Overview
Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technicians are important members of the health care team. Interacting directly with patients, they perform ECGs and collect blood samples for laboratory analysis.
Inside the laboratory they assist other professionals by sorting and preparing samples for testing, operating laboratory equipment, performing basic laboratory testing under supervision, and managing data in computers.
This program includes two semesters of learning in our classrooms and laboratories followed by a final 4 weeks of field placement occurring inside the laboratories of partner hospitals and private institutions. The College arranges this and students are expected to finance clinical placement costs (tuition, travel, room and board).
The program curriculum aligns with the CSMLS (Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science) Competency Profile for Medical Laboratory Assistants allowing students to write the national certification exam.
For more information on exams, certification, and the profession, visit CSMLS: csmls.org
Program Details
Program Highlights
Quick Facts About The Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician Program At St. Lawrence College
For prospective students, written with input from current students!
- Getting your immunization status checked, recorded, and sent to the College's Health Centre prior to the first semester is crucial to ensure that you can attend laboratory classes and ultimately the clinical labs. This program is training you for a profession in which your exposure to dangerous materials, samples, and infectious agents is higher than in many other professions.
- You will take blood and have your blood is taken (unless you physically are unable to do so) in this program.
- You must make a continuance grade in all core courses (theory and labs) to continue in the program. The continuance grade is 60%.
- The program is academically challenging; time management skills are necessary!
- Some students find the workload prohibits them from working while going to school.
- Laboratory attendance is mandatory.
- Problem-solving, critical thinking, and math skills are a big part of the program!
- Transfer credits are processed prior to first semester start via the College's website under the tab Transfer Credits and Exemption at SLC. There is an administrative fee involved due to the need to check course outlines, and transcripts and ensure graduation requirements.
- You will have multiple assessments including practical “hands-on” assessments throughout the program to ensure the retention of material and ensure national competencies are met.
- This is a competency-based program which means the curriculum is based on the national standards (CSMLS).
- Students are responsible for arranging and paying for their own certification exam.
- Placement is not paid and is not a co-op. You pay tuition and the costs of living in your placement area.
- Your police check, CPR, and First Aid must be in date for placement so the best time to do this is during the second semester.
- Clinical placement is 4 weeks, completed after semester 2. You may be placed anywhere in Ontario and placement is by random draw. The program arranges placement so that the necessary competencies are met. The program works collaboratively with sites in the scheduling of student rotations and start dates.
- The use of email and program resources such as the Blackboard Learning Platform is essential to good communication while in the program.
- There is no "fast track" for university students/other post-secondary programs; credits may be transferable.
Program Outline
Note: Medical Laboratory Science (K0134) and Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician (K0734) programs share a common first year of courses.
2024-2025
This integrated laboratory-theory course’s material is reflective of the CSMLS competencies found in the clinical histology laboratory. This course introduces students to the principles, theory and application of the techniques and mechanisms involved in staining routine tissue sections and the special stains used to demonstrate connective tissue elements, carbohydrates, pigments, minerals, microorganisms, and lipids.
This theory course covers the essential skills and knowledge for students to perform calculations, measurements, and data analysis in the laboratory. The course integrates topics from mathematics, chemistry, statistics, and instrumentation, with a focus on their practical applications in medical laboratory settings.
This theory course provides students with communication skills needed in the healthcare field. Students will develop active listening skills, overcome communication barriers, and produce professional-quality reports and correspondence using basic medical/scientific vocabulary. Students will also develop interprofessional skills and gain an understanding of the roles, responsibilities, and challenges of different healthcare professionals from the lens of laboratory professionals.
This integrated laboratory-theory course will teach the student how to use and handle various laboratory equipment and materials safely and properly. This course provides the student with the theory knowledge and essential applied skills required for the safe practice and complexities of clinical laboratory work.
This theory course provides an overview of the Medical Laboratory profession and the Canadian healthcare system. Students will gain an understanding of the Quality Management and Safety Legislation that governs laboratory operations and patient care. Additionally, students will examine the historical and current trends and issues in healthcare.
This integrated laboratory-theory course introduces students to the principles and techniques of specimen collection and microscopy in the medical laboratory science field. Students will learn how to handle blood and other body fluids and tissues for diagnostic testing. Students will also learn how to use bright field microscopy to examine different cell and tissue types. This course integrates theory and applied components and emphasizes the development of professional behaviours and safety standards.
This integrated laboratory-theory course covers the fundamentals of EKG and anatomical pathology lab skills. Students will learn about the heart's structure, function, and electrical activity, as well as how to perform and interpret EKG tests. Students will also learn about the preparation and examination of tissue specimens for histological analysis. The course emphasizes the importance of professionalism, patient education, informed consent, confidentiality, and ethics in both settings.
This integrated laboratory-theory course introduces students to the principles and applications of clinical chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology. It covers the basic theoretical concepts and applications that underlie the practice of clinical chemistry. Students will gain knowledge of skills and methods necessary to prepare them for working in a clinical chemistry laboratory.
This integrated laboratory-theory course introduces students to the study of blood and its cellular components. It covers the basic theoretical concepts and applications that underlie the practice of clinical hematology. Students will gain knowledge of skills and methods necessary to prepare them for working in a clinical hematology laboratory.
This integrated laboratory-theory course introduces students to immunological concepts and the blood system. Students will learn about the mechanisms of self-recognition, antigen-antibody reactions, and complement activation. Students will acquire practical skills in using immunological methodologies and principles. Students will gain knowledge of skills and methods necessary to prepare them for working in a transfusion laboratory.
This integrated laboratory-theory course covers the skills and knowledge needed to collect blood samples by venipuncture and capillary methods. Students will also learn how to receive, accession, and assess the integrity of various body fluids and tissues for diagnostic testing. Students will build upon their knowledge from Laboratory Skills 1 to follow laboratory safety rules and comply with relevant laws and professional standards.
