How to become a medical laboratory assistant in BC
Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) · British Columbia
Take blood samples and prepare tests in a lab. You need a college certificate of about six months, hospital practice and an exam.
THE ROUTE
The route at a glance
Admissions Prerequisites & Health Clearances
High school sciences, CPR-C & health clearances
Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate (BCIT / CNC / Stenberg)
6–8 month MLA certificate at BCIT, CNC, or Stenberg
Supervised Clinical Laboratory Practicum
Hospital laboratory and phlebotomy practicum
BCSLS Provincial MLA Certification Examination
Pass BCSLS provincial certification exam
Employed Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA)
Work as Certified MLA in hospitals & LifeLabs
Admissions Prerequisites & Health Clearances
High school sciences, CPR-C & health clearances
Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate (BCIT / CNC / Stenberg)
6–8 month MLA certificate at BCIT, CNC, or Stenberg
Supervised Clinical Laboratory Practicum
Hospital laboratory and phlebotomy practicum
BCSLS Provincial MLA Certification Examination
Pass BCSLS provincial certification exam
Employed Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA)
Work as Certified MLA in hospitals & LifeLabs
This is the overview. For the courses to take, the entry rules, the exams and the schools, open the full route.
See the full route, step by step →THE JOB
What the job is like
Pay and outlook from WorkBC.
You draw blood samples from patients, label specimens, and prepare clinical samples for diagnostic testing in hospitals and outpatient labs.
Use safety needles and protective gloves to eliminate accidental needle-sticks and exposure to biohazardous fluids.
You can advance to outpatient collection clinic supervisor or phlebotomy team lead.
You can also bridge into an accredited Medical Laboratory Technologist diploma program.
JOBS
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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Common questions
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