Medical Laboratory Assistant
Online theory and in-person labs
Start: January, April, July & October
30 weeks, including a 4-week practicum
Earn $29.97/hr in hospitals and up to $30.05/hr in private labs
British Columbia Society of Laboratory Science (BCSLS)
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.
Medical Laboratory Assistants work with precision and attention to detail, ensuring accurate specimen collection and processing that contributes to patient diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Scholarships
Get a $2,000 tuition discount when you enroll in our Medical Laboratory Assistant program.
Medical Laboratory Assistant Tuition Discount
Save $2,000 on your tuition when you enroll in the Medical Laboratory Assistant program.
Potential Employers
Medical Laboratory Assistants are excellent multitaskers responsible for phlebotomy, collecting samples, electrocardiograms, preparing specimens for testing, data entry, and patient interaction.
Hospitals
Communities and private laboratories
Public health laboratories
Research institutions
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.
Program Features:
- Comprehensive training in phlebotomy and specimen collection
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) procedures
- Laboratory fundamentals and safety procedures
- Hands-on practicum experience in real healthcare settings
- Preparation for BCSLS registration
- $2,000 tuition discount available (conditions apply)
Related Programs
Accreditation and Recognition
Stenberg College is designated by the BC government's Ministry of Advanced Education through the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU). This program is approved by the PTIRU of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. PTIRU 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.
Admission Requirements
- Grade 12 or mature student status (19 years of age or older)
- Grade 11-level English course or higher, or one of the following: Acceptable score in one of the approved LPR tests as noted aboveAccuplacer: Reading 230, Writing 230 and WritePlacer 4 CLBPT: No component less than 6 English challenge exam (minimum 70%)
- Passing Stenberg College entrance examination for Math (minimum 70%) or the following in lieu: Evidence of any 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
Other assessment test options may be available. Refer to our English Language Proficiency chart for all applicable tests and scores.
- 1) Evidence of completion of 3 years of full-time Secondary if Grades 8-12, or 2 years of Secondary if Grades 10-12, or 2 years of Post-Secondary education in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages. (Language courses cannot be included in this calculation)
- OR 2) Submit the results of one of the accepted English language proficiency tests at the score level specific to the program as listed in the admission requirements below. IELTS Academic – Overall band score of 6.0 with no component less than 5.5 Duolingo – Overall score of 105 with no component less than 85 CELPIP – Overall score of 7 with no component less than 6 TOEFL – Minimum overall score of 68 CAEL – Minimum overall score of 50 Pearson PTE Academic - Minimum overall score of 50
- OR 3) Mature students that are 19 years of age or older at the start of the program and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who cannot access their educational records or provide sufficient evidence of secondary or post-secondary education as outlined above can: a. Complete an English Language Attestation to confirm completion of 3 years of full-time instruction in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages, AND b. complete an Accuplacer Next Generation English Assessment with minimum scores of: Reading 230, Writing 230 and WritePlacer 4
Evidence may be demonstrated by providing a high school transcript, completion of a provincial Adult Graduation program, permanent student record, GED, or by providing international education credentials confirming medium of instruction in English as recognized through WES, ICES, or IQAS. Alternatively, where 2 years of post-secondary education are being determined based on credits, it is expected that the student has taken studies with a minimum of18 credits per academic year and/or indicates completion of a minimum of36 credits in total. For regulated programs, language proficiency requirements, including permitted tests and scores dictated by the regulatory body, will supersede all else. A transcript can be used as evidence of meeting requirement option 1. Those educated in BC may access transcripts using their Personal Education Number (PEN).
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.
Program Courses
Orientation and Student Success Skills
This course will provide a comprehensive orientation to Stenberg College and the program you have enrolled in. As with all new things, there will be some challenges and excitement; this course will explore transitioning as a college student, review learning styles, enhance critical thinking, and familiarize you with the resources available for your use. This course covers student success skills, where you will learn effective study habits (specifically aimed at improving both reading and writing skills) based on your own personal learning style. Life skills exercises are also integral to the course, teaching communication, accountability, teamwork, self-awareness, and building an understanding of the impact you have on others.
Keyboarding & Computer Fundamentals
This course is designed to provide you with a detailed introduction to correct typing technique and the computer skills required to work in a fast-paced environment. Throughout the course, you will use a simulated program to improve proficiency with the Internet, Windows environment, and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Access, Excel, and PowerPoint). You will also focus on the development and maintenance of accurate keyboarding skills. You are encouraged to practice your keyboarding using the Typing Ace online program outside of your regular classroom hours.
