Program Duration: 50 Weeks
Clinical Placement: 4–6 Weeks
Credential Awarded: Diploma
The Medical Laboratory Technician (MLA/T) Diploma Program is a comprehensive, career-focused training program designed to prepare students for employment in modern medical laboratories across Canada. This program provides students with the technical, clinical, and professional competencies required to work effectively in hospital laboratories, private diagnostic facilities, medical clinics, research laboratories, and other healthcare environments.
Through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory training, simulation-based learning, and supervised clinical placement, students acquire the practical skills and professional behaviors expected of entry-level Medical Laboratory Assistants and Technicians.
This 50-week diploma program integrates theoretical instruction with experiential learning to ensure graduates are fully prepared to enter the workforce. The program includes:
Two weeks of Experiential Learning Simulation in a controlled laboratory environment
Four to six weeks of supervised clinical practicum in an off-site healthcare or diagnostic laboratory setting
Students receive instruction from industry-experienced faculty and gain extensive hands-on exposure to laboratory equipment, specimen handling, and diagnostic procedures commonly used in clinical laboratories.
The curriculum is aligned with national and provincial standards of practice for Medical Laboratory Assistants and Technicians, including those established by:
CSMLS (Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science)
MLPAO (Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario)
This program is delivered using a competency-based approach, ensuring students master both the technical and professional skills required for safe and effective laboratory practice. Key areas of training include:
Blood and specimen collection (phlebotomy and capillary sampling)
ECG testing and Holter monitor setup
Laboratory instrumentation and diagnostic equipment operation
Specimen processing, labeling, and tracking
Medical terminology and laboratory documentation
Laboratory information systems and computer applications
Infection control, biosafety, and quality assurance
Professional communication and patient interaction
Students also develop essential professional behaviors, including ethical practice, teamwork, confidentiality, attention to detail, and patient-centered care.
Health and Beauty Canadian College’s Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician (MLA/T) Diploma Program is designed to provide students with comprehensive theoretical knowledge, practical laboratory competencies, and professional skills aligned with industry standards, including CSMLS, MLPAO, and current healthcare regulatory expectations. The curriculum prepares graduates for employment in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, medical clinics, and other healthcare settings through a balanced combination of academic instruction, laboratory simulation, and supervised practicum training.
Intro to Computer and Google Apps
This course introduces students to essential computer literacy skills required for academic and professional success in modern healthcare environments. Students develop proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, email communication, cloud storage, and digital collaboration using Google Workspace applications. Emphasis is placed on healthcare documentation, data organization, and digital professionalism to support laboratory operations.
Professionalism, Ethics, and Legislation
This course provides foundational knowledge of professional behavior, ethical principles, legal responsibilities, and healthcare regulations relevant to medical laboratory practice. Students explore patient confidentiality, informed consent, workplace professionalism, scope of practice, and provincial and national regulatory frameworks to ensure safe, ethical, and compliant healthcare service delivery.
Anatomy, Physiology, and Medical Terminology
This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of human body systems, structure, and function while introducing essential medical terminology used in laboratory and clinical settings. Students learn anatomical concepts, physiological processes, and healthcare language necessary for accurate specimen collection, reporting, and interdisciplinary communication.
Safety and Laboratory Fundamentals
This course focuses on core laboratory safety standards, infection prevention, WHMIS, biosafety procedures, personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe handling of biological specimens. Students develop an understanding of laboratory operations, equipment use, quality control, and workplace hazard prevention to maintain safe clinical and laboratory environments.
Hematology
This course introduces the study of blood components, hematologic disorders, and routine hematology laboratory procedures. Students learn specimen preparation, blood cell identification, hemoglobin testing, hematocrit analysis, and common diagnostic techniques used in the detection and monitoring of blood-related conditions.
Urinalysis and Body Fluids
This course provides instruction in the physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine and other body fluids. Students gain practical knowledge in specimen analysis, disease detection, and laboratory procedures related to renal function, metabolic disorders, and body fluid pathology.
Histology and Cytology
This course introduces tissue and cellular analysis techniques used in diagnostic laboratory settings. Students learn specimen preparation, staining methods, microscopic examination, and the identification of normal and abnormal cellular structures to support pathological investigations.
Clinical Microbiology
This course focuses on the identification, classification, and laboratory analysis of microorganisms associated with infectious diseases. Students study specimen culture techniques, microbial growth, pathogen recognition, infection control, and diagnostic microbiology procedures essential for clinical laboratory practice.
Clinical Chemistry
This course provides students with knowledge of biochemical analysis used in healthcare diagnostics. Topics include blood chemistry testing, metabolic function analysis, instrumentation, quality control, and interpretation of laboratory values related to disease diagnosis and patient monitoring.
