About the Program
Genetics Technology is a constantly evolving and rewarding career. The lab of today is far more complicated than the lab of just ten years ago. As new discoveries advance scientific knowledge, the technologist’s role will continue to change and expand. Even now, we can see the impact of future tests that may be developed for diagnosing such health problems as cancer or genetic disorders.
Michener’s Genetics Technology program is one of only two (2) programs offered in Canada. Graduates are eligible to write the national certification examination conducted by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS). The program provides educational experiences in both cytogenetic and molecular genetic techniques. Cytogenetics encompasses the microscopic analysis of human chromosomes; molecular genetics involves the analysis of DNA and RNA.
Students will gain the knowledge and skills to:
- Perform analyses to diagnose and treat patients with genetic diseases
- Monitor and prevent disease
- Use laboratory techniques and instrumentation to explore genetics of human cell
The College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO) accepts graduates from the Genetics Technology Program at Michener as Medical Laboratory Technologists with competencies in both cytogenetics and molecular genetics.
About the Profession
Genetics technology involves performing laboratory tests to help physicians diagnose, treat and monitor a wide variety of genetic disorders and many types of cancer. Genetics Technologists use a range of techniques, instrumentation and analytical software – from microscopes to the latest genomic analyzers. Specifically, genetic testing involves the study of chromosomes (Cytogenetics) as well as the analysis of DNA and RNA (Molecular Genetics).
The field of genetics technology is rapidly evolving and expanding as new discoveries, technologies and techniques become integrated into the clinical environment. Technologists work both independently and as a part of a health care team to produce high quality, accurate patient results. Although there is limited patient contact, the results generated have a direct impact on patient treatment and care.
Genetics Technologists work in a variety of settings including hospitals, private and research laboratories and academic facilities.
Michener provided me with the opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive lab environment, all while providing me with the tools that I need to succeed in my career as a genetics technologist.
Sarah D., Genetics Technology Student
Get in Touch
Key Dates for Full-Time Programs (2025/26)
- Applications Open: October 10, 2025
- Application Deadline: February 1, 2026
- Supporting Document Deadline: February 15, 2026
- Last Casper Date: February 20, 2026
- First Round of Offers Released: Mid – April 2026
- Full-Time Provisional Offer or Admission Deadline: July 15, 2026
- Application Evaluation Period: November 2025 – April 2026
- Application Acknowledgement Emails (Sent Weekly): Mid-November 2025 – February 1, 2026
- Active Waitlist for Qualified Applicants: June – September 2026
Costs
Genetics Technology Program (Full-Time Programs) - Domestic Tuition Fees
| Year of Study | Semester(s) | Tuition ($) | Student Fees ($) | Total Fees ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Fall* | 3,633.59 | 1,087.50 | 4,721.09 |
| Year 1 | Winter | 3,633.59 | 326.25 | 3,959.84 |
| Year 1 | Summer | 3,633.59 | 326.23 | 3,959.82 |
| Year 2 | Fall | 3,633.59 | 1,144.16 | 4,777.75 |
*Footnote: The non-refundable deposit will be applied to the total Fall tuition fees for incoming Year 1
Genetics Technology Program (Full-Time Programs) - International Tuition
| Year of Study | Semester(s) | Tuition ($) | Student Fees ($) | Total Fees ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Fall* | 10,900.77 | 2,366.40 | 13,267.17 |
| Year 1 | Winter | 10,900.77 | 487.14 | 11,387.91 |
| Year 1 | Summer | 10,900.77 | 487.12 | 11,387.89 |
| Year 2 | Fall | 10,900.77 | 2,599.50 | 13,500.27 |
*Footnote: The non-refundable deposit will be applied to the total Fall tuition fees for incoming Year 1
Students Fees 2026-27 — Domestic and International Students
Students Fees 2026-27 - Domestic and International Students
| Fee Items | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 or Clinical | Part-Time Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alumni | 35.01 | 35.01 | 35.01 | 7.00 |
| Digital Media Fee | 335.09 | 335.09 | 180.95 | 44.90 |
| Graduation | 59.90 | – | – | 17.30 |
| Handbook | 11.14 | 11.14 | 11.14 | 11.15 |
| Health / Counseling Services* | 140.04 | 140.04 | 140.04 | 21.00 |
| Identification Card | 16.71 | – | – | 16.71 |
| Locker | 10.50 | 10.50 | – | – |
| LRC printing | 20.00 | – | – | 21.00 |
| Orientation | 95.29 | – | – | – |
| Student Success Network Fee | 102.49 | 102.49 | 50.13 | 50.13 |
| Student Council – Athletics* | 40.85 | 40.85 | 40.85 | 27.43 |
| Student Council – Operating | 38.99 | 38.99 | 38.99 | 19.50 |
| Student Enrolment Fee | 50.13 | 50.13 | 50.13 | 11.13 |
| Technology Fee* | 208.30 | 208.30 | 208.30 | 122.19 |
| Subtotal: | 1164.44 | 972.54 | 755.54 | 368.44 |
External Fees — 2025/26
External Fee Items — Domestic Students
External Fees — 2025/26 External FeeItems - Domestic Students
| Fee Items | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 or Clinical | Part-Time Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mask Fitting | 68.25 | – | – | – |
| Student Health & Dental Insurance | 334.95 | 334.95 | 334.95 | – |
| Student Bursary Levy | 17.33 | 17.33 | 17.33 | – |
| Total: | 1,584.97 | 1,324.82 | 1,107.82 | 368.44 |
External Fee Items — International Students
External Fees — 2025/26 External FeeItems - International Students
| Fee Items | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 or Clinical | Part-Time Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Student Health Insurance | 1,234.95 | 1,234.95 | 1,234.95 | – |
| Mask Fitting | 68.25 | – | – | – |
| International Support and Advising | 500.00 | 500.00 | 500.00 | – |
| Total: | 2,967.64 | 2,707.49 | 2,490.49 | – |
Find the list of Required and Recommended Textbooks through Michener’s Learning Resource Collaboratory (LRC).
