College Certificate - Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician (1620) at Conestoga College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-02-02

Program overview

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Program overview

The Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician program at Conestoga College is designed to equip students with essential skills for a successful career in healthcare. This one-year, three-term program prepares students to perform pre-analysis components of medical lab work under the supervision of qualified medical laboratory technologists. Graduates will gain proficiency in blood sample collection, ECG performance, and the use of laboratory equipment, while also developing strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective patient interaction. Upon completion, students are eligible to write the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) exams, paving the way for a rewarding career in the medical field.

Program structure

The Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician program is structured to provide a comprehensive education over a one-year period, divided into three academic terms. The program is delivered in person at the Kitchener – Doon campus, ensuring students receive hands-on training in a supportive environment. Key features of the program structure include:

Program Length: 1 year (3 academic terms)
In-person delivery format
Eligibility for advanced standing in the Medical Laboratory Science program upon graduation
Focus on practical skills and theoretical knowledge

Students are encouraged to apply early, as this is a highly competitive program with specific application deadlines. The program is tailored to meet the needs of the healthcare industry, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for their future roles.

Featured Experiences

The Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician program offers several unique experiences that enhance the learning process and prepare students for real-world applications:

Hands-on training in blood sample collection and ECG performance
Direct supervision by experienced medical laboratory technologists
Development of communication and interpersonal skills for effective patient interaction
Opportunity to write the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) exams upon graduation
Advanced standing eligibility in the Medical Laboratory Science program for further education

These experiences are designed to provide students with a well-rounded education, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the medical laboratory field.

Career Options

Graduates of the Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician program can pursue a variety of career opportunities in Canada. Here are some potential job roles along with brief descriptions:

Medical Laboratory Assistant: Responsible for collecting and processing samples, preparing specimens for analysis, and assisting laboratory technologists.
Medical Laboratory Technician: Performs laboratory tests and analyses, ensuring accurate results for patient diagnosis and treatment.
Phlebotomist: Specializes in drawing blood from patients for tests, transfusions, or donations, while ensuring patient comfort and safety.
Clinical Laboratory Technologist: Conducts complex tests and analyses, interpreting results and providing critical information to healthcare providers.
Quality Control Technician: Ensures laboratory processes and results meet regulatory standards, conducting audits and implementing quality improvement measures.

These roles highlight the diverse career paths available to graduates, emphasizing the importance of their training and skills in the healthcare sector.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Conestoga College official website

Last updated on 2026-02-02

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To apply for the College Certificate - Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician program at Conestoga College, applicants must meet the following academic requirements:

OSSD with the majority of courses at the College (C), University (U), University/College (M):
- Grade 12 English - ENG4U, ENG4C, EAE4C or EAE4U or Conestoga College Preparatory Communications (COMM1251)
Grade 12 Math (C) or (U); minimum 65% or Preparatory Mathematics (MATH1420)
Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry (C) or (U); minimum 65% or Preparatory Chemistry (SCIE1030)
Grade 11 or 12 Biology (C) or (U); minimum 65% or Preparatory Biology (SCIE1010)
Alternatively, completion of the Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Certificates and Diplomas certificate or equivalent courses from the Academic Upgrading programs offered by Colleges across Ontario.
It is recommended that Chemistry be completed within five years prior to the start date of the program.
Grade 11 Biology is accepted for admission; however, Grade 12 Biology is recommended based on the material covered in the program.

For international students, particularly those from Vietnam and other Asian countries, it is important to note that:

Canadian citizens and permanent residents with transcripts from outside Canada require a course-by-course credential evaluation. You can request this at a reduced fee through the college by completing the Assessment of International Credentials for Admissions and Credit Transfer online form, or through an approved provider such as ICAS or WES.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

Students must also complete mandatory work-integrated learning (WIL) document requirements prior to field/clinical WIL experiences. Successful WIL completion is required for program completion. To qualify for field/clinical WIL learning experiences, students must present the following at the start of the program:

Standard First Aid and CPR - BLS level (must be completed in Canada)
An annual Police Check for Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) is to be completed in Canada. Police Checks must be clear of any unpardoned criminal offences.
Students are responsible for costs associated with respirator (N95) fit testing required for WIL experiences.
A complete immunization record including MMR, Tdap, varicella, COVID-19, and hepatitis B.
TB Testing: Evidence of current 2-step or previous 2-step + current 1-step if more than one year has passed since 2-step testing.
A satisfactory medical exam.

For any clarification and support regarding the application process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

To apply for the College Certificate - Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician (1620) program at Conestoga College, you must provide proof of English proficiency in one of the following ways:

6.0 IELTS Academic (with no band less than 5.5)
80 TOEFL (Effective January 2024, no individual skill less than 20)

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!

Last updated on 2026-02-02

Program overview

Intake	Status	Open date to apply	Deadline to apply	Campus
May 2026	Open	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
January 2027	Open	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
May 2027	Open	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available