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Medical Laboratory Assistant

Canadian Students
International Students

Program Details

  • Medical Laboratory Assistant

  • Program Code: 573
  • Credential: Certificate
  • Duration: One Year
  • School of Health Sciences
  • Area: Health Sciences
  • Domestic Applications: OPEN
  • International Applications: CLOSED
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Program Overview

Print Overview
Location/Delivery Modes & Dates
  • C
    Grand Falls-Windsor - On Campus - September 2026

Drawing on sharp skills.
 
Medical Laboratory Assistants play an essential role in health care. These laboratory professionals collect patient specimens, carry out pre-analytical procedures to prepare specimens for analysis, and perform data entry, clerical and reception duties. As an integral member of the health care team, medical laboratory assistants are part of the front-line laboratory staff and are often the first people with whom patients and clients interact. This requires strong communication, critical thinking, organizational and time management skills as well as professional conduct.

These dedicated professionals serve the health care needs of the patient by respecting each person’s dignity, values, beliefs and differences. They are committed to ensuring safety and protecting the confidentiality of patient information.

College of the North Atlantic’s (CNA) Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) program provides a high quality learning environment that integrates academic instruction, hands-on laboratory practice and clinical training to prepare you for a career in laboratory health sciences.

This 36-week program includes two 15-week semesters held on campus, followed by a six-week clinical placement at a hospital or clinic in Semester 3. Upon graduation, you will be eligible to write the national certification examination set by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science.

This certification qualifies you for work in hospital laboratories, public health laboratories, clinics, research labs, reference labs, insurance companies, private laboratories, Canadian Blood Services and manufacturing across Canada. While this may be a demanding field, it is an extremely rewarding career worth pursuing.

If you have a passion for science and are intrigued by the science of blood, this hands-on healthcare career is for you!

 
 

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

  • Robust training to become an integral part of the healthcare community and fill the identified occupational need  
  • Accredited by Accreditation Canada
  • Leverage certificate for transition into the Medical Laboratory Technologist program at CNA
  • Prepares you to challenge the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) certification exam Home - CSMLS   
  • Provides portability to most provinces and territories

DID YOU KNOW?

  • There is a rising need for Medical Laboratory Assistants across Canada.
  • Today’s healthcare system would not function as efficiently and effectively without the work performed by MLAs every day. 
  • Close to 70% of all medical decisions depend on laboratory results.1

OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of Medical Laboratory Assistant program, the graduate will:

  1. Utilize academic knowledge as outlined in the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) competency profile and apply the learned knowledge in clinical practice.
  2. Perform pre-analytical clinical laboratory procedures using appropriate equipment and instruments in accordance with established protocols.
  3. Communicate and interact effectively with patients, clients, family members, and members of the health care team.
  4. Maintain a high level of professional practice, meeting legal and ethical requirements, while following established protocols, safety guidelines, and existing legislation in the performance of duty.
  5. Use quality management / continuous improvement principles to investigate, evaluate, and problem solve in a rapidly changing environment.

CURRICULUM

This is a 36-week program, which includes training at the College as well as clinical placements at various hospitals or clinics throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Semesters 1 and 2 (15 weeks each in duration) take place at the College whereas Semester 3 consists of a six-week clinical placement. Graduates of the program will be eligible to write the certification examination set by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science.

CERTIFICATIONS

Students will complete the following during the program:

  • Standard/Intermediate First Aid
  • Basic Life Support
  • Mask fit testing
Note: Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation requires the use of an approved respirator when there is potential for exposure to airborne hazards. This program requires respirator use and you must be fit tested on the respirator approved for your program. A fit test ensures the respirator is suitable to you, sized appropriately, and provides a tight seal. It will also educate you on respirator use and care. Facial hair impacts the fit of respirators, therefore, students with facial hair will be required to be clean shaven at the time of fit testing and every time you wear a respirator. Your instructor will arrange fit testing. If you have a medical condition that could affect your ability to wear a respirator, you must be assessed by a health care provider before being fit tested. Your provider will need to confirm that it is safe for you to use a respirator. If you are unable to pass a fit test, alternative respirator options may be available; however, these options are more expensive, and students are responsible for any associated costs.

CLINICAL PLACEMENTS

Clinical placements are a required element of this program, and students will be assigned placements at approved training sites. There is no guarantee that students will receive a placement at their preferred clinical site. All expenses associated with the completion of clinical placement will be the responsibility of the student.   

Students require a clear Certificate of Conduct (Criminal Record Check and Vulnerability Sector Check) to be permitted into a clinical placement. Students with an unclear Certificate of Conduct are advised to contact student.placements@cna.nl.ca prior to beginning the program.
 
For programs with competitive admissions, clinical placements are not affected by ranking in the competitive admissions process and will be determined under institutional guidelines.
 
CNA has a service agreement with a third-party provider Verified to prepare School of Health Sciences students for clinical placements in health care environments. The cost associated with Verified is available on the program cost forms. More information about this service will be provided upon the start of classes.

ACCREDITATION

The Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) program is accredited by Accreditation Canada until December 2029.

This program is currently “Accredited” with Accreditation Canada/EQual. Our “Accredited” status serves as an important demonstration of our commitment to providing quality education in alignment with accreditation and regulatory requirements. If you require additional information regarding our accreditation status and endeavors and/or any potential implications our accreditation status may have on your future abilities to practice as a healthcare professional, we encourage you to reach out to the Dean for the School of Health Sciences.

