Medical Laboratory Assistant

Credential:: certificate
Program length:: 21 weeks
Campus:: Main
International applicants:: Not Accepted
Faculty:: School of Health and Public Safety
CAJG Eligible

Credit credentials

A credit credential includes courses with post-secondary credit applied.

These credits will be used towards your specific program and may be accepted towards a credential at SAIT or a different post-secondary institution.

The credit credentials include a bachelor's degree, applied degree, diploma, certificate and post-diploma certificate.

Bachelor Degree

SAIT has bachelor's degree programs in business, construction, and hospitality and tourism management.

Bachelor's degrees are generally four-year programs, but you have up to 10 academic years to complete your courses.

Applied Degree

SAIT's full-time applied degree programs involve one year of study through classes and lab work followed by one year of directed studies in a workplace setting. This builds on the completion of a recognized two-year diploma, which you must have to be admitted to an applied degree program.

You then have seven academic years to finish your applied degree, starting from the day you begin the first course in that program.

Diploma

At SAIT, over 40 full-time diploma programs cover a broad range of areas, from aircraft maintenance to travel and tourism.

Most diploma programs are completed in two years, though you can take up to seven academic years to complete the requirements.

Certificate

SAIT has several certificate programs in the sciences, health and trades.

These programs provide the essential skills to start a career but are shorter in length than SAIT's diploma programs - usually a year or less. However, you have up to five years to complete your program.

Post-Diploma Certificate

These programs build on skills developed through a diploma or degree program and combine classroom instruction with a workplace practicum.

They are often completed in a year or less.

Journeyperson

A certified journeyperson is recognized as a qualified and skilled person in a trade and is entitled to the wages and benefits associated with that trade. You must complete all apprenticeship periods and pass the exams to earn a journeyperson designation.

Non-credit credentials

A non-credit credential comprises courses and programs designed for professional or personal development.

Because these do not have post-secondary credits attached, they cannot be used towards any of the credentials above. We also cannot guarantee an external institute will accept these courses or credentials for transfer credit.

SAIT's non-credit certificates of achievement and completion are offered through Continuing Education and Professional Studies.

Certificate of Achievement

Certificates of achievement recognize the completion of a program that includes a formal evaluation of performance and a minimum of 144 (required and elective) course hours.

Certificates of achievement typically develop broader, complex skill sets. As of July 1, 2022, you have up to three years to complete the certificate. If you began these programs before July 1, 2022, you still have five calendar years to complete the program from when you began the first course.

Certificate of Completion

Certificates of completion recognize the completion of a program that includes a formal evaluation of performance and a minimum of 30 to a maximum of 143 course hours.

These certificates are shorter in duration than certificates of achievement and offer a focused education program. As of July 1, 2022, you have up to three years to complete the certificate. If you began before July 1, 2022, you will have five calendar years to complete the program from when you began the first course.

Professional Certificate

Program certificates recognize completion of a program that includes the formal evaluation of performance, and that is a minimum of one year in length.

These certificates have program-specific admission requirements.

Micro-credential

A micro-credential recognizes the completion of a non-credit course that includes a formal performance evaluation and verifies you have demonstrated specific competencies.

Micro-credentials focus on the mastery of specific skills. You receive a digital, shareable badge upon completing a SAIT micro-credential (SAITMicro).

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

A medical laboratory assistant is an integral member of the laboratory workforce, a field that is not only growing to meet the needs of an increasing and aging population but also changing to support medical and technological advances.

The Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) fast-track program will train you to collect, process, and prepare patient specimens, enter data, perform clerical and reception services, perform electrocardiograms and urinalyses, and carry out basic laboratory procedures.

This program provides classroom and laboratory instruction, clinical integration training, and a SAIT-arranged practicum experience in a medical laboratory and patient service center. This will allow you to refine and apply your competencies before entering the field as a professional.

You'll experience success in this program and profession by developing the following traits, skills and aptitudes:

fine motor skills
critical thinking and adaptability
effective communication skills (speaking, reading, writing, and listening)
ability to work independently
actively participate in classroom, lab, and practicum activities as scheduled by the program
ability to work well under stress, maintain professional behaviour and emotionally self-regulate
ability to use technology
attention to detail
can wear Personal Protective Equipment for extended periods and tolerate latex and disinfection chemicals
ability to work extended hours, including nights and/or weekends and shift work
ability to tolerate the sight of human blood and tissue
ability to assist in transporting, lifting, and positioning patients and/or equipment and meet the physical demands of the job (for example, using your hand, wrist, and arm for prolonged periods)
possess normal colour vision
ability to sit for long periods (three to four hours)
comfortable with performing patient care procedures which may be sensitive or performed in close proximity
ability to type at 30 wpm with high accuracy.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to refer to the ALIS website for career, learning, and employment information for Medical Laboratory Assistants and the governing body’s competency profile to understand the skills required to achieve all the competency-based objectives 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 by transferring to another institution once you graduate.

Learn more about program and institution transfer options.

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

The School of Health and Public Safety has many practicum partners in Alberta and Canada. Practicum placements in Calgary are limited, and you may be required to travel or relocate outside the city.

