I'm motivated to come to work because I enjoy staying busy and helping people. You meet all kinds of different people, which keeps things interesting. It can be challenging, but that’s part of what makes it so rewarding. It’s a great job!
About Vancouver Island
Life on Vancouver Island can feel a little different.
Across Vancouver Island, healthcare workers live and work within diverse communities and on the traditional territories of Coast Salish, Kwakwaka’wakw, and Nuu-chah-nulth Peoples.
Many of our employees build careers in communities where meaningful work exists alongside a lifestyle that leaves room to recharge, reconnect, and feel grounded outside of work. Shorter commutes, access to nature, strong community connection, and time spent outdoors are part of everyday life for many people here.
Located off the southwest coast of British Columbia, Vancouver Island is home to a wide range of communities, landscapes, and lifestyles — from coastal towns and rural communities to growing urban centres. Ocean views, forests, mountains, beaches, local arts and culture, and year-round outdoor recreation are woven into daily life across the Island.
With Canada’s mildest climate, many people spend time outside throughout the year — whether that means hiking, kayaking, cycling, gardening, golfing, or simply spending more time with family and friends close to home.
Whether you’re looking for a close-knit community, access to nature, or a more balanced pace outside of work, Vancouver Island offers space to build both a meaningful career and a meaningful life.
Thinking About Moving to Canada?
Island Health welcomes internationally educated medical laboratory assistants and medical laboratory technologists who are interested in building a rewarding career on Vancouver Island.
Whether you’re looking to advance your career, experience life on the West Coast, or play a vital role in patient care, we’re here to help you navigate the journey.
Medical Laboratory Technologists
Internationally educated medical laboratory technologists must meet the certification and registration requirements to practise in British Columbia, including certification through the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) and registration with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (CHCPBC).
Medical Laboratory Assistants
Internationally educated medical laboratory assistants must meet the education and competency requirements to practise in British Columbia. Depending on your background and experience, additional assessment or training may be required.
Get Started
Health Match BC provides free recruitment and relocation support to eligible internationally educated healthcare professionals interested in practicing in British Columbia.
Ready to take the next step? Connect with Health Match BC today.
Indigenous Employee Experience
Island Health is committed to recruiting, retaining, and supporting Indigenous employees at all levels of our organization. We recognize the valuable perspectives, knowledge, and experiences that Indigenous people bring to healthcare and are working to create culturally safer workplaces where Indigenous employees can thrive.
Island Health serves 50 First Nations communities belonging to three cultural families grouped by language: Coast Salish, Nuu-Chah-Nulth, and Kwakwaka’wakw. In addition, six chartered Métis communities and six urban Friendship Centres are part of the communities we serve. We are committed to fostering a workforce that more closely reflects the diverse population we serve. Island Health’s vision for the future is rooted in respect, understanding, and recognition of Indigenous peoples.
If you identify as Indigenous, our Indigenous Employee Experience team is available to support you throughout the application process, answer questions about careers at Island Health, and help connect you with resources as you explore opportunities with our organization.
Why Island Health
Island Health provides healthcare and support services to communities across Vancouver Island and surrounding regions. Our teams work across hospitals, long-term care, community health, mental health and substance use services, primary care, public health, rural and remote care, and more.
With more than 31,000 employees and medical staff, Island Health offers the opportunity to build a meaningful healthcare career within one of British Columbia’s largest health authorities — while living and working in communities connected to nature, culture, and one another.
Inclusive and Supportive Workplaces
At Island Health, we are committed to creating workplaces where people feel respected, supported, and valued. We believe diverse perspectives and lived experiences strengthen our teams and help us provide better care to patients, residents and communities.
We are working to address racism, discrimination, and barriers that affect equity and belonging in our organization. Through this ongoing work, we strive to create safe and inclusive workplaces where everyone can contribute, grow and succeed.
We support Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) for IBPOC employees, 2SLGBTQIA+ employees, and employees with disabilities. These groups help foster connection, community, and support throughout your career with Island Health.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If you require accommodations during the hiring process or would like to learn more about our equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives, please contact our DEI team at [email protected].
