Diploma Program
This program can be offered at the campus(es) below. Please contact the campus of your choosing for program availability and delivery methods.
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Combined
Median Wage
$26 /hour
*Jobbank.gc.ca; 2024;
The Medical Laboratory Assistant program will teach you medical terminology, clinical chemistry, and laboratory mathematics, laboratory microbiology, blood studies, quality assurance, and safety procedures for your new career.
This program is approved by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of British Columbia. CDI College is designated by the Education Quality Assurance (EQA).
Student Success Strategies
The purpose of this course is to provide students with the knowledge, skills and study techniques to help foster effective learning and a positive educational experience. This course explores two components of learning styles, Multiple Intelligence-based theory and Personality Spectrum – MBTI-based theory, and how learning styles and personality types affect learning. The course will cover the importance of values, their relationship to goals and goal setting. Strategies for setting personal goals, prioritizing tasks, managing time, and the stress that results from study or work situations will be explored and practiced through active participation in learner-centred activities. Effective study habits, techniques for preparing for tests and productive note taking strategies are key topics of this course that will provide the students with the necessary skills and attitudes to be successful in school. Having a sound understanding of financial, money, credit and debt matters and their implication on our lives is critical knowledge to have. Students taking this course will benefit from completing the Financial Management Workshops, which provides comprehensive coverage of financial and money management skills that will allow them to better save, budget, and manage their money and financial situations.
Introduction to Computers Lab
This lab is a broad-based, self-directed introduction to using a personal computer. It teaches the fundamentals of an operating system and the most popular application software, including word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations. You will also learn about the internet, web browsers, electronic mail, and antivirus software. The course is based on the Windows operating system, Microsoft Office 2013, and a variety of popular software programs for internet- and security-related applications. Extensive hands-on exercises throughout the course will allow you to practise and reinforce the skills you acquire, while progress check questions at the end of every module will give you the opportunity to test your knowledge of the presented material.
Keyboarding (Lab)
This assigned requirement provides the student firstly with an introduction to the fundamentals of keyboarding to help them reinforce their English language skills and develop their ability to key and compose information. Students will be introduced and guided through this assignment to help them develop both speed and accuracy while applying the proper keyboarding techniques and position, with a goal to reach a passing requirement of an accurate typing speed exceeding 50 wpm. Students will also develop their proofreading and word processing techniques. Computer labs are available to students during the college’s operating hours; the keyboarding software is web-based, so students can also practice off-campus as well. Regular monitoring by a facilitator will ensure students receive ample support and stay ‘on track’ to reach the required outcome.
Fundamentals of Terminology
This course will provide the student with the fundamental notions necessary to the understanding of the components of Medical Terminology. The students will learn the basic anatomical structures of the body and identify commonly used abbreviations in the healthcare field. The emphasis of this course is placed on the proper use of the elements of medical terminology, such as prefixes, suffixes and root words. Medical terminology is a vast field that cannot be taught completely in one course. This course will serve as a foundation for the continuous learning of medical terminology that will continue throughout the remainder of the program.
Anatomy, Physiology and Medical Terminology
This course gives the student an overview of the Human Anatomy and the terminology associated with each body system. Understanding new words becomes easier with the discovery that many of these terms are made up of interchangeable word parts that are used in different combinations. The text used in the course is designed to make the process as simple as possible.
Quality Assurance and Laboratory Mathematics
This course is designed to provide the students with a solid mathematical foundation for use in the medical laboratory. It includes a basic understanding of mathematics, measurements, dilutions, solutions, graphs, statistics and quality control, as well as specific applications in chemistry, hematology, and urinalysis.
Introduction to the Clinical Laboratory
This course will provide the students with the knowledge to be able to apply the proper techniques and processes related to specimen procurement, processing, and data collection. Determine the suitability of a sample for the test requested. Apply the correct specimen procurement and processing techniques related to phlebotomy. Recognize laboratory equipment, instruments, and supplies. Demonstrate the correct usage and handling of laboratory glass and plastic ware. Demonstrate the knowledge of the proper usage of a microscope.
Hematology
Hematology is a 15-day module, intended to introduce the students to the laboratory procedures involving hematology, coagulation, transfusion medicine, and immunology. Delivery of this module combines classroom teaching, laboratory demonstrations, and practice.
