Medical Laboratory Assistant
Start Date: September
Duration: 10 Months
Credential: Diploma
Start Date: September
Duration: 10 Months
Credential: Diploma
Program Overview
Embark on a fulfilling journey with our 10-month Medical Laboratory Assistant program!
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.
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!
- 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!
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% !
- 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.
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 Academic Math* is considered an asset
- Meeting with an Admissions Advisor
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.
*Content is subject to change by administration as required to meet program and profession standards.
