Laboratory Medicine

Program Overview

The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology (LMP), in close collaboration with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN), is offering a two-year, full-time professional master’s graduate program (Master of Health Science degree) to educate clinical laboratory medicine scientists in one of two fields in Laboratory Medicine: Pathologists’ Assistant (PA) or Clinical Embryology (CE).

 

 


Quick Facts

Domestic International
Application deadline MHSc:

Fall 2024 entry

04-Mar-2024

MHSc:

N/A

Minimum admission average MHSc:

Average of at least B+ in the last two years of full-time study

Please note:

  • Applicants must be a Canadian permanent resident or citizen
  • All applicants must:
  • Have complete a 4-year Bachelor of Science degree (B.Sc.) in the Life Sciences from a recognized university.
  • This program will prepare you for the study of biomedical science, for fluency in biomedical terminology, and for critical evaluation of biomedical literature. Courses in biology/life sciences, biochemistry, human anatomy immunology and physiology are desirable but not mandatory
  • At least one university level course in each of the following disciplines: human physiology, human biology, mathematics, and chemistry. Courses in human anatomy, biostatistics and biomedical research are desirable but not mandatory.
  • Applicants can only apply to 1 of the fields (PA or CE) at the University of Toronto
Are any standardized tests required/recommended? MHSc:

N/A

MHSc:

N/A


Master of Health Science

Program Description

The Master of Health Science (MHSc) in Laboratory Medicine is a two-year professional (coursework and practicum) master’s degree designed to educate and train highly skilled health laboratory scientists in one of two fields: Pathologists’ Assistant (PA) or Clinical Embryology (CE). The program imparts general core knowledge and skills and the specific basic and applied principles of anatomic pathology or of assisted reproductive technology (ART) required to work as laboratory scientists. These principles are the foundation upon which PAs or CEs develop fundamental applied and practical knowledge and skills to function as competent, high-quality clinical scientists.

The nature of this graduate program equips trainees to apply their knowledge to complex decision making, to serious ethical issues, and to develop a strong sense of personal accountability and intellectual rigour and independence.

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology's additional admission requirements stated below.

  • Admission is based on demonstrated exceptional scholarly achievement, using the following criteria:

    • One-page statement summarizing how this program will contribute to the advancement of the applicant's professional goals, identifying their field of preference.

    • Curriculum vitae (CV).

    • Two letters of reference, one of which should be familiar with the applicant’s scholarly activities.

  • Applicants must have an appropriate four-year BSc degree in the life sciences or equivalent from a recognized university, with an average of at least B+ in the last two years of full-time study. Applicants must have a demonstrated interest in human biological and life sciences, preferably with a major or specialist program in the life sciences. Applicants must have completed at least one university-level course in each of the following disciplines: human physiology, human biology, mathematics, and chemistry. Courses in human anatomy, biostatistics, and biomedical research are desirable but not mandatory. (See amendment made on October 6, 2023.)

    • All potential students will be interviewed prior to final acceptance into the program. The initial selection of students will be based on a combination of their academic record, individual statement, and letters of reference. These students will be asked to participate in an interview with the program coordinator to determine the fit with the program and student’s goals.

  • Applicants who were educated outside Canada, whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English, must demonstrate proficiency in the English language through the successful completion of the following tests:

Program Requirements

Field: Clinical Embryology
  • Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 9.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • 3.5 FCEs taken by all students:

      • LMP2000H Cell and Molecular Biology (0.5 FCE)

      • LMP2001H Biomedical Research Methods (0.5 FCE)

      • LMP2002H Clinical Laboratory Management (0.5 FCE)

      • LMP2003H Biomedical Ethics (0.5 FCE)

      • LMP2004H Biostatistics (0.5 FCE)

      • LMP2005Y0 Capstone Project in Laboratory Medicine (1.0 FCE)

    • 4.0 FCEs specific to this field:

      • LMP2100H Advanced Reproductive Physiology and Pathology (0.5 FCE)

      • LMP2102H Foundations in ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) (0.5 FCE)

      • LMP2103H Reproductive Genetics (0.5 FCE)

      • LMP2104H Applied Methods in ART (0.5 FCE)

      • LMP2105H Innovations in ART (0.5 FCE)

      • LMP2106H Current Topics in Causes and Treatment of Infertility (0.5 FCE)

      • LMP2107H Applied ART Laboratory Decision Making (0.5 FCE)

      • MSC1008H Advanced Human Embryology and Teratology (0.5 FCE)

    • 1.5 FCEs of practicum courses

      • LMP2108H CE Lab Simulation I (0.5 FCE)

      • LMP2109H CE Lab Simulation II (0.5 FCE)

      • LMP2110H ART Lab Rotations (0.5 FCE)

    • 0.5 elective FCE chosen from a course offered in LMP or any other graduate department, with approval of the field director.

