Continuing Competence Program
FAQs
The CCP is inflexible and does not allow members to apply learning opportunities not known at the time of renewal. Why is the program structured in this manner?
In order to comply with legislation, members must be proactive in their approach to learning and develop a Learning Plan prior to the upcoming registration year. The Medical Laboratory Technologists Profession Regulation stipulates:
Continuing competence program
12.2 As part of the continuing competence program, a regulated member must complete the following, on an annual basis, in a form satisfactory to the Registrar:
(a) a self-assessment based on the competency profile developed by the College indicating the areas where continuing competence activities are to be undertaken by a regulated member in the next registration year;
(b) a written learning plan that sets out the continuing competence goals of the regulated member for the next registration year and the continuing competence activities to be undertaken by the regulated member during that year to achieve the continuing competence goals;
(c) a completed learning plan from the previous registration year documenting the competence activities that were completed.
In discussions with government representatives, there are many formats of CCPs amongst the various regulated health professions. There is a movement towards the College’s current format of Self-Assessment whereby individuals identify competencies which may require growth or strengthening and thereby apply a proactive approach to the development of Learning Plans.
I cannot complete my Learning Objective(s) as stated on my Learning Plan. What can I do?
The College does allow members to make revisions to a submitted Learning Plan when a Learning Objective can no longer be completed due to change in area of practice or extenuating circumstance. To make revisions to a Learning Plan, an individual must submit a request to the Manager of Professional Practice and Competence/Deputy Registrar in writing at a minimum of 45 days prior to the commencement of the renewal season, which begins September 15 of each year.
I attend many continuing education activities which are not applicable to my Learning Plan. Does the College recognize these additional activities?
The College encourages individuals to attend all learning events which enhance one’s professional development and portfolio, even if an activity does not apply directly to a Learning Plan. The College appreciates a Learning Plan is neither inclusive nor representative of all continuing education activities an MLT participates in throughout the year. The College emphasizes the CCP captures only the minimum education required to ensure compliance with the HPA. An individual has the option to apply for a College Professional Development Certificate in which the College acknowledges continuing education beyond the minimum requirements of the CCP.
Why are there no Bands in the MLT Competency Profile applicable to my current area of practice?
The College strives to capture all relevant and emerging areas of practice in the MLT Competency Profile. The medical laboratory technology field changes rapidly with new techniques, technologies, and methodologies; therefore, it is difficult to create new Bands or to incorporate new competencies within existing Bands at this same rate of change. The College routinely solicits feedback from regulated members for suggested revisions, enhancements, and expansion of the MLT Competency Profile. Please direct all feedback and inquiries to deputyregistrar@acmlt.org.
I received my internet purchase receipt. Is this proof of my MLT Practice Permit?
No, the emailed purchase receipt is simply confirmation of payment – it is not proof of an MLT Practice Permit. After payment has been processed the College downloads and reviews online MLT Practice Permit renewal documents. During the review the College notifies individuals of any errors/omissions with their documentation and resolution must be achieved before an MLT Practice Permit can be issued. Once approved, the College will mail out an MLT Practice Permit and an official income tax receipt.
Please note: The College reviews the MLT Practice Permit renewal documents for approximately 2400 regulated members; consequently, it may take up to six weeks to receive an MLT Practice Permit once an individual has received confirmation of payment.
If I plan to retire or take an extended leave of absence from MLT professional practice, do I need to notify the College?
Yes, it is a regulated member’s responsibility to notify the College of changes to personal contact information, area of practice, and MLT employment status. Practicing MLTs who retire, undertake extended leaves of absence, or leave professional practice altogether must submit a completed Notice of Non-Practice Form and a completed Learning Plan from the current year. Before accepting future MLT employment, individuals must submit a completed MLT Regulated Member Initial or Reinstatement Registration Application with applicable dues/fees and comply with the Continuing Competence Program requirements. These forms are available on the website or by contacting info@acmlt.org.
