This 16-week hybrid program assists internationally educated medical laboratory technologists to prepare for the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science national licensing examination in Canada. It will fulfill the refresher requirements from a Prior Learning Assessment from CSMLS, including Hematology, Microbiology, Transfusion Science, Chemistry and Histotechnology.

All applicants to the bridging program must go through the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)  process from the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) . The PLA establishes your eligibility to take the CSMLS National Certification Examinations.

There are a total of 371 course hours (Theory – 146 and Labs – 225).

This course is offered in hybrid format. All theory courses and exams are offered online. All hands-on labs are offered in-class at The Michener Institute.

Schedule breakdown:

Weekday evenings (offered online): 6:00pm – 9:00pm

Weekend Labs (offered in-class at the Michener Institute): 9:00am – 6:00pm (Saturday), 10:00am – 6:00 pm (Sunday)

The total fee for the program is $6,355.00. Please note fees are subject to change.

Eligible students who are approved for OBPAP funding may receive between 70-90 percent (%) of the total cost of the tuition. See ‘Bursary Funding‘ section below for more information.

Please Note: Course dates, fees and information are subject to change. View the Bridging Withdrawal/Refund Policy.

Fall Intake (September): 

Applications open:  April 1

Application deadline: EXTENDED – July 15

Applicants must submit proof of:

1. A valid Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) report from the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) .
2. Meeting the English Language requirements if English is a second language: Applicants must pass the Michener English Language Assessment (MELA) with a minimum score of eight (8) in all four (4) components (Listening, Speaking, Writing and Reading) OR IELTS (Academic Type) with an overall score of 6.5 with all components (bands) of the test being at a 6 or above OR TOEFL with a minimum score of 100 on the Internet Based Test (iBT) with a minimum score of 22 on the Writing Section. English Language Assessments must be completed within the last two years.

Please Note – The MELA is the preferred English Language Assessment as it is designed for healthcare professionals. Also note that applicants educated outside of Canada will require the MELA (or another English Language Assessment for registration with CMLTO).

3. Canadian Citizenship, Permanent Residency or Refugee status

Post Admission Requirements

Accepted/Enrolled students must also submit the Health immunization requirements prior to the start of the program: Immunization Requirement Form .

Applications for the Fall 2025 semester are now closed.

1. Any outstanding supporting documents NOT submitted with your original application submission, should be emailed to: admissions@michener.ca
2. A firm offer of admission may only be given to applicants who have met all the admission criteria and have submitted all required supporting documents by the application deadline.
3. Bridging Program seats are limited (20 seats per intake) and offered on  first-come, first-qualified, first-accepted basis. All other candidates will be placed on a wait list. Offers will continue to be sent to candidates on the wait list until the program is full. Any applicants remaining on the wait-list are encouraged to apply early for the next intake of the program.
4. To apply for the Ontario Bridging Participant Assistance Program (OBPAP) bursary you submit the OBPAP Bursary Application Form.
5. Enrolled/accepted students will also be required to submit the Immunization Requirement Form
6. For information on withdrawals, transfers and refunds, please view the Bridging Withdrawal/Refund Policy

The OBPAP Bursary Application is not yet open.  When applications open, students who become enrolled in the Fall 2025 will be contacted directly with information on how to apply.

With this in mind, students of the Bridging program should not rely on the Bursary to pay their tuition fees.

Students will be considered for an OBPAP Bursary if they:

• are a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or a Protected Person
• currently reside in Ontario
• are registered in either the Medical Laboratory Sciences Bridging Program or the Radiological Technology Bridging Program
• are not currently receiving OSAP or funding from the Second Career program
• have not received an OBPAP Bursary previous

PLEASE NOTE: Being eligible for the Bursary based on the above requirements does not automatically guarantee that a student will receive the Bursary.  This decision is made by a variety of factors including availability of funds and demonstrated financial need.

Any concerns or inquiries can be directed to: regoffice@michener.ca

For more information, visit the Ontario Bridge Training Bursary  page.

See OBPAP FAQ’s for Frequently asked questions about the program.

The following alternative funding sources are external to Michener and not administered by The Michener Institute. Please review the repayment terms of any funding source very carefully. Eligibility criteria varies by funding source.

Windmill Microlending

Windmill Microlending is a registered Canadian charity that offers up to $15,000 in low-interest microloans to help skilled immigrants and refugees achieve professional success in Canada. Windmill offers a newcomer-friendly repayment terms to help you pay your course fees, your exam fees, and other costs you might incur on your pathway to becoming a health sciences practitioner in Canada.