Medical Terminology
This intensive, fast-paced course is an introduction to the world of medical terminology and is designed to provide the foundation for all subsequent courses. You will become familiar with various medical word parts, build fluency in the pronunciation and spelling of these parts, and learn to build and break down medical terms to determine meaning. Understanding the language of medicine is essential for all healthcare professionals to be able to function effectively and safely in a health care environment. You will also gain a general introduction to each of the body systems, developing a foundation in body systems terminology which will be built upon in subsequent program coursework.
Anatomy & Physiology/Pathology Fundamentals
Building upon the foundations developed in Medical Terminology / Intro to Anatomy & Physiology, this course will develop your understanding of anatomy and physiology with emphasis on those body systems relevant to medical laboratory assistant practice. You will also learn about diseases and common tests related to the body systems.
Professional Practices & Lab Fundamentals
This module discusses the professional behaviour and uses specific examples that pertain to the Medical Laboratory Assistant. It also describes the health care organization and the duties of the team members in the various departments. You will become accustomed to the role of the Medical Laboratory Assistant in providing professional patient/customer service and will learn how to use outstanding interpersonal skills. This module will teach the cardiovascular system, the components of the blood, and the commonly used veins in phlebotomy. Laboratory structure and the commonly performed tests in each department will be discussed. Quality assurance and improvement as applied to the Medical Laboratory Assistant will be briefly discussed along with the ethical, legal, and regulatory issues. You will learn basic laboratory terminology and measurements.
Medical Laboratory Procedures
In this course you will learn about diagnostic laboratory tests, documentation, and delivery methods of specimens, safety supplies, phlebotomy equipment, and venipuncture procedures. This course will highlight all aspects of phlebotomy including venipuncture procedures, blood collection equipment, documentation and specimen handling, computerization in health care, pre-analytical complications, point-of-care testing, urinalysis, body fluids, forensic toxicology, and specimen processing.
Pre- and Post-Analytical Procedures and Microbiology
This course will address pre- and post-analytical procedures, processing, and referral procedures required for the Medical Laboratory Assistant to function proficiently in the front end of a medical laboratory environment. Topics covered include: labelling, requisitions, phone protocol, quality control management, packaging, inventory control, ordering of supplies, and healthcare information systems. You will also become competent in the specific pre-analytical procedures for microbiology set-up.
Cardiac Procedures
You will review the anatomy of the heart and be introduced to the electrical conductive system of the heart. You will learn procedures that will enable you to use, maintain, and analyze electrocardiogram tracings of 12/15 lead electrocardiograms. Emphasis will be put on the theory and practice of correct application and activation. Troubleshooting will also be addressed. You will also learn about ambulatory ECG monitoring (Holter) and be able to identify indications to rule out arrhythmias and identify critical values. Focus will be placed on Holter hook-up procedures and care for equipment.
Career Search Strategies
You will learn to network effectively (online and in person), to search and apply for jobs, and to prepare targeted resumes and cover letters. You are also provided with coaching and individualized instructor feedback on their resume, cover letter, and interview skills.
Program Related Additional Certifications/Lab Practice
This course includes industry-relevant certifications including WHMIS and Provincial Violence Prevention training to ensure you have the advantage of additional external certifications valued by today employers.
Consolidated Practice Experience
Stenberg College maintains affiliation agreements for the Medical Lab Assistant Program with all of the BC Health Authorities and Private Labs. You will perform procedures such as phlebotomy, electrocardiography, and specimen collection skills within a hospital and/or private lab setting. This 4-week practicum provides essential real-world experience under professional supervision.
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
WHMIS provides information about materials in the workplace that can be hazardous, such as cleaning agents, compressed gasses, and flammable materials. Becoming WHMIS certified will demonstrate the ability to identify hazardous materials and handle them properly.
Personal & Professional Development Skills Certificate
The Personal and Professional Development (PPD) Skills Certificate is a combination of interactive, online modules and synchronous follow-up discussions that apply the general module content to the specifics of your program and future career. In addition to the Soft Skills Development module, you will develop your ability to work with diverse clients, patients, and colleagues through the Gender Diversity and Sexual Orientation; Disability, Neurodiversity, and Accessibility; Anti-Indigenous Racism and Indigenous Gender Diversity; and Anti-Racism modules.
Provincial Violence Prevention Certification
The Provincial Violence Prevention Training Curriculum will teach you to recognize and respond to violent situations and learn about different types of violence and strategies for dealing with the risks in a variety of health care contexts. The Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum has been developed by a team of experts from Worksafe BC, the Occupational Health & Safety Agency for Healthcare in BC, and various BC health authorities and healthcare unions. This training and certification is offered in collaboration with Fraser Health Authority.
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
Stories from our Medical Laboratory Assistant grads
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