Overview
Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technicians are important members of the health care team. Interacting directly with patients, they perform ECG’s 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).
Quick Facts about the Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician Program
Click here for Quick Facts about the program, with input from current students!
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, please see the following websites:
- CSMLS: csmls.org
Program Details
Program Outline
2023-2024
This course covers basic body chemistry, and the physiology of the major body systems with particular emphasis on structure versus function. Students will be introduced to links between how the body works and the clinical laboratory tests that may be used to diagnose disease.
This laboratory-theory integrated course demonstrates and emphasizes proper and safe techniques when using a variety of laboratory equipment. This course provides foundational applied skills preparing the student for more complex and varied laboratory activities in the second semester of the program.
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 2) 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 classes begin:
- 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 the program and must not expire during 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 during their class time
- 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 to begin 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 utilizes 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 exams for Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician. To learn more about being a Medical Laboratory Assistant / Technician (MLA/T) visit the following website:
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
JO'Neill@sl.on.ca
613.544.5400, ext. 1924
Associate Dean Allied Health
Jennifer Haley
Jhaley@sl.on.ca
613-544-5400 Ext.2762
Health and Wellness General Inquiries
healthsciences@sl.on.ca
Admissions Information
Click here to message Recruitment.