Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To work as a medical lab assistant in B.C., you may choose to register with the British Columbia Society of Laboratory Science. Eligibility is achieved by completing a program from an accredited institution and successfully writing the MLA certification exam through the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science.

Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations

This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians or laboratory scientists or technologists, to perform testing procedures, phlebotomy, and other duties in support of laboratory teams. These programs include courses in clinical procedures, various laboratory tests, laboratory mathematics, computer technology, equipment operation and maintenance, sterilization and safety, communications skills, and interpersonal skills.

Clinical/medical laboratory assistant

Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificates

Medical laboratory assistants and workers in related technical occupations perform pre-analysis and pre-testing tasks such as collecting blood and other samples, processing specimens, and preparing special chemicals called reagents for use in testing. They conduct routine medical laboratory tests and set up, clean and maintain medical laboratory equipment. They are employed in medical laboratories in hospitals, clinics, research facilities, post-secondary educational institutions and government research laboratories.

The Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA) Certificate is a comprehensive entry-level certificate in pre-analytic laboratory sciences. This program prepares you for your role as integral members of the healthcare team by providing a broad foundation in laboratory science theory integrated with authentic simulation environments and workplace clinical practicums. You'll learn to incorporate exemplary patient and client-centric behaviours while mastering the techniques of blood collection (phlebotomy), analytical sample collection and preparation, and perform electrocardiagrams. As a Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant, you’ll find employment as a phlebotomist, diagnostic assistant, technical assistant, or in pre-analytical specimen preparation. Further professional opportunities for the CMLA exist in management, quality control and assurance, education, informatics, and research.

















Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate

The Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate provides a broad understanding of theory and skills needed to function as a medical laboratory assistant in hospitals or private clinical laboratories. A clinical practicum will provide pracitcal hands-on learning of classroom studies. 

Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate

The Medical Laboratory Assistant National Certificate provides a broad understanding of theory and skills needed to function as a medical laboratory assistant in hospitals or private clinical laboratories. A clinical practicum will provide pracitcal hands-on learning of classroom studies. 

Medical Laboratory Assistant National Certificate

The Medical Laboratory Assistant certificate teaches you to collect and prepare blood (phlebotomy) and other biological samples, perform electrocardiograms (ECG), and communicate effectively with patients and other health care providers. Level 1 of the program includes Instructional activities such as lectures, assignments, audio-visual presentations, workshops, on-line activities, guest speakers and tours. Practical skills are developed and practised in a laboratory setting. Upon successful completion of Level 1, you are assigned to a four-week practicum in a medical laboratory.

Educational Path

Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificates

Programs

Careers