About CMLPSK

Truth and Reconciliation – Our Journey

The College of Medical Laboratory Professionals of Saskatchewan’s (CMLPSK) registrants, and the public we serve reside on the land covered by Treaties 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10. This is the traditional homeland of the Metis peoples and seventy different First Nations groups from six main linguistic groups: Cree, Dakota, Dene (Chipewyan), Lakota, Nakota (Assiniboine) and Saulteaux. While we know that land acknowledgements are important, we recognize that there is still a lot of work to be done in our Truth and Reconciliation journey.

In June of 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) presented their executive findings to the Government of Canada. This report included the 94 “calls to action” to further reconciliation. As Canadians, we are encouraged to read the summary and/or the final report found on the National Center for Truth and Reconciliation’s website.

While each of the calls to action are incredibly important, healthcare has its own section of the TRC Calls to Action document that sheds light on a starting point for individuals working in these fields. Specifically, TRC #23(3) indicates that Cultural Competency Training should be provided for all health care professionals. The CMLPSK recognizes the importance of appropriate training and are encouraging our registrants to include Cultural Training within their Continuing Professional Education (CPE) submissions. We recognize that cultural learning is not always ‘traditional learning’ and have therefore provided a non-inclusive list of options that have been approved for Category 1 CPE.

Category 1 CPE –Approved Cultural Competency Training

  • Indigenous Canada – 12-lessons, free online on-demand option that explores the different histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada. This course covers complex experiences Indigenous peoples face today from a historical and critical perspective.
    • Eligible for 20 hours Category 1
  • AFCS Cultural Humility Training
    • Eligible for 3 hours Category 1
  • 4 Seasons of Reconciliation – $240.00 +GST each season (4 seasons available)
    • Eligible for Category 1, upon submission of relevant certificates. 
  • Contact CMLPSK to determine if funding is available

If you have any additional suggestions that are not on this list, contact us at contactus@cmlpsk.ca.

Our Journey to Allyship

From the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Allyship is defined as the state or condition of being an ally, specifically associating with and supporting members of a marginalized or mistreated group to which one does not belong.

At the College of Medical Laboratory Professional of Saskatchewan, we recognize privilege and are committed to working to create equality within the profession.

Our Goals Include:

  1. Recognizing privilege and using it to support marginalized groups and individuals.
  2. Listening to learn and speaking to challenge all forms of discrimination.
  3. Reflecting on our actions and respecting the benefits and challenges of allyship.

We encourage registrants to actively engage in learning activities aimed at becoming more effective allies.

Category 1 CPE –Approved for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

If you have additional suggestions that are not on this list, contact us at contactus@cmlpsk.ca

What is Profession-Led Regulation

The primary responsibility of Professional Led regulation or “Self-Regulation” as it is sometimes called, is protection of the public from harm by ensuring registrants are competent, practice in the public’s best interest, and provide the services that are entrusted to them.

The provincial government assumes responsibility for the regulation of professions through provincial legislation, however it does not apply the legislation on a day-to-day basis. The government delegates the responsibility of regulating health professions to the regulatory body for the profession it governs.

The staff and council of the regulatory body must possess the appropriate knowledge about the practice of the profession to determine requirements for licensure and to investigate and apply appropriate disciplinary measures.

Each professional body has a governing council or board as well as government-appointed public representatives. The council acts on behalf of the organization and is responsible for applying the legislation and developing the policies.

For more information on Saskatchewan Profession Led regulation, please visit the Government of Saskatchewan’s website: Health Professional Associations and Organizations

References: 

Article “Understanding Professional Self-Regulation” By: Glen E. Randall PhD. May5, 2005.

Our Purpose

The College of Medical Laboratory Professionals of Saskatchewan (CMLPSK), formerly the Saskatchewan Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists (SSMLT), is the regulatory body for Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs) employed in Saskatchewan as constituted under the Medical Laboratory Technologists Act (1995).  

We have the duty to regulate the medical laboratory technologist profession in a manner that serves the public of Saskatchewan and assure them that MLTs provide safe, competent, and ethical healthcare services. We do not advocate on behalf of, or in the interests of our registrants.

