Working in a medical lab gives you access to see life as its most basic levels - on a daily basis, you could be handling blood tests, working with tissue samples, and examining diseases under a microscope. The Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician program is geared towards helping you prepare for the challenges of a career in a medical laboratory.

The program combines theoretical and practical elements of lab work in a well-equipped classroom/laboratory setting. You will gain an understanding of key scientific principles, including the fundamentals of anatomy, physiology and medical terminology, clinical chemistry, laboratory microbiology, hematology and immunohematology, the cardiovascular system, including an ECG and vital signs, urinalysis and body fluids, specimen procurement, clinical pathology, cytology, and hystology.

Additionally, you will undertake a 4-week practicum, where you'll get to test your new skills working in a real laboratory.

The Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario (MLPAO) has established standards for the training of Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technologists. Graduates of educational programs approved by MLPAO are eligible to write the MLPAO Examination. Interested students may also apply to take the CSMLS National Certification Exam, which is usually held in February, June, and October.