Genetics Technologists are Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs) health professionals. They perform laboratory analyses, which are used to diagnose and treat patients, as well as monitor and prevent disease. Genetics technologists operate a variety of instrumentation. They must have good motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and manual dexterity. In addition to technical skills, they must have a strong attention to detail, in order to detect subtle changes to the microscopic appearance of chromosomes. Genetics Technologists must also evaluate the validity of the results they obtain, which requires analytical and critical thinking. Genetics Technologists work in a dynamic laboratory environment, working both independently and as a member of a team. They must be organized, able to manage time efficiently, accurate at transcribing information, and able to communicate professionally with other members of the health care team.
Genetics Technology is a 16-month program. The program begins with two semesters of lectures and labs, followed by an 8 week semester of clinical simulation at the Michener Institute before proceeding to a 22-week semester of hospital-based clinical education in Clinical Cytogenetics and Clinical Molecular Genetics. There are 4 online courses taken over the 16-month study period. The program duration is equivalent to 4 academic semesters, but is run continuously with no summer break. Graduates receive Michener's Graduate Diploma in Genetics Technology and are eligible to write the Clinical Genetics national certification examination conducted by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS); successful completion qualifies you to seek employment across Canada. |
These courses are intended as guidelines. Speak to your guidance counsellor to see what courses are offered at your school.
1. Canadian certified Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) with at least two university-level genetics courses (either in Human Genetics or Molecular Genetics) with a minimum grade of 70%. At minimum, each of these courses must be equivalent to one semester of study. A minimum overall GPA of 75%.
OR
2. Bachelor of Science degree with at least two university-level genetics courses (either in Human Genetics or Molecular Genetics) with a minimum grade of 70%. At minimum, each of these courses must be equivalent to one semester of study. These courses must be taken within the last 10 years.
NOTE: If you are submitting a Molecular Cell Biology course as a Human Genetics course, you must provide course outlines for review and approval. |
| Application Notes : | Students must have access to a computer that meets the minimum system requirements, and access to the Internet.
Applicants for whom English is a second language must provide proof of an English language assessment. Deadline for submission of the English language assessment is February 1, 2010. |
* We make every attempt to provide accurate information on prerequisites, programs, and tuition. However, this information is subject to change without notice and we highly recommend that you contact the school to confirm important information before applying.