Medical Laboratory Assistant

Support patient care through laboratory work

Start your healthcare career with confidence. The Medical Laboratory Assistant certificate program provides essential tools to transition into a vital role within diagnostic healthcare. This comprehensive 780-hour program equips students with the skills necessary to collect blood and other biological specimens, execute basic laboratory procedures, and carry out electrocardiograms and urinalyses. Emphasizing practical skills, the program includes a supervised four-week practicum in a medical laboratory.

This program aligns with competencies and practice standards outlined by the BC Society of Laboratory Science (BCSLS) and the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS).

Program Details

• Credential: Certificate
• Format: Full time
• Delivery: Hybrid format, incorporating both online and face-to-face courses followed by an in-person practicum at an assigned work site
• Duration: 7.5 months
• Days and Times: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am - 2:30 pm
• Tuition: $10,424 (subject to change; textbooks are not included in tuition)
• Practicum Required: Yes
• Start Dates: January

Entrance Requirements

Candidates must fulfill all entrance requirements to gain acceptance into the program. Basic computer skills are essential, including familiarity with running programs in a Windows environment and possessing basic Internet, word processing, and spreadsheet skills. Additionally, a keyboarding speed of 40 net words per minute is required, and applicants may utilize online resources to enhance their typing skills.

Supporting Documents

Upon applying for the program, students are required to submit the following documents:

1. Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening
   • A satisfactory Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening is mandatory for practicum participation.
2. Immunization Record
   • Students must maintain up-to-date immunizations as stipulated by the BC Health Authorities for working in healthcare settings. Acceptable documentation includes:
     • The Health Practicum Student Immunization Checklist, signed by a physician.
     • Immunization records confirming compliance with the Health Practicum Student Immunization Checklist.

Submission Instructions

• The Criminal Record Check will be automatically provided to Continuing Education after completion, while immunization records should be submitted via email by the designated deadline.

Program Outline

The MLA program consists of nine courses including the practicum. Students will engage in a blend of theory and practice-related exercises within their classes before undertaking a four-week medical laboratory practicum.

Courses are delivered in a hybrid format with in-person and online components, primarily located at UFV's Chilliwack campus (though travel to other locations may be required). Online courses are conducted via scheduled Zoom sessions, and attendance for both formats is mandatory.

• Courses include:
  • MLA01: Professionalism and Cultural Competency
  • MLA02: Anatomy and Physiology
  • MLA03: Laboratory Fundamentals
  • MLA04: Lab Safety and Infection Control (includes Red Cross CPR Level C; an opt-out option is available for those already certified)
  • MLA05: Specimen Procurement
  • MLA06: Pre/Post Analysis
  • MLA07: Introduction to Electrocardiography
  • MLA08: Pre-Practicum Preparation (includes N95 mask fit testing)
  • MLA09: Practicum

Practicum

The concluding segment of the MLA program is a four-week practicum, providing students with meaningful work experience and exposure to a medical laboratory environment. Successful completion of all courses, in accordance with attendance and grade requirements, is necessary to qualify for this practicum. Practicum placements are facilitated by UFV for residents in the Fraser Valley or Lower Mainland, while candidates from outside the region must identify and obtain approval for their practicum sites.

Graduation

Upon successful completion of all required courses, including the practicum, students can apply for graduation. Following application approval, students will be notified via email when their graduation parchment is ready for collection. Participation in UFV's annual Convocation ceremony, held every June, is encouraged for graduating students.

Withdrawal Deadlines

Refer to the School of Continuing Education's refund and withdrawal schedule for specific details.

Employment Facts

For further insights on career outcomes related to medical laboratory assistants, resources such as WorkBC provide career overviews.

Additional Supplies

Students are expected to procure appropriate attire, including scrubs and footwear for the practicum, along with basic school supplies such as notebooks and pens.

Computer Requirements

Participants are required to have access to a computer or laptop (PC or Mac) with reliable Internet access and up-to-date software for optimal engagement in online classes.

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is a fully accredited, public university located in the beautiful Fraser Valley of British Columbia, Canada, just east of Vancouver. Enrolling approximately 15,000 students per year across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, as well as a growing presence in Chandigarh, India, UFV is a comprehensive university that combines the variety of a large institution with the small class sizes and personal connections of a community-focused one. Students come to UFV to learn in a hands-on environment where they know their instructors and are known in return.

UFV is situated in the traditional territory of the Stó:lō peoples. The Stó:lō have an intrinsic relationship with what they refer to as S'olh Téméxw (Our Sacred Land), and UFV expresses its gratitude and respect for the honour of living and working in this territory.

Changemaking

At UFV, changemaking is not a slogan; it is the organizing principle of the university's identity. As a designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, UFV prepares students to lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to stronger communities through innovation, reciprocity and a shared commitment to positive social change. Changemaking at UFV means turning knowledge into action, connecting learning to the real challenges facing communities in the Fraser Valley, British Columbia and the world beyond.