ECG Fundamentals
This course introduces students to the theory and practical application of electrocardiography. Students learn cardiac anatomy, electrical conduction systems, ECG lead placement, rhythm interpretation, and safe patient preparation for cardiovascular diagnostic procedures.
Laboratory Math and Quality Assurance
This course develops mathematical competencies necessary for laboratory calculations, reagent preparation, measurement conversions, and data accuracy. Students also learn quality assurance principles, quality control systems, laboratory audits, and continuous improvement processes essential for maintaining diagnostic accuracy and regulatory compliance.
First Aid/CPR
This course provides certification-focused training in emergency response, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and first aid procedures. Students gain practical life-saving skills required in healthcare settings to respond effectively to medical emergencies and ensure patient and workplace safety.
Laboratory Skills and Practice (Practicum)
This in-person practical course provides hands-on laboratory training in specimen handling, diagnostic procedures, equipment operation, patient interaction, and workplace protocols. Students apply theoretical knowledge in supervised clinical simulations and practicum environments to develop real-world competencies required for professional practice.
Academic Success Strategies
This course supports student achievement by developing effective study skills, time management, communication techniques, examination preparation, and career readiness strategies. Students are guided in adapting to postsecondary education and preparing for professional certification pathways.
Specimen Procurement, Processing, and Data Collection
This course trains students in proper specimen collection procedures, patient preparation, specimen handling, transportation, processing, and laboratory data management. Emphasis is placed on accuracy, patient safety, documentation, and compliance with laboratory protocols.
Phlebotomy
This course provides comprehensive theoretical and practical training in venipuncture and capillary blood collection techniques. Students learn patient identification, infection control, specimen labeling, blood collection procedures, complication management, and professional patient care to meet current laboratory and healthcare standards.
Program Outcome
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will possess the technical knowledge, clinical skills, ethical understanding, and professional competencies necessary to pursue employment as Medical Laboratory Assistants/Technicians and prepare for applicable professional certification examinations, including MLPAO and CSMLS pathways.
Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician Diploma Program
Tuition and fees are listed in Canadian dollars (CAD) for Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents.
Tuition: $13,000
Books (estimated): $1,000
Compulsory Fees: $1,750
Uniform: $250
Total Program Cost: $16,000 CAD
Additional Costs:
Students are responsible for the following additional expenses:
Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check
Immunization requirements
Practicum-related expenses (including transportation, parking, and meals)
MLPAO examination application and associated fees (refer to the MLPAO website)https://www.mlpao.org/
CSMLS examination application and associated fees (refer to the CSMLS website)https://csmls.org/
Graduates of the Medical Laboratory Technician Diploma Program are prepared for employment in a wide range of healthcare and diagnostic settings, including:
Hospitals
Medical clinics and physician offices
Private diagnostic laboratories
Public health and government laboratories
Research and academic laboratories
Veterinary and animal health laboratories
As laboratory medicine continues to expand, demand for skilled Medical Laboratory Assistants and Technicians remains strong across Canada.
This program is Admitted by Accreditation Canada (EQual™), reflecting its adherence to recognized standards of quality, safety, and educational excellence.
Graduates are prepared to challenge the national and provincial certification examinations:
The CSMLS national certification examination must be written within 12 months of graduation.
Upon successful completion, graduates earn the designation Certified MLA/T.
The MLPAO provincial certification exam is offered three times per year.
Successful candidates earn the professional designation MLA/T.
Exam fees and registration information are available through CSMLS and MLPAO.
Students benefit from training in a fully equipped, modern diagnostic laboratory featuring automated and manual testing systems. Instruction includes:
Phlebotomy and specimen handling
ECG testing and cardiac monitoring
Clinical chemistry and hematology analysis
Urinalysis and body fluid testing
Microbiology and histology techniques
Quality control and safety protocols
Hands-on practice is reinforced through simulation exercises and real-world clinical experience.
Clinical placements are coordinated by the College and may take place inside or outside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Students are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, meals, and any associated expenses.
Successful completion of the practicum is required for graduation.
To progress and graduate from the program, students must:
Achieve a minimum grade of 70% in all courses
Successfully complete all laboratory and clinical competencies
Complete the clinical practicum within the designated timeframes
Before participating in clinical placement, students must provide:
Proof of required immunizations
Valid CPR and First Aid certification
A clear Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check
Students must also meet health and fitness standards required by clinical placement facilities.
Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
Possession of an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent
Mature Student Status (18 years or older) with successful completion of the Wonderlic entrance exam
All applicants must also complete:
An admissions interview and assessment questionnaire
Submission of an updated résumé
This program is ideal for:
Individuals seeking to begin a career in healthcare
Internationally trained or newcomer professionals upgrading their credentials
Healthcare workers seeking specialization in laboratory diagnostics
Anyone interested in a stable, in-demand, and rewarding career in medical laboratory science
