Medical Laboratory Assistant

Admission requirements

Admission selection

• Fall 2022 start: applications are accepted Oct 6, 2021 to Jan. 31, 2022.
• Winter 2023 start: applications opened on March 30, 2022.

*This program does not accept international students

Admission requirements

Completion of the following courses or equivalents:

• at least 60% in Math 20-2 or Pure Math 10, or Math 10C
  
• at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2
• at least 60% in Chemistry 20
• at least 60% in Biology 20
• all applicants to SAIT must demonstrate english language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
• Successful applicants must meet or exceed 50% on the scoring rubric for the School of Health and Public Safety’s Entrance Testing Process.

Entrance testing process

Admission is offered on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.

SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions. Find more information here.

Direct entry: five-step process

Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.

Step 2: Review the information related to the necessary components of the School of Health and Public Safety Entrance Testing Process

Step 3: Complete the School of Health and Public Safety Entrance Testing Process non-academic admission requirement. Ensure that you meet all of the academic admission requirements listed above.

Step 4: Apply to the Medical Laboratory Assistant program and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades prior to the application close date.

Step 5: Log in to mySAIT.ca to check your admission status. Find out how to monitor your application status.

Failure to meet anticipated final grades will result in offers being rescinded.

Communication during admission

Email is the primary source of communication during the admission process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add clinical.supportservices@sait.ca and the sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.

Practicum requirements

The School of Health and Public Safety has many practica partners located in Alberta and across Canada. Practicum placements in Calgary are limited and students may be required to relocate outside of Calgary for practicum.

Successful candidates will be informed of the allocation of their practicum placement by the program. There is no guarantee that students will be placed at their desired practicum location. Special considerations of personal circumstances will not be given in regards to assigning practicum placements. Students will be responsible for fees associated with practica such as entrance requirements, relocation and travel costs.

In compliance with the practica agreements with our clinical partners, successful candidates will be requested to provide proof of the following requirements:

• Updated immunization records
• Security clearance - Police Information Check including Vulnerable Sector Check
• N95 respiratory mask fitting
• Health and wellness status

Learn more

Courses

Program outline

This program is a 21-week certificate offered over the fall/winter semesters or the winter/spring semesters

Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue

Semester 1

Semester 2

*Available by correspondence and/or online learning. The courses must be completed within the time frame shown in the program outline. Please contact the Academic Chair prior to enrolling in any online or correspondence courses.

Progression

Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Transfer options

The opportunity to advance your education through transfer in, within or on from SAIT is available.

Visit transfer options to learn more.

Costs 2021/22

Domestic tuition and fees*

_{*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside of this time frame.}

SAIT fees

• Campus athletic and recreation fee: $183.20
• Universal transit pass (Upass): $310
• Student support fee: $150
• Student technology fee: $150

Health and dental fees

Domestic students

• Health plan: $122
• Dental plan: $130

Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.

Books and supplies*

Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.

• Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practicum including relocation costs to practicum sites outside Calgary.
• Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) national exam fee is approximately $250.
• CSMLS national association dues for students are approximately $85.
• There is a fee associated with obtaining a Police Information Check including a Vulnerable Sector Check, payable to the Police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
• Students must have a personal computer and access to the Internet. Most classes are taught at SAIT, but some require online access. All courses require additional self‐study.
• Students must have their immunizations reviewed by the SAIT Health Clinic. There is a $75 charge to review vaccine and medical history. Any vaccines to be administered will result in additional charges.

For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.

Learn more about tuition and financial aid.

_{*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.}

Costs 2022/23

Domestic tuition and fees

Cost per credit: $216

_{*Maximum fee. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits a student takes per semester and whether they opt-out of health and dental benefits.}

SAIT fees

• Campus athletic and recreation fee: $196
• Universal transit pass (Upass): [brick: upass  ref: fees-year22-23]
• Student support fee: $200
• Student technology fee: $200

Saitsa fees

Student Association fee

• Maximum: $291

This is the maximum amount the student will pay. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits the students take per semester.

Health and dental fees

• Health plan: $127
• Dental plan: $135

Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.

For more information on health and dental benefits for international students, please contact the International Centre.

Books and supplies*

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

• Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practicum including relocation costs to practicum sites outside Calgary.
• Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) national exam fee is approximately $250.
• CSMLS national association dues for students are approximately $85.
• There is a fee associated with obtaining a Police Information Check including a Vulnerable Sector Check, payable to the Police or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
• Students must have a personal computer and access to the Internet. Most classes are taught at SAIT, but some require online access. All courses require additional self‐study.
• Students must have their immunizations reviewed by the SAIT Health Clinic. There is a $75 charge to review vaccine and medical history. Any vaccines to be administered will result in additional charges.

For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.

Learn more about tuition and financial aid.

_{*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.}

Next steps

Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.

Spring 2022

Orientation

Your program orientation will take place online on your first day of classes on Monday, May 9 from 8 am to noon. Watch your inbox for further details.

Learn more about your orientation.

How to register for classes

You'll follow an adjustable block registration process to enrol in your classes. Learn how to register on our registration and schedules page.

Computers and laptops

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

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 prior to 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.

Other requirements

• N95 respiratory mask fit-testing
• Police Information Clearance with Vulnerable Sector Check
• Immunization record
• Health and Wellness Status

Preparation courses

To support your success, you’ll be automatically registered in two short courses to prepare you for the academic year:

PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities

This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way.PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.

PREP 100: The SAIT Experience

Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.

Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.

Required textbooks

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 required this term.

Contact

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

Next steps for all students

Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!

Next steps for accepted students

Important dates and deadlines

Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.

Important dates