Are you passionate about healthcare and eager to make a difference? Oulton College’s Medical Laboratory Assistant Program might be the perfect fit for you!

This ten-month accredited program is recognized by the Health Standards Organization (HSO) and Accreditation Canada through their EQUAL Canada program. With a growing demand for Medical Laboratory Assistants, Oulton College collaborates closely with leading hospitals and regional laboratories to ensure our graduates are highly skilled and job-ready right after their 5-week practicum.

Graduates are eligible to write the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) certification exam. Once certified graduates are job-ready and eligible to work as Medical Laboratory Assistants across Canada. Our medical laboratory assistant course also provides a strong foundation for those considering further studies in laboratory science or healthcare.

If you love research and laboratory work, don’t miss this opportunity to join a field that’s both rewarding and essential. Enroll today and take the first step towards a fulfilling career in healthcare!

*Cost breakdown: Book a meeting with one of our Admissions Advisors for a detailed breakdown of costs and tuition for your chosen program, we encourage you to. They can provide tailored information and help you understand all financial aspects. Schedule your appointment today to get all the details you need!

What Sets Oulton College Apart?

The Oulton College Medical Laboratory Assistant Diploma Program prepares you for a rewarding career as a Medical Laboratory Assistant in a 10-month condensed course to get you out into the work force faster.
Our Medical Laboratory Assistant program provides you with the experience and knowledge to be successful as a laboratory professional in the rapidly growing field of Laboratory science.
You will apply the classroom theory to hands-on experiences in our own state of the art laboratory – beginning with practice and simulation, preparing you for 5 weeks of hospital placement.
Your education will be challenging and dynamic, providing education in theory and in a practical laboratory setting.
Our program provides wonderful opportunities for networking and exposure to Guest speakers from all areas of the profession.
Highest quality of education has created relationships and reputation of excellence – as a result our employment rates are over 90% year after year!

Why Should You Come Here?

Our Medical Laboratory Assistant program provides that:

You will receive individual attention from qualified instructors: Medical Laboratory Assistants and Technologists. The best in the industry.
Challenging and rewarding nationally accredited education. You will be ready for success as a Laboratory Professional!
You will get lots of hands-on experience to build your confidence and expertise.
You can earn your diploma in less than one year with the expertise and knowledge to be a confident Medical Laboratory Assistant and healthcare professional.
We maintain a minimum employment rate of 90% !

What Will You Learn?

Anatomy & Physiology
Infectious Control & Safety
Blood and Specimen Procurement & Processing
Laboratory Procedures
Laboratory Mathematics
Microbiology
Histology & Cytology
Medical Terminology
Our curriculum is designed to ensure you are well-prepared to take the National Certification Exam and become a licensed professional in Canada.

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Admission Requirements

Grade 12 Diploma, Adult Diploma or GED.
Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry* OR Biology* with a minimum 60% average.
Grade 11 or 12 Math* is considered an asset
Meeting with an Admissions Advisor

*Courses marked with an asterisk (*) must be completed at the academic level.

International students whose first language is not English must submit proof of English language proficiency, unless they have completed a minimum of three years of study at a school where English is the language of instruction. Please see the international application process here.

Career Opportunities

Our Medical Laboratory Assistant Program is designed to address the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the healthcare industry. Explore the diverse and rewarding career paths available to graduates of our Medical Laboratory Assistant Program. Here are just a few opportunities you can pursue:

Hospital Laboratories
Research Laboratories
Independent Laboratories
Microbiology Labs
Quality Assurance
Blood Services Agencies
Phlebotomy Clinics

Course Descriptions

Introduction to Medical Laboratory Science

This module serves as a basic introduction to the field of Medical Laboratory Science. Topics covered include the following:

Laboratory disciplines
Quality Assessment
Laboratory Information System
Communications
Professionalism
Client/Patient Services
Employment Strategies

Anatomy & Physiology/Terminology

The student will be introduced to the different body systems, the structure and function of the major organs within each system and the pathophysiology of common diseases and conditions associated with each. The student will become familiar with clinical procedures, laboratory tests and abbreviations related to each system and other specialized areas of medicine.

