Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician (Kingston) at St. Lawrence College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-10-27

Program overview

The Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician program at St. Lawrence College is designed to prepare students for a vital role in the healthcare team. Students will engage directly with patients, performing essential tasks such as ECGs and blood sample collection for laboratory analysis. In the laboratory, they will assist professionals by preparing samples for testing, operating equipment, and managing data. The program consists of two semesters of classroom and laboratory learning, followed by a 4-week field placement in partner hospitals and private institutions. This hands-on experience is crucial for developing the skills necessary to succeed in the medical laboratory field.

Program structure

The Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician program is structured to provide comprehensive training over a 1-year period. The program is delivered on a full-time basis and includes:

Two semesters of classroom and laboratory instruction.
A final 4-week field placement in a clinical setting.
Mandatory attendance in laboratory classes.
Competency-based curriculum aligned with the CSMLS (Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science) standards.
Multiple assessments, including practical hands-on evaluations.

Students are responsible for their own certification exam costs and must ensure their police check, CPR, and First Aid certifications are current for placement. The program emphasizes the importance of time management and problem-solving skills, as the academic workload can be demanding.

Featured Experiences

The Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician program offers several unique experiences that enhance learning and professional development:

Field Placement: A 4-week clinical placement allows students to apply their skills in real-world settings, working under supervision in various laboratories.
Hands-on assessments throughout the program ensure students meet national competencies.
Students will engage in practical experiences, including blood collection and laboratory techniques.
Collaboration with partner hospitals and private institutions for placement opportunities.
Use of the Blackboard Learning Platform for effective communication and resource access.

Career Options

Graduates of the Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician program have a variety of career options available to them in Canada, including:

Medical Laboratory Assistant: Assists in the collection and processing of laboratory samples, ensuring accurate data management.
Laboratory Technician: Operates laboratory equipment and performs tests under the supervision of a medical technologist.
Phlebotomist: Specializes in drawing blood from patients for tests, transfusions, or donations.
Clinical Laboratory Technologist: Conducts complex tests and analyses on body fluids and tissues, providing critical information for diagnosis.
Quality Control Technician: Ensures laboratory processes meet regulatory standards and maintains quality assurance protocols.

These roles are primarily found in hospital laboratories, private laboratories, health clinics, and public health laboratories, providing a solid foundation for a rewarding career in the healthcare sector.

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

Visit St. Lawrence College official website

Last updated on 2025-10-27

Program overview

Academic Requirements

The Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician program at St. Lawrence College has specific academic requirements for admission. Prospective students must possess an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or an equivalent qualification. The following prerequisite courses are required:

Grade 12 English at the C or U level
Grade 12 Math at the C or U level
Grade 11 or 12 Biology or Chemistry at the C or U level

If you are missing any of these prerequisite courses, you can enroll in the Career/College Prep program, which is free for Ontario residents who are 19 years or older.

In addition to the academic prerequisites, there are several additional requirements that must be met:

Completion of WHMIS training prior to attending laboratory classes.
Minimum CPR Level BLS (Basic Life Support) and Standard First Aid training must be up to date for placement. Students are responsible for arranging and paying for this training.
Mask fit testing is required prior to placement and must be arranged and paid for by the student.
Immunization records, including Hepatitis B immunity status, must be submitted before the start of the program.

It is important to note that transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases. For international students, especially those from Vietnam and other Asian countries, it is advisable to contact LOA Portal's advisors for any clarification and support regarding the application process.

Students must also demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills, as these are essential for competency with clients and co-workers. Successful candidates typically have an aptitude for biological sciences, strong organizational skills, and attention to detail.

Language Requirements

All applicants must be fluent enough in English to understand instructors and the technical language used in their subject area.

To meet the English proficiency requirements for the Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician program, applicants can demonstrate their proficiency through the following accepted English proficiency tests:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: Overall 6.0 with no band less than 5.5
TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) or Home Edition: 78
TOEFL Computer-based Test: 213
Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL): Overall 60
EIKEN (Test in Practical English Proficiency): Pre-1
The Michigan English Test: Overall 58 with no individual score below 56
Pearson Test of English - Academic: 55
Cambridge English Proficiency: 173
Oxford English Language Level Test: 6
Duolingo (Temporarily accepted): Overall 110 with no sub score less than 85

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!