Benefits and Career Development
Island Health offers competitive compensation, employer-paid health and dental benefits, generous vacation and leave provisions, and access to an Employee & Family Assistance Program.
Employees also participate in the Municipal Pension Plan, a defined benefit pension plan designed to support long-term financial security and predictable retirement income.
Eligible candidates may qualify for relocation assistance, and employees have access to ongoing education, scholarship opportunities, specialty training, and career development programs designed to support long-term growth within the organization.
Recruitment Support
Our recruitment team is here to support you throughout your application journey.
Whether you have questions about current opportunities, licensing and relocation, job locations, specialty areas, or the application process itself, we’re happy to help connect you with the information and resources you need.
We understand that exploring a new role — or relocating to a new community — is a big decision. Our team is available to answer questions, provide guidance, and help you learn more about laboratory careers at Island Health and life on Vancouver Island.
Connect with our recruitment team to learn more about current opportunities.
What our team is saying…
I'm motivated to come to work because I enjoy staying busy and helping people. You meet all kinds of different people, which keeps things interesting. It can be challenging, but that’s part of what makes it so rewarding. It’s a great job!
I'm motivated to come to work because I enjoy staying busy and helping people. You meet all kinds of different people, which keeps things interesting. It can be challenging, but that’s part of what makes it so rewarding. It’s a great job!
I'm motivated to come to work because I enjoy staying busy and helping people. You meet all kinds of different people, which keeps things interesting. It can be challenging, but that’s part of what makes it so rewarding. It’s a great job!
I'm motivated to come to work because I enjoy staying busy and helping people. You meet all kinds of different people, which keeps things interesting. It can be challenging, but that’s part of what makes it so rewarding. It’s a great job!
Natasha, Medical Laboratory Assistant
Comox Valley Hospital
Lab is a really important part of healthcare. We’re available 24/7 to support physicians, nurses, and other clinical staff in making critical decisions for patients. It’s a complex and dynamic environment, with constant technical challenges and a wide range of complex patient cases to work through.
Lab is a really important part of healthcare. We’re available 24/7 to support physicians, nurses, and other clinical staff in making critical decisions for patients. It’s a complex and dynamic environment, with constant technical challenges and a wide range of complex patient cases to work through.
Lab is a really important part of healthcare. We’re available 24/7 to support physicians, nurses, and other clinical staff in making critical decisions for patients. It’s a complex and dynamic environment, with constant technical challenges and a wide range of complex patient cases to work through.
Lab is a really important part of healthcare. We’re available 24/7 to support physicians, nurses, and other clinical staff in making critical decisions for patients. It’s a complex and dynamic environment, with constant technical challenges and a wide range of complex patient cases to work through.
Lab is a really important part of healthcare. We’re available 24/7 to support physicians, nurses, and other clinical staff in making critical decisions for patients. It’s a complex and dynamic environment, with constant technical challenges and a wide range of complex patient cases to work through.
David H., Regional Manager, Laboratory
Comox Valley Hospital
Laboratory is a great department to work in — you truly feel like part of a team. Everyone supports each other, and there’s a strong sense of collaboration. The lab plays a crucial role in patient care; there wouldn’t be a functioning hospital without it.
Laboratory is a great department to work in — you truly feel like part of a team. Everyone supports each other, and there’s a strong sense of collaboration. The lab plays a crucial role in patient care; there wouldn’t be a functioning hospital without it.
Laboratory is a great department to work in — you truly feel like part of a team. Everyone supports each other, and there’s a strong sense of collaboration. The lab plays a crucial role in patient care; there wouldn’t be a functioning hospital without it.
Laboratory is a great department to work in — you truly feel like part of a team. Everyone supports each other, and there’s a strong sense of collaboration. The lab plays a crucial role in patient care; there wouldn’t be a functioning hospital without it.
Laboratory is a great department to work in — you truly feel like part of a team. Everyone supports each other, and there’s a strong sense of collaboration. The lab plays a crucial role in patient care; there wouldn’t be a functioning hospital without it.
Shawn, Medical Laboratory Assistant
West Coast General Hospital