Successful applicants will be assigned their practicum placement. While we'll strive to assign your practicum location based on your preference, it is not guaranteed. Special considerations will not be given. You will be responsible for fees associated with the practicum, such as entrance requirements, relocation and travel costs.

In compliance with the practica agreements with our clinical partners, you 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 about practicum requirements

This program offers a Rural Health Zones (RHZ) stream. This stream is cohort-based and encompasses a blended delivery model. It is offered from May through October each year.

You'll acquire theoretical foundations through online scheduled learning 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 the timeframe as displayed in the program outline and that to apply for student loans, all students in this stream are considered part-time.

The Medical Laboratory Assistant program delivered by SAIT is accredited by Accreditation Canada. It is designed so that 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, graduates will receive a SAIT Medical Laboratory Assistant certificate.

Download program info

Careers and opportunities

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

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 workshops

Courses

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

The program spans 21 weeks with two semesters.

View classes by semester

Suggested schedule of study

Semester 1

Course code	Course name	Credit
INFC-215*	Infection Prevention and Control	1.5
MEDL-200	Clinical Laboratory Foundations	3.0
MEDL-201	Patient Services	3.0
MEDL-202	Clinical Integration	1.5
MEDL-203	Clinical Laboratory Testing	3.0
PROF-201*	Professional Practice I	3.0
Semester 1 total		15.0

Semester 2

Course code	Course name	Credit
PROF-202	Professional Practice II	1.5
PRAC-271	Clinical Placement	3.0
	Semester 2 total	4.5
Program total		19.5

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

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: MEDL 202 Corequsites: PROF 202	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: MEDL 200 MEDL 201 MEDL 202 MEDL 203 One of: PROF 201 MEDT 211 and PROF 240 Corequsites: PRAC 271	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 courses

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,
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 more

Available intakes

Winter 2024

Start dates:

Jan 08, 2024

Domestic students: Waitlisted: Application deadline: Oct. 31, 2023

Spring 2024

Start dates:

May 06, 2024

Domestic students: Open: Application deadline: Feb. 23, 2024 (Rural applicants only)

Fall 2024

Start dates:

Sep 03, 2024

Domestic students: Open: Application deadline: Feb. 2, 2024

Costs

2023/24 Tuition and fees

The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year.

Domestic students

Year	Number of semesters	Tuition fees	Additional fees	Total per year
1	1.5*	$4,621.50	$1,088	$5,709.50
Total cost:				$5,709.50

_{*.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.

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.

Fees

Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)

Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside of the typical 15-week program.

2023/24 fees per semester

Fees are subject to change without notice.

Fees	< 9 credits per semester	> 9 credits per semester
SAIT fees
Campus athletic and recreation	$51.50	$103
Student support fee	$52.75	$105.50
Student technology fee	$52.75	$105.50
UPass*	N/A	$160
Total	$157	$474
Saitsa fees
Student association fee**	$16.23/credit	$146
Health plan***	N/A	$86 ($172 annually)
Dental plan***	N/A	$79 ($158 annually)
Total	$311 maximum	$476

_{*The City of Calgary has increased their UPass fee from $160 to $165 effective for Winter 2024. This increase was not reflected in the above-quoted tuition and fee amounts at the time of publishing.}

_{**Additional eligibility requirements apply for students to obtain a UPass. To check your eligibility, visit our Upass page.}

_{***Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.}

_{****Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. In most cases, program fees quoted are based on students paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Learn more at saitsa.com/benefits.}

What your SAIT fees pay for

Student support fee: supports student services and resources to help you succeed throughout your academic career, including services such as Career Advancement Services, and Student Development and Counselling.

Student technology fee: supports improvements to cybersecurity to protect student and institutional information, access to learning material outside the classroom, and technology to enhance the student experience.

Campus recreation fee: supports the provision of recreation and fitness facilities, movement classes, wellness programs, student events, intermural activities, varsity sports programs, and a variety of student engagement initiatives offered throughout the academic year. Exemptions to recreation fees are made in some circumstances.

Upass: provides you with unlimited access to Calgary Transit. Ineligible students are not required to pay this fee. Learn more about eligibility requirements.

Lab and materials fees: ensures SAIT labs and living classrooms have the required equipment and materials to support the necessary training for students.

Laundry fee: covers the cost of laundering the required uniforms. Applicable only to certain programs and apprenticeships.

Saitsa fees: supports the student-led, non-profit organization representing students. Fees support the operation of a variety of student services, activities, and programming.

Health and dental fees: provides access to thousands of dollars in coverage for prescription medication, dental treatments, paramedical services, and multiple other benefits. Domestic students with existing health and dental coverage may opt out. Find more details at saitsa.com/benefits.

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.

Ready to apply?

Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

Learn how to apply

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.

Information 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

Prepare for a strong start and get the details you need to make a decision about your future. Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions, and provide information about:

School of Health and Public Safety Advising

Phone: 403.284.8500
Email: hps.info@sait.ca

Filters

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Medical Laboratory Assistant

On this page:

Mandatory requirements

Overview