CBBC Career College
Medical Laboratory Assistant
Nova Scotia’s Only Accredited Medical Laboratory Assistant Program
Dartmouth
Program Length:
26 Weeks
Program Hours:
736
Upcoming Start Dates
Dartmouth:
May 4, 2026
October 19, 2026
May 17, 2027
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Nova Scotia’s Only Accredited Medical Laboratory Assistant Program
100% Exam Pass Rate. Nation-Leading Scores. Career-Focused Training.
CBBC Career College offers Nova Scotia’s only nationally accredited Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) program. The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on training to prepare students for work in clinical laboratory settings.
Are you looking for more flexibility while you study? This program is also available as a remote study program. Go to Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) Distance program page >
Graduates from the May 2025 cohort achieved a 100% pass rate on the national CSMLS certification exam, with scores that exceeded national averages across all assessed areas. Read More >
 | The CBBC Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) program is fully accredited by Accreditation Canada. This accreditation is part of Health Education Accreditation, a quality assurance process that helps ensure graduates are fully prepared to deliver safe, high-quality care at the entry level of practice. |
The CBBC MLA program places a strong emphasis on fundamental subjects, such as chemistry, biology, anatomy, and physiology, which are crucial for understanding the intricacies of medical laboratory operations. Students engage in hands-on laboratory work spanning microbiology, cytology, histology, and hematology, with lectures, demonstrations, and experimentation providing a well-rounded educational experience. There is also a strong focus on quality assurance, safety procedures, and lab safety, which are vital for maintaining accuracy, efficiency, and professionalism in the medical laboratory.
Enhance Your Training with the Patient Partner Program
CBBC Career College’s Patient Partner Program is an exclusive opportunity for Medical Laboratory Assistant students to gain firsthand insights from real patients, caregivers, and advocates. This unique experience enriches your education by fostering empathy and preparing you for compassionate, real-world patient care.
Not a student? Click here to learn more about becoming a patient partner for the program.
Want to Know if We're a Good Fit for You?
Drop in at our campuses Monday to Thursday to check out what CBBC Career College has to offer. Our group tours let you see our campus and learn about our programs and services up close. They're a great way to get your questions answered and figure out if learning with us matches what you're looking for. Don't miss your chance to explore and see if our place feels right for you!
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Job Market
Graduates of the Medical Laboratory Assistant program may seek employment in private diagnostic testing laboratories, public health laboratories, hospital labs, quality control labs, physician’s offices or clinics, and veterinary laboratories. The diverse range of employment options provides flexibility and the potential to explore different areas of interest within the medical laboratory field.
Salary Information
Nova Scotia
Average Wage ($/hr) – $24.57
High Wage ($/hr) – $29.62
Canada Wide
Average Wage ($/hr) – $26.00
High Wage ($/hr) – $38.00
Program Outline
Please click on the course title to see the course description.
This course covers the structure and function of the human body, beginning with the smallest unit, the cell, and proceeding through the various organ systems. The student learns how the organ systems work together to support the body as a whole, and gains an understanding of where various diseases, specimen origins, and specific tests fit in the context of the MLA laboratory role.
The Career Management course introduces students to and teaches them how to apply, the most effective strategies to achieve employment in the career of their choice. Topics covered: effective job search strategies, cover letter and strategic resume writing, interview preparation and effective interviewing skills.
The clinical laboratory practicum is experiential education that allows the student to link campus learning with the real-life laboratory. During this period, learners draw on their communication, problem-solving and critical thinking skills as they integrate into the world of medical laboratory science. They have the hands-on opportunity to apply knowledge and fine-tune skills while working as part of the healthcare team. The clinical experience is the final step in preparing the student for a smooth transition into the working lab.
Students will complete the objectives outlined in the curriculum for the courses offered by St. John Ambulance for the Standard Level First Aid and Level C CPR. Students will be certified in Standard First Aid and Level C Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.
This brief introductory module illuminates the professional world of medical laboratory assistants (MLA), both as individuals and as members of a team. It locates the MLA in the Canadian healthcare system and identifies the organizations and professionals who oversee and uphold the high standards of education and performance expected of MLAs in Canada. Students also learn how personal habits such as professional integrity and healthy self-care practices can support a successful career in healthcare.
Students will be able to relate to the medical terms used in the healthcare field, analyze and identify each, and their relations to the human anatomy and physiology. Proper spelling, pronunciation and usage are of utmost importance.
This module provides background knowledge of legislation governing workplace health hazards, and the responsibilities of employers and workers in controlling and managing them. Students learn to identify conditions in the workplace that can negatively affect their health, take responsibility for safe practice, and respond appropriately in accordance with occupational health and safety guidelines. This module provides a certificate in occupational health and safety training.
Healthcare professionals frequently experience aggressiveness and threats to their physical safety in the workplace. This module teaches skills in maintaining calm while recognizing and responding to a potentially disruptive or violent situation. Participants learn how to deescalate a situation while protecting themselves physically, and how to use non-violent means of avoiding personal injury.
This course covers aspects of pre-analytical clinical chemistry including common specimen types, tests, equipment, and instruments. Students gain practical skills with laboratory glassware, and other equipment, and apply mathematical concepts to prepare reagents, with an emphasis on safe and competent practice. Point-of-care testing is also addressed.
This course explores the components of blood and the principles of blood testing, as well as blood transfusion medicine. Content covers aspects of pre-analytical hematology including common specimen types, tests, equipment, and instruments. Students gain practical skills with preparation and staining of blood films, commercial testing kits, and point-of-care testing, with an emphasis on safe and competent practice.
