Category: News

CAMLPR ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP TRANSITIONS ON THE BOARD

The Canadian Alliance of Medical Laboratory Professionals Regulators (CAMLPR) previously announced the appointment of Adam Chrobak as the organization’s new Executive Director, effective April 28, 2025. Adam most recently served as CAMLPR’s Acting Vice Chair and brings extensive leadership experience to the role.

Following Adam’s transition, the CAMLPR Board of Directors has appointed Colin Power, CAMLPR Board Member and Representative of the Newfoundland and Labrador College of Medical Laboratory Sciences (NLCMLS), as the new Acting Vice Chair, effective April 26, 2025. Colin will serve in this role until the conclusion of the next CAMLPR Annual Meeting on June 10, 2025.

To fill the vacancy on the Board created by Adam’s resignation, the CAMLPR Board has appointed Tricia Van Denakker, Interim Registrar/CEO and designated representative from the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Manitoba (CMLTM), as CAMLPR Board Member, effective April 26, 2025.

[Click here to view the CAMLPR Board Composition.]

The 2025–2026 CAMLPR Board Members will be appointed at the upcoming Annual Meeting on June 10, 2025.

The CAMLPR Board of Directors commends the appointees and looks forward to their leadership and contributions.

British Columbia Endorses the CAMLPR Flexible Pathways to Registration

British Columbia has formally endorsed the Canadian Alliance of Medical Laboratory Professionals Regulators (CAMLPR) Flexible Pathways to Registration Program and confirms its decision to align with CAMLPR as the national body responsible for administering fields-of-practice competency assessments (examinations), prior learning assessments, and setting the national competency profile for medical laboratory technologists.

Read the endorsement letter from the BC Ministry of Health.

CAMLPR Announces Appointment of New Executive Director

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The Board of Directors of the Canadian Alliance of Medical Laboratory Professionals Regulators (CAMLPR) is pleased to announce the appointment of Adam Chrobak as the organization’s new Executive Director, effective April 28, 2025.

After an extensive national search, the Board is confident that Adam brings the experience, leadership, and vision necessary to guide CAMLPR into its next chapter. Adam joins us with 15 years of experience in regulatory leadership, most recently serving as Registrar & CEO of the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Manitoba (CMLTM). Adam has been an MLT for over 25 years, has completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and has held various leadership positions including the Chair of the Manitoba Alliance of Health Regulatory Colleges (MAHRC) and the Vice-Chair of the Canadian Alliance of Medical Laboratory Professionals Regulators (CAMLPR).

“Adam stood out for his deep commitment to our mission, strong track record of leadership, and ability to drive meaningful change and impact,” said John Tzountzouris, Acting Board Chair. “We are thrilled to welcome Adam aboard and look forward to working together to continue advancing the important impact that CAMLPR will have for regulation of medical laboratory technologists across Canada.”

In this role, Adam will oversee the strategic direction, operations, and key partnerships of CAMLPR, ensuring excellence in the provision of the national fields-of-practice competency profiles, prior learning assessment, and competency assessment processes.

“I am honored and excited to start as the Executive Director of CAMLPR,” said Adam. “The organization is at a pivotal time in its evolution, and I look forward to supporting a key regulatory function through the provision of prior learning and competency assessment processes for medical laboratory professionals regulators across Canada.”

CAMLPR and Accreditation Canada Partner to Strengthen Medical Laboratory Science Education

The Canadian Alliance of Medical Laboratory Professionals Regulators (CAMLPR) and Accreditation Canada | EQual are pleased to announce the signing of an agreement to provide accreditation services to Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) educational programs.

This collaboration marks an important step in ensuring the continuity of educational quality assurance, while equipping future MLS professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to meet the evolving demands of the sector.

Under this partnership, CAMLPR and Accreditation Canada | EQual will work together to incorporate the CAMLPR competency profile(s) into the accreditation assessment process.

In the coming months, CAMLPR and Accreditation Canada | EQual will consult with stakeholders and engage with educational programs to ensure that necessary curriculum updates are being made.

We look forward to continuing our collaboration with educational programs to ensure high-quality education for MLS professionals.