The CMLPSK serves the public, patients, and our registrants by:

  • setting entrance to practice requirements
  • establishing, monitoring, and enforcing the Act, bylaws, policies, codes of ethics, standards of practice, and practice guidelines
  • creating, and enforcing continuous learning through a Continuing Professional Education (CPE) program and ensuring registrants meet these requirements
  • providing advice to members of the public, registrants and employers with respect to legislation
  • establishing and maintaining a complaint process

CMLPSK manages the formal process for adjudication of complaints. The Medical Laboratory Technologists Act (1995) mandates the CMLPSK has an independent, fair and unbiased investigation and discipline process. We investigate formal complaints that have been received from the public, registrants, and/or other health care professionals. 

If you have a concern or are considering submitting a complaint, please review the Complaints and Investigation section of the website.

Governance

Administration

The College of Medical Laboratory Professionals of Saskatchewan (CMLPSK) is administered by an executive council. Executive council consists of at least 4 and not more than 6 registrants as well as 2 public representatives appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

CMLPSK employs staff that includes 2 staff members, consisting of an Executive Director/Registrar and a Deputy Registrar.

CMLPSK has representation on a wide variety of provincial and national committees and organizations.

Mission, Vision and Strategic Priorities

Mission
Protect the public through regulation of Medical Laboratory Professionals in Saskatchewan

Vision
Medical Laboratory Technology: Recognized as a Vital Link in Health Care

Strategic Priorities
Quality and Safe Laboratory Services – “Promoting excellence through policy in professional MLT regulation.”

Professional Competence – “MLT regulation promotes continuous competence, knowledge, skills and expertise of registrants.”

Excellence in Healthcare – “Work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to enhance healthcare to the public.”

Roles

Documents Governing the Organization
The CMLPSK is governed by the Medical Laboratory Technologists Act (1995) and operates within the regulatory and administrative bylaws.

Under Saskatchewan’s legislative framework, public accountability of regulated health professions is provided in the following manner:

  • Government appoints public members to the council to represent the interests of the public.
  • Regulatory and Administrative bylaws are developed and approved following consultation with key partners, registrants and respective ministries. 
  • Annual audited financial statement.
  • Annual report meeting open to registrants and the public.
  • Decisions made through the regulatory body’s discipline process may be appealed to the courts.
  • Regulatory bodies are required to submit:
    • an annual register to ISC; and
    • an annual report to the Minister of Health.

Documents Governing Registrants

The CMLPSK has developed a framework of documents that outline requirements of registrants, such as:

  • Code of ethics
  • Standards of practice
  • Registration policies
  • Practice guidelines

How we Operate

The CMLPSK operations is guided by a Council (board) which directs some of the work to several committees. The statutory committees established in the Act to manage complaints & discipline processes. Standing committees are established in the administrative bylaws for functions directed by council.

Statutory Committees

Counselling and Investigation Committee (CIC)

The Counselling and Investigation Committee (CIC) reviews and investigates complaints received against a registrant of the CMLPSK. The committee meets on an ‘as-needed’ basis.

Composition:

The CIC composition is established by the Act and consists of at least three persons appointed by the council, the majority of whom are practicing.

No member of council or the Discipline Committee is eligible to be a member of the CIC.

Committee Duties:

The committee shall review complaints against a registrant or former registrant by taking steps it deems necessary, as set out by S. 22(1) of the MLT Act.

Once the investigation is complete, they will make one of the recommendations outlined in s.22(3) of the MLT Act.

References:

  • Medical Laboratory Technologists Act (1995) – Section 22(1) Counselling and investigation committee
  • Governance Manual – Counselling and Investigation Committee (CIC) Terms of Reference.
  • SSMLT Regulatory Bylaws – Section 19(1) Counselling and Investigation Committee.

Discipline Committee (DC)

The Discipline Committee conducts hearings when the result of an investigation is referred to it by the CIC. The committee meets on an ‘as-needed’ basis.

Composition:

The Discipline Committee (DC) is established by the Act s. 23(1) and consists of at least five persons appointed by the council, the majority of whom are practicing registrants and one of the member must be a public representative appointed by the Lieutenant Governor.

No elected member of council or member of the Counselling and Investigation Committee (CIC) is eligible to be appointed as a member of the Discipline Committee.

