above-average manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination in order to handle and manipulate very delicate and expensive instruments, and precision equipment. Medical Laboratory Technologists may work shifts or be on call during silent hours; therefore, a high level of physical and psychological fitness is essential. You must meet Canadian Forces medical standards and successfully complete a selection process that includes interviews and a wide range of examinations.
Specialty Training
M LAB TECHs who demonstrate the required ability and ambition can undertake advanced occupational training through formal courses or on-the-job training as they progress in their careers. Specialty training may also be available. Below are examples of training related to this military occupation.
- Technical Administration
- Leadership and Management
Working Environment
Medical Laboratory Technologists are employed in a variety of medical facilities and institutions as well as in a field environment, and also participate in peacekeeping missions and humanitarian missions around the world. M LAB TECHs often work independently or with one other person. Given that an error in laboratory testing may jeopardize patient care, they must be alert and pay attention to detail at all times. When on call, they must frequently demonstrate initiative. M LAB TECHs must consistently meet high standards of performance. In independent and operational postings where they must perform critical tasks without expert technical support, they are often exposed to additional stress.
Appropriate training, environmental clothing and equipment are provided, and Medical Laboratory Technologists’ health, safety and morale are closely monitored.
Basic Military Qualification
The first stage of training for everyone is the 13-week Basic Military Qualification (BMQ) course at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. A primary goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the CF physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding. BMQ covers the following topics:
- Policies and regulations of the Canadian Forces;
- CF drill, dress and deportment (the “three D’s”);
- Basic safety;
- First aid;
- Personal survival in nuclear, biological and chemical conditions;
- Handling and firing personal weapons;
- Cross-country navigation; and
- Personal survival in field conditions.
Basic Military Occupational Training
Upon completion of the BMQ course, M Lab Techs will be promoted to Corporal with an effective date of the day they started recruit training and then assigned to their first posting where they will undertake a one year preceptership.
