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Medical Laboratory Technologists and Pathologists' Assistants  (NOC 3211)
Northeast Region
Description |  Titles |  Duties |   Related Occupations

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. Medical laboratory technologists who are also supervisors are included in this unit group.

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Medical laboratory technologists perform some or all of the following duties:
  • Conduct chemical analyses of blood, urine, and cerebro-spinal and other body fluids
  • Study blood cells and other tissues to determine their relation to various physiological and pathological conditions
  • Prepare tissue sections for microscopic examinations using techniques to demonstrate special cellular tissue elements or other characteristics
  • Establish procedures for the analysis of specimens and for medical laboratory experiments
  • Perform blood group, type and compatibility tests for transfusion purposes
  • May supervise and train other medical laboratory technical staff, students and helpers
  • May perform the duties of a pathologist's assistant in some hospitals.

Medical laboratory technologists may specialize in areas such as clinical chemistry, clinical microbiology, hematology, histotechnology, immunohematology and cytotechnology.

Pathologists' assistants perform some or all of the following duties:
  • Prepare for autopsies by obtaining patients' medical records and arranging for radiographic examinations
  • Assist with or perform autopsies and surgical specimen examinations under pathologists' supervision
  • Dissect, examine, weigh and photograph organs and specimens, collect tissue specimens for chemical analysis and record findings
  • May prepare bodies for release to funeral homes following completion of autopsies
  • May train junior resident pathologists and train and supervise morgue attendants
  • May perform the duties of a medical laboratory technologist in some hospitals.
Included Cities in Region | Service Canada Offices

Sudbury, Elliot Lake, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, Algo, Blind River, Capreol, Cobalt, Englehart, Espanola, Garson Junction, Haileybury, Hearst, Iroquois Falls, Kapuskasing, Kirkland Lake, Mattawa, New Liskeard, Nickel Centre, Parry Sound, Powassan, Temiskaming Shores, Thessalon, Valley East, Blezard Valley, Carol Richard Park, Connaught Hill, Dowling, Elmview, Finntown, Flake, Guilletville, Hanmer, Laurentien, Levack, Lively, McCrea Heights, Naughton, Parkwood, Pinecrest, Porcupine, Pottsville, South Porcupine, Val Caron, Val Therese

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View a list of Service Canada offices in this area.

Outlook & Prospects for Medical Laboratory Technologists and Pathologists' Assistants in Northeast Region

The future forecast and current conditions for an occupation can vary based on location or due to changes in the economy, technology, or demand for a product or service.

Local Employment Potential Information

Table on the employment potential for Medical Laboratory Technologists and Pathologists' Assistants in Northeast Region as well as in the rest of the Ontario.
Location Employment Potential Release Date
Northeast Region <Not assigned> 2012-11-29

Compared to other occupations, this is not a significant occupation in this region.

In Ontario, the outlook for medical laboratory technologists and pathologists' assistants is expected to be average in 2012-2013. Healthcare funding increases over the recent years to meet the needs of a growing and aging population have meant a steady demand for this occupation. Some of the rising demand has been offset by the automation of certain tasks and the shift of others to supporting professionals. The widespread accessibility of self-monitoring medical devices has also allowed individuals to perform tests, such as pregnancy or diabetes tests, at home. While some routine lab work may have eased, diagnostic testing in new areas such as genetic (DNA) and molecular oncology testing has been increasing. Over the past few years, the emergence of private laboratories has also created opportunities for employment.

Retirements will be a fairly strong contributor to job openings over the next several years. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) database, there were over 6,700 registered medical laboratory technologists in Ontario in 2009, up 3.3% from 2008. Over a quarter of these technologists were aged 55 years and over. Employers in rural areas may encounter some difficulties retaining younger employees as they tend to migrate to urban centres where most positions are found.

[ Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]
Please consult the Ontario and Canada tabs for more useful information related to outlook.