Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate at Red Deer Polytechnic - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-06-19

Program overview

Program Overview

The Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate program at Red Deer Polytechnic is designed to equip students with essential skills for a career in healthcare. This program focuses on the collection, processing, and analysis of lab specimens, which are crucial for patient care. Students will learn to perform various tasks, including collecting blood specimens, making reagents, and interpreting urinalysis results. The program is accredited and aims to produce competent healthcare professionals ready to make a difference in the medical field.

Program Structure

The Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate program is structured to be completed in 1 year and is offered in a full-time, blended format that includes both on-campus and online learning. The program consists of:

29 weeks of daytime in-person classes, including some online learning.
A one-week simulated lab experience on campus.
A six-week offsite practicum within Alberta, providing hands-on experience in a working medical laboratory.

This program is designed to ensure that students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for the healthcare industry. Graduates will be eligible to write the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) MLA exam for certification, which is required to work as a medical laboratory professional throughout Canada.

Featured Experiences

One week of simulated labs on campus to practice skills in a controlled environment.
A six-week offsite practicum that allows students to gain real-world experience in a medical laboratory.
Access to state-of-the-art simulation labs that enhance learning and skill development.
Work-integrated learning opportunities that prepare students for immediate employment in the healthcare sector.

Career Options

Graduates of the Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate program can pursue various career paths in Canada, including:

Medical Lab Assistant: Responsible for collecting and processing patient specimens, ensuring accurate data entry, and assisting in laboratory operations.
Medical Laboratory Technologist: With further study, graduates can become technologists who perform complex tests and analyses in laboratories.
Medical Research Assistant: Support research projects by preparing samples, conducting tests, and assisting in data collection and analysis.
Clinical Laboratory Technician: Work in hospitals or clinics performing routine laboratory tests and maintaining laboratory equipment.
Quality Control Technician: Ensure that laboratory processes and results meet established standards and regulations.

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

Visit Red Deer Polytechnic official website

Last updated on 2025-06-19

Program overview

Academic Requirements

To gain admission to the Medical Laboratory Assistant program at Red Deer Polytechnic, applicants must meet specific academic requirements. The eligibility criteria are as follows:

Minimum Academic Average: Applicants must have an average of 60%, with no mark below 50%, in the following courses or their equivalents:
- English 30-1 or 30-2
- Chemistry 20
- Biology 30
- Mathematics 10C or Mathematics 20-2

For international students or those who have completed their high school education outside of Alberta, it is essential to refer to the International Course Equivalencies for information on how your coursework aligns with the Academic Requirements.

Additionally, transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

For any clarification or support regarding the application process, please feel free to contact LOA Portal's advisors who are ready to assist you.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

At Red Deer Polytechnic, we support a diverse student population worldwide. Note: Applicants whose first language is English and who declared this on their application are exempt from English Language Proficiency requirements.

Certain RDP programs have unique ELP requirements; ensure you review the program-specific requirements below. Applicants must also meet all other program Academic Requirements to be considered for admission into the program.

Applicants applying to the Academic Upgrading program are not required to demonstrate English Language Proficiency at the levels noted for credit programs. Placement assessments are used for admission to these programs.

Understanding RDP's English Language Proficiency Requirements:

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide ELP official documentation to the Office of the Registrar by email or regular mail after you have applied.
ELP tests must be no older than two years before your program start date.
The Office of the Registrar can review your “unofficial” or scanned documents to initially admit you to a program and provide a Letter of Acceptance. However, official documentation must be received before the deadline, or you will not be granted “clear” admission until this step has been completed.

Requirements by Program:

Health & Wellness Programs, including the Medical Laboratory Assistant program, require one of the following:
- Graduation from a high school in Canada with three consecutive, first language English courses/credits; or
- An undergraduate degree from a university in Canada, whose instruction was provided in English; or
- Completion of an approved English Proficiency Test:
  - Duolingo English Test: 130
  - IELTS Academic: 7.0 overall, with at least 6.5 on each band score
  - Oxford ELLT: 8 overall, with at least 7 on each band score
  - TOEFL: 92 iBT or 580 PBT

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!