Cardiovascular System and ECG
This module is intended to explore the cardiovascular system of the body and electrocardiography. The students will learn about the heart and the circulation of blood through the body and the cardiac cycle and rhythm. The students will learn about the heart’s conduction system and how it can be examined through the use of ECG. Students will also learn how to monitor vital signs and recognize the reportable values for the vital signs.
Laboratory Microbiology
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of how to perform routine procedures to collect specimens and process them in an appropriate way so that the micro-organisms can be cultured and/or identified. This will assist the physician in treating various infections. Students become familiar with the various uses and applications of equipment and culture techniques to grow microorganisms.
Urinalysis and Body Fluids
This course will provide the student with the fundamental notions necessary to the understanding of Urinalysis as performed in a routine laboratory or clinic. The students will learn the basic anatomical structures of the renal system and identify the various components. Each aspect of the study of urine in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of various diseases will be understood. As well, the evaluation of various other body fluids will be studied to ensure their understanding of how these other body fluid evaluations can help the physician in their management of their patients.
Clinical Chemistry
The student will understand the procedures related to clinical chemistry. Explain the proper specimen collection requirements for all routine clinical chemistry tests. State the reportable ranges for routine clinical chemistry tests. The students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of tolerance testing as well as the ability to collect special chemistry test specimens.
Fundamentals of Cytology and Histology
This course will provide the student with the fundamental notions necessary to the understanding of the components of Histology and Cytology. The student will use their basic understanding of anatomical structures of the body.
Standards of Practice, Ethics and Legislation
This course will provide the students with the fundamental notions necessary to the understanding of the components of the standards of practice. The students will have knowledge of the standards of practice, ethics, and legislations governing medical laboratory assistants. The emphasis of this course is also placed on laws, regulations, various acts, and the legislative framework that influence the practice of medical technology in your province.
Laboratory Safety and Asepsis
The purpose of this course is to provide students with the proper knowledge of workplace safety procedures. Students will learn how to safely and effectively use and maintain laboratory equipment. This course will provide an excellent foundation for the safety protocols students will use in the other Medical Laboratory Assistant courses. It will also establish the necessary training for the MLA within the clinical field. Students will be instructed on the correct waste-disposal techniques, with particular emphasis on bio-hazardous waste.
Practicum
Students are required to complete a minimum of 120 supervised hours of outside clinical experience. This is a non-payment work experience.
Professional Skills
This course is designed to equip students with interpersonal skills identified by employers as essential for success in the professional world. Using a variety of instructional methods including case studies, group exercises, and discussion, students learn and practice key communication skills.
Career & Employment Strategies
In addition to learning career-oriented skills, students learn how to get a job in their chosen profession. Our Employment Services department will assist the graduate in resume writing, as well as preparing for job interviews. Our staff is sensitive to current job market trends and the needs of employers in each local market.
Our graduates receive guidance and training to use career tools that help job seekers build a better resume and cover letter, manage an online portfolio, hone interviewing skills, and develop a personal brand online.
Students will have the use of a computer lab which has unlimited Internet access, as well as job search resources. Facilitators will also be made available to advise on job finding resources, interview skills and techniques and to carry out mock interviews.
This course also looks at the planning, preparation, execution, and follow-up stages of an interview:
Admission
Benefits of this program
Employment Opportunities
Admission
Benefits of this program
Employment Opportunities
Gain a distinct advantage by earning industry-recognized certifications that validate your expertise and skills in key areas such as digital marketing, project management, and CRM. Our program prepares you to succeed, whether you're advancing, switching careers, or starting your own business. Invest in yourself and join a community of certified professionals shaping the digital economy.
Our extensive network and reputation for excellence ensure that graduates are in high demand in today's competitive job market. Prepare to excel in sought-after roles with renowned companies and unlock limitless career opportunities. Elevate your career trajectory and secure your future with our program tailored to meet the demands of industry leaders.
I really enjoyed my time at CDI College, my instructors were lovely! After I finished school, I got hired right away by Lifelabs.
Alberto S.
Healthcare Program Graduate
The MLA program at CDI College is definitely top-tier. The program coordinator and instructors are very passionate about students' growth and development. I am grateful to them for equipping me with the medical knowledge and technical skills to be an excellent student.
Tracy-Ann J.
Healthcare Program Graduate
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