Program Overview

Medical Laboratory Assistant

Support patient care through laboratory work

Start your healthcare career with confidence. The Medical Laboratory Assistant certificate program provides essential tools to transition into a vital role within diagnostic healthcare. This comprehensive 780-hour program equips students with the skills necessary to collect blood and other biological specimens, execute basic laboratory procedures, and carry out electrocardiograms and urinalyses. Emphasizing practical skills, the program includes a supervised four-week practicum in a medical laboratory.

This program aligns with competencies and practice standards outlined by the BC Society of Laboratory Science (BCSLS) and the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS).

Program Details

• Credential: Certificate
• Format: Full time
• Delivery: Hybrid format, incorporating both online and face-to-face courses followed by an in-person practicum at an assigned work site
• Duration: 7.5 months
• Days and Times: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am - 2:30 pm
• Tuition: $10,424 (subject to change; textbooks are not included in tuition)
• Practicum Required: Yes
• Start Dates: January

Entrance Requirements

Candidates must fulfill all entrance requirements to gain acceptance into the program. Basic computer skills are essential, including familiarity with running programs in a Windows environment and possessing basic Internet, word processing, and spreadsheet skills. Additionally, a keyboarding speed of 40 net words per minute is required, and applicants may utilize online resources to enhance their typing skills.

Supporting Documents

Upon applying for the program, students are required to submit the following documents:

1. Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening
   • A satisfactory Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening is mandatory for practicum participation.
2. Immunization Record
   • Students must maintain up-to-date immunizations as stipulated by the BC Health Authorities for working in healthcare settings. Acceptable documentation includes:
     • The Health Practicum Student Immunization Checklist, signed by a physician.
     • Immunization records confirming compliance with the Health Practicum Student Immunization Checklist.

Submission Instructions

• The Criminal Record Check will be automatically provided to Continuing Education after completion, while immunization records should be submitted via email by the designated deadline.

Program Outline

The MLA program consists of nine courses including the practicum. Students will engage in a blend of theory and practice-related exercises within their classes before undertaking a four-week medical laboratory practicum.

Courses are delivered in a hybrid format with in-person and online components, primarily located at UFV's Chilliwack campus (though travel to other locations may be required). Online courses are conducted via scheduled Zoom sessions, and attendance for both formats is mandatory.

• Courses include:
  • MLA01: Professionalism and Cultural Competency
  • MLA02: Anatomy and Physiology
  • MLA03: Laboratory Fundamentals
  • MLA04: Lab Safety and Infection Control (includes Red Cross CPR Level C; an opt-out option is available for those already certified)
  • MLA05: Specimen Procurement
  • MLA06: Pre/Post Analysis
  • MLA07: Introduction to Electrocardiography
  • MLA08: Pre-Practicum Preparation (includes N95 mask fit testing)
  • MLA09: Practicum

Practicum

The concluding segment of the MLA program is a four-week practicum, providing students with meaningful work experience and exposure to a medical laboratory environment. Successful completion of all courses, in accordance with attendance and grade requirements, is necessary to qualify for this practicum. Practicum placements are facilitated by UFV for residents in the Fraser Valley or Lower Mainland, while candidates from outside the region must identify and obtain approval for their practicum sites.

Graduation

Upon successful completion of all required courses, including the practicum, students can apply for graduation. Following application approval, students will be notified via email when their graduation parchment is ready for collection. Participation in UFV's annual Convocation ceremony, held every June, is encouraged for graduating students.

Withdrawal Deadlines

Refer to the School of Continuing Education's refund and withdrawal schedule for specific details.

Employment Facts

For further insights on career outcomes related to medical laboratory assistants, resources such as WorkBC provide career overviews.

Additional Supplies

Students are expected to procure appropriate attire, including scrubs and footwear for the practicum, along with basic school supplies such as notebooks and pens.

Computer Requirements

Participants are required to have access to a computer or laptop (PC or Mac) with reliable Internet access and up-to-date software for optimal engagement in online classes.