For more information, please contact Roman Savka, Director, Health Education Accreditation at roman.savka@accreditation.ca

Download the announcement here.

CAMLPR Achieves Significant Milestones in Supporting MLT Applicants and Educators

The Canadian Alliance of Medical Laboratory Professionals Regulators (CAMLPR) represents provincial regulatory member organizations for Medical Laboratory Technologists in Canada.

CAMLPR is proud to announce several significant accomplishments in its efforts to create an accessible, equitable, affordable, and streamlined pathway for applicants seeking registration as Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs) in Canada.

The Flexible Pathways to Registration

The newly developed application process will introduce a transparent approach that can be tailored to meet the needs of diverse applicants. Key steps in the process will include:

  • Creation of a personalized applicant portal.
  • Completion of a self-assessment for guidance on readiness to complete pathway (optional for domestically educated applicants).
  • Submission of education credentials
  • Completion of prior learning assessments for internationally educated or non-traditionally educated applicants
  • Competency exams aligned with specific fields of practice

This pathway will provide all applicants with equitable opportunities to demonstrate their qualifications​. Read about the Applicant Stages.

Educator Resources: DACUM Framework, Textbook Resources, and Webinar

CAMLPR released detailed Fields-of-Practice Competency Profiles on August 13, 2024, that outline the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities required for entry-level practice as an MLT in Canada. These profiles form the foundation for the new application process and competency exams. To support educators in aligning curriculum with the field-of-practice competencies, CAMLPR is providing several resources:

  • DACUM (Developing A Curriculum) analysis to identify the tasks and responsibilities of entry-level practitioners to complement the competency profiles. Together with the competency profiles, the DACUMs for each field describe what a well-prepared MLT must know and be able to do to practice safely and effectively​.
  • Mapping to compare the CAMLPR competency profile with the CSMLS profile (CAMLPR distributed directly to educational institutions)
  • Suggested textbooks and resources for each field of practice

Competency-Based Examination Specifications

Building on the competency profiles and DACUM framework, CAMLPR has developed examination specifications to evaluate applicants across eight fields of practice. The exams will measure both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for entry-level practice. Applicants can choose to take individual or bundled exams, depending on their education, career goals and desired fields of expertise. Read about the exams.

A Transparent Fee Structure

CAMLPR has implemented a clear and equitable fee structure. Fees are determined based on the applicant’s chosen fields of practice and the type of assessment required. This structure supports all while maintaining rigorous registration standards​. Read about the fees.

These initiatives collectively aim to address the critical shortage of MLTs in Canada by fostering a more inclusive registration process. CAMLPR has also developed a centralized online portal to further streamline applications and support applicants every step of the way​. For more details, please see the links above or contact us at info@camlpr.org.

The Canadian Alliance of Medical Laboratory Professionals Regulators (CAMLPR) Announces Fees for Medical Laboratory Technologists Seeking Registration to Practice

The Canadian Alliance of Medical Laboratory Professionals Regulators (CAMLPR) is pleased to announce fees for medical laboratory technologists (MLTs) pursuing professional registration in Canada. This initiative reflects CAMLPR’s commitment to making the registration process more accessible, particularly for internationally educated professionals.

CAMLPR pledged to review costs and enhance the registration options of MLTs in a proposal to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). This resulted in a new application process, fields-of-practice competency profiles, prior learning assessments, exams, and fee structure adopted by CAMLPR that maintains the rigor of the registration process. 

“The fee structure is an important step in making registration in Canadian more accessible,” said Adam Chrobak, CAMLPR’s Chair and Registrar of The College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Manitoba (CMLTM). “By implementing new competency profiles, prior learning assessments, and exams, CAMLPR is actively supporting internationally educated MLTs in their journey to practice in Canada.”

“Lowering fees is just one of several initiatives CAMLPR has undertaken to facilitate the entry of qualified MLTs into the Canadian workforce,” added Janice Jones, CAMLPR’s past Chair, Project Lead, and Registrar of the Nova Scotia College of Medical Laboratory Technologists (NSCMLT). “We’re also developing a centralized online portal to streamline the application process, ensuring a smooth path to professional registration while upholding high standards of practice”

With these changes, CAMLPR will contribute to filling critical workforce gaps across the country.

