Course Delivery: Combined delivery (online theory and in-person labs)
Duration: 30 weeks, including a 4-week practicum
Start: January, April, July & October
Wages: Earn $29.97/hr in hospitals and up to $30.05/hr in private labs
Recognized By: BC Society of Laboratory Science (BCSLS)
Student Diversity:
Stenberg supports diversity in our student population, and we hold one seat per program for a self-identified Indigenous applicant who meets admission requirements. If the seat remains unfilled at 12 weeks prior to the program start, the seat will be released and offered to other qualified applicants.

About the Career

Medical Laboratory Assistants are excellent multitaskers. They are responsible for phlebotomy (taking blood samples), collecting other samples, electrocardiograms (ECGs), preparing specimens for testing, data entry, and are often the laboratory professionals who interact directly with patients. They are integral members of the health care team who share knowledge, promote learning, collaborate with other professionals, and contribute to essential patient care.

If you have good communication skills and an interest in working in a lab or hospital setting, consider a career as a Medical Laboratory Assistant.

As a Medical Lab Assistant, you’ll find opportunities for employment in:

  • Hospitals
  • Communities and private laboratories
  • Public health laboratories
  • Private health insurance companies
  • Research institutions
Become a Medical Lab Assistant (MLA) Two students and an instructor participating in an MLA lab
More coming soon.

About the Program

In this seven-month program, you’ll learn the art and skill of blood collection. You will put theory into practice during labs and practicum placements, and learn from working industry professionals to develop clinical and technical skills.

This program is offered online, with labs located in Surrey and Duncan, B.C. Practicum placements on Vancouver Island are offered through Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA), and LifeLabs in Victoria (and surrounding areas), Nanaimo, Duncan, and Courtenay.

Graduates are prepared to meet the competency requirements set by the British Columbia Society of Laboratory Science (BCSLS), and are qualified to register with the BCSLS after program completion.

Admission Requirements

Pre-requisites

  • Grade 12 or mature student status (19 years of age or older)
  • Passing verbal test if English is an additional language
  • Passing Stenberg College entrance examination for English for the following in lieu: Evidence of passing English 12 or higher
  • Passing Stenberg College entrance examination for Math or the following in lieu: Evidence of Math 11 or higher
  • Minimum typing speed of 40 words per minute
  • Completion of a Criminal Record Consent Form under the Criminal Record Review Act

Program Courses

Student Support

  • Academic tutoring
  • Assessment and skill development support
  • Open study skills tutorials
  • Typing practice support
  • One-on-one student support coaching sessions
  • English language learning support
  • Online learning resources
  • Online academic journals and databases
  • Campus life events

Our Faculty

Accreditation and Recognition

Stenberg College is designated by the BC government’s Ministry of Advanced Education through the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB). PTIB is responsible for setting standards of quality and ensuring consumer protection. Stenberg College has also received the BC government’s Education Quality Assurance (EQA) designation, which is BC’s brand or “seal” of quality post-secondary education for public and private institutions. This program is also approved by the Registrar.

Have Questions?

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