Medical Laboratory Assistant

CampusStart DateTuition/Fees
Saint JohnSeptember 2023 (Blended Delivery) Domestic | International
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Program Overview

Medical Laboratory Assistants interact with patients and the public. You’ll learn how to collect and prepare specimens for analysis, and perform data entry and clerical services in the lab. Our program offers on site learning in hospital laboratory settings. With the increase of New Brunswick’s aging population, skilled Medical Laboratory Assistants to perform phlebotomy and prepare specimens for analysis and tests are in demand.

Duration

The requirements for this certificate program may be achieved within one year of full-time study.

Admission Requirements

    Profile K

  • High School Diploma or Adult High School Diploma or GED Diploma of High School Equivalency or Essential Skills Achievement Pathway: Post-Secondary Entry High School Diploma
    • Foundations of Mathematics 110
      or
      Geometry and Applications in Mathematics 112 and Functions and Relations 112
      • Biology 112 or 122
        • Chemistry 112 or 122

          NB Francophone High School Math Equivalencies
          International Student Admission Equivalencies

          Career Possibilities

          Grads could be employed in medical laboratories under the supervision of Medical Laboratory Technologists; and in public health departments, medical clinics, biological supply houses, veterinarian hospitals and related commercial fields.

          Find career possibilities related to this program in Career Coach.

          Specific Considerations

          Note: A review of the admission requirements for the Medical Laboratory Assistant and Medical Laboratory Technology programs was recently performed and as a result, the admission requirements for both programs will change from Profile C and D respectively to Profile K effective September 2021.

          Profile K

          • High School Diploma or Adult High School Diploma or GED Diploma of High School Equivalency
          • Foundations of Mathematics 110
          • Biology 112 OR Biology 122
          • Chemistry 112 OR Chemistry 122

          Please note that due to Grade 11 program applications and acceptances, the admission profile change will be in effect for grade 11 applicants applying on or after April 1, 2020 for the fall 2021 intake.

          To function efficiently in a clinical setting, the Medical Laboratory Assistant must possess good manual dexterity, precision, accuracy, dependability and organizational skills. They must also be able to work well under pressure and pay very close attention to detail. Good health and a good level of physical fitness and stamina are essential. In addition, the nature of this occupation requires a sincere desire to work with and help other people, at times under trying circumstances. Students are required to interact with patients while performing tasks such as drawing blood. A mature outlook is essential.

          Proof of Immunization

          Upon acceptance, you will be asked to submit proof of immunization prior to commencement of training, by following the instructions on the standardized NBCC Immunization and Medical Form (pdf). Hepatitis B immunization is expected for those who are accepted. It should be noted that certain immunizations are required for anyone entering a training program involving a practicum that takes place in a hospital or related setting.

          Mandatory Clearance Requirements

          To protect the health and safety of students during their clinical/practicum placements, as well as anyone they may encounter, students will be obligated to complete mandatory clearance requirements as a part of the process of being assigned a placement. There will be a cost associated with completing these requirements, which has been calculated as part of the Material Cost of this program. Students who do not complete the requirements will be unable to attend their clinical/practicum placements, which could impact eligibility for the required courses or industry facility visits needed to complete their program. See Clinical/Practicum Placement Requirements for more details.

          In addition, various health facilities throughout the province may require the completion of their medical/immunization form and a police record and vulnerable sector check before clinical practicums can occur. Health facilities may also require proof of valid CPR certification prior to the beginning of each clinical practicum. It is your responsibility to attain and maintain this certification.

          You may be expected to travel to clinical sites outside the campus area, and potentially around the province. Costs incurred for travel and accommodation are at your own expense.

          The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) is the national certifying body for medical laboratory assistants, and the national professional society for Canada's medical laboratory professionals.

          Graduates will be eligible to write the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) National Certification examination. This voluntary national certification provides graduates with recognition of their competence to practice within a set of national standards and a professional credential recognized by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science and the Council on National Certification.

          For further information regarding Medical Laboratory Science, please refer to the following websites:
          • Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science
          • New Brunswick Society for Medical Laboratory Technologists

          Several courses associated with this program are transferable to the Medical Laboratory Technology program.

          Technology Requirements
          NBCC is a connected learning environment. All programs require a minimum specification, including access to the internet and a laptop. Your computer should meet your program technology requirements to ensure the software required for your program operates effectively. Free wifi is provided on all campuses.