CAMLPR Webinar: Information Update for MLS Educators

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The Canadian Alliance of Medical Laboratory Professionals Regulators (CAMLPR) represents provincial regulatory member organizations for Medical Laboratory Technologists in Canada.

As part of our legislated regulatory requirements, CAMLPR announced on August 13, 2024 that it will assume the responsibility for the delivery of prior learning assessment and assessment/examination services, as well as the release of new competency profiles for the eight fields of practice within the medical laboratory technologist (MLT) profession. These competency profiles will be used by the CAMLPR affiliated authorities and other jurisdictions for the assessment and registration of all applicants for registration with health regulatory Colleges for medical laboratory technologists.

Since the announcement, CAMLPR has received many inquiries about this transition. We recognize the impact that these changes will have across the medical laboratory technology sector, and to educational institutions specifically.

CAMLPR will be hosting a webinar with information updates regarding these changes, specifically for medical laboratory science educators. The webinar will be held on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 from 12:00 – 1:30 pm EST.

To register for this webinar, please click here.

Please feel free to share this news with your colleagues in the educational sector. Also, please consider adding yourself to CAMLPR’s distribution list by adding your email address through this link.

CAMLPR has also recently released Frequently Asked Questions, which is updated as new information becomes available. To access the FAQ, please click here.

We look forward to engaging with MLS educators on November 20th. For those that cannot attend, the webinar recording will be available on the CAMLPR website.

Fields-of-Practice Competency Profiles: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Canadian Alliance for Medical Laboratory Professionals Regulators (CAMLPR), which represents its membership of provincial regulators for the medical laboratory technologist (MLT) profession, recently released new competency profiles for the fields of practice within medical laboratory technology. As part of its legislated regulatory requirements, CAMLPR members are assuming the responsibility for providing prior learning assessment (PLA) and competency assessment (examination) services for MLTs in Canada. CAMLPR is preparing new prior learning assessment and competency assessments based on these profiles to ensure that both internationally and Canadian- educated applicants continue to meet standards necessary for public safety.

CAMLPR has developed answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you better understand the changes and what they mean for you. This FAQ will be revised periodically as more questions are received by CAMLPR and as more information becomes available.

Read Frequently Asked Questions.

Announcement of Joint Initiative by the Canadian Alliance of Medical Laboratory Professionals Regulators (CAMLPR) and Michener

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The Canadian Alliance of Medical Laboratory Professionals Regulators (CAMLPR) and the Michener Institute of Education at UHN are pleased to announce a collaborative initiative aimed at supporting internationally educated Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs) and individuals from non-traditional education backgrounds. This joint effort, which is part of the Flexible Pathways to Registration for Medical Laboratory Technologists project funded by the Government of Canada, focuses on field-of-practice bridging courses to facilitate successful registration of internationally educated MLTs and individuals from non-traditional backgrounds in Canada. These courses will support the registration process for individuals seeking to work as MLTs in their respective fields of practice as allowed by each jurisdiction’s legislation.

This initiative addresses the increasing demand for skilled professionals in medical laboratory technology, recognizing the unique challenges faced by internationally educated MLTs and individuals from non-traditional backgrounds in navigating the Canadian registration process. The bridging courses will be available to individuals that require additional education and offer theoretical and clinical education to ensure that these professionals can meet Canadian standards and integrate seamlessly into the healthcare system.

CAMLPR, representing regulatory bodies across Canada, brings extensive expertise in setting and maintaining professional standards for MLTs. The Michener Institute, renowned for its specialized healthcare education, contributes its academic excellence and experience in delivering innovative training programs.

Together, CAMLPR and Michener are committed to enhancing the professional journey of internationally educated MLTs and individuals from non-traditional education backgrounds, ultimately contributing to a more diverse workforce while ensuring the MLT standards needed in Canada’s healthcare system are met. This initiative underscores our shared dedication to quality patient care and the professional growth of medical laboratory technologists.