This module introduces laboratory analysis that focuses on cells and tissues, and the detection of malignancy and other cellular abnormalities. Students will learn the pre and post-analytical steps used for tissue and fluid histology and cytology specimens, including specimen collection guidelines, specimen receipt, processing, staining methods, storage, and disposal.
Pre-Analytical Microbiology introduces the organisms that cause disease in humans and the specimens and laboratory procedures currently used to detect and isolate them in the clinical laboratory. Students learn how to work safely with bio-hazardous microbiology specimens and prevent contamination of the environment inside and outside the lab while acquiring practical skills in specimen processing and culture methods.
This course describes the healthcare industry and examines what we mean by health and wellness. Students learn key elements of professionalism in the healthcare industry, explore elements of law, ethics, and integrity as they relate to the medical laboratory assistant (MLA), and gain an understanding of the importance of hard and soft skills such as adaptability, time management, communication and teamwork in a healthcare setting.
This module introduces students to the importance of quality in all aspects of the clinical laboratory, and the programs designed to monitor, evaluate, and continuously improve laboratory processes, performance, and results. Both external organizations and internal processes are discussed, as well as the critical role that each healthcare professional has in the achievement of excellence.
This course teaches students about the hazards and risks inherent in the clinical laboratory environment. Content addresses physical, chemical, and biological risks, examining not only the nature of individual risks, but also the means of recognizing and assessing risk, and ways to mitigate risk and protect yourself from harm.
This module covers safe and proper collection techniques for common specimen types with particular emphasis on current phlebotomy procedures and the development of phlebotomy skills. Course content explores the necessity for rigorous attention to detail: patient identification, collection of relevant clinical information, proper specimen handling, the role of laboratory information systems, and the implications for patient care when these requirements are not met.
This course provides certificate training in the transportation of dangerous goods (TDG) by ground, with customized content on safe handling of infectious substances, biological substances, liquid nitrogen and dry ice. Course content covers Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations, classification of infectious substances, and requirements for packaging, labelling, documentation, and response to a spill that could endanger the public. Students earn a valid certificate in TDG training.
This course provides a detailed preview of the Medical Laboratory Assistant program (modules, laboratory component, and clinical practicum) and the path to a career as a CSMLS-certified medical laboratory assistant. It also introduces CBBC Career College campus resources and policies, and online resources, to ensure student satisfaction and success.
The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is a standardized system that aligns with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), focused on safety where hazardous materials are in use. Education and training in WHMIS allow workers to understand the system and the hazard, and take appropriate measures to reduce the risk to themselves and others. This module provides a certificate in WHMIS training.
Admissions Requirements
Standard Admissions Policy:
- Academic Grade 12
- Grade 11 or 12 Biology (min 60%), OR, Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry (min 60%)
- Grade 11 or 12 Math considered an asset
In addition to the above, applicants also need to provide:
- Vulnerable Sector Check
- Immunization Agreement Waiver
- Admissions Interview
- Applicants must submit a current resume prior to the interview.
Language Requirements:
All students need to meet or exceed the language requirements set by CBBC Career College. Click here to learn more.
Related Programs
Here are some other programs that may interest you
Preceptor Resources
This page is designed to support you in your vital role as a preceptor.
For more information or assistance, please contact the College.
Preceptor Handbook (PDF)
CBBC MLA Program PowerPoint
Preceptor Workshop
CSMLS MLA Competency Profile:
CSMLS MLA Competency Profile (2016)
CSMLS MLA Competency Profile (2024)
This program is an excellent fit for:
- Someone with a desire to contribute to their treatment and recovery of patients in need.
- An introvert who wants to help others without or with very little direct patient contact.
- Someone who loves science.
Why choose the Medical Laboratory Assistant program?
- National Accreditation: The only MLA program in Nova Scotia accredited by Accreditation Canada.
- Top Exam Results: Our students routinely outperform national averages on the national certification exam.
- Hands-On Learning: Engage in real lab work covering microbiology, hematology, cytology, histology, and more.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Learn essential topics such as medical terminology, laboratory procedures and mathematics, chemistry and biology fundamentals, and more.
- Certifications Included: Earn your First Aid & CPR certification through St. John Ambulance.
Save time & money
- Finish most programs and become job-ready in less than a year!
- Get the skills you need to get hired with programs that cut the extras and give you the skills you need to get hired.
- With career support for life with CBBC Career College, our experts will help find you employment no matter how long ago you graduated.
- You don't need three to four years of school to enter the workforce with the skills to start a great paying career!
Your future is our priority
- Start school NOW with most program intakes happening frequently (no need to wait!)
- No waiting lists, even in our most-popular programs. We'll get you the job training you need to start your career ASAP.
- We take a student-centric approach to learning, with small class sizes to empower you to collaborate with your peers and receive more attentive support from your instructors.
Career-relevant education
- Our programs are programs aligned with real-world, in-demand occupations. We will get you job-ready!
- Most CBBC Career College programs include practicum experience so you can hit the job search running with a great education AND experience.
- We have real relationships with employers who are waiting to hire qualified CBBC Career College graduates!
What People Are Saying
This program prepared me and gave me the confidence to enter the real business world. The close knit atmosphere CBBC has, made me very comfortable. Each and every staff member at CBBC was extraordinarily helpful on my journey in obtaining a full-time Administrative Assistant position in Cape Breton.
Courtney MacPhail
Administrative Assistant / Offshore Technical Services
