Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario (MLPAO): Protect Your Practice. Advance Your Profession.

Written By:

Andrea Tjahja, MLT, ART, BSc, BEd Vice President, Operations Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario

The Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario (MLPAO) is the fastest growing lab association in Canada. Founded in 1963 as the Ontario Society for Medical Laboratory Technologists (OSMT), the MLPAO’s membership has increased by over 73% in the past 5 years to more than 4,200 members across the province, including both MLTs and MLA/Ts.

MLPAO is your voice in Ontario.  The MLPAO advocates for the lab profession, monitoring legislative changes and engaging with the Ministry of Health, employers, and other stakeholders.  Over the past 5 years, our advocacy efforts have resulted in historic funding of over $15M for lab professionals including 700 more seats for MLTs and MRTs and inclusion in the Learn and Stay Grant, which provides free education in the MLT programs at St. Clair College and Cambrian College.  We continue to work for you to address the MLT shortage and other issues affecting the lab profession.

MLPAO members receive professional liability insurance (PLI) included in their membership.   PLI coverage also includes professional legal and HR advice as well as data security and privacy breach consulting services.  Our PLI covers MLT members across Canada. There is no extra cost for PLI – that’s a little extra that stays in your pocket!

Continuing education (CE) is top of mind at MLPAO.  Members have access to our free monthly Lab Talks webinars, hosted by laboratory experts from across the province – our members love them!  Our online CE course offerings are current, continuously updated throughout the year, and provide you with a certificate for your professional portfolio.  We are also excited to announce our 2026 Lab Summit – Together in Toronto on June 5-6th in Toronto.  We invite you to join us for a day of connection, collaboration and community.

Membership with the MLPAO gives MLTs and MLA/Ts professional liability insurance (PLI), continuing education (CE), advocacy, and so much more. Stay covered, stay current, and stay connected with your professional community.  

Learn more at mlpao.org.