Medical Laboratory Technician

Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician are important members of the Medical Laboratory Science profession. Centennial College’s Medical Laboratory Technician program will immerse students in the exciting and rewarding world of the medical laboratory, which offers a unique combination of technical employment and the satisfaction of working with a diverse client population.

This is a competency-based program. The program’s curriculum is based on the national (CSMLS) standards and the provincial (MLPAO) standards of practice for entry-level medical laboratory assistants/technicians (MLA/T). Areas of focus to ensure students become proficient are; blood sample collection, performing ECGs, operating laboratory equipment, medical terminology and laboratory computer. Students will also develop the professional attitude and mannerism for close patient contact as excellent communication and good interpersonal skills are essential.

The theoretical and practical portions of this Centennial College program will be completed in one to two years. The third and final semester will be an unpaid clinical field placement with hospital and private laboratory partners that will offer real-work experience.

Medical laboratory assistant/technician work under the direction and supervision of a medical laboratory technologist. Their duties include specimen collection, performing ECGs, positioning Holter monitors, processing specimens and basic laboratory testing. With the MLA/T’s role expanding, there are opportunities for employment in clinics, private laboratories and hospital laboratories as well as in government, research and veterinary laboratories.

Additional ancillary fees for career services, health and counselling, athletics, student ID cards, and more may apply.