SOUTHERN ALBERTA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · CANADA
Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate
Certificate · Taught in en
At a glance
21 mo
Duration
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IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
Certificate
Level
This program prepares you to work as a Medical Laboratory Assistant in various healthcare settings, including medical laboratories, hospitals, and patient service centers. You will learn essential skills for collecting, preparing, and labeling biological samples such as blood and other body fluids. The curriculum also covers data entry using laboratory information systems, front-desk operations, and administrative tasks. Graduates will gain proficiency in procedures like electrocardiograms (ECGs) and point-of-care testing. The program emphasizes professional responsibilities, including scope of practice, ethics, collaboration, critical thinking, and accountability within healthcare teams. A mandatory practicum in a medical laboratory and patient service center allows for the application of learned skills in a real-world environment, integrating clinical knowledge with practical experience.
Curriculum
The Medical Laboratory Assistant certificate requires 19.5 credits and spans 21 weeks over two semesters. The program includes eight required courses.
- Semester 1
- Infection Prevention and ControlINFC 215
- Clinical Laboratory FoundationsMEDL 200
- Semester 2
- Medical Laboratory Assistant PracticumPRAC 271
Careers
Graduates of the Medical Laboratory Assistant program are prepared for a variety of roles in the healthcare sector. The program boasts a high graduate employment rate and graduates have achieved a competitive average starting salary. These roles often involve collaboration with other healthcare professionals and contribute significantly to patient care and diagnosis.
- Medical Laboratory Technologists
- Medical Laboratory Assistants and Related Technical Occupations
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic entry requirements for the Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate?
- Applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, demonstrated English language proficiency and successful completion of the School of Health and Public Safety's Entrance Testing Process are required. For admission starting in the 2027/28 academic year, completion of SAIT's Pre-Health Sciences program, including CHEM 229, is an alternative.
- What is the duration of the Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate program?
- The program spans 21 weeks over two semesters and requires 19.5 credits. It includes eight required courses and a mandatory practicum.
- Are international applicants accepted for this program?
- No, international applicants are not accepted for the Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate program at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology.
- What career opportunities are available after completing this program?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Medical Laboratory Assistants and related technical occupations in various healthcare settings, including medical laboratories and hospitals. The program boasts a 98% graduate employment rate with an average starting salary of $43,141.
- What is the application process for the Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate?
- Prospective students should check admission requirements, prepare supporting documents, successfully complete the School of Health and Public Safety's Entrance Testing Process, and submit their application through the SAIT admissions portal. Practicum documentation will be required if admitted.
Entry requirements
General AdmissionHigh school diploma or equivalent.
Program SpecificDemonstrated English language proficiency and completion of the School of Health and Public Safety's Entrance Testing Process. For admission starting in the 2027/28 academic year, applicants must either meet current admission requirements OR have completed SAIT's Pre-Health Sciences program, including CHEM 229.
Specific physical and technical requirements for the profession include fine motor skills, critical thinking, effective communication, ability to work independently and under stress, technological aptitude, attention to detail, ability to meet physical demands (repetitive motions, patient positioning, standing for extended periods), normal color vision, typing speed of 35 wpm, tolerance for the sight of human blood/bodily fluids, and comfort wearing PPE. Willingness to work extended hours and shift work is also necessary. Applicants are encouraged to review the ALIS website for career information to ensure they meet occupational requirements.
Fees
Tuition (international)International applicants are not accepted for this program.
Tuition (home)—
Living—
Tuition and fee information should be verified directly with the institution.
How to apply
1. Check Admission RequirementsReview the academic and English language proficiency requirements, including any program-specific entrance testing. Note the updated requirements for the 2027/28 academic year regarding the Pre-Health Sciences program.
2. Prepare Supporting DocumentsGather all necessary academic transcripts and any other documents required for your application.
3. Complete Entrance TestingSuccessfully complete the School of Health and Public Safety's Entrance Testing Process.
4. Submit ApplicationSubmit your application through the SAIT admissions portal by the specified deadline.
5. Practicum DocumentationIf admitted, be prepared to provide specific documentation required for practicum participation before commencing the placement.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by Accreditation Canada and designed to ensure graduates achieve clinical competence as defined by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS). Graduates are eligible to challenge the CSMLS certification exam.
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic entry requirements for the Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate?
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Applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, demonstrated English language proficiency and successful completion of the School of Health and Public Safety's Entrance Testing Process are required. For admission starting in the 2027/28 academic year, completion of SAIT's Pre-Health Sciences program, including CHEM 229, is an alternative.
What is the duration of the Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate program?
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The program spans 21 weeks over two semesters and requires 19.5 credits. It includes eight required courses and a mandatory practicum.
Are international applicants accepted for this program?
+
No, international applicants are not accepted for the Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate program at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology.
What career opportunities are available after completing this program?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Medical Laboratory Assistants and related technical occupations in various healthcare settings, including medical laboratories and hospitals. The program boasts a 98% graduate employment rate with an average starting salary of $43,141.
What is the application process for the Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate?
+
Prospective students should check admission requirements, prepare supporting documents, successfully complete the School of Health and Public Safety's Entrance Testing Process, and submit their application through the SAIT admissions portal. Practicum documentation will be required if admitted.