New Class of Health Professionals Begins Training

A new class of 25 health professionals from across Nova Scotia will begin training to become certified medical laboratory technologists (MLTs). The new class is part of government's efforts to ensure that Nova Scotians receive the medical services they need, when they need them, within Nova Scotia.

The Department of Health has purchased a customized 25 seat training program for MLTs. Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald, on behalf of Health Minister Angus MacIsaac, visited the class today, Nov. 27, at an orientation session at the Institute of Technology Campus, Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC).

Mr. MacDonald also promoted Nova Scotia's new bursary program for these students. This program will pay the tuition of those MLT students who sign a return in service agreement, committing them to work in the Nova Scotia health-care system for two years following their graduation.

"We recognize the need for health professionals in the province, and these students have a bright future ahead of them," said Mr. MacDonald. "Our bursary program is aimed at having 25 trained MLTs coming back to work in our hospitals and contribute to our health-care system."

The MLT program begins in January 2004. Students will complete their first year at the New Brunswick Community College (NBCC), Saint John campus and the majority of their second year will be completed in Nova Scotia, under the academic leadership of Nova Scotia Community College. Graduates will receive a joint diploma from both colleges.

Cindy Greenwell of Halifax, a licensed practical nurse and medical assistant in the Army Reserve, plans to work in Nova Scotia following completion of the program. "This is a good step for me in my education and career. The program will be challenging, but I look forward to learning and training so that I'll be well-equipped to handle the key role MLTs play in health- care delivery."

Each student accepted into the program is eligible to receive $8,000 for tuition for the two-year program.

Prior to graduation, students will complete a 16-week clinical placement at a hospital in Nova Scotia. The Department of Health and NSCC are working with the clinical lab managers of all Nova Scotia hospitals in each district health authority to arrange student placement opportunities. The student MLTs will learn to perform laboratory investigations relating to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. They work primarily with samples of tissue, blood and other body fluids.

"The graduates of this program will have a wide range of career opportunities within their field as the demand for health professionals in all disciplines continues to grow," said Pamela Reid, dean of Health and Human Services at NSCC. "Trained laboratory scientists are needed in our province, and across the country."

Applicants to the program underwent a rigorous interview and application process to ensure the program's greatest potential for success. Officials from the Department of Health, the NSCC and practicing MLTs participated in the interview process. The 25 successful applicants are from across Nova Scotia, from Yarmouth to New Waterford.

There are currently six Nova Scotians completing the entire medical laboratory technologist training program in New Brunswick, at the Saint John campus of NBCC. These students will also receive a bursary with a return in service arrangement.

The investment in the Medical Laboratory Technologist Program is part of government's skills initiative, Skills Nova Scotia. It involves working with partners to upgrade people's skills, from basic literacy to the use of the most advanced technologies, to further their success in education and the workplace.

In the end, the Department of Health will have spent about $1 million on the MLT program, including bursary costs.