Saskatchewan JobFutures

Nature of Work

Medical laboratory technologists conduct medical laboratory tests, experiments and analyses to assist in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. They are employed in medical laboratories in hospitals, private clinics, research institutions and universities. Pathologists' assistants assist at autopsies and examinations of surgical specimens or perform autopsies under a pathologist's supervision. They are usually employed in hospitals.

Nature of Work

Medical laboratory technologists conduct medical laboratory tests, experiments and analyses to assist in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. They are employed in medical laboratories in hospitals, private clinics, research institutions and universities. Pathologists' assistants assist at autopsies and examinations of surgical specimens or perform autopsies under a pathologist's supervision. They are usually employed in hospitals.

Duties

Medical laboratory technicians are generally responsible for conducting chemical analyses of blood, urine, cerebro-spinal and other body fluids. Their regular work duties include studying blood cells and other tissue to determine their relation to various physiological and pathological conditions. They also prepare tissue sections for microscopic examinations using techniques to demonstrate special cellular tissue elements or other characteristics.

Medical laboratory technicians perform blood group, type and compatibility tests for transfusion purposes. They also establish procedures for medical laboratory experiments and for the analysis of specimens. Some technicians supervise and train other medical laboratory technologists and other medical laboratory workers.

Pathologists' assistants prepare for autopsies by obtaining patients' medical records and arranging for radiographic examinations. Their work duties include assisting with or performing autopsies and surgical specimen examinations under pathologists' supervision and preparing bodies for release to funeral homes following completion of autopsies. Other duties include dissecting, examining, weighing and photographing organs and specimens, collecting tissue specimens for chemical analysis and recording findings.

Pathologists' assistants also clean and maintain autopsy, surgical and other equipment. They may be responsible for training junior resident pathologists and for training and supervising morgue attendants.

Example Titles

• medical laboratory technologist
• clinical immunology technologist
• autopsy technician
• cytotechnologist
• histology technologist
• immunohematology technologist
• pathologist's assistant

Training Paths

Individuals pursuing a career in this field of work can take a Medical Laboratory Technology, Medical Radiologic Technology program or a combined Laboratory and X-ray Technician program through SIAST. Upon completion of this program, students are eligible to write an exam delivered by the Canadian Society of Laboratory Technologists. Training programs for pathologists' assistants are not offered in Saskatchewan; training for these positions is often received on the job. However, related education and training programs are offered through the Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan, a collaborative venture of SIAST and U of S. Students in this program can earn a three-year nursing diploma or a four-year nursing degree.

Trends and Outlooks

The employment prospects for this occupation are: good

Employment grew slightly for these occupations in the mid to late nineties, but this trend reversed in the years that followed. Between 2001 and 2006, the number of medical laboratory technologists and pathologists' assistants employed in the province dropped by nearly 20%. Whether or not this downward trend continues, this is not a large occupation in Saskatchewan; there were fewer than 700 medical laboratory technologists and pathologists' assistants employed here in 2006. Not surprisingly, most of the new and replacement positions expected in this field will be in the Health and Welfare industries.

Medical laboratory technologists and pathologists' assistants are well paid in Saskatchewan. In 2005, the average full-time income in this field was $47,300 per year. This is above the full-time provincial average for all occupations the same year ($42,298 per year). Annual incomes for paid, full-time medical laboratory technologists and pathologists' assistants in 2005 ranged from $31,000 to $60,650. Medical laboratory technologists and pathologists' assistants who work in Regina or Saskatoon generally earn more than their counterparts elsewhere in the province.

Nearly 70% of all medical laboratory technologists and pathologists' assistants in the province worked full time year round in 2005, a slight decrease from 2001. Nearly 85% of all technicians and technologists were female in 2006. This is a fairly young work force. In 2006, just over 50% of all medical laboratory technologists and pathologists' assistants were under 45 years of age.

Self-employment is uncommon in these fields and work is neither seasonal nor very sensitive to overall economic conditions. Roughly 70% of all professionals in this group were employed in the city or area surrounding Regina or Saskatoon in 2006.

Many of the opportunities forecasted in this field will stem from the increase of DNA testing and other newly developed procedures. Knowledge in medical science and pathology often advance rapidly, and it is crucial that medical laboratory technologists and pathologists' assistants keep abreast of developments within their area of expertise. A career in this field will involve periods of retraining and professional development. Technicians and technologists who continually upgrade their skills have an advantage over others seeking employment in these fields.

Professional Associations

Saskatchewan Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists (SSMLT):

Membership in SSMLT is required for all Medical Laboratory Technicians practising in Saskatchewan. Applicants must have passed the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science Examination and have either completed 1200 practice hours in the previous five years or been deemed qualified by SSMLT. Current members must acquire two SSMLT continuing education credits in every five-year cycle.

For more on SSMLT, including contact information, visit:

www.ssmlt.ca

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