Medical Laboratory Assistant

How You Can Become a Medical Laboratory Assistant

People wishing to become a medical lab assistant/technician must attend a medical laboratory program at a college or career college whose courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, histology and cytology, phlebotomy, specimen collection and handling and infection control and safety. 

The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS), Canada’s national certifying body for medical laboratory technologists and medical laboratory assistants, and the national professional society for Canada's medical laboratory professionals, offers national certification for Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLAs).  Medical lab certification is not mandatory in Canada, however certification has gained recognition as a standard requirement in this field.

Courses in a Laboratory Assistant Training Program

• Medical Terminology
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Pharmacology (drug names, drug classes, doses, side effects and more)
• Phlebotomy and Capillary Puncture
• Specimen collection and handling
• Staining methods
• Lab Skills
• Proper use of ECG equipment
• How to perform math calculations for dilutions, reagent, and media preparation
• How to correctly handle and use laboratory chemicals and reagents
• Urinary System and Urinalysis
• CPR and First Aid Training
• Ethics and Responsibilities of a Medical Laboratory Assistant
• Safety and infection control in a laboratory
• Medical Office Billing and Accounting
• Lab assistant courses usually include a practicum and some office training

What skills should a medical laboratory assistant/technician possess?

Completing a medical laboratory assistant program trains you how to perform tests and follow proper laboratory procedures, but medical lab assistants are already generally curious are interested in laboratory science.  Medical lab assistants should also:

• Have good motor skills to work with small laboratory equipment and handle specimens
• Be methodical in their work
• Follow instructions and protocols
• Pay close attention to detail
• Work accurately and quickly
• Have normal colour vision
• Be able to work well with the public
• Posses analytical, logical skills and curious

Source: Job Bank, Oct 25, 2021

Employment Opportunities for a Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician

Medical laboratory assistants are employed in:

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Physicians’ offices
• Private testing laboratories
• Research institutes (both public and private)