Windmill’s eligible expenses include:

• tuition fees
• exam fees
• text books
• lab supplies and lab fees
• computers or laptops
• travel and accommodation expenses to sit exams
• living expenses during your course of study at Michener

Achēv

Funded by the Government of Canada, Achēv’s Foreign Credential Recognition Loans (FCR Loans) program provides financial loans and career counselling to internationally trained individuals who are looking to return to their chosen profession. Receive free ongoing one-on-one financial counselling and job search assistance.

Loan program features:

• Available in Peel Region, Halton Region, Hamilton and Toronto
• Educational loans for up to $15,000
• Low-interest rates (prime + 2%)
• Loan repayment terms from 1-4 years

Career counselling features:

• Developing a career action plan
• Completing the application process for credential evaluation
• Developing your resume, cover letter and interview skills
• Finding employment opportunities

If you’ve received a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) from the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) and are required to complete refresher courses, please see our Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Approved Refresher Courses

Understanding the Canadian Health Care System  – A Course for Internationally Educated Health Professionals. To register, email HealthForce Ontario at: InfoSession@healthforceontario.ca or call 416-862-2200.

To maintain program integrity and to ensure we have the right resources matched to student needs, the Bridging Program department has a strict policy on refunds.

View the  Bridging Program Withdrawal Refund Policy & Procedure.

I do not see a link to apply

Application links will only available during an application window.  See the ‘Application Deadlines’ section to view the application windows for each intake. The application link will be available under the ‘How do I apply?’Please return to our website at that time to apply.

What if I do not have all my documents ready, can I still apply?

Yes, you can still apply. You may submit your application and documents you have ready. Any outstanding documents sent after should be sent to admissions@michener.ca.

Note: We must receive all your supporting documents by the application deadline. Do not delay in submitting all your supporting documentation. Seats are filled by a first-come, first-qualified, first-accepted basis. You may not be considered qualified until we have received all your supporting documents.

Can I take just the the theory OR simulated lab portions of the Bridging Program courses?

No. The program is designed to support participant success in both theory and simulated laboratory experience. In order to achieve this success and better prepare a participant to write the CSMLS certification exam for medical laboratory technologists, it is mandatory for participants to attend both components (theory and simulated laboratory) as outlined in the course schedule.

What are the English language requirements to enroll in the Bridging Program?

If English is a second language: Applicants must pass the Michener English Language Assessment (MELA*) with a minimum score of eight (8) in all four (4) components (Listening, Speaking, Writing and Reading) OR IELTS (Academic Type) with an overall score of 6.5 with all components (bands) of the test being at a 6 or above OR TOEFL with a minimum score of 100 on the Internet Based Test (iBT) with a minimum score of 22 on the Writing Section. English Language Assessments must be completed within the last two years.

What is MELA?

The Michener English Language Assessment, or MELA, is a standardized, sector-specific, English language proficiency test. MELA measures English language proficiency based on communication that is typical in health care training or practice settings.

Contact mela@michener.ca or visit www.themela.com for additional information.

Can I attempt MELA more than once?

Yes. One may attempt the MELA test up to a maximum of 3 times.

What if my education was received in English?

Students who have received two or more years of full-time education in an English dominant speaking country my apply for exemption. Proof of attendance (i.e. transcripts) is required along with your application for exemption. Please review our English Language Requirement for a list of Countries recognized as English-language-dominant speaking.

Can the bridging program assist internationally educated medical doctors (IMGs)?

This bridging program is designed for internationally educated and experienced medical laboratory technologists whose training and work experience have been assessed by Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) and have been issued a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Report. The PLA report clearly states the gaps identified and provides refresher course options. Internationally educated doctors (Medical Graduates) don’t qualify for the program unless they meet the basic criteria as mentioned above.

How will I find out whether I have been accepted into the program?

You will be notified via email after the application deadline.

Please note: It is the applicant’s responsibility to follow up on their application. If Michener issues you an offer of admission or a request for further information and you do not respond, you risk losing your place in the program.

What types of supports will I receive once I have enrolled in Michener’s Bridging Program?

Bridging Program participants will have access to the following student support services offered at the Michener Institute.

• Coaching & Counseling Services
• Enhanced Learning Supports
• Fitness Centre

Have questions about the Program? Please contact bridging@michener.ca

Have questions about your application? Please contact admissions@michener.ca.

Proof of full vaccination (2 doses) for all learners is required for all onsite attendance at Michener.
Fully online courses do not require proof of vaccination.

Instructions to upload proof of COVID vaccination to Self Service