This integrated laboratory-lecture course introduces students to the methods, safety protocols, and aseptic techniques required in clinical microbiology. Students will gain the knowledge to classify and understand the physiology and identification of bacteria at an introductory level. Practical skills developed encompass the isolation, staining, culturing, and sterilization/disinfection methods related to common pathogenic microorganisms encountered in clinical microbiology.
Field placement provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate entry-to-practice technical and professional competency while applying skills in the practice setting. Under supervision, students collect blood samples and handle information, equipment, and specimens inside the laboratory. Through the deliberation of assigned topics online, the student demonstrates reflective practice and professional growth.
Requirements
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, including the following prerequisites:
- Grade 12 English at the C or U level
- Grade 12 Math at the C or U level
- Grade 11 or 12 Biology or Chemistry at the C or U level
For OSSD equivalency options, see Admission Requirements.
If you are missing prerequisite courses, enroll in the Career/College Prep program - free for Ontario residents who are 19 years or older.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- WHMIS training must be completed prior to attending laboratory classes.
- Minimum CPR Level BLS (Basic Life Support) & Standard First Aid training up to date for placement. Students are responsible for arranging and paying for this.
- Mask fit testing is required prior to placement and is arranged by the program.
- Immunization records including Hepatitis B immunity status must be submitted prior to the start of the program.
RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND
- Students must be able to demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills in order to demonstrate competency with clients and co-workers.
- Successful students have an aptitude for biological sciences, strong organizational skills and pay attention to detail.
- Experience with computers is an asset.
Health Requirements
Immunization - Communicable Disease Requirements
Completion of the Immunization - Communicable Disease Form is mandatory for your laboratory classes (semester 1) and practical placement. THIS FORM IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
Download your Immunization - Communicable Disease Form
Questions regarding the completion of this form can be submitted to Immunizations@sl.on.ca
Note: As a Full-time SLC student, you are automatically enrolled in a student insurance plan. To learn more about how this applies to your immunization requirements please visit www.wespeakstudent.com (domestic) or www.guard.me (international).
OTHER PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for unpaid placement, enrolled students will need to complete a series of MANDATORY program and agency-specific pre-placement requirements. These will be discussed with students during class time and a Student Placement Facilitator will be in place to assist and answer all placement-related questions.
Students will need to complete the below mandatory requirements before placement:
- Standard First Aid & CPR Level BLS (formerly HCP) Certification
Must be completed through a WSIB-approved training provider. Certification must remain valid for the duration of placement.
- WSIB Certified First Aid/CPR Trainers
- Book a class ASAP as they fill up quickly
- Students can hold their certificate once completed and they will be instructed where and how to share it with the College
- All costs associated with the training are at the expense of the student
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
- Police Record Check – Vulnerable Sector Screening
Note: Certain criminal convictions may prevent a student from participating or completing placements for this program. Applicants with criminal records are required to contact the Associate Dean of the respective school (see Program Contacts below) prior to accepting an offer to this program to discuss and confirm participation within this program is suitable.
A recent Police Record Check including the Vulnerable Sector Screening is an agency requirement and is MANDATORY to begin any unpaid placement for this Program.
- Students will be notified when to apply for their Police Record Check by the Student Placement Facilitator to ensure the dates remain valid for their placement period.
- Many agencies want these updated every 3-6 months. All costs associated with obtaining a Police Record Check are at the expense of the student.
- Enrolled students will be notified of further instruction through their SLC email account or their Blackboards and should continue to monitor frequently.
ADDITIONAL PLACEMENT INFORMATION
Students with outstanding pre-placement requirements will not be eligible to begin placement and may be denied placement or be required to pay additional fees (at their own expense) to continue and complete the placement component.
Pre-placement requirements are subject to change based on placement agency and/or legislative or regulatory changes.
Program-specific or additional questions? Please email the Program Contact(s) listed below.
Other Requirements
The Medical Laboratory Assistant/ Technician program may utilize online assessments throughout the program. Students must have a reliable personal device (i.e. laptop, tablet) so that they can access all required assessments in their homes, in the college student spaces, in their learning environments, and at their clinical site.
Placement
Placement selection is by random draw for over-subscribed areas and may include the following sites: Cornwall Community Hospital, Brockville General Hospital, Cornwall Community Hospital, Niagara Health Services (Niagara Falls, St. Catherine’s and Wellington), Pembroke Hospital, Perth & Smith Falls Hospital, Peterborough Regional Hospital, Providence Care Hospital, Queensway Carleton Hospital, Quinte Healthcare (Belleville Site), Sick Kids – Toronto, South Bruce-Grey Hospital – Walkerton, The Ottawa Hospital (Civic, General and Riverside Campuses), University Health Network (Toronto Western and Toronto General sites)
Fees
2023-2024
Fees are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters.
Fees are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters.
Kingston
Our Kingston campus has seen significant renovation over the past few years, including a brand new Student Life and Innovation Centre that houses a new gymnasium, fitness centre, pub, and more.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of our program are qualified to write the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) certification exam for Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician. To learn more about being a Medical Laboratory Assistant / Technician (MLA/T) visit Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS).
This allied health program is accredited by:
Graduates find job opportunities mainly in hospital laboratories and with private laboratory companies. Additional opportunities exist in health clinics and public health laboratories.
Program Contacts
Program Contact
Julie O'Neill MLT, BSc.
JO'Neill@sl.on.ca
613.544.5400, ext. 1924
Health and Wellness General Inquiries
healthsciences@sl.on.ca
Admissions Information
Click here to message Recruitment.