  • Students who fail a course will be offered remediation in the form of additional readings and assignments by the course director. If a student fails two courses or the offered remediation, they will be required to repeat the year.
Field: Pathologists' Assistant
  • Coursework. Students must successfully complete a total of 9.5 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • 3.5 FCEs taken by all students:

      • LMP2000H Cell and Molecular Biology (0.5 FCE)

      • LMP2001H Biomedical Research Methods (0.5 FCE)

      • LMP2002H Clinical Laboratory Management (0.5 FCE)

      • LMP2003H Biomedical Ethics (0.5 FCE)

      • LMP2004H Biostatistics (0.5 FCE)

      • LMP2005Y0 Capstone Project in Laboratory Medicine (1.0 FCE)

    • 2.0 FCEs specific to this field:

      • LMP2200H Basic Principles in Human Pathobiology and Pathophysiology (0.5 FCE)

      • LMP2201H Anatomy and Pathology of Organ Systems (0.5 FCE)

      • LMP2208H Biobanking for Research (0.5 FCE)

      • LMP2211H Advanced Anatomy Dissection (0.5 FCE)

    • 4.0 FCEs of practicum courses

      • LMP2202H Practicum in Surgical Pathology I (0.5 FCE)

      • LMP2203H Practicum in Surgical Pathology II (0.5 FCE)

      • LMP2204H Practicum in Surgical Pathology III (0.5 FCE)

      • LMP2205H Practicum in Surgical Pathology IV (0.5 FCE)

      • LMP2206H Practicum in Autopsy Pathology (0.5 FCE)

      • LMP2207H Practicum in Forensic Pathology I (0.5 FCE)

      • LMP2209H Practicum in Surgical Pathology V (0.5 FCE)

      • LMP2210H Practicum in Surgical Pathology VI (0.5 FCE).

  • Students who fail a course will be offered remediation in the form of additional readings and assignments by the course director. If a student fails two courses or the offered remediation, they will be required to repeat the year.

Program Length

6 sessions full-time (typical registration sequence: F/W/S/F/W/S)

Time Limit

3 years full-time

0 Course that may continue over a program. The course is graded when completed.

Master of Health Science

Program Description

This two-year, course-based program is designed for interprofessional students from diverse backgrounds (such as medicine, life sciences, social sciences, engineering, design, and communications) who want to learn creative problem-solving skills, strategies, and competencies to translate (scientific) knowledge into innovations that improve medicine, health, and care.

Through flexible coursework, team-based, real-world translational challenges, and extensive mentorship and networking, the department facilitates self-directed collaborative “learning by doing”: students gain experience, expertise, and practical insights into development and design processes, regulatory frameworks, and translational networks and strategies to develop, lead, test, and implement innovations. The program’s mission is to challenge students to think differently so that they learn to champion change in their communities and contexts.

This cohort-based program commences in September.

Minimum Admission Requirements

  • Applicants are admitted on the basis of academic preparation, references, and motivation. All applicants must demonstrate exceptional scholarly achievement and significant research experience.

  • An appropriate bachelor's (BSc) degree or an MD degree from a recognized university, and academic credentials and background preparation appropriate to the area of study with an A– average in at least three of the four years.

  • Applicants with significant research, industry, or government experience in professional health science or related social science, and/or academic research master’s or PhD are also encouraged to apply.

  • The application must be accompanied by:

    • A current curriculum vitae (CV).

    • A letter of intent or statement of professional goals.

    • Three letters of reference.

  • Applicants whose primary language is not English, and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction was not English, must demonstrate proficiency in the English language through the successful completion of the following English-language proficiency tests:

    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): a minimum score of 600 on the paper-based test and 5 on the Test of Written English (TWE); or a minimum score of 93/120 on the Internet-based test and 22/30 on the writing and speaking sections.

    • Tests must be completed in the year prior to application to the program.

  • Deadline for receipt of applications is May 1 for international students and June 1 for domestic students. Admission spots are limited; not all applicants who meet the prerequisites will be admitted. Applicants are screened for eligibility and short-listed applicants will be interviewed.

Program Requirements

  • Within this two-year, five-session program, students must complete a total of 8.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows:

    • Year 1:

      • LMP2300Y Foundations in Translational Research (1.0 FCE, Fall and Winter)

      • LMP2320H Overview of Methods in Practices and Contexts (0.5 FCE; Winter)

      • LMP2322H Information, Media, and Communication Literacy for the Sciences (0.5 FCE, Fall)

      • LMP2301Y Projects in Translational Research (1.0 FCE, Fall and Winter)

      • LMP2330Y+ Capstone Project in Translational Research (2.0 FCEs, Summer).

    • Years 1 and 2:

      • 2.0 FCEs: eight modular courses (0.25 FCE each).

    • Year 2:

      • LMP2330Y+ Capstone Project in Translational Research (Fall and Winter)

      • 1.0 elective FCE with approval from the Program Director.

Program Length

5 sessions full-time (F/W/S/F/W)

Time Limit

3 years

+ Extended course. For academic reasons, coursework is extended into session following academic session in which course is offered.