Medical Laboratory Assistant

English language proficiency requirements Students registering in post-secondary level courses (numbered 100 to 499) will be required to meet the English language entrance proficiency requirements. Students in ELS or the University Foundations programs can register in those courses identified in the University Foundations program with lower levels of language proficiency.

Please note that not all courses are offered every semester.

MLA 01

0 credits

Professionalism and Cultural Competency

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Medical Laboratory Assistant certificate.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Develops tools to communicate effectively with cultural sensitivity with patients and peers in healthcare while complying with the requirements of governing legislation. Promotes practicing teamwork to solve problems. Ensures the ability to maintain confidentiality in all workplace interactions. Describes how quality is maintained in healthcare.

MLA 02

0 credits

Anatomy and Physiology

Prerequisite(s): MLA 01.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

An overview of the anatomy and physiology of major body systems and their associated functions in the body. Focus is on the medical terminology and diagnostic testing used for diagnosis for these body systems.

MLA 03

0 credits

Laboratory Safety and Infection Control

Prerequisite(s): MLA 01.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Outlines the application of how to use safe practices and risk management while working in the healthcare field with effective responses to workplace hazards. This includes using Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG). First Aid CPR Level C will be obtained.

MLA 04

0 credits

Laboratory Fundamentals

Prerequisite(s): MLA 01, MLA 02, and MLA 03.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Focuses on how to accurately prepare and test diagnostic samples, use laboratory equipment, and prepare testing reagents within a quality system. This includes loading of laboratory analyzers and staining specimen slides for analysis.

MLA 05

0 credits

Specimen Procurement

Prerequisite(s): MLA 01, MLA 02, and MLA 03..

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Prepares learners for the collection and procurement of diagnostic patient samples including instruction of patients on collection methods. Focus is on interpretation of healthcare provider requests, patient identification, venipunctures, and capillary collections of blood samples.

MLA 06

0 credits

Pre/Post Laboratory Analysis

Prerequisite(s): MLA 01, MLA 02, MLA 03, and MLA 04.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Outlines practices for the determination of patient sample suitability for analysis, prioritization of workflow, preparation of diagnostic patient samples for laboratory analysis, and the storage of the samples after analysis. Instruction of the maintenance of laboratory equipment is included.

MLA 07

0 credits

Introduction to Electrocardiography

Prerequisite(s): MLA 01, MLA 02, MLA 03, and MLA 06.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Focuses on information on the anatomy and physiology of the heart, lead theory, electrocardiography (ECG) equipment, troubleshooting, and dealing with a variety of patient situations. Emphasis is on correct placement of the 12-lead, 15-lead, and Lewislead ECG, recognition of arrhythmias that require immediate response, and the properties that comprise an accurate ECG tracing. Will also include a description of Holter monitors, blood pressure and event monitors for diagnosis, identification of normal and abnormal sinus rhythms, and recognizing myocardial infarction (MI) patterns.

MLA 08

0 credits

Practicum Orientation

Prerequisite(s): MLA 01.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Introduces students to hospital scheduling, staffing procedures, and technology/software used by hospitals. Students will examine and practice workplace professionalism protocols and techniques, complete a job search, prepare employment documents, and participate in interview activities.

MLA 09

0 credits

Practicum

Prerequisite(s): MLA 01, MLA 02. MLA 03, MLA 04, MLA 05, MLA 06, MLA 07, and MLA 08.

Corequisite(s): None.

Pre- or corequisite(s): None.

Provides the opportunity for practicing the tasks of Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLAs) under supervision. Includes communicating with patients, venipunctures, specimen handling, analyzer maintenance, and participating in the laboratory workflow.

Last updated: October 17, 2025