Adam Chrobak, Chair, Canadian Alliance of Medical Laboratory Professionals Regulators (CAMLPR): “We are thrilled to collaborate with the Michener Institute to provide essential support for internationally educated MLTs and those from non- traditional backgrounds. This initiative will help ensure that all qualified professionals can contribute effectively to Canada’s healthcare system.“

Jane Mattson, Director of Continuing Education, Michener Institute of Education at UHN: “Our partnership with CAMLPR reflects our commitment to innovative education solutions that address the evolving needs of the healthcare sector. These bridging courses are designed to equip internationally educated MLTs and those from non-traditional backgrounds with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet Canadian standards and excel in their careers.“

Flexible Pathways to Registration for Medical Laboratory Technologists: Fields-of-Practice Competency Profiles

The Canadian Alliance of Medical Laboratory Professionals Regulators (CAMLPR) role is to establish standards of knowledge, skills, and judgement in the practice of medical laboratory technology. CAMLPR’s focus is on fair, efficient, effective, ethical, transparent, inclusive, regulatory approaches and practices for medical laboratory professional regulation across Canada.

As part of our legislated regulatory requirements, CAMLPRs has made the decision to assume the responsibility for the delivery of prior learning assessment and assessment/examination services. 

CAMLPR announces the release of new competency profiles for the eight fields of practice within the medical laboratory technologist (MLT) profession. These competency profiles will be used by the CAMLPR affiliated authorities and other jurisdictions for the assessment and registration of all applicants for registration with health regulatory Colleges for medical laboratory technologists. We have enclosed the profiles for your information.

CAMLPR is currently preparing assessments based on these new competency profiles to examine internationally educated MLTs, non-traditionally educated applicants (BSc, MSc, PhD) and domestically educated applicants. These assessments will streamline the registration process, ensuring that new registrants possess the current knowledge and skills necessary for public safety.

  • Starting November 1, 2025, all internationally educated medical laboratory technologists (IEMLTs) and non-traditionally educated applicants (BSc, MSc, PhD) must follow the CAMLPR Pathways application and registration processes. These include prior learning assessments and competency assessments (entry-to-practice exam).
  • Beginning March 1, 2026, CAMLPR will administer these assessments to all registration applicants, including those educated domestically, based on the new CAMLPR competency profile. Those entering an accredited medical laboratory sciences program on or after March 1, 2026, will be required to pass the CAMLPR assessment (exam).
  • For applicants who have not been registered for practice prior to these dates, CAMLPR will work with key partners to develop a transition plan.

Details and timelines will be determined by the CAMLPR transition group following consultation with key partners.

The newly developed competency profiles provide a comprehensive framework outlining the essential skills, knowledge, and judgment required for safe, efficient, and ethical practice within each field of MLT. These profiles serve multiple purposes:

  • Standardizing Assessments: Ensuring that the assessment of education and practice is consistent across various settings, thereby upholding public safety and performance standards.
  • Defining Ethical Expectations: Supporting professional integrity by detailing the ethical conduct expected from practitioners.
  • Guiding Professional Development: Offering a clear pathway for practitioners to assess and enhance their competencies for career growth.

Development Process:

  • Spring 2023: Subject matter experts were engaged to verify and clarify the knowledge required of entry-level practitioners.
  • Summer 2023: The Competency Development Advisory Committee (CDAC), comprising representatives from CAMLPR, the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS), MLTs, educational institutions, and other key stakeholders, provided input on the competencies.
  • Fall 2023: MLT stakeholders, including clinical practitioners, employers, educators, and government representatives, reviewed the competency profiles through an online survey.
  • Winter 2023-24: Employers were surveyed regarding techniques and competencies required in Core Lab Settings.

The CAMLPR Steering Committee refined the draft competency profiles based on feedback from each stage of the process. This approach ensures the profiles reflect current requirements and are adaptable to future changes within the medical laboratory technology sector.

More information on the new registration process will be forthcoming from CAMLPR.

We look forward to supporting you in this transition.

Sincerely,

Adam Chrobak
CAMLPR Board Chair
Registrar of The College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Manitoba (CMLTM)