Committee Duties:

Upon receiving a recommendation from CIC, the DC shall conduct a hearing to determine whether the registrant is:

  • Not guilt, or
  • Guilty of professional misconduct, or
  • Guilty of professional incompetence.

If the registrant is found guilty, the committee shall determine a fair sentence.

References:

  • Medical Laboratory Technologists Act (1995) – Section 23(1) Discipline committee
  • Governance Manual – Discipline Committee (DC) Terms of Reference
  • SSMLT Regulatory Bylaws – Section 20(1) Discipline Committe

Standing Committees

Professional Practices Committee (PPC)

The Professional Practices Committee (PPC) makes recommendations to council for matters such as; registration requirements, continuing competence program, education programs when requested by council.

Composition:

The committee consists of at least five members which include:

  • Two members of council
  • Two practicing registrants at large
  • The CMLPSK representative to the Program Advisory Committee
  • One representative from the Saskatchewan accredited education program; and
  • One practicing registrant of CMLPSK representing employers (when possible).

Committee Duties:

This committee has duties that include but are not limited to:

  • Administering, promoting, and awarding annual education funds.
  • Reviewing requests outside those that are included in policy for:
    • continuing professional education credit
    • practice hours requests
    • addition examination attempts.
  • Reviewing registrant practice audits.
  • Making recommendations to the council with respect to the requirements for registration with the CMLPSK.
  • Making recommendations to council with respect to examination eligibility, the re-entry to practice requirements, the standards of practice, and code of ethics.

References:

  • Governance Manual – Professional Practices Committee Terms of Reference
  • SSMLT Administrative Bylaws – Section 23(1) Professional Practices Committee.

Finance and Audit Committee

The Finance and Audit Committee monitors the short and long-term financial stability of the CMLPSK, and in collaboration with the Executive Director/Registrar develops the annual budget to present to council for approval.

Composition:

The Finance and Audit Committee consists of the Council Chair, Council Vice-Chair, and one of the public representatives on council.

Committee Duties:

This committee has duties that include but are not limited to:

  • In conjunction with the Executive Director (ED), prepare the preliminary annual budget of CMLPSK and submit to the council for approval.
  • Make recommendations to the council regarding finances, including income, expenditures, utilization, and the investment of surplus funds.
  • Monitor the financial affairs of the CMLPSK by reviewing the quarterly financial reports, and
  • Provide an annual report to council and at the CMLPSK Annual Reporting meeting.

Resources

  • Governance Manual – Finance and Audit Committee.
  • SSMLT Administrative Bylaws – Section 24(1) Finance and Audit Committee.

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How we Inform

A Message from Council Chair – Stephanie Gray

The CMLPSK Council Chair issues a message to communicate important news from Council meetings, provincial and national professional initiatives and key partnership developments. The Council Chair’s message is updated after each council meeting.

Council met virtually on May 5, 2025.  Meeting highlights include

  • Appointment of additional committee member
  • Approval of 2024 annual report
  • Approval of 2026 budget
  • Approval of process to update name change
  • Review of request to add field of practice to licence
  • Schedule facilitated strategic planning meeting – fall 2025

I would like thank council and committee members for their dedication to public protection. Your work is an asset to the regulatory work that the CMLPSK accomplishes. 

Serving on the council or a committee is a rewarding opportunity to contribute to professional regulation while gaining valuable leadership and governance experience. I encourage early-career MLTs and those with varied professional experiences to consider submitting their name, as we need a diverse prospective to make informed decisions that impact both the profession and the public.

A Message from the CMLPSK Office – Kim Deydey

The CMLPSK Executive Director & Registrar issues a message to communicate operational updates and information for registrants throughout the year.

The CMLPSK office has completed work on this new website and have updated all the current policies.

We are pleased to that 6 committee members were able to participate in the Field Law discipline case presentation, in January.  Those that attended have reported that the information was useful for their committee work.

As you were informed in the most recent newsletter, the government has introduced the Regulated Health Professions Act.  We are consulting with our provincial health regulatory partners, MLT regulators in other jurisdictions, as well as legal counsel to understand the impact and the scope of the work necessary for implementation. We will continue to update registrants when we have further information.

CMLPSK congratulates Nova Scotia College of Medical Laboratory Technologists in incorporating the regulation of MLA and CLXTs within their college.