Laboratory Mathematics

Students will learn the basic mathematics used in a medical laboratory environment including:

Mathematical essentials
Measurement systems and conversion procedures
Dilutions, solutions, and concentrations
Charts, tables, and graphs
Introductory statistics

Basic Laboratory Procedures including Lab

This module will provide the medical laboratory assistant student with the knowledge of labware, basic laboratory instrumentation, reagent preparation and basic procedures in hematology and urinalysis, including the clinical practice

Infectious Control and Safety

The Medical Laboratory Assistant student will review and develop a working knowledge of:

Routine Practices
Personal Protective Equipment
Utilization of safety devices
WHMIS
Spill containment and clean up procedures
Incident reporting
Occupational health and safety guidelines
Infection Control
Appropriate methods for disinfection and sterilization

Communications

This course will discuss skills in effective communication and key aspects of professionalism that impact client care. The student will learn strategies in dealing with conflict, change management and critical thinking. Ethical and legal requirements, scope of practice and professional development will be discussed as important factors in the professional practice of the medical laboratory assistant.
Preparation for medical laboratory assistant employment is also covered.

Anatomy and Physiology II

The student will continue to learn about the different body systems, the structure and function of the major organs within each system and the pathophysiology of common diseases and conditions associated with each. The student will become familiar with clinical procedures, laboratory tests and abbreviations related to each system and other specialized areas of medicine

Specimen Procurement

This course focuses on the theoretical and practical aspects of specimen collection techniques.
The topics covered in this module include:

Anatomy of the human blood circulation system
Preparation for specimen collection
Patient interaction
Specimen procurement procedures for venipuncture, capillary specimens and urine collections
Specimen identification
Specimen delivery

Specimen Processing

The student will develop a working knowledge of various pre and post analytical processes such as:

Specimen reception
Verification of specimen integrity
Pre analytic processes
Specimen dispatching
Specimen storage
Basic office procedures including telephone techniques, faxing, filing and time management

Basic Laboratory Procedures II including Lab

This module will provide the medical laboratory assistant student with the knowledge and clinical practice of basic
clinical chemistry and immunohematology.

Introduction to Microbiology

The module introduces the student to basic microbiology and clinical procedures. The course includes the
theoretical and practical aspects of:

Clinical procedures used for microbiological specimens
Culture media
Inoculation
Incubation
Microbiology staining procedures

Introduction to Histology and Cytology

The student will acquire basic knowledge pertaining to histology and cytology techniques such as:

Specimen reception
Specimen fixation, grossing, decalcification, processing and embedding
Microtomy
Staining and cover slipping
Preparation of gynecologic and non- gynecologic cytology specimens

Work Experience Placement

The medical laboratory assistant student who meets all the work term criteria (has successfully passed all course material) will be placed in a health care facility for two practicum sessions totaling 5 weeks. Specific objectives in all aspects of program and national competencies must be met in order to complete this module. Successful completion is mandatory for graduation from the program.

Please Note: Content is subject to change by administration as required to meet program and profession standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Medical Laboratory Assistant program at Oulton College?

Oulton College’s Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) program in Moncton, NB, is a nationally accredited medical lab assistant course. Blending classroom theory, simulation-based lab work, and real-world clinical experience prepares students for fast-paced roles in clinical laboratories.

How long is the Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) program?

This is a full-time, 10-month diploma program. It includes hands-on training in Oulton’s modern Health Science Lab and a 5-week clinical practicum in hospitals or regional labs across New Brunswick.

What are the career opportunities for Medical Laboratory Assistants in New Brunswick?

Graduates are in demand in hospitals, diagnostic labs, blood collection clinics, and public health facilities. With strong ties to local healthcare providers, Oulton’s Moncton lab assistant training program boasts over 90% employment rates year after year.

Is the MLA program accredited?

Yes. The Medical Laboratory Assistant program is accredited by Accreditation Canada through the EQUAL Canada program, ensuring it meets national standards for Medical Laboratory Assistant education and certification.

What kind of clinical experience will I get in the Medical Laboratory Assistant program?

Students begin with simulation-based training in Oulton’s on-campus lab, followed by a 5-week practicum in a hospital or diagnostic lab. This hands-on experience builds confidence and prepares students for real-world lab environments.

What are the Medical Laboratory Assistant program admission requirements?

A high school diploma with strong grades in English and Science. Meeting with an Admissions Advisor is recommended.

Can international students apply to the Medical Laboratory Assistant program?

Yes. International students are welcome and must meet English language proficiency requirements unless they’ve studied in an English-instruction school for at least three years.

Does Oulton College teach phlebotomy in its Medical Laboratory Assistant program?

Yes! Oulton College’s accredited Medical Laboratory Assistant program includes hands-on phlebotomy training. Students are required to complete a minimum number of blood draws to graduate, ensuring they are confident and job-ready for real-world healthcare settings.

Please Note: Content is subject to change by administration as required to meet program and profession standards.