College Diploma - Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA)

The Medical Laboratory Assistant program at Western Community College prepares students to play an essential role in diagnostic healthcare by assisting in laboratory procedures and handling biological specimens. The curriculum focuses on laboratory safety, specimen collection, and quality control, ensuring that graduates are well prepared for employment in medical laboratory settings.

The program provides training in specimen collection, handling, and processing, along with a strong understanding of laboratory safety protocols and quality control measures. It also prepares students for certification and employment in medical laboratories.

Graduates of programs approved by the British Columbia Society of Laboratory Science (BCSLS) receive preferential hiring consideration from health authorities and organizations such as LifeLabs in British Columbia. The Medical Laboratory Assistant program at Western Community College is approved by BCSLS. Upon completion of a BCSLS-approved program, graduates are eligible to apply for BCSLS certification.

Through the program, students acquire the skills needed to collect, process, and analyze biological specimens in support of diagnostic procedures. After completing the program, graduates may pursue roles such as Medical Laboratory Assistant, responsible for collecting and processing specimens for testing; Phlebotomist, drawing blood samples from patients; Laboratory Technician, assisting with laboratory testing and experiments; Pathology Assistant, supporting pathologists in examining specimens; and Clinical Support Worker, providing assistance in clinical laboratory environments.