CMLPSK is contracting a facilitator to conduct an in-person Strategic Planning meeting in September.  The outcome of this process will shape the operational goals for the next 3-5 years.

Important Dates

Annual Reports and Meetings

Annual Reporting Meeting

This meeting is held once a year, usually in fall. It is open to members of the public, registrants and CMLPSK partners. This meeting includes a summary of registrations and operations, reports from committees, and audited financial statements. It also provides a space for questions from meeting attendees and answers from the CMLPSK.

How to Become an MLT

Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs) are health professionals who perform laboratory analyses and provide information to physicians and nurse practitioners. They help to diagnose and treat patients, as well as monitor and prevent disease.

MLTs operate a variety of complicated instruments. They must have fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity. In addition to technical skills, they must have strong attention to detail to detect subtle changes in patient results. MLTs must also determine the validity of the results they obtain, which requires analytical and critical thinking. Whether working alone, or as a member of a team, the MLT must be able to manage time efficiently and communicate clearly.

There three types of Programs offered in Canada:

MLT – General (includes Chemistry, Hematology, Histology, Microbiology, and Transfusions Science)

MLT – Diagnostic Cytology (includes Cytology and Histology)

MLT – Clinical Genetics (includes Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics)

To become eligible to work as a MLT in SK, following graduation you will need to:

  1. Write the approved Canadian Entry to practice examination to be eligible for registration.
  2. MLTs must become licenced to practice by CMLPSK to work in Saskatchewan.

Is this Career for Me?

Medical Laboratory Technology is a constantly evolving and rewarding career. As new things are discovered about disease processes and human health knowledge, the technologist’s role will continue to change and expand.

Medical Laboratory Technologists perform a variety of different tests and have a wide range of career options. Every day brings a different challenge and new problems to solve. 

Test results have an immediate impact on the care of critically ill patients. Making a real difference in patients’ lives contributes to high levels of job satisfaction among Medical Laboratory Technologists. 

Medical Laboratory Technologists often work independently with minimal supervision. While still a key member of the health care team, MLTs have greater control over their daily routine than many other health care professionals.

The practice of Medical Laboratory Technology is defined as the performance of medical laboratory investigations (testing) and the evaluation of the technical sufficiency of such investigations and their results. It may also include practice in the areas of medical laboratory administration, education, information systems, specimen collection, handling and accessioning and medical research.

Fields of Practice or Categories

MLTs may be educated in the following:

MLT – General

These programs include courses in clinical chemistry, clinical microbiology, hematology, histology and transfusion science. This is usually a two- or three-year accredited training program at the community college or university level.

  • Clinical Chemistry – Conducts tests on blood and body fluids to detect components such as electrolytes, enzymes, tumor markers, and/or drug levels.
  • Clinical Microbiology – Conducts tests on blood, body fluids, and/or tissue samples to detect bacteria, fungi, viruses, and/or parasites. Once a bacteria is identified, technologists do additional testing to identify susceptible antibiotics.
  • Hematology – Conducts tests to measure blood cells and to detect diseases/disorders of the blood.
  • Transfusion Science – Conducts blood grouping and blood compatibility tests.
  • Histology – Prepares samples of body tissue for tests to detect disease.

MLT – Diagnostic Cytology 

There is currently one program in Canada at Michener Institute, which is a 2-year program. The program includes courses in Cytology and Histology.

  • Cytology – Conducts tests on cells, fluid and tissues to detect cancer. Microscope interpretation is the majority of the daily work
  • Histology – Prepares samples of body tissue for tests to detect disease.

MLT – Clinical Genetics 

There currently two programs in Canada a diploma program at Michener Institute and an advanced Diploma at BCIT>

  • Cytogenetics – Conduct tests to analyze and diagnose abnormalities in chromosomes and DNA
  • Molecular Genetics – Conduct test using molecular techniques to identify hereditary disorders or mutations related to diseases

Document Library

Practice & Registration Guidelines
Practice & Registration Guidelines
Practice & Registration Guidelines

Contact Us

Office Hours – please call to make an appointment prior to visiting the office.
Monday – Friday
0800-1600
(excluding Statutory Holidays)

For General Inquiries, please send an email to contactus@cmlpsk.ca

Mailing Address
CMLPSK
P.O. Box 3837
Regina, SK
S4P 3R8

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