Academic structure

UFV is organized across six colleges, faculties and a school:

• College of Arts
• Faculty of Education, Community, and Human Development
• Faculty of Applied and Technical Studies
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Business and Computing
• Faculty of Science
• School of Graduate Studies

Programs

UFV offers more than 100 programs across academic, vocational, continuing education and trades pathways, including three master's degrees, 21 bachelor's degrees with majors, minors and extended minors in more than 35 subject areas, four graduate certificates, and more than a dozen trades and technology programs. Programs are available across a wide range of disciplines:

• Arts, humanities and social sciences: Bachelor of Arts in History, English, Philosophy, Communications, Political Science, Indigenous Studies, Global Development Studies, Latin American Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, and more
• Business and management: Bachelor of Business Administration, Business Administration Diploma and Certificate, Agriculture Management BBA, Trades Management BBA, Accounting Certificate, Marketing and Sales Certificate
• Computing and technology: Computing Science BSc, Computer Information Systems (Bachelor, Diploma, Certificate), Automation and Robotics Technician Diploma, Engineering Physics Mechatronics Diploma, Engineering Common Core Certificate
• Creative arts and design: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic and Digital Design BFA and Diploma, Creative Writing BA and BFA.
• Education: Bachelor of Education, Adult Education Degree, Early Childhood Education Certificate and Diploma, TESL Certificate, Master of Education (Educational Leadership and Mentorship)
• Health sciences: Nursing BSc, Practical Nursing Diploma, Certified Dental Assistant Certificate, Child Life and Community Health Graduate Certificate
• Social work and human services: Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Child and Youth Care BA, Social Service Worker Diploma (Indigenous Focus)
• Trades: Carpentry, Electrician, Plumbing and Piping, Welding, Automotive Service, Automotive Collision Repair, Cabinetmaking, Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation, Electronics Technician, and Culinary Arts Certificates
• Indigenous studies: Indigenous Studies BA, Stó:lō Studies Certificate, Social Service Worker (Indigenous Focus) Diploma
• Upgrading and access: Adult Basic Education, English Language Studies, Workplace TASK for adults with disabilities

Campuses

• Abbotsford (main campus): 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, V2S 7M8 — the largest campus, home to the majority of UFV's faculties, research institutes, library, athletics facilities, housing and student services
• Chilliwack: a full-service campus offering a wide range of programs in the eastern Fraser Valley
• Mission: delivering programs and services for Mission-area students
• Hope: outreach and programming for the Hope community
• Chandigarh, India (UFV India): UFV's international campus, extending the university's reach to South Asia

Sustainability

UFV has achieved a Gold sustainability rating from AASHE (the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education), recognising its performance across environmental, social, and governance sustainability dimensions. Sustainability is embedded across campus operations, curriculum and community engagement, and UFV's Peace and Reconciliation Centre has earned international recognition for its work in restorative justice and reconciliation.

Open education

UFV is a leader in open education in British Columbia, committed to making learning more affordable and accessible through open textbooks, open educational resources and flexible learning models. Students who take courses using open textbooks save significantly on the cost of materials, reflecting UFV's belief that quality education should be accessible to everyone regardless of financial means.

Indigenous UFV

Indigenous affairs and reconciliation are woven through UFV's institutional identity. The Indigenous Affairs office, the Indigenous Student Centre, and dedicated programs in Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies reflect a deep commitment to supporting Indigenous students, honouring Indigenous knowledge and advancing reconciliation with the Stó:lō peoples on whose territory the university stands. UFV is actively engaged in implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action in its academic programs and institutional culture.

Research

UFV is an active research university, with faculty engaged in applied and community-focused research across all disciplines. The Centre for the Social Sciences and Humanities, the Peace and Reconciliation Centre, the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies, and multiple research chairs bring structured research activity to the Fraser Valley community. UFV's research approach emphasises community engagement and real-world impact, consistent with its Changemaker Campus identity. Alumni have gone on to achieve notable research and professional milestones, including the development of North America's first mobile, modular soil-washing facility by a UFV alumnus in 2026.

Student life and housing

UFV offers a full range of student services, housing, and co-curricular programming to support student success and wellbeing. The new EverGreen residence on the Abbotsford campus offers modern suites and social spaces. A shuttle bus service connects campuses. Cascades Athletics supports varsity and recreational sport. CIVL Radio gives students a student-run campus radio station. The Academic Advising Centre, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights Office, and a dedicated Safe Student Community programme round out UFV's student support offer.

Contact

• Main address: 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, Canada V2S 7M8
• Phone: 1-604-504-7441
• Toll-free: 1-888-504-7441
• Email: info@ufv.ca

Why UFV

1. A fully accredited Canadian public university enrolling approximately 15,000 students, offering more than 100 programs from trades certificates through to master's degrees
2. A designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, preparing graduates who lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to positive social change
3. Small class sizes with accessible, dedicated faculty across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, plus a growing international campus in Chandigarh, India
4. A Gold AASHE sustainability rating and a nationally recognised Peace and Reconciliation Centre, reflecting UFV's commitment to environmental and social responsibility
5. A leader in open education in British Columbia, making learning more affordable through open educational resources across all programs
6. Deep Indigenous roots, with dedicated Indigenous Affairs and Indigenous Student Centre offices, Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies programs, and active reconciliation commitments on Stó:lō territory
7. Located in the Fraser Valley, one of Canada's most scenic and economically dynamic regions, with easy connections to metropolitan Vancouver