Every year, Michener offers scholarships and named bursary awards to students. Thanks to the generous support of our donors, general and discipline-specific scholarships and awards have been established to provide Michener’s full-time programs with financial aid.
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) administers many financial aid programs, including loans, grants and scholarships. The eligibility rules for each program may change from one academic year to the next.
Students in Ultrasound are eligible to receive OSAP. Students should apply for OSAP online and email regoffice@michener.ca with any questions. Michener students may also be eligible, if qualified, for assistance under the Canada Student Loans (CSL) and/or the Ontario Student Loans (OSL) components of OSAP.
For more information:
Academic Requirements
Applicants to the Genetics Technology program must meet the below admission requirements:
Bachelor of Science degree with a minimum CGPA# of 3.0 on the OMSAS Scale AND a minimum grade of 70% (B-) in each of the following university-level courses completed in the last 10 years:
- Human Genetics (1 semester-length course, 0.5 credit) – Michener’s online distance-education course HGCE110 Human Genetics can fulfill the Human Genetics prerequisite
- Molecular Genetics (1 semester-length course, 0.5 credit) – Michener’s online distance-education course MGCE110 Molecular Genetics can fulfill the Molecular Genetics prerequisite
Canadian certified Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) with a degree or diploma and a minimum CGPA# of 3.0 on the OMSAS~ scale AND a minimum grade of 70% (B-) in each of the following university-level courses completed in the last 10 years:
- 0.5 credit in Human Genetics (1 semester-length course) – Michener’s online distance-education course HGCE110 Human Genetics^ can fulfill the Human Genetics prerequisite
- 0.5 credit in Molecular Genetics (1 semester-length course) – Michener’s online distance-education course MGCE110 Molecular Genetics^ can fulfill the Molecular Genetics prerequisite
^Applicants must achieve a final grade of 70% or higher for HGCE110 and MTGE110 to fulfill prerequisites
#CGPA will be calculated using the entire degree. Minimum required CGPA is 75%.
~ Visit ouac.ca for Ontario Medical Schools grade conversion.
Offers of admission will be allocated with equal consideration among candidates applying through option A and option B.
Applicant Experience Checklist
All applicants are required to submit an Applicant Experience Checklist by February 15, 2026. Please visit the Supporting Documents page to retrieve the required Genetics Technology Checklist. Please note that this document must be submitted to ask-us@ontariocolleges.ca or to admissions@michener.ca.
Mandatory Admissions Assessment
All applicants are required to complete the Casper Assessment. Please visit the Mandatory Admissions Assessment page for test dates.
Admissions to the Genetics Technology program will be determined by an assessment of academic achievement, CGPA, (35 %), professional and academic experience (20 %) and Casper test result (45%).
- All applicants are required to complete the Casper Assessment
- To register for the Casper test, please use your OCAS Application Number (the 9-digit number found on your OCAS dashboard prepended by 25XXXXXXX)
- Casper test scores are sent directly to Michener. Please ensure you put Michener on your Casper distribution list. Please contact Casper directly for assistance.
- Only one test is required. Results from Casper test will be used to assess your application for all applicable programs
CASPER Test Dates
| Date | Time |
|---|---|
| Jul 20, 2025 | 4:00 p.m. EDT |
| Aug 12, 2025 | 8:00 p.m. EDT |
| Aug 28, 2025 | 8:00 p.m. EDT |
| Sep 11, 2025 | 8:00 p.m. EDT |
| Sep 23, 2025 | 8:00 p.m. EDT |
| Oct 4, 2025 | 7:00 p.m. EDT |
| Oct 9, 2025 | 8:00 p.m. EDT |
| Oct 15, 2025 | 6:00 p.m. EDT |
| Oct 15, 2025 | 8:00 p.m. EDT |
| Oct 16, 2025 | 8:00 p.m. EDT |
| Nov 6, 2025 | 8:00 p.m. EST |
| Nov 30, 2025 | 4:00 p.m. EST |
| Dec 2, 2025 | 8:00 p.m. EST |
| Jan 8, 2026 | 8:00 p.m. EST |
| Jan 22, 2026 | 8:00 p.m. EST |
| Feb 19, 2026 | 8:00 p.m. EST |
Admissions to the Genetics Technology program will be determined by an assessment of academic achievement, CGPA, (35%), professional and academic experience (20%) and Casper test result (45%).
