Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate Program: Launch Your Career in Healthcare

The Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) certificate program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic prepares you for a rewarding career in the healthcare sector. As a Medical Lab Assistant, you will play a crucial role in supporting medical professionals by performing lab tests, assisting in research, and ensuring the accuracy and safety of medical procedures.

MLAs are in high demand across various healthcare settings, including hospitals, community clinics, medical offices, pharmaceutical labs, veterinary clinics, and more. Graduates of this program can expect diverse career opportunities with competitive job prospects.

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Why Choose the Medical Laboratory Assistant Program?

• In-Demand Healthcare Career
  Medical Lab Assistants are essential to the healthcare system, and the demand for qualified professionals is growing. This program equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to enter this high-demand field.

• Hands-On Learning
  With a significant focus on lab procedures and clinical experiences, you will gain practical, real-world skills that are directly applicable in the workplace.

• Nationally Accredited
  The program is nationally accredited, ensuring you receive training that meets industry standards and prepares you for a successful career as a Medical Laboratory Assistant.

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What You’ll Learn in the Medical Laboratory Assistant Program

The Medical Laboratory Assistant program provides comprehensive training in key areas of medical laboratory science:

1. Anatomy and Physiology

Gain a solid understanding of the structure and function of the human body, which is crucial for performing lab tests and assisting healthcare professionals.

2. Basic Lab Procedures

Learn essential lab techniques including specimen collection, microscopy, and the use of laboratory equipment for accurate testing and analysis.

3. Histology and Cytology

Study tissue structure and cell development, learning how to analyze biological samples for medical diagnosis and research purposes.

4. Infection Control and Safety

Learn the best practices for maintaining a clean, safe, and sterile laboratory environment, including infection control protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines.

5. Microbiology

Develop a strong foundation in microbiology, studying microorganisms and learning how to identify and manage bacterial, viral, and fungal specimens in a laboratory setting.

6. Specimen Collection and Handling

Understand the proper techniques for collecting and handling biological samples, ensuring that specimens are prepared correctly for testing and diagnosis.

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Program Delivery and Duration

The Medical Laboratory Assistant program is a 32-week certificate program offered at Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Saskatoon campus. Some courses are available through distance education, offering flexibility for students. The program includes hands-on training with both lab and clinical experiences to provide you with practical skills that are essential for success in this field.

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Career Opportunities for Medical Laboratory Assistants

As a graduate of the Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate Program, you will be qualified to pursue a variety of roles in healthcare settings, including:

• Medical Laboratory Assistant

• Laboratory Technician

• Specimen Collection Specialist

• Microbiology Technician

• Phlebotomist

You can find employment in hospitals, community health centers, research labs, veterinary clinics, and pharmaceutical companies, among other healthcare settings.

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Why Choose Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Medical Laboratory Assistant Program?

• Hands-on Training: Gain practical experience through clinical practice and lab exercises, ensuring you are job-ready upon graduation.

• Accredited and Recognized: The program is nationally accredited, providing you with the credentials employers are looking for in medical laboratory professionals.

• Strong Job Outlook: With healthcare jobs in demand, the Medical Laboratory Assistant profession offers a solid career path with excellent job security.