Medical Laboratory Assistant

Traits, skills and aptitudes

Those in the medical laboratory assistant field need: 

• fine motor skills 
• critical thinking and adaptability 
• effective communication skills 
• the ability to work independently 
• the ability to work well under stress, maintain professional behaviour and emotionally self-regulate 
• the ability to use technology 
• attention to detail 
• to tolerate the sight of human blood and tissue samples 
• the ability to assist in transporting, lifting and positioning patients and equipment and meet the physical demands of the job (for example, using your hand, wrist and arm for prolonged periods) 
• normal colour vision 
• the ability to sit for long periods (three to four hours) 
• the ability to type at 30 wpm with high accuracy. 

Medical laboratory assistants need to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for extended periods, which includes exposure to latex and disinfection chemicals. You must also be comfortable performing patient care procedures that may be sensitive or conducted in very close proximity to the patient. 

You may also work extended hours and shift work, including evenings and weekends. 

You are strongly encouraged to refer to the ALIS website for career, learning, and employment information for medical laboratory assistants to ensure you can successfully meet the occupational requirements for the program and profession.

Practicum, co-op and work integrated learning opportunities

You will participate in a practicum at a medical laboratory and patient service centre as part of this program.

You will be assigned practicum placements with consideration given to your preference of location. However, due to limited availability in Calgary, it might be necessary for you to travel or relocate outside the city. Special considerations will not be accommodated.

If you are beginning this program as part of the Rural Health Zone (RHZ) intake, all practicum placements will occur in rural Alberta, and will not include sites in Calgary or Edmonton.

In compliance with the practica agreements with our clinical partners, you will be required to provide specific documentation before you can participate in your practicum. Find out what requirements you need for this program. 

Accreditations, designations or certifications

This program is accredited by Accreditation Canada. It is designed to ensure graduates achieve clinical competence as defined by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS).

As an accredited institute, SAIT Medical Laboratory Assistant graduates are eligible to challenge the CSMLS certification exam. Obtaining national certification as a medical laboratory assistant will allow you to work across Canada. 

Specialized intakes

This program offers a Rural Health Zone (RHZ) intake, which takes place from May through October each year.

This intake has a predetermined schedule and uses a blended delivery model. You’ll acquire theoretical foundations through online classes in May and June and be provided hands-on simulated laboratory experience on-campus at SAIT in July and August, followed by a practicum rotation in a clinical setting. Practicum sites are solely located in rural areas of the province.

Please be advised that all courses must be completed within this timeframe.

To apply for student loans, students in this intake are considered part-time.

Credential

After successfully completing this program, you’ll receive a SAIT Medical Laboratory Assistant certificate.

Program length

21 weeks

Not open to international applicants

This program is not available to international applicants at this time. 

CAJG-eligible

This program is eligible for the Canada Alberta Job Grant. 

Related careers

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Potential careers (NOC):

• Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations (33101)

Admission requirements - Applicants educated in Canada

Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet the following requirements or equivalents:

• at least 60% in Math 20-2 or Math 10C, and
• at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2, and
• at least 60% in Chemistry 20, and
• at least 60% in Biology 20.

You must also achieve a mark of at least 50% in the School of Health and Public Safety’s entrance testing process.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

Admission requirements - Applicants educated outside of Canada

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find accepted educational documents and assessment options. 

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

Application process

Before applying to this program, you must complete the necessary entrance tests.

Refer to Health and Public Safety entrance testing to find the required tests and deadlines and instructions on how to book your exams. 

Program outline

The Medical Laboratory Assistant certificate requires 19.5 credits (eight courses) to complete.

The program spans 21 weeks with two semesters.

Required courses

• INFC 215 - Infection Prevention and Control 1.5 Credits
• MEDL 200 - Clinical Laboratory Foundations 3 Credits
• MEDL 201 - Patient Services 3 Credits
• MEDL 202 - Clinical Integration 1.5 Credits
• MEDL 203 - Clinical Laboratory Testing 3 Credits
• PRAC 271 - Clinical Placement 3 Credits
• PROF 201 - Professional Practice 1 3 Credits
• PROF 202 - Professional Practice 2 1.5 Credits

Suggested schedule of study

Progression

You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.

To qualify for graduation, you must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure > 

Books and supplies

Books and supplies are approximately $700 per full-time year.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore’s website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date. Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn’t receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you’re in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.

You are responsible for additional expenses related to your practicum, including pre-practicum requirements and relocation costs to practicum sites outside of Calgary.

Required personal protective equipment (PPE)

The industry-approved PPE you’ll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes.

Your required uniform can be purchased before orientation from any place that sells medical uniforms. Your uniform should consist of:

• a scrub top and bottom
• safety glasses
• comfortable closed-toe and heel shoes. They should also be water-impervious and slip-resistant.

Tech requirements

You will be evaluated on your competency performance level using a tracking system called CompTracker. You will require a wifi-enabled Apple tablet that can run the most up-to-date operating system to support the CompTracker system.

• Any size tablet is acceptable.
• Keyboards are advisable but not mandatory.
• Smartphones are not acceptable devices for CompTracker.

There is a required user license fee of $55. More information will be shared at orientation.

Additional fees

• The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) national exam fee is approximately $250. CSMLS National Association dues for students are approximately $85. Refer to CSMLS.org for more details.
• A fee is associated with obtaining a police information check, including a vulnerable sector check, payable to the police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
• You must have your immunizations reviewed by the SAIT Health Clinic. There is a $75 charge to review your vaccine and medical history. Any vaccines you need to be administered will result in additional charges.

Health and Public Safety program advising

For any questions or to set up an advising appointment, please contact our School of Health and Public Safety.

Phone: 403.284.8481
Email: hps.info@sait.ca

Program outcomes

Program outcomes are based on the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) competency profile.

1. Practice within their scope of professional competence and according to established protocols, safety guidelines and ethical and legal requirements. (P. 1. 1. 2)
2. Verify relevant data and ensure appropriate specimens are collected and handled according to established protocols.
3. Perform pre-analytical procedures on specimens from a variety of sources according to established protocols.
4. Prepare reagents, media and supplies using approved methods and according to laboratory standards and established procedures. (P. 1. 1. 2)
5. Interact with colleagues, patients, clients and other health professionals competently and professionally. (1. 1. 1)
6. Practice and promote the principles of quality management.
7. Meet the legal and ethical requirements of practice and protect the patient’s right to a reasonable standard of care.
8. Apply critical thinking skills to constructively investigate, evaluate, and problem-solve.
9. Perform electrocardiograms and urinalysis to establish protocols.