Medical Laboratory Assistant National Certificate
This program is accredited by Accreditation Canada. Graduates are eligible to write the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) national exam for Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLAs).
If you are a student in certain provinces outside of BC, specifically in three Atlantic provinces (NS, NL, PE), choose this program, rather than the MLA Certificate program. If you are unsure of which program to take, contact the Program Administrator, Science.
Before applying to this program, please contact the Program Administrator, Science, to discuss the availability of practicum placements in your geographical area.
The MLA National Certificate program consists of five theory courses and a clinical practicum in a hospital or laboratory. Combined, the courses and practicum provide the theory and skills required for you to function as an MLA.
The program is equivalent to 20–24 weeks of full-time study. You have a maximum of 30 weeks to complete each course and an overall maximum of two years to complete the entire program. However, you are encouraged to complete in under one year. Please note that extensions are not granted.
Careers
The program can lead to rewarding employment in a health care setting.
Program Requirements
When applying to this program, please complete a Program Admission Form.
Admission Requirements
- Grade 12 or equivalent: order BC high school transcripts through the BC Ministry of Education and have them sent directly to OL Admissions from the Ministry or school district
- Basic computer skills with typing at 40 words per minute (WPM) on a five-minute test: contact the TRU Assessment Centre to arrange a supervised typing test, or read about testing off campus
- Confirmation of a clinical practicum placement
Certain admission requirements may be waived upon permission from the Academic Director or a designate.
Additional Requirements
- Consent to a Criminal Record Check form
- Original copy of the Hepatitis B (HepB) Vaccination form
Residency Requirements
A minimum of 6 TRU credits (distance or on-campus)
Certificate Requirements
19 credits total, as follows:
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)
Student Responsibility
it is your responsibility to locate and arrange for your clinical practicum placement. However, please contact the Program Administrator before you begin to arrange for this placement.
Consult with your Program Advisor to ensure that the courses you select are available and appropriate for your program of study and educational goals. Otherwise, you may find that a course does not meet the requirements and cannot be applied toward the program’s credential.
You must provide your own funding, as the MLA National Certificate program is not eligible for full- or part-time loan or grant funding through the Canada Student Loan programs. However, funding may be available through other government or private sources.
Fees
Please see Tuition and Fees for estimated costs.
Contact Us
Please see Frequently Asked Questions for more about the MLA National Certificate program and the MLA profession. Contact the Program Administrator, Science regarding this program.
You can also contact Enrolment Services to speak with us about Open Learning and its programs and courses.