Program Overview

Medical Laboratory Assistant National Certificate

The Medical Laboratory Assistant National Certificate program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a medical laboratory setting. The program is approved by the BC Society of Laboratory Science and is recognized in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program can expect to find employment in hospitals, laboratories, and other healthcare settings. The employment rate of TRU graduates from the MLA program is 87% or more.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the program, students must:

• Have a Grade 12 diploma or equivalent
• Submit transcripts
• Demonstrate basic computer skills with typing at 40 words per minute (WPM) on a five-minute test
• Confirm a clinical practicum placement

Additional Requirements

Students must also:

• Consent to a Criminal Record Check
• Submit a completed TRU-OL MLAB Medical Requirements form

Residency Requirements

A minimum of six TRU credits (distance or on-campus) is required.

Certificate Requirements

The program consists of 19 credits, including:

• HLTH 1981, Medical Terminology (3)
• MDLB 1221, Professional Practices and Safety in Health Care (3)
• MDLB 1321, Phlebotomy Procedures and Specimen Preparation (3)
• MDLB 1521, Microbiology Specimen Preparation (3)
• MDLB 1611, Pre-Analytical Procedures for Histopathology (3)
• MDLB 1991, Laboratory Practicum - Evaluation of National Competencies (4)

Optional Course

HLTH 1141, Introduction to Electrocardiography (3)

Program Details

The program is designed to be completed in 12 months, including a full-time practicum. Students have a maximum of 30 weeks to complete each course and an overall maximum of two years to complete the entire program.

Work Environment

The work environment of an MLA is fast-paced, intellectually demanding, and can be stressful. MLAs work in hospitals, laboratories, and other healthcare settings, and are responsible for tasks such as specimen collection, data entry, and communication with patients and healthcare teams.

Skills Required

To be successful as an MLA, students must possess skills such as:

• Empathy
• Communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Attention to detail
• Positive mental attitude
• Flexibility
• Time management
• Self-confidence
• Ability to deal with criticism
• Physical abilities, including tolerance for standing and fine motor skills
• Computer skills

Typing Requirement

A typing speed of 40 wpm is required for employment as an MLA. Students can improve their typing skills through online typing tests and games, or by taking a computer skills course.

Program Advisory Committee

The Medical Laboratory Assistant Program Advisory Committee is composed of representatives from the healthcare industry, education, and other relevant fields. The committee provides advice on program content, demand for graduates, and industry trends.

Preceptor Information

Preceptors are healthcare professionals who supervise and mentor students during their practicum placements. Preceptors must meet certain criteria, including having experience working in a medical laboratory setting and being able to provide a safe and supportive learning environment.

Related Programs

TRU offers other programs related to medical laboratory science, including the Medical Laboratory Technologist program. Students can also pursue further education and training in specialized areas such as molecular biology or cytology.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees for the program are available on the TRU website. Students can also apply for financial support, such as scholarships and bursaries, through the TRU Student Awards and Financial Aid office.