Medical Laboratory Assistant

Diploma: Certificate

Location: Broadway

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Overview

Learn to collect and prepare blood (phlebotomy) and other biological samples, perform electrocardiograms (ECG), and communicate effectively with patients and other health care providers.

Tuition	$2,513
Credential	Certificate
Length	6-0 months
Hours	Full-time
Delivery	Class-based
Campus	Broadway
Start dates

What to expect

What you will learn

Practise safely, ethically and professionally as a Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA).
Integrate knowledge from the medical laboratory sciences to provide optimal medical laboratory services.
Collect, handle and process specimens for analysis according to standard operating procedures in the medical laboratory.
Use equipment applicable to the medical laboratory.
Perform cardiac monitoring tests.
Perform administrative functions to support the operation of the medical laboratory.
Assist with quality assurance programs in the medical laboratory.
Use effective interpersonal skills in the medical laboratory.

Program duration and maximum time for completion

6 months. The maximum time for completion is 2 years.

Admission requirements

Program-specific

Grade 12 graduation, or equivalent
English Language Proficiency as demonstrated by one of the following:*
- English 12 with a minimum ‘B’ grade, or equivalent
  or
- English Language Proficiency at an English 12 ‘B’ level

Knowledge of biology demonstrated by one of the following:
- Biology 12 with a minimum ‘C–’ grade, or equivalent
  or
- BIOL 0983 and BIOL 0993 both with a minimum ‘C-‘ grade, or equivalent

Certified five-minute keyboarding test with a minimum typing speed of 40 gross words per minute with a maximum of five errors

Upon Acceptance

Criminal Record Check (CRC)
- Students in this program are required to complete a CRC. The CRC must be completed according to VCC’s Criminal Record Check instructions. Students whose CRC results indicate they pose a risk to vulnerable populations will not be able to complete the requirements of the program (e.g. practicums) or graduate.

TB Screening
- Within six months of the start of the program, students must submit a negative TB skin test. If the TB skin test is positive, a negative TB chest x-ray is required.

Immunizations
- An Immunization Record must be completed
- Immunizations in the following are strongly recommended and in some case may be required for practicum placements:
  - Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis
  - Polio
  - Measles, Mumps & Rubella
  - Varicella (Chicken pox)
  - Hepatitis B
  - Influenza (annually)
  - COVID-19 Vaccination

Learn more about VCC's academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.

Recommended characteristics

Ability to perform fine motor skills
Able to work well in stressful situations
Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
Ability to work well as a team member
Excellent interpersonal skills
Good health

Program availability

Not currently available.

Courses

Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the exception of practicum experiences. Students will be advised of their practicum hours once registered and attending the program.

Plan of Study Grid
Term One		Credits
MLAB 1111	Professional Practice	3
MLAB 1112	Laboratory Fundamentals	2
MLAB 1113	Specimen Collection and Processing	6
MLAB 1114	Medical Laboratory Procedures	3
MLAB 1115	Electrocardiography	4
MLAB 1116	Human Relations Skills	1
MLAB 1117	Medical Laboratory Computer Applications	1
	Credits	20
Term Two
MLAB 1218	Laboratory Practicum	4
	Credits	4
	Total Credits	24

This guide is intended as a general guideline only. The college reserves the right to make changes as appropriate.

This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.

Fees and costs

Note: Courses, fees, and admissions requirements are subject to change for May 2026.

Application fee	$36
Tuition / Term	$2,513	Year 1 - $2,094 Year 2 - $419
Student union	$145
College initiative	$73
Materials	$411	not including textbooks
Campus resource	$101
Medical & Dental	$285	Provided by Student Union
U-Pass	$282	Discounted, unlimited transit pass. Learn more.
Graduation	$45
Total	$3,888

Books & Supplies

Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. Visit the VCC Bookstore for more information.

* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit ($300 or $500, depending on program).

Fees listed are for domestic students. For international programs, visit VCC International.

Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.

Need help with tuition?

Explore your options for scholarships, grants, bursaries, and loans.

Technical requirement

General technology requirements for online learning

How to apply

Dual Credit applicants (high school students):

Dual Credit applicants do not apply to VCC directly. Interested students, teachers and counsellors should contact the Career Program Coordinator or Administrator for their school district.

Ready to apply?

Online

You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.

Mail

Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5

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