          Areas of Study

          • Laboratory fundamentals
          • Specimen procurement and processing
          • Health and safety
          • Interpersonal communication
          • Computer skills and data entry
          • Anatomy and physiology
          • Ethics
          • Clinical chemistry
          • Microbiology
          • Hematology
          • Histotechnology
          • Quality control
          • Pathology

          Program Courses

          Courses are subject to change.

          This course introduces the sciences of anatomy and physiology of the body systems. The progression of study of the body systems is from simple to complex (e.g. chemical level to cellular level, tissue level to system level).

          This course teaches students how to create documents that are organized, unified, and coherent.

          In this course students develop the skills to complete clerical tasks and communicate effectively in a medical laboratory environment. The course focuses on medical terminology as well as clerical and communication protocols specific to a laboratory setting.

          This course is designed to provide an overview of health care ethical and legal framework. Students will gain an insight into the ethical and legal responsibilities of a healthcare provider. The course prepares students for the ethical and legal realities they will face in their health care practice. It enables students to act in accordance with code of ethics and legal requirements as per the scope of practice.

          Health care is one of the most important issues to Canadians. This course introduces students to the complexity of the Canadian health care system and examines the various factors that impact this system. It also examines the role of inter-professional collaboration in achieving positive outcomes.

          Medical Laboratory professionals are an essential part of the health care team. This course prepares students for the expectations of Medical Laboratory Technologists and Assistants within the Canadian health care system by introducing them to their roles and the governing bodies, standards and principles which determine their professional requirements.   

          The accuracy of medical laboratory tests is dependent on the integrity of the sample used. This course introduces students to the proper techniques for collecting samples, informing clients, preparing samples for analysis and adhering to chain of custody procedures where applicable.

          Prerequisites:

          • ANAT1024C
          • SECU1305B

          This lab-based course is offered in conjunction with Introduction to the Laboratory Environment.  It focuses on developing the fundamental techniques needed for working in a clinical laboratory including the safe and correct use of equipment, devices and apparatus.  Emphasis will be placed on following proper procedures and adhering to protocols.

          Prerequisites:

          • SECU1305B
          • LPTL1055A
          • SECU1221G

          This course introduces students to the laboratory specimen requirements including the guidelines for collection, identification, storage, retention, transportation and disposal.

          Prerequisites:

          • LPTL1049F
          • LPTL1037H

          This course will prepare students to do pre-analytical laboratory procedures. The student will prepare specimens for further analysis.

          Prerequisites:

          • LPTL1040G
          • LPTL1048D
          • MICR1023C
          • LPTL1055A

          Students participate in a clinical laboratory setting to achieve the skills necessary to meet the competency based objectives established by the CSMLS for entry level Medical Laboratory Assistants.

          This course introduces students to the basic equipment, devices and apparatus found in a clinical laboratory.  It explores their uses and related processes with an emphasis on the importance of standard laboratory procedures and protocols.  The focus is on the theory required to develop the proper laboratory techniques and is offered in conjunction the lab techniques course, Introduction to Laboratory Techniques.  

          Prerequisites:

          • LPTL1040G

          Microbiology refers to the branch of biology that deals with microorganisms and their effects on other living organisms. This course will introduce students to the clinical aspect of microbiology and its application in health care.

          Learners are challenged to apply human relations and interpersonal communications theory to workplace-based and real life situations. They use a problem solving perspective in suggesting and carrying out appropriate communication strategies and techniques.

          This course provides an introduction to the meaning of community service.  Students learn how community service can enhance a student’s educational experience, personal growth, employability, and civic responsibility. Students participate in one day of volunteering to enhance their understanding of civic responsibility and to help the New Brunswick Community College realize its vision of transforming lives and communities. 

          A safe and healthy workplace is the responsibility of the employer and the employee. This course introduces students to the importance of working safely and addresses how employers and employees can control the hazards and risks associated with the workplace. Students will also learn about the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders including WorkSafeNB, the employer and the employee in ensuring workplaces are safe.

          This course introduces the principles of safe laboratory practices. Concepts examined include good safety practices, biological, chemical and physical hazards, ergonomics, laboratory controls, equipment safety, waste disposal, spill clean-up and relevant legislation.
           

          Prerequisites:

          • SECU1221G

          NOC Codes

          3212 - Medical laboratory technicians and pathologists' assistants

          Articulation Agreements

          Institution: Maine Community College
          Articulation Period:
          Information: A full credit recognition and transfer agreement exists for all relevant programs delivered at each institution.

          Disclaimer: This web copy provides guidance to prospective students, applicants, current students, faculty and staff. Although advice is readily available on request, the responsibility for program selection ultimately rests with the student. Programs, admission requirements and other related information is subject to change.

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