BCSLS Membership - Overview

Overview
Our members are Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLT), Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLA), trainees and affiliate members. They are employed in hospitals, government agencies, educational institutions, commercial laboratories and other private and public health facilities. Some members have pursued careers in health care administration and elsewhere within and outside the laboratory. Retired and unemployed members can maintain their membership as affiliates

Medical laboratory Technologists work in many specialist areas such as Clinical Chemistry, Clinical Microbiology, Hematology, Transfusion Science, Histology, Diagnostic Cytology, Clinical Genetics, Immunology, Electron Microscopy, Virology, Parasitology, and Flow Cytometry.

Medical Laboratory Assistants collect, prepare and assist with specimen testing.

Member Benefits
Advocacy: We advocate on behalf of the profession with the provincial government, health authorities, and coordinating bodies (e.g. Diagnostic Accreditation Program, Private Career Training Agency, Provincial Laboratory Coordinating Organization and the BC Academic Health Council). We send representatives to educational advisory committees, health regulatory organizations meetings, and liaise with other health professional associations and unions. We also participate with CSMLS in national task forces and other initiatives.

Recognition: Our members are recognized throughout the province as meeting high standards of education and clinical experience. We maintain a database of members, so that with your permission, we can verify your credentials to employers.

Education: We organize lectures, seminars, workshops, conferences, and distance education courses to maintain your knowledge and update your skills to keep pace with changing conditions in the workplace. Our members enjoy special low rates on all such events and services.

Communication: Our communication is a two-way process. We listen to your concerns! Our staff and board members are available to discuss matters important to you and the profession. We keep you informed of emerging issues through our newsletter, broadcast faxes, e-mail notices, information-rich website and events.

Leadership: Members have the opportunity to contribute to advancing their profession by serving on the Board of Directors, committees and task forces. By volunteering you can gain important skills and insights that can assist with your career. BCSLS regularly recognizes its volunteers through short and long-term service awards.

Insurance: Current MLA members with BCSLS certification receive professional liability insurance coverage with their annual membership fee.

Bursaries: The Dr. Phil Reid Bursary Fund was established to provide members with some support for professional development. Each year the interest earned on the fund is available to support eligible education courses or events.