Get the Details!
Program Availability
In-Person, Hybrid
Schedule
Morning / Afternoon / Evening / Weekend
Start date
Monthly
Course starting in
Graduate in 41 weeks with a diploma from Oxford College
If you are detail-oriented, have good manual dexterity and strong communication skills, get ready to pursue your passion as an efficient Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician.
- 41 weeks / 900 hours / 10 months / 7-week placement
- Offered in all campuses
- To Enroll: Qualify with an OSSD or Wonderlic Test Clinic Requirements include Immunization and Clear CPIC
Your role as an MLA/T:
- Become an integral member of the healthcare system through your role in a Clinical Medical Laboratory
- Collect and assess patient samples
- Use chemical analysis, microscopic examinations and techniques for diagnostic testing
- Set up, operate, maintain lab equipment and make quality control assessments
Invaluable MLA/T Skills
During the Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician program, you will learn how to:
Collect blood and other samples from patients
Log patient samples and prepare them for testing
Set up medical laboratory equipment
Conduct routine laboratory tests and sample analyses
Perform quality assurance of testing techniques
Clean and maintain medical laboratory and medical laboratory equipment
Admitted for Accreditation with EQual Canada

Oxford College’s Medical Laboratory Assistant Technician program has been awarded Admitted status through EQual Accreditation, a branch of Accreditation Canada – Healthcare Accreditation Body.
Our program can also be viewed on Accreditation Canada’s website on the list of educational programs.
Our Admitted status with Accreditation Canada indicates that our program has begun the formal accreditation process to meet the quality and educational standards required for Medical Laboratory Assistant programs.
National and Provincial Certification Exams
When you graduate and receive your MLA/T diploma from Oxford College, you are qualified to write the National Certification Exam or the Provincial Certification Exam through Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) or Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario (MLPAO) and embark on your career as a registered Medical Laboratory Assistant.
Many Unique Benefits
- Oxford College’s MLA/T curriculum encompasses both provincial (MLPAO) and national (CSMLS) competencies
- Successful graduates are eligible to write both board examinations, vastly increasing the opportunity for employment
- Extensive placement experience for practical, hands-on learning
- The Program Coordinator is one of the leading experts in the industry
- The Clinical Placement Coordinator has clinical MLA/T experience and engagement with students
- Impressive facilities and the latest state-of-the-art equipment
- Clinical placement partnerships with Life Labs, Dynacare, Alpha Labs, Hospitals, Fertility Clinics and other leading institutions
- Comprehensive placement opportunity (7 weeks)
- Flexible program times for work/life balance
- Hands-on learning opportunities at campus labs
- Simulated clinical experience to prepare students for clinical placement
Medical Lab Assistant/Technician Salary
$52,000
Median Annual Salary
77%
Employment Rate*
MLA/T Graduates have the opportunity to be hired by:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Laboratories
- Collection Centers
- Research Facilities
- Government Research Facilities
- Educational Facilities
*Employment Rate based on 2022 contactable Oxford College graduates employed in a related field within 12 months.
Source: workingincanada.gc.ca
Flexible Program Options
Wish to start a new career but have conflicting priorities? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. At Oxford College, we offer flexible class schedules including Morning, Afternoon, Evening and Weekend sessions. We also offer flexible learning options (Online, Hybrid and In-person) for many of our programs.
For more information about Oxford College’s flexible program options, inquire today!
Program details
The Medical Laboratory Assistant program offers students the skills and abilities to perform pre-analysis components of medical lab work under direct supervision of medical laboratory technologists in hospitals, physician’s offices, and private medical laboratory settings. Students become proficient in the collection of blood samples, performing ECGs, the use of laboratory equipment, and being fluent in medical terminology. Communication and interpersonal skills are also developed in the program for patient interaction. Graduates are eligible to write the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) and Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario (MLPAO) board exams.
Throughout the Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician program, you’ll develop the following skills and knowledge for a successful career:
- Understanding the Human Body: Learn about the functions and structures of the human body to build a strong foundation.
- Healthcare Language: Master medical terminology to communicate effectively in the laboratory setting.
- Ethical Conduct: Explore principles of professionalism and ethical behavior in the healthcare environment.
- Safety Protocols: Prioritize safety to ensure a secure and efficient working environment.
Blood and Blood Disorders: Study blood and its disorders, with a focus on immunohematology.
- Electrocardiography: Gain skills in Electrocardiography, crucial for medical laboratory professionals.
- Chemical Processes: Understand the chemical processes within the human body and their implications for diagnosis.
- Analysis of Bodily Fluids: Learn to analyze urine and other bodily fluids, key for diagnostic testing.
- Microscopic Examination: Examine the microscopic structure of tissues and cells for pathology studies.
- Mathematical and Analytical Skills: Develop skills for precision and accuracy in laboratory work.
- Communication and CPR: Enhance your communication skills and learn CPR.
Course Listings: Medical Lab Assistant/Technician
- GEES 106 – Essential Skills I: Communication Skills
- GEES 107 – Essential Skills II: Financial Skills
- GEES 108 – Essential Skills III: Career Skills
- HSMT-106 – Medical Terminology
- HSAP-106 – Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology
- HSIC-106 – Infection Prevention & Control
- HSHC-106 – Introduction to the Health Care Workplace
- HSHE-106 – Introduction to Health Care Laws & Ethics
- HSDW-106 – Documentation & Professional Writing
- GEFA-106 – First Aid & CPR
- HSTM-106 – Practical Math
- MLLS-106 – Introduction to Laboratory & Safety
- MLSP-106 – Phlebotomy & Specimen Collection
- MLHP-106 – Introduction to Hematology/ Coagulation & Transfusion Science
- MLCM-106 – Introduction to Clinical Microbiology
- MLLT-106 – Introduction to Clinical Chemistry
- MLAB-106 – Lab Skills I – Introduction to Laboratory Skills
- MLAB-206 – Lab Skills II – P.O.C.T, ECGs & Holter Monitors
- MLHG-106 – Introduction to Histology and Cytology
- MLFR-106 – MLA/T Final Review
- MLEE-106 – MLA/T Final Exam
- FPML-900 – Clinical Placement
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary Student Diploma (OSSD) OR Mature Student Status with Wonderlic Test Clinic Requirements include Immunization and Clear CPIC
Why Choose Oxford College?
Career-Focused Education
All of the diploma programs are designed for long-term careers in high-growth industries, offering you superior fast-track education
Expert Instructors
Our faculty consists of experienced and well-trained staff, who will give you industry-relevant knowledge along with your career training
Modern Facilities
The state-of-the-art classrooms and labs are compliant with industry standards and allow for an emphasis on practical training
Easy Campus Access
All our six campuses are located along transit hubs making travel easy and conveniences accessible.
Flexible Start Dates
Flexible program start dates allow you to plan and begin your new career training at any time
Financial Aid
Financial Aid may be available to those who qualify. We have dedicated staff who can assist you with the Financial Aid process