- Program Description
- Program of Studies / Mandatory Courses
- Admission and Registration
- Learning Outcomes
- Opportunities
- Next Steps
- Field Placement / Clinical
- Additional Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
- College Resources
- Program Contact
Program Description
The Laboratory Technician program is offered by Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology in Hamilton, with two laboratory courses conducted at Anderson College, also in Hamilton. The role of the Medical Laboratory Technician includes specimen collection, performing ECG, positioning Holter monitors and processing specimens.
The didactic/theory components of this program are offered as a series of online courses. While you are working on your theory courses, an introduction to laboratory skills takes place through the Laboratory Basics Workshop (offered in person at Mohawk College). Upon successful completion of these courses, you will gain further practical skills through two laboratory courses (offered at Anderson College). Upon successful completion of the Anderson courses, you will consolidate your skills in a 4-week, full time, unpaid, clinical placement administered through Mohawk College.
Program Highlights
- Graduates are eligible to write both the National Certification Examination and Provincial Certification Examination for Medical Laboratory Assistants/Technicians.
- Clinical Placements in Hospitals and Private Laboratories.
- Online courses allow students flexibility in their studies.
The cost of the program is approximately $5200, however you will pay for individual courses as you register rather than paying the full tuition in a lump sum. There are additional fees for textbooks and health clearances for clinical and lab courses.
Additional Details
Admission and Registration
You must apply, and be accepted, to this program prior to registering for courses.
Intakes are available in the Fall (September) and Winter (January). Deadlines apply.
You require:
- OSSD or equivalent (Mohawk Academic Upgrading, GED) including:
- Grade 12 English and Mathematics
- Grade 11 Chemistry
- Applicants for whom English is a second language must submit proof that they have written and passed the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 600.
Financial Assistance
Bursary funding may be available. Learn more about Financial Assistance Options for Continuing Education Students.
Learning Outcomes
Program learning outcomes outline what graduates need to know, and be able to do, after they complete a program.
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Perform all assigned tasks in a manner consistent with established competencies of the profession.
- Complete all work in accordance with established protocols, safety guidelines, and existing legislation to ensure work practices.
- Interact with clients/patients in a professional and competent manner, projecting a professional image with other health care professionals and following generally accepted practices regarding client/patient service.
- Verify relevant data and contribute to the assurance that appropriate specimens are procured to established protocols.
- Process specimens from a variety of sources according to established protocols.
- Perform pre-analytical procedures on specimens from a variety of sources according to established protocols.
- Prepare reagents for medical laboratory testing using approved methods and according to laboratory standard and established procedures.
- Follow quality assurance policies and procedures and participate in quality assurance initiatives.
Opportunities
As a graduate of the program, you will be qualified to register for the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) (opens in new window) MLA exam and the Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario (MLPAO) (opens in new window) MLA/T Exam.
A laboratory technician works under the supervision of a laboratory technologist to perform laboratory tests and procedures that require limited technical skill and abilities. The emphasis is on the practical performance of the procedures. Recognition of problems and errors is required, but the technician is not required to correct errors or provide solutions except within certain prescribed guidelines. The terms Laboratory Technician and Laboratory Assistant are often used interchangeably.
Because of increasing automation and centralization of laboratory service, forecasts for the future indicate employment opportunities for laboratory technicians with a broad base of skills.
Graduates may be employed in hospitals, private laboratories or specimen collection centres. Shift work and evening work are usually required. Completion of this program will not qualify the graduate for entry into a full-time laboratory sciences program.
For details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, visit the Government of Canada Job Bank (opens in new window).
Next Steps
Wait for your application to be approved. Once approved, you can select and register for your courses.
Field Placement / Clinical
Students preparing for laboratory and clinical experience should visit our Preclinical / Clinical webpage and our Clinical FAQ for details and information on the process.
You MUST register for Preplacement/Clinical Service (HLTH10223), which is not part of the program of study, to complete required health clearances prior to registering for a clinical.
Additional Information
Frequently Asked Questions
- Continuing Education FAQ
- Where can I find more information on registering?
- What is the fee structure?
- How can I apply for an exemption?
- Can I obtain credit for learning obtained outside a traditional classroom?
- Where can I find more information on online learning and exams for online courses?
- How do I apply to graduate?
College Resources
Program Contact
Continuing Education
Health, Nursing and Community Studies
Email Us
1-844-767-6871
