Program Description

The Medical Laboratory Technician (Medical Laboratory Assistant) program is offered in a part-time, cohort structure. The majority of the program is completed online and also includes hands-on, in-person experience through labs and clinical placement.

The program prepares students for careers supporting diagnostic laboratory services in Canadian healthcare settings. Through classroom and hands-on laboratory training, students develop skills in phlebotomy, specimen collection and processing, laboratory procedures, quality assurance, safety practices, and laboratory operations. Graduates are equipped to support diagnostic testing and contribute to accurate and timely patient care.

Program Highlights

  • Online courses allow students flexibility in their studies.
  • A cohort model provides structure and connectedness for learners throughout their academic journey.
  • Clinical Placements in Hospitals and Private Laboratories provide hands-on experience while preparing students for their careers.
  • Graduates are eligible to write both the Medical Laboratory Professionals Association of Ontario (MLPAO) and the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) certification exams.
  • This program is accredited through EQual (Accreditation Canada).

The program's theoretical (didactic) curriculum is delivered through a series of online courses, providing flexibility as you progress through the academic components of the program. During this stage, you will also begin developing foundational laboratory skills through the Laboratory Basics Workshop, which is delivered in person at Mohawk College.

Upon successful completion of the theory courses and workshop, you will advance your practical training through two laboratory courses offered at Anderson College. These courses are designed to further develop and strengthen the hands-on skills required for professional practice.

Anderson College Logo

Potential and in-progress students must be aware that most agencies accepting clinical/placement students require you to be fully vaccinated with Health Canada approved vaccines. If you are not fully immunized, it may have a significant impact on your ability to participate in clinical/field placement.

This program is Accredited through Accreditation Canada

Additional Details

Tuition and Fees

Course Fees

Continuing Education students will register and pay on a course-by-course basis. Students will pay for each course selected during the registration process. The Continuing Education course cost breakdown can be found on the Fees and Financial Information webpage. OntarioLearn fees will be charged where applicable.

PC/Laptop Requirement

Students are required to have reliable access to a computer/laptop.

Textbooks

Textbook costs can be found on the Campus Store website.

Preplacement Requirements

If programs include a clinical, practicum, or field placement, students may be required to complete Preplacement Non-Academic Requirements (NARs). Full details will be provided in the course. This is an additional cost (above tuition/ancillary fees and textbooks). More information can be found on the Preplacement Services website. Here is a link to Continuing Education's program requirements and forms. Scroll down to locate the ones for the Medical Laboratory Technician program. 

Admission and Registration

You must apply, and be accepted, to this program prior to registering for courses.

Apply for Program

The above form is open for applications for the Fall (September) start. It will close again on June 1st. 

Applications and transcripts received outside of this application period WILL NOT be considered

You require:

  • OSSD or equivalent (Mohawk Academic Upgrading, GED) including:
    • Grade 12 English
    • Grade 12 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

green checkmark 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

Career 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 necessarily 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 / Lab

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

College Resources

Program Contact

Continuing Education
Health, Nursing and Community Studies
Email Us
905-575-1212

Completion Requirement

12 Course(s)

Student doing lab activity

 

This program of studies applies to students starting the program in the current academic year. Students who began in other academic years may require different courses to be eligible to graduate. If you have questions regarding a strategy for completion email the Program Contact listed at the bottom of this page.

Click on the course names to view current availability.

A selection of courses will be offered each term. Visit our course schedule page for a tentative list of future offerings.

Complete all 12 courses below:

Required fields are indicated by .