Medical Laboratory Assistant Technician Diploma

The 41-week Medical Laboratory Technician Assistant diploma program provides both strong theoretical and practical teaching instruction in an on-site state-of-the-art laboratory allowing graduates quick entry into the workforce.

Our program objectives and curriculum are built upon the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) national competency profile for entry to practice and the Ontario Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists (OSMT) competency guidelines. It is the vision of the National Academy to become the leading educator of Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technicians.

We are committed to preparing graduates to become an integral part of the laboratory as well as providing exemplary client care in a compassionate, empathetic and professional manner. Students develop excellent communication, interpersonal and collaborative skills, proficiency in the use of basic laboratory equipment, and knowledge of medical terminology, legislation and regulations governing the field.

Students will acquire the skills to:

• Collect blood or other bodily samples from patients
• Receive blood and other bodily samples from patients
• Log patient samples and prepare them for testing
• Monitor quality control for medical laboratory equipment
• Load specimens for analysis on laboratory equipment
• Work with the technologist for reporting results
• Prepare reagents and staining solutions
• Participate in quality assurance programs
• Clean and maintain medical laboratory and medical laboratory equipment.

NAHB’s Medical Laboratory Assistant Technician diploma program is approved by the Ontario Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists (OSMT) and the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS). The program is accredited through Equal Canada.

TOTAL PROGRAM LENGTH: 41 weeks, including a 6-week off-site practicum

Certification

The program consists of theory, practical skills, and practicum components which have been mapped to the CSMLS & OSMT Competency Profile for the Medical Laboratory Assistants. Upon successful completion you will receive a National College Diploma which will allow you to sit the CSMLS/OSMT Exams. The costs associated to these exams will be the responsibility of the applicant. Please visit the CSMLS and OSMT websites for more information with regards to the certification exams.

The CSMLS certification exam must be undertaken within 12 months of graduation. The designation of Certified MLA will be granted upon successful completion of this examination. The provincial OSMT certification examination is offered 3 times a year. The designation of MLA/T will be granted upon successful completion of this examination.

OSMT exam certification exam costs and information can be found here.
CSMLS exam certification exam costs and information can be found here.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Medical Laboratory Assistant Technician diploma program are prepared for careers in areas including public health laboratories, private diagnostic laboratories, hospital laboratories, areas of quality control (food industry, point of care testing, etc.), doctor’s offices or medical clinics, independent laboratories, universities, and government laboratories. Graduates may become assistants, technicians, phlebotomists, or phlebotomist aides.

 Is this the Career for You?

As a Medical Laboratory Assistant Technician, you need to:

• Speak, write and read English
• Greet patients and talk to them about the steps of collecting blood, urine and other bodily samples
• Maintain patient confidentiality
• Keep up-to-date with industry changes and trends
• Be detailed oriented and record information accurately
• Use e-mail, word processing and database software, and print reports
• Have good problem solving skills
• Work well with others and on your own
• Function in a stressful environment
• Work shifts and/or overtime
• Remain on your feet most of the day
• Be prepared to package, lift and carry lab samples from one location to another

Wage Information

According to the Job Bank Canada, September 2016, a Medical Laboratory Assistant Technician in Ontario can expect the following earnings:
Low:        $13.00/Hour
Median:   $22.00/Hour
High:       $39.25/Hour

Program Summary

Students complete the following course set that addresses the learning outcomes aligned to the required entry-to-practice CMA national competency profile of the Medical Laboratory Assistant Technician.

Course Hours

Term 1
Student Success Strategies:  20 Hours
Medical Terminology/Anatomy and Physiology:  80 Hours
Computers for the Medical Laboratory Assistant: 40 Hours
Laboratory Safety and Asepsis: 60 Hours
Introduction to Clinical Laboratory: 60 Hours
Hematology/Hemostasis/Immunohematology: 60 Hours
Standards of Practice and Ethics: 20 hours
Cardiovascular System and ECG: 60 Hours
Mid-Term Review: 20 Hours

Term 2
Career Success Tools: 20 Hours
Quality Assurance and Lab Maths: 60 Hours
Clinical Chemistry and Urinalysis: 60 Hours
Laboratory Microbiology: 40 Hours
Anatomical Pathology: Cytology/Histology: 40 Hours
Interpersonal Workplace Skills:  20 Hours
Final Review: 40 Hours

Important employability requirements such as literacy and numeric, computer, interpersonal communications, and critical thinking skills are embedded in courses where appropriate.

Practicum Information

Each student has the opportunity to apply competencies and skills in the professional setting. This program includes 6-weeks of practicum. For continued success, practicum coordinators monitor student progress with the host. Students are evaluated through host evaluation, weekly journals and a placement report. National Academy of Health and Business will work with the student to secure suitable practicum placements within Ontario. Students may be required to travel to their practicum sites. The student is responsible for all costs associated with traveling to and from the site along with any other costs that may arise (parking, lunch, transit, etc.).

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent (transcript required)*
• Mature status student: Successful completion of entrance exam
• English language proficiency or Ontario Grade 12 English or equivalent
• Current Canada-wide criminal record clearance
• Current immunization report to be completed by a physician.
• Students must be comfortable around needles and bodily fluids, and willing to perform and practice venipuncture on others (having any invasive procedure upon your person is not mandatory)

*For information on upgrading one or more required courses, please see the Independent Learning Centre (ILC), funded by the Ministry of Education 

Admission is competitive and meeting the minimum requirements does not ensure admission into the program.

Diploma Requirements

• Successful completion of all program courses
• Successful completion of the practicum (225 hours)
• Demonstrate an ability to work independently and professionally

Successful completion of the Medical Laboratory Technician Assistant diploma program requires students to prove competency in all areas of the CSMLS national competency profile for Medical Laboratory Technician Assistant with a minimum 70% grade in all courses and meet all OSMT competencies for medical laboratory assistants.

Program Participation During Laboratory Sessions

During the program, students are expected to actively participate in their training program, this will include being a patient and working on other students both male and female. If at anytime a student wishes not to continue being a patient, they can speak with the Program Coordinator or instructor and discuss their concerns and the instructor will do their best to accommodate the student.

Financing

Developing work place skills is an investment in your future. Financial Assistance may be available to those who qualify. Call one of our career counsellors for more information.