Medical Laboratory Assistant

CampusStart DateTuition/Fees
Saint JohnSeptember 2025 (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

          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

          Course curriculum for this program is still under development. Once the courses have been finalized, they will be posted here. Courses are subject to change.

          NOC Codes

          33101 - Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations

          Articulation Agreements

          Institution: Maine Community College
          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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