32 Weeks
Medical Laboratory Assistant Program
Train in specimen collection, processing, and laboratory safety procedures. Prepare for certification exams and employment in clinical or diagnostic medical laboratories.
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Play a Vital Role in Diagnostic Healthcare
The Medical Laboratory Assistant Program at Western Community College prepares students to assist in diagnostic procedures by handling and processing biological specimens. The curriculum emphasizes laboratory safety, specimen collection, and quality control, ensuring graduates are ready for roles in medical laboratories.
- Training in specimen collection, handling, and processing.
- Understanding of laboratory safety and quality control.
- Preparation for certification and employment in medical laboratories.
Next Intakes
Contact our admissions team today or request information on upcoming program start dates.
Only graduates of BCSLS Approved MLA programs get preferential hiring by health authorities and Lifelabs in BC. Make sure that the MLA program you choose is BCSLS Approved. Medical Laboratory Assistant Program at Western Community College is approved by British Columbia Society of Laboratory Science (BCSLS). Upon completing BCSLS-approved programs, graduates are eligible to seek BCSLS certification.
Career Opportunities in Health Care
Step Into a Rewarding Healthcare Career
$30*
Graduate Employment HOURLY Rate
*Based on Canada Job Bank
Acquire skills to collect, process, and analyze biological specimens, supporting diagnostic procedures in medical laboratories. After completion of this program, the graduates will be able to work as a Medical Lab Assistant in various settings including:
- Medical Laboratory Assistant: Collect and process specimens for testing.
- Phlebotomist: Draw blood samples from patients.
- Laboratory Technician: Assist in laboratory testing and experiments.
- Pathology Assistant: Support pathologists in examining specimens.
- Clinical Support Worker: Provide assistance in clinical laboratory settings.
Only graduates of BCSLS Approved MLA programs get preferential hiring by health authorities and Lifelabs in BC. Make sure that the MLA program you choose is BCSLS Approved. Medical Laboratory Assistant Program at Western Community College is approved by British Columbia Society of Laboratory Science (BCSLS). Upon completing BCSLS-approved programs, graduates are eligible to seek BCSLS certification.
Why Study at Western Community College
Western Community College offers students an inclusive and vibrant learning environment, with dedicated support services to ensure your academic success and personal well-being.
- Installment-based, low tuition fee.
- Choose weekday, weekend, or evening classes to fit your schedule.
- Part-time or full-time class schedule.
- Free CLB preparation classes (*Conditions Apply).
Begin Your Path in HEALTHCARE Career
Admission Requirements
- Grade 12 (High School Diploma) or equivalent Or Mature student status (19 years or more)
- Keyboarding test with a minimum typing speed of 40 gross words per minute
- English Language Proficiency
Students will need to submit a proof of English Language Competency by any one of the following options:
Option 1: Secondary Education English 11 with a minimum grade of “C” or higher. Evidence that three years of full-time secondary education (Grades 8-12) have been successfully completed in English in a country where English is one of the principal languages. This includes successful completion of a BC Adult Graduation program.
Option 2: Post-Secondary Education Evidence that two years of full-time post-secondary education have been completed in English at an accredited institution in a country where the language of instruction is one of the principal languages. Language development (ELL) courses cannot be included.
Option 3: Standardized Language Test Achievement of minimum scores on a recognized standardized language test. Test results be dated no more than two years before the start date of the program:
| Name of English language assessment/test | Minimum score(s)/level(s)* |
|---|---|
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic | Minimum overall score of 5.5 (no less than 5.0 in any module) |
| Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT | Minimum overall score of 46 |
| Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) | Minimum overall score of 40 |
| Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) | Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, and Writing 5. |
| Duolingo English Test (DET) | Minimum overall score of 95 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | Minimum overall score of 43 |
| Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First exam (FCE) Institutions may include other Cambridge Qualifications at a higher level (i.e., C2 Proficiency (CPE)). | Minimum overall score of 160 or “C” |
| Cambridge Linguaskill | Minimum overall B2 level |
| LANGUAGECERT Academic | Minimum overall B2 level |
| The Michigan English Test (MET) | Minimum overall B2 level |
| iTEP Academic | Minimum overall score of 3.5 |
| EIKEN | Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1 |
Validity period of above Language Assessment Tests is two years.
Accepted Countries for Prior Education The following countries are recognized for education completed in English:
| American Samoa | Dominica | Lesotho | St. Kitts & Nevis |
| Anguilla | Falkland Islands | Liberia | St. Lucia |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Fiji | Malta | St. Vincent & the Grenadines |
| Australia | Gambia | Mauritius | Tanzania |
| Bahamas | Ghana | Montserrat | Trinidad & Tobago |
| Barbados | Gibraltar | New Zealand | Turks & Caicos Islands |
| Belize | Grenada | Nigeria | Uganda |
| Bermuda | Guam | Seychelles | United Kingdom |
| Botswana | Guyana | Sierra Leone | US Virgin Islands |
| British Virgin Islands | Ireland | Singapore | USA |
| Canada | Jamaica | South Africa | Zambia |
| Cayman Islands | Kenya | St. Helena | Zimbabwe |
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Take the next step toward your future!
Gain the skills you need for success and take the first step toward a rewarding career. Enroll today to learn essential industry knowledge, enhance your expertise, and open doors to new opportunities.
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Core Courses in MLA Program
Our curriculum is designed to equip you with the practical skills and knowledge required for a successful career as a Medical Lab Assistant.
This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
640
Total program
hours
120
Work Experience HOurs
$30
Graduate Employment HOURLY Rate
97%
Graduate Employment Rate
Program Duration
Hours: 640
Weeks Full-Time: 32
Fee Structure
Tuition & Financing
We offer competitive tuition rates and flexible financing options to make your education at Western Community College both accessible and affordable.
BC Student Loan
In-house Financing
Student Line of Credit
Scholarships
Our dedicated Financial Aid Officers will help you every step of the way.
Finance Options-
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