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Mandatory requirements
Applicants for this program are required to complete the School of Health and Public Safety entrance testing process as an admission requirement for this program by the set deadlines. Review admission requirements for more details.
Overview
The fast-track Medical Laboratory Assistant program is designed to equip you with the skills, applied knowledge and professional behaviour required to become a proficient lab assistant.
You’ll be prepared to work in various medical laboratories which are evolving rapidly to accommodate growing advancements in medical technology and healthcare.
In this program, you will:
learn to accurately collect, label and process blood, tissue and other specimens in a biosafety laboratory for analysis
develop the technical skills to enter patient data into laboratory information systems
gain experience in handling front-desk operations and office administration, including patient interaction and administrative tasks
train to perform procedures such as electrocardiograms (ECGs) and urinalyses or point-of-care tests as part of a laboratory team of professionals
gain professional responsibility, including scope of practice, ethics, communication, critical thinking, accountability and how to collaborate professionally.
Engage in real-world scenarios to integrate clinical knowledge with practical skills. You’ll participate in a SAIT-arranged practicum in a medical laboratory and patient service center to refine and apply your skills in a real-world setting.
As a graduate, you can pursue employment opportunities in various settings, including community health centres, hospitals, medical laboratories, mobile clinics, insurance companies, or private home care.
You’ll also be eligible to challenge the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) exam to obtain national certification as a medical laboratory assistant in Canada. Visit CSMLS to learn more about their licensing requirements, mandatory registration, and declaration of conduct.
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.
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.
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring into this program or gain credit for previous postsecondary courses may be available.
There may also be opportunities to further your education once you graduate.
Learn more about program and institution transfer options.
You will participate in a practicum at a medical laboratory and patient service 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.
If you are beginning this program in the spring semester, all practicum placement locations will be limited to rural Alberta - no practicums will take place within Calgary or Edmonton.
Special considerations will not be accommodated. You will be responsible for covering the associated fees of the practicum, including entrance requirements, relocation, and travel costs.
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.
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.
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.
After successfully completing this program, you’ll receive a SAIT Medical Laboratory Assistant certificate.
Careers and opportunities
Each year, SAIT conducts a survey between February and April to determine the employment rate, salary and satisfaction of our newest SAIT alumni.
91% graduate employment rate
$46,800 average starting salary
Find out more about our graduate employment statistics >
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.
Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 32120, 32129, 33101, 33109.
Career counselling and support
Unsure which career path is for you? SAIT offers career planning services to help you decide your future.
You can also get started by taking our online career finder quiz, which can help you narrow down your search based on your current skills and interests.
Finally, you can also head to Alberta alis for various tools and resources, including additional quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a career path.
Services and workshopsCourses
The Medical Laboratory Assistant certificate requires 19.5 credits (eight courses) to complete.
The program spans 21 weeks with two semesters.
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
The chain of infection and methods of prevention and control of microorganisms, including blood borne viruses such as hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) will be reviewed. Immunization, routine practice, additional isolation precautions, sterilization and disinfection, safety and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) are also covered. |
1.5 |
|
Clinical Laboratory Foundations provides an overview of laboratory departments. Pre-analytical processes and microscopy will be introduced. Lab ware and equipment will be used for reagent and specimen preparation following quality assurance principles. Safety in the workplace will be emphasized throughout this course. |
3 |
|
Clinical Laboratory Foundations provides an overview of laboratory departments. Pre-analytical processes and microscopy will be introduced. Lab ware and equipment will be used for reagent and specimen preparation following quality assurance principles. Safety in the workplace will be emphasized throughout this course. |
3 |
|
Clinical Integration provides an opportunity for applying foundational skills and theory in a simulated clinical laboratory. Learners will incorporate safe work practices, analytical procedures, professional practices and quality management into their daily laboratory work. Emphasis will be placed on developing time management, multi-tasking and critical thinking skills. |
1.5 |
|
Clinical Laboratory Testing outlines quality management and testing procedures performed by medical lab assistants in a clinical laboratory setting. Routine urinalysis, point of care testing, and loading of specimens for analysis will be performed. |
3 |
|
Clinical Placement provides learners with opportunities to apply the skills, knowledge and attitudes required for medical laboratory assistants in approved clinical laboratories. Pre-requisites:
Corequsites:
|
3 |
|
Professional Practice 1 introduces basic medical terminology and fundamental communication skills for working in a healthcare environment. Focus will also be placed on patient-centered care and governing bodies that direct professional practice. |
3 |
|
Professional Practice 2 provides learners with opportunities to apply quality management system essentials necessary for working effectively in the medical laboratory professions and according to the scope of practice. Pre-requisites:
Corequsites:
|
1.5 |
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.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Explore your options!
Some courses in this program are available through Open Studies. You can complete courses via Open Studies to get a head start on your education, reduce your course load once accepted into a credentialed program, or determine which career path best suits you before you fully commit.
You may also take courses for general interest or personal and professional development.
Available Open Studies coursesAdmission 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,
- 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.
AND,
- 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.
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 out what educational documents are accepted and assessment options.
SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
Academic Upgrading
Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.
Upgrade
English language proficiency
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
Learn moreAvailable intakes
Spring 2024
Start dates:
- Domestic rural applicants: Closed
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-
Application deadline: March 24, 2024
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Fall 2024
Start dates:
- Domestic students: Open
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-
Application deadline: May 31, 2024
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Winter 2025
Start dates:
- Domestic students: Open
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Application deadline: Oct. 25, 2024
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Costs
2024/25 tuition and fees
The following estimated costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.
Domestic students
*.5 indicates a combination of full-time semester(s) and part-time semester(s) in the same academic year. In many cases, students are completing a practicum during their part-time semester. Part-time students are those taking less than nine (9) course credits in a semester.
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.
Students are responsible for any additional expenses related to their practicum, including pre-practicum requirements outlined by the program 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.
Additional fees
- CompTracker is an additional $55
- 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 to be administered will result in additional charges.
2023/24 tuition and fees
The following costs are effective until June 30, 2024.
Domestic students
*.5 indicates a combination of full-time semester(s) and part-time semester(s) in the same academic year. In many cases, students are completing a practicum during their part-time semester. Part-time students are those taking less than nine (9) course credits in a semester.
Financial aid
Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.
Learn more
This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.
Application process
Applicants must meet or exceed a score of 50% in the School of Health and Public Safety entrance testing process as an admission requirement for this program by the set deadlines.
These deadlines may be different than the typical application closing dates.
Learn more about the entrance testing process >
Ready to apply?
Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.
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 hps.info@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
Begin your application
Apply now using the online application portal.
Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants or $150 for international applicants.
Apply nowInformation sessions
Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.
Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:
- What sets SAIT apart
- An introduction to the program and area of study
- Admission requirements
- Future career paths
- Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.
Contact us
School of Health and Public Safety Advising
-
Phone - 403.284.8500
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Email - hps.info@sait.ca
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