Medical Laboratory Assistant and Technician Program and Career Courses

In-class Diploma Program

• 40 weeks total time to complete including a 6 week full time placement in a clinical and laboratory environment
• Classes scheduled Monday to Friday, 4 hours per day

Online Distance Education Diploma Program

• 40 weeks total time to complete based on 20 hours per week of dedicated learning plus homework
• Includes a 6 week full time clinical and laboratory placement
• Majority of the course content is completed online within pre-scheduled milestones
• Instructor time is scheduled for a minimum of the full 20 hours of learning each week via live video lectures and live online availability
• Practical labs are prescheduled and delivered on campus

Do you have an interest in science and the medical field? Then the Medical Labratory Technician program may be the program for you! Medical Laboratory Technicians conduct many routine medical laboratory tests, perform quality control testing, set up equipment for Medical Laboratory Technologists, perform phlebotomy, ECG and sample preparations for testing.  

Approved as a vocational program under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005.

Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician Program Goal and Objectives 

The goal of Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician (MLA/T) Diploma program is to prepare you to successfully start a challenging career in a medical laboratory or medical clinic. Our program will train you to perform standard medical lab tests such as blood tests such as procuring specimens from patients, performing Quality Control checks on equipment, performing basic urinalysis, hematology and microbiology testing as well as preparing specimens for testing.

The program objectives are for you to achieve the learning competencies published by the Medical Laboratory Professionals Association of Ontario (MLPAO - https://www.mlpao.org) and the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS - http://www.csmls.org). 

In the MLA/T course, our students will learn to perform the following:

• Collect blood or other samples from patients
• Receive tissue samples from patients
• Log patient samples and prepare them for testing
• Set up medical laboratory equipment
• Conduct routine laboratory tests and sample analysis
• Clean and maintain a medical laboratory and medical laboratory equipment.

Students also learn laboratory safety and WHMIS, professionalism and communication, human anatomy and physiology, hematology, urinalysis, cytology, histology, clinical chemistry, laboratory mathematics, medical terminology, electrocardiogram and holter monitor, and microbiology.  

A clinical placement combined with practical classroom instruction ensures our students graduate with confidence in themselves and in their theoretical and practical skills.  

Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician Placements  

Algonquin Careers Academy has an excellent working relationship with various members of the medical industry. During the last six weeks of the program our students supplement the in-class training with an “on the job” placement arranged by Algonquin Careers Academy. This is comprised of a 6 week placement in both clinic and laboratory environments. This provides an opportunity to apply the lessons learned in the classroom, gain confidence, and open doors to future employment.   

Successful completion of the 240 hours of placement and experiential learning simulation is necessary for graduation.  

Is a Career as a Medical Professional Right for You?

Take the "Algonquin Academy Medical Professional Career Training Readiness Quiz"

 The fun, online quiz takes 3-minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for. Get your Medical Professional Career Training Readiness score now!

Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician Relevant Certification  

Algonquin Careers Academy’s Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician diploma program is approved by the Medical Laboratory Professionals Association of Ontario (MLPAO) and the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS).

Algonquin Careers Academy is pleased to announce that the Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician program is open for enrollment at our Ottawa campus. The Ottawa Campus has the Accreditation Canada (EQUAL) accreditation status of ADMITTED.

MLPAO provides a provincial certification exam (https://www.mlpao.org/mla-t-certification-exam) and the CSMLS (https://csmls.org/certification/preparing-for-and-taking-the-exam/preparing-for-the-exam/) provides a national certification exam.

Graduates of our MLA/T diploma program are eligible and encouraged to write both the MLPAO and the CSMLS certification examinations.  

The CSMLS certification exam must be undertaken within 12 months of graduation. The designation of Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant will be granted upon successful completion of this examination. This exam is offered three times a year. The provincial MLPAO certification examination is offered in March, June and November. The designation of MLA/T will be granted upon successful completion of the MLPAO examination. 

Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician Career Opportunities

Graduates of the MLA/T program will find employment in medical laboratories, in hospitals, clinics, research institutes and universities and in government research laboratories. MLA/Ts must be able to function in a stressful environment, be prepared to take on shifts at any time of the day or night, and be prepared to work periodic overtime. Flexibility with hours is particularly important at facilities staffed around the clock, such as hospitals. In addition, MLA/Ts must be physically able to remain on their feet for most of the day, and be prepared to lift and carry lab samples or equipment from one location to another. MLA/Ts must also have good interpersonal skills to interact with patients and their families. Relevant positions include:

• Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician
• Laboratory Assistant
• Laboratory Technician
• Client Service Associate
• Lab Patient Technician
• Clinical Laboratory Assistants
• Phlebotomist

Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician Wage Information

$/hr rate Ontario:

Source: Medical Laboratory Technician (NOCC 33101) Ontario www.jobbank.gc.ca, July 2026

Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician Program Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma or the equivalent, or if 18 years of age or over, you may apply as a mature student and write an entrance exam
• Ontario grade 12 English or equivalent
• Language proficiency is an essential skill required for all Medical Laboratory Assistants/Technicians
• Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident or Immigration approval  
• Assessment Interview to determine suitability for the Medical Laboratory Technician program
• A medical report including current immunizations is required for placement

Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician Fee Information

Tuition: $13,900    Textbooks and other fees: $1,100    International Student Fee: $2,000