Histology technologist NOC code
NOC 2021 code, TEER level and Express Entry status for histology technologist.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
The NOC code for histology technologist is 32120 (Medical laboratory technologists), a TEER 2 occupation — it counts as skilled work for Express Entry. It's a high-wage occupation (Level 3): +20 CRS for 12+ months of Canadian work, or 50 for a job offer. It's eligible for Healthcare category draws.
NOC code
32120
TEER 2 · skilled
High-wage
Level 3
+20 work · 50 job offer
Category draws
Healthcare
IRCC 2026 lists
What NOC 32120 covers
Medical laboratory technologists conduct medical laboratory tests, experiments and analyses to assist in the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and prevention of disease. They are employed in medical laboratories in hospitals, blood banks, community and private clinics, research facilities and post-secondary educational institutions. Medical laboratory technologists who are supervisors are included in this unit group.
| Unit group | 32120 — Medical laboratory technologists |
|---|---|
| TEER | TEER 2 — usually requires a college diploma or apprenticeship of 2+ years, or supervisory roles |
| Broad category | Health occupations |
Main duties to compare with yours
- Set up, operate and maintain laboratory equipment
- Conduct and interpret chemical analyses of blood, urine, and cerebrospinal and other body fluids
- Study blood cells and other tissues to determine their relation to various physiological and pathological conditions
- Prepare tissue sections for microscopic examinations using techniques to demonstrate special cellular tissue elements or other characteristics
- Perform and interpret blood group, type and compatibility tests for transfusion purposes
- Validate, document and report test results
To use NOC 32120 on an Express Entry profile or reference letter, your duties should match the lead statement and most of the main duties. See every duty and the full Express Entry breakdown for NOC 32120 →
Other job titles under NOC 32120
- Clinical genetics technologist
- Medical laboratory cytotechnologist
- Medical laboratory technologist
- Medical laboratory technologists supervisor
- Cytogenetics technologist - medical laboratory
Similar titles in other NOC codes
If your duties don't match NOC 32120, one of these may fit better:
- Aeronautical technologist — NOC 22301 (Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians, TEER 2)
- Agricultural technologist — NOC 22110 (Biological technologists and technicians, TEER 2)
- Animal health technologist — NOC 32104 (Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians, TEER 2)
- Architectural design technologist — NOC 22210 (Architectural technologists and technicians, TEER 2)
- Architectural technologist — NOC 22210 (Architectural technologists and technicians, TEER 2)
- Biochemistry technologist — NOC 22100 (Chemical technologists and technicians, TEER 2)
- Biological laboratory technologist — NOC 22110 (Biological technologists and technicians, TEER 2)
- Cardiac stress technologist — NOC 32123 (Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists, TEER 2)
Calculate your CRS score → · All job titles A–Z · High-wage list
Sources: Statistics Canada, NOC 2021 Version 1.0 (example titles and duties); IRCC high-wage occupations and category-based selection lists. Check the official NOC site before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NOC code for histology technologist?+
In NOC 2021, "histology technologist" is an example title in unit group 32120 — Medical laboratory technologists. It is a TEER 2 occupation in the "Health occupations" broad category.
Is histology technologist eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 32120 is TEER 2, which IRCC counts as skilled work experience for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class — provided your actual duties match the NOC description and you meet every other program requirement.
Does histology technologist get extra CRS points?+
Yes. NOC 32120 is on IRCC's high-wage list at Level 3. From November 3, 2026, 12+ months of qualifying Canadian work adds 20 CRS points, or a valid job offer is worth 50 (whichever is higher).
Can a histology technologist get a category-based Express Entry invitation?+
Yes — NOC 32120 is on IRCC's list for Healthcare and Social Services Occupations, 2026-Version 3. You generally need have accumulated, within the past 3 years, at least 12 months of full-time work experience (or an equal amount of part-time experience) — this experience does not need to be continuous.
What if my job title says histology technologist but my duties are different?+
IRCC assesses your duties, not your job title. Compare what you actually do with the lead statement and main duties of NOC 32120. If most of them don't match, look at the related occupations below or search the official NOC site.