Here are the questions frequently asked by prospective applicants to Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) at the University of Alberta. Answers relate to the integrated 4-year BSc program in which graduates gain both a BSc in MLS and general certification from the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science.
Question 1: Are graduates from the BSc program in Medical Laboratory Science eligible for consideration for admission to higher degrees (MD, MSc, PhD, MBA, etc)?
Question 2: What will my job and career prospects be with a BSc in Medical Laboratory Science?
Question 3: Which traits are associated with success as a medical laboratory technologist?
Question 4: How will my application be considered?
Question 5: Is there a minimum GPA to enter the MLS program?
Question 9: What are the application and document deadlines?
Question 10: When will I be advised if I have been admitted?
Question 11: Can the MLS program be done by distance education, part-time, or evening classes?
Question 12: What much does it cost to attend the MLS program?
Question 1: Are graduates from the BSc program in Medical Laboratory Science eligible for consideration for admission to higher degrees (MD, MSc, PhD, MBA, etc)?
Yes. Currently about l5-20% of graduates enter these and various other advanced study programs.
Question 2: What will my job and career prospects be with a BSc in Medical Laboratory Science?
Since 1996 restructuring and regionalization of health care in Canada has decreased the number of jobs for medical technologists in hospital and private medical laboratories. During the downsizing, career prospects for MLS graduates at the University of Alberta remained very good. General certification as technologists and the BSc degree are more than professional qualifications; they will allow you opportunities in biotechnology, environmental sciences, food sciences, research technology, etc. Twelve months after their graduation individuals are employed to near l00% in education-related fields.
Beginning in 1999, many more jobs are available for MLS graduates. Indeed a shortage of technologists has begun to emerge due to the closure of many training programs. Also see Career and employment opportunities.
Question 3: Which traits are associated with success as a medical laboratory technologist?
Successful medical laboratory technologists tend to have these traits:
a love of science
manual dexterity
good organizational skills
effective oral and written communication skills
a flexible, positive approach to change
honesty and personal integrity
They also:
appreciate attention to detail
are comfortable with technology and computers
enjoy problem solving
co-operate well with others
respect patient dignity
Question 4: How will my application be considered?
The Division of Medical Laboratory Science requires a preprofessional year consisting of 30 credits. A preprofessional GPA is compiled from grades on the required courses or their equivalents. To be considered, you must have the required courses and 30 credits.
In deriving the GPA, MLS will use the best eligible marks that candidates obtain. 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 credits of options, the course receiving the best grade will be chosen.
Because MLS is a quota program that has more applicants than available positions, candidates with the best GPAs in the preprofessional year are admitted. An Admissions Committee meets to consider applicants anonymously, i.e., applicants are given a number and names are not attached to GPAs.
Cumulative GPA for all applicants is also considered.
Other admission requirements include:
Letter of Intent. Applicants must submit a letter that is a personal reflection why they want to take Medical Laboratory Science. The letter should include career goals, knowledge of the profession, related experience, and reasons for seeking admission to MLS. These letters are also considered by the admission committee.
Question 5: Is there a minimum GPA to enter the MLS program?
Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 (on the 4.0 point University of Alberta grade point scale) or its equivalent. Because MLS is a quota program with more applicants than positions, to be competitive, applicants should have a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
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.
We are currently admitting 29.
Application forms are available online in the Registrar's Office Forms Cabinet.
Question 9: What are the application and document deadlines?
The application deadline is March 1.
Supporting documents such as course transcripts are due by June 15.
The letter of intent is required to be sent by May 1 to:
Medical Laboratory Science
University of Alberta
5-411 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy
11405 87 Ave NW
Edmonton AB T6G 1C9
Question 10: When will I be advised if I have been admitted?
The MLS Admission Committee meets approximately two weeks after the deadline for receipt of documents. Candidates are advised whether they have been admitted following this meeting.
Question 11: Can the MLS program be done by distance education, part-time, or evening classes?
The integrated MLS program cannot be taken by distance education. Although some course options can be taken by evening classes, MLS students normally attend day classes full-time.
Question 12: What much does it cost to attend the MLS program?
MLS students pay the same fees as other University of Alberta undergraduates. Students pay their fees at the rates which are in effect at the time of payment. Please consult the University's Costs, Tuitions and Fees information.