Supporting Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents by February 15, 2026:
OPTION A
- Bachelor of Science degree with a minimum CGPA# of 3.0 on the OMSAS Scale AND a minimum grade of 70% (B-) in each of the following university-level courses completed in the last 10 years:
- Human Genetics (1 semester-length course, 0.5 credit) – Michener’s online distance-education course HGCE110 Human Genetics can fulfill the Human Genetics prerequisite
- Molecular Genetics (1 semester-length course, 0.5 credit) – Michener’s online distance-education course MGCE110 Molecular Genetics can fulfill the Molecular Genetics prerequisite
OPTION B
- Canadian certified Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) with a degree or diploma and a minimum CGPA# of 3.0 on the OMSAS~ scale AND a minimum grade of 70% (B-) in each of the following university-level courses completed in the last 10 years:
- 0.5 credit in Human Genetics (1 semester-length course) – Michener’s online distance-education course HGCE110 Human Genetics^ can fulfill the Human Genetics prerequisite
- 0.5 credit in Molecular Genetics (1 semester-length course) – Michener’s online distance-education course MGCE110 Molecular Genetics^ can fulfill the Molecular Genetics prerequisite
^Applicants must achieve a final grade of 70% or higher for HGCE110 and MTGE110 to fulfill prerequisites
#CGPA will be calculated using the entire degree. Minimum required CGPA is 75%.
~ Visit ouac.ca for Ontario Medical Schools grade conversion.
Offers of admission will be allocated with equal consideration among candidates applying through option A and option B.
All applicants are required to submit an Applicant Experience Checklist by February 15, 2026. Please note that this document must be submitted to ask-us@ontariocolleges.ca.
Additional Requirements
- English Language Proficiency and Credential Evaluation (International Students Only)
- Minimum Technology Requirements
- Health Requirements
Post Admission Requirements
Once students have accepted their offer of admission, they will need to meet the following post-admission requirements by the deadline indicated in the offer letter:
Health requirements are mandatory for all Michener students. Make sure to start the process of obtaining your health requirements immediately upon accepting your offer of admission to ensure that you meet the deadlines. This process will involve multiple visits to your physician/healthcare provider.
Students are responsible for costs incurred. More information is available on the Health Requirements page. Health Requirement documents are uploaded through the Michener Self-Service Portal. Contact the Health Services Department at healthservices@michener.ca for questions.
All students who accept an offer of admission into a Michener program must submit proof of a Vulnerable Sector Check, conducted at their expense. Completed Vulnerable Sector Checks are uploaded to the Michener Self-Service Portal. Failure to do so may result in a revocation of admission or restriction on clinical activities.
Students must attend respiratory protection training and be mask-fit tested prior to attending their clinical placement. Students must also comply with their clinical site’s respiratory protection policies. Visit the Mask Fit Testing page for more information.
In addition to offences disclosed under the Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC), accepted applicants are required to disclose if they have been charged with (where charges are still outstanding or unresolved) or convicted of an offense under any other Federal statute or international law (other offenses) and to disclose if they have been charged (where charges are still outstanding and unresolved) or have been disciplined by any professional body or association.
Accepted applicants will agree to complete annual mandatory training requirements including Cybersecurity Training and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training program during the first week of classes.
Accepted applicants will agree to participate in learning activities that will include practicing real and/or simulated learning activities, which at times may involve fellow classmates, volunteers and/or other individuals under the supervision of qualified program faculty. Accepted applicants will also agree to act as a simulated patient for other students. These activities may also be evaluated to determine competence acquisition and may be recorded (audio/video).
Accepted applicants will attest that they have read and understand relevant policies with particular attention to Michener’s policies in the following areas:
- Clinical Placement
- At the point of accepting an offer of admission, students agree to attend any placement site that is assigned to them knowing that sites may be located anywhere in Ontario and for some programs across Canada
- Community Right and Responsibilities
- Michener is committed to the establishment of an atmosphere of respect and civility and appreciation for the rights and responsibilities of all those associated with Michener
- Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination
- All Michener students are required to be in compliance with the Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy with proof of full vaccination
How to Apply: Checklist
- Length: 18 weeks
- Start: September
- End: January
You will be assigned to a clinical placement site(s) through Michener’s Office for Clinical Education. This process begins with an information session in the second semester of your program.
As clinical education is a major component of all Michener programs, our affiliated clinical sites are integral to your education and they include teaching hospitals across Canada. Working closely under the supervision of Genetics Technologists, you will have the opportunity to integrate knowledge and skills into practice during the clinical phase of your program. Clinical placements give you hands-on experience in work environments and the opportunity to network with potential employers.
You may be placed in more than one clinical site during your clinical placement period, based on the required clinical competencies for your program and the range of services at the clinical sites.
