License Requirements
As of May 3, 2025, licensing requirements for those employed in the field of medical laboratory technology were expanded to medical laboratory assistants (including phlebotomists) and combined laboratory x-ray technologists.
The requirements to apply for a NSCMLT license in Nova Scotia include enrolment and successful completion of a Canadian accredited educational program in one of the program categories below. For those educated internationally, a prior learning assessment (PLA) must be successfully completed.
- Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) program
- Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) program
- Combined Laboratory X-ray (CLXT) Technology program
MLA/MLT Accredited Programs: click here: accredited programs
CLXT Programs approved by the NSCMLT include: Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) and Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
Note: A student enrolled in either a MLA, MLT or CLXT program can apply for a provisional license which may allow them to work in the profession while they complete their respective programs. Details can be found at: https://nscmlt.org/licensing/student-laboratory-employment-mla-mlt-or-clxt
Once an educational program is completed, a graduate must successfully challenge the required national exam. For those educated internationally, you must successfully complete a prior learning assessment (PLA) and successfully challenge the required national exam.
A list of the requirements for each national exam and prior learning assessments can be accessed below:
- For the requirements to write a MLA national exam
- For a list of requirements for the MLA prior learning assessment please visit the CSMLS website
- For the requirements to write a MLT can be accessed here: CAMLPR national exam
- For a list of requirements for the MLT prior learning assessment please visit the CAMLPR website
Jurisprudence Exam:
Successful completion of a Jurisprudence Exam is a requirement for initial and reinstating applicants. The exam will be assigned to applicants as per the REG.032 Jurisprudence Exam policy.
