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Laboratory Medicine

MHSc

Our Program

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

Students engage in laboratory work, practice critical thinking and gain research skills. They learn to apply their knowledge to solve complex problems and resolve serious ethical issues. Students complete a mix of academic and practical components and a Capstone research project while being mentored by world-class faculty.

Students interact with a broad range of professionals and have access to multiple training sites across our partner hospitals such as Mount Sinai Hospital and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Services (OFPS). Pathologists’ Assistant students rotate in laboratories in our partner hospital sites. Clinical Embryologist students train in our dedicated simulation lab: the Clinical Embryology Skills Development Laboratory (CESDL), then in ART lab rotations.

Curriculum

MHSc Courses

Core Courses

Students in both streams complete:

  • Cell and Molecular Biology
  • Biomedical Research Methods
  • Clinical Laboratory Management
  • Biomedical Ethics
  • Introduction to Biostatistics
  • Capstone Research Project

Field Courses

Students in the Pathologists’ Assistants’ stream complete:

  • Pathobiology and Pathophysiology
  • Anatomy and Pathology of Organ Systems
  • Practica in Surgical Pathology, Adult Medical/ Hospital Autopsy and Forensic Pathology
  • The Science of Biobanking
  • Advanced Anatomy Dissection

Students in the Clinical Embryology stream complete:

  • Advanced Reproductive Physiology
  • Human Embryology
  • Foundations, Applied Methods and Innovations in ART
  • ART Lab Rotations and Applied ART Laboratory Decision Making
  • Human Embryology
  • Reproductive Genetics
Two researchers dissect a tissue sample.

Alumni Profile

Christiana Legaspi

Christiana Legaspi, Pathologists' Assistant

The program gave me a deeper understanding of the foundations of diseases and how to apply this knowledge in a laboratory setting.

Each case during practicum provided an opportunity to think about the biological underpinnings of a disease and exercise the technical skills of a PA. After the program,

I was able to confidently handle, process and cut a specimen with an appreciation of the pathology at hand. With the practicum, I was able to practice these skills frequently enough to acquire my own technique.

Raquel Rodrigues

Raquel Rodrigues, Clinical Embryologist

This program helped me think critically and explore innovations to address potential gaps in practice. The CE Skills Lab helped me refine my technical skills so I could competently handle sensitive patient specimens.

The clinical placements gave me valuable hands-on experience and insight into the workflow of fertility clinics in the GTA. These placements not only deepen practical understanding, but also serve as exceptional networking opportunities, connecting students with leaders and potential employers of the field. I am truly grateful to this placement for helping me secure my dream career in such an ideal location!

Potential Career Paths

What is a Pathologists' Assistant?

Pathologists’ Assistants provide surgical and autopsy pathology services under the direction and supervision of a certified pathologist. They work in hospitals, forensic services offices, or other laboratory settings.

Researcher's prepare a specimen for examination

What is a Clinical Embryologist?

Clinical Embryologists are part of IVF teams. They typically work in hospitals or fertility clinics and carry out lab work that contributes to the generation and continuing development of healthy embryos.

Two researchers label a petri dish

By the Numbers

100%
Percentage of students employed after graduation

Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology

Learn more about our program in laboratory medicine.

*Full course equivalent. A typical 0.5 FCE is over one term (13 weeks), meeting 1-2 times per week. A typical 1.0 FCE is over two terms (26 weeks), meeting 1-2 times per week.