Medical Laboratory Assistant Dartmouth Campus |

The Medical Laboratory Assistant program comprises 25 weeks of practical and theoretical studies in order to prepare graduates for the work environment. Students are introduced to technical areas of medical terminology, clinical laboratory, and laboratory mathematics. Fundamental instruction of chemistry and biology is delivered through laboratory microbiology, cytology and histology, and hematology. This is taught through a combination of lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on experimentation. Anatomy, physiology, quality assurance, and safety procedures are also components of the program. A six-week clinical practicum is a mandatory requirement of the program. Graduates may seek employment in Private Diagnostic Testing Laboratories, Public Health Laboratories, Hospital Labs, Quality Control Labs, Physician’s Office or Clinic, and Veterinary Laboratories.

Total program length: 19 weeks theory, 5 weeks practicum

admission 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

Program Outline

• Anatomy & Physiology
• Career Management
• Clinical Laboratory Practicum
• First Aid & CPR
• Introduction to the MLA Profession
• Medical Terminology for the MLA
• Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S)
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention
• Pre-Analytical Clinical Chemistry
• Pre-Analytical Hematology
• Pre-Analytical Histology and Cytology
• Pre-Analytical Microbiology
• Professional Practice in the Laboratory
• Quality Management in the Clinical Laboratory
• Safety in the Clinical and Laboratory Setting
• Specimen Collection and Processing
• Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG)
• Welcome to MLA
• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)