Medical Laboratory Assistant
Overview
Learn to collect blood (phlebotomy), process biological samples, perform electrocardiograms (ECG), and communicate effectively with patients and other health care providers.
Not open to international students at this time.
| Tuition | $6,500 |
|---|---|
| Credential | Certificate |
| Length | 6 months |
| Hours | Full-time |
| Delivery | Class-based |
| Campus | Broadway |
| Credential | Certificate |
|---|---|
| Length | 6 months |
| Hours | N/A |
| Delivery | Class-based |
| Campus | Broadway |
| PGWP | Not listed as eligible |
| Program status | Closed |
What to expect
What you will learn
- Apply theoretical knowledge to the practice of safe, ethical, culturally sensitive, and professional care as a Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA).
- Communicate effectively utilizing interpersonal and interprofessional skills that contribute to optimum patient care and safety.
- Apply critical thinking and problem-solving strategies to ensure best practices within scope of practice.
- Safely collect, handle, and process specimens according to medical laboratory standard operating procedures.
- Operate laboratory equipment, with safety and accuracy, in the performance of medical laboratory procedures.
- Apply foundational knowledge of cardiac anatomy and physiology to perform and analyze ECG and Holter monitoring.
- Demonstrate competence in information management and efficient, accurate data entry.
- Apply knowledge of Quality Assurance and Quality Management.
- Practice in accordance with the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Code of Professional Conduct.
- Meet the B.C. Society for Laboratory Science (BCSLS) and Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSLMS) competency profiles.
Program duration and maximum time for completion
Program duration is 8 months. The maximum time for completion is 3 years.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- Grade 12 graduation, or equivalent
- English Studies 12 with a minimum ‘C+’ grade, or equivalent
- Anatomy & Physiology 12 with a minimum ‘C-‘ grade, or equivalent
- Typing speed of 40 gross words per minute with 98% accuracy on a proctored 5-minute test
Upon Acceptance
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Criminal Record Check (CRC)
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Students in this program are required to complete a CRC. The CRC must be completed according to VCC’s Criminal Record Check instructions. Students whose CRC results indicate they pose a risk to vulnerable populations will not be able to complete the requirements of the program (e.g. practicums) or graduate.
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TB Screening
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Students must submit a negative tuberculosis (TB) skin test or chest X-ray dated a maximum of six months prior to the program start date. An additional TB test is required after each potential exposure to TB and/or travel to areas with a known prevalence of TB.
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Immunization Record
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A School of Health Sciences Student Immunization Record must be completed. Students may be declined placement in a clinical or practicum site if a completed immunization record is not provided.
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Learn more about VCC's academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Recommended characteristics
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Ability to perform fine motor skills
- Able to work well under pressure and in dynamic situations
- Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
- Ability to work well as a team member
- Ability to meet physical demands of the work
- A caring attitude and sincere interest in people of all abilities and demographics which will include individuals who are: mentally or physically disabled, experiencing life threatening situations.
- Flexibility to adjust to early morning and evening practicum shifts, to a variety of clinical settings and locations within the Metro Vancouver area.
Program availability
Winter 2027 |
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|---|---|
| Program start date | |
| Status | Closed |
| Application opens | Feb 1, 2026 |
| Application deadline | Oct 1, 2026 |
Spring/Summer 2027 |
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| Program start date | |
| Status | Open |
| Application opens | Jun 1, 2026 |
| Application deadline | Feb 1, 2027 |
Not currently available.
Courses
| Term One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| MLAB 1120 | Infection Control and Safety | 3.5 |
| MLAB 1130 | Medical Lab Fundamentals | 4 |
| MLAB 1140 | Specimen Collection and Processing 1 | 4.5 |
| MLAB 1150 | Electrocardiography 1 | 3 |
| MLAB 1160 | Human Relations and Communication | 2.0 |
| MLAB 1170 | Computer Applications for Medical Lab | 1.5 |
| Credits | 18.5 | |
| Term Two | ||
| MLAB 1220 | Professional Practice | 3.5 |
| MLAB 1230 | Medical Lab Procedures | 6 |
| MLAB 1240 | Specimen Collection and Processing 2 | 4.5 |
| MLAB 1250 | Electrocardiography 2 | 3 |
| MLAB 1260 | Medical Lab Assistant Practicum | 4 |
| Credits | 21 | |
| Total Credits | 39.5 | |
This guide is intended as a general guideline only. The college reserves the right to make changes as appropriate.
This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Fees and costs
Not open to international students at this time.
The tuition for this program is changing. Please see the details below.
Full program tuition rates:*
- January 2027 through April 2027: $6,500
- May 2027 through December 2027: $10,500
- January 2028 through December 2028: $15,382
- January 2029 and onward: 2% increase annually
Other costs as of 2027 (these costs may increase annually):
- Application fee: $36
- Student Union: $145
- College initiative: $119
- Materials (not including textbooks): $500
- Campus resource: $302
- Medical and Dental: $285
- U-PASS: $375
- Graduation: $45
- Total other costs: $1,807
*Effective January 2027, the VCC Board of Governors approved tuition fees of $15,381.92 for the Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate program. However, the increase will be introduced in stages, and VCC will waive a portion of the fees in 2027. The waivers are as follows:
- January 2027: $15,381.92 total tuition – $8,580.31 waiver = $6,500 tuition
- May 2027: $15,381.92 total tuition – $4,580.31 waiver = $10,500 tuition
- January 2028: $15,381.92 total tuition (no waiver)
Books & Supplies
Textbooks or other supplies may be required for this program. Visit the VCC Bookstore for more information.
* Fees are approximate and subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors. Students are required to pay any applicable fee increases. Application and assessment fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees include a non-refundable deposit.
Any refunds are issued according to VCC's refund policy.
Need help with tuition?
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Technical requirement
How to apply
Dual Credit applicants (high school students):- Dual Credit applicants do not apply to VCC directly. Interested students, teachers and counsellors should contact the Career Program Coordinator or Administrator for their school district.
Ready to apply?
Online
You will be directed to EducationPlannerBC.
Fill out a PDF form and mail to:
VCC Registrar's Office
1155 East Broadway
Vancouver, B.C., V5T 4V5
International students
Apply to VCC international programs online. Check the availability status for your desired program and intake before applying.
Contact us
Advising services
Phone: 604.871.7000, option 2
Email: [email protected]
Advising services for International students
Do you have any questions?