The first cohort of Conestoga’s Medical Laboratory Science program is learning how to conduct sophisticated medical laboratory tests to prepare for the essential health-care role that assists with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease.
Students in Conestoga’s Medical Laboratory Science program are training for an essential role that assists with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease.
“Medical laboratory technologists are very important to the outcome of patients,” said Tammy Terpstra, professor and program co-ordinator of Medical Laboratory Sciences. “You’re behind the scenes in a critical role that’s crucial for health care.”
The program which will graduate the first students in 2026 combines a mix of classroom learning, hands-on laboratory skills in the state-of-the-art laboratories at the Kitchener - Doon campus and real-world experience through a 15-week clinical placement in a local hospital.
The new three-year advanced diploma is part of Conestoga’s focus on creating a comprehensive set of training programs for health-care professionals in demand in the region and provincewide, including medical lab professionals, nurses and personal support workers. Expansion continues at the Doon campus, home to the Cowan Health Sciences Centre and the award-winning Cowan Centre for Medical Sciences and Biotechnology.
Student Laura Armstrong chose the Medical Laboratory Science program because she’s always been passionate about working in medical diagnostics, first pursing a diploma in biotechnology. Now in the second semester, Armstrong is enjoying all the courses and the chance to expand her knowledge by connecting with professionals who worked in the field.
“I’ve had the opportunity to learn from and talk with experienced medical laboratory technologists as my professors on a variety of interesting subjects. I thoroughly enjoy the laboratory components of some courses such as microbiology and medical lab techniques.”
Armstrong is excited to continue learning and then put her knowledge into practice.
“For me the biggest appeal of working in the field of clinical laboratory science is the aspect of working on the frontline in diagnosing a large variety of disease and continuously learning about the evolving sophisticated technology. I’m enthusiastic about supporting the future of this field and learning alongside my classmates for the next three years.”
The job is fast-paced, technical and innovative, and a great fit for those who are detail-oriented, Terpstra said. Currently there is a great need for medical laboratory technologists in Canada.
The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS), the professional society for medical laboratory professionals, reports most areas of the country are experiencing widespread shortages of laboratory professionals, and data suggests this trend is likely to worsen in the near term due to retirements. Almost all new medical laboratory technologists - 98 per cent - were employed a year after being certified, according to a 2020 study by the society.
Caroline Kubinski obtained a bachelor’s degree in forensic science and worked in a biotechnology laboratory before enrolling in Conestoga’s Medical Laboratory Science program. Learning more about the role of medical laboratory technologist, she realized it was a great fit for her passion and interests.
“My passion has always been science, discovery and ultimately helping others,” Kubinski said.
“I already knew that Conestoga was a great school from friends and family that have attended the college in the past and being a part of a brand-new program with new and advanced laboratory spaces and equipment was an exciting opportunity.”
She’s now in the second year of the program and is thankful for the unwavering support of the instructors who are supportive and incorporate different approaches to help students through the challenging program.
“It has definitely been a lot of work and has challenged me in many ways. However, it has been incredibly rewarding to connect the theory taught in the classroom to the techniques in the laboratory and to develop and strengthen my skills.”
Kubinski appreciates the career flexibility provided by learning the five main disciplines of the field in the Conestoga program and can’t wait to get started in the profession.
“I care deeply about helping people in the community during what may be crucial times in their lives and want to be able to make a difference. Those are daily aspects in the MLS field and why I feel it would be a very rewarding profession.”
The Medical Laboratory Science program includes a broad array of science courses, emphasizing laboratory analysis in five key areas: clinical biochemistry, microbiology, hematology, histotechnology and transfusion sciences. Students apply their learning through the demonstration of complex techniques on blood and bodily fluid samples along with tissue specimens.
Graduates of the Medical Laboratory Science diploma may choose to continue their studies and complete a degree at Conestoga within the Bachelor of Applied Biotechnology, Bachelor of Environmental Public Health or Bachelor of Applied Health Information Science programs.