Admission Requirements

Entrance requirements (2026 academic year)
At the time of application to the Medical Laboratory Assistant program, applicants MUST be completing or have completed one of the following:

1. High School
High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% overall average in the following (or equivalent):
i. English 3201 (60% minimum)
ii. Mathematics chosen from:
    Advanced: 2200, 3200 (50% minimum in each course)
    Academic: 2201 (50% minimum), 3201 (60% minimum)
iii. Science:
    Biology: 2201 and 3201 (minimum 60% in both courses)
    Chemistry: 3202 (minimum 60%)
iv. Electives (2 additional credits) chosen from any of the remaining 3000 level courses offered in the Senior High School Program.
Note: Starting with the 2024-2025 Academic Year intake, applicants that have completed BL3201 after September 2020, will be required to have completed both BL2201 & BL3201.

2. College Transition (prior to 2024, students would have completed Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition)
College Transition Certificate with the following courses:
i. English (minimum 60%): CM1060, CM1061
ii. Math (minimum 60%): MA1040, MA1041
iii. Four Science courses:
a. Biology: BL1025, BL1026 (minimum 60% in both courses)
b. Chemistry: CH1035, CH1036 (minimum 60% in CH1036)

3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with Degree and Technical Profile (overall 60% average) including the following courses (or equivalent):
1 English (minimum of 60%) 3101A, 3101B, 3101C or 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
2 Mathematics (minimum of 60%) 1101A, 1101B, 1101C, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
3 Science from two of the following sections:
a. Biology 1101, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C (minimum of 60% average in all courses)
b. Chemistry 1102, 2102A, 2102B, 2102C, 3102A, 3102B, 3102C (minimum of 60% average in all 3000 level courses)
Applicants with Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with a different Profile (and appropriate grades) may be eligible for admission to the program provided the appropriate selection of courses including those outlined above have been completed.

4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, must be at least 19 years at the time of application and out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.

Note:  Students meeting academic entrance requirements are accepted on a first qualified, first accepted basis. Before final acceptance is granted, additional documentation must be submitted.

NOTE: The School of Health Sciences requires the following minimum English language proficiency scores for applicants whose first language is not English (IELTS Academic Test overall band score of 7.0, Speaking 7.0, Listening 7.5, Reading 6.5 and Writing 7.0). ESL students only – must meet School of Health Sciences English proficiency as outlined in Policy No. AC-102-PR.
 
Additional Requirements Upon Acceptance

1. Complete a HS Student Information and Program Awareness Package, which includes:

  • Criminal Record Screening (RNC) or Criminal Record Check (RCMP)
  • Vulnerable Sector Check (RNC or RCMP)
  • NL Student Preplacement Immunizations and Communicable Diseases Screening Form
 
Notes:
 Applicants with a criminal offense listed on their Criminal Record Check may be denied access to clinical placements and may be unable to complete their program. Acceptance of the Criminal Record is at the discretion of the clinical placement site.
The applicant is responsible for ensuring that all medical requirements are met, and health screening records are complete before submission. Certain immunizations require a series of tests or vaccines, requiring weeks or months to complete. Start the process as early as possible.
The applicant is responsible for all associated costs (vaccinations, laboratory testing, healthcare visits, certificate of conduct fees, etc.).
 

Entrance Requirements (2027 academic year)
At the time of application to the Medical Laboratory Assistant program, applicants MUST be completing or have completed one of the following:
 
1. High School
High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% overall average in the following (or equivalent):
i. English 3201 (60% minimum)
ii. Mathematics chosen from:
    Advanced: 2200, 3200 (50% minimum in each course)
    Academic: 2201 (50% minimum), 3201 (60% minimum)
iii. Biology: 2201 and 3201 (minimum 60% in both courses)
iv. Chemistry: 3202 (minimum 60%)
Note: Starting with the 2024-2025 Academic Year intake, applicants that have completed BL3201 after September 2020, will be required to have completed both BL2201 & BL3201.

2. College Transition (prior to 2024, students would have completed Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition)
College Transition Certificate with the following courses:
i. English (minimum 60%): CM1060, CM1061
ii. Math (minimum 60%): MA1040, MA1041
iii. Biology: BL1025, BL1026 (minimum 60% in both courses)
iv. Chemistry: CH1035, CH1036 (minimum of 60% in CH1036)

3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with Degree and Technical Profile (overall 60% average) including the following courses (or equivalent):
i. English (60% minimum) 3101A, 3101B, 3101C or 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
ii. Mathematics (60% minimum) 1104A, 1104B, 1104C, 2104A, 2104B, 2104C, 3104A, 3104B, 3104C
iii. Biology 1101, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C (minimum of 60% average in all courses)
iv. Chemistry 1102, 2102A, 2102B, 2102C, 3102A, 3102B, 3102C (minimum of 60% average in all 3000 level courses)

4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, must be at least 19 years at the time of application and out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.
Note:  Students meeting academic entrance requirements are accepted on a first qualified, first accepted basis. Before final acceptance is granted, additional documentation must be submitted.

NOTE: The School of Health Sciences requires the following minimum English language proficiency scores for applicants whose first language is not English (IELTS Academic Test overall band score of 7.0, Speaking 7.0, Listening 7.5, Reading 6.5 and Writing 7.0). ESL students only – must meet School of Health Sciences English proficiency as outlined in Policy No. AC-102-PR.

 

Courses

COURSES

CODE TITLE Hrs/wk
Semester 1 Cr Le La
ML1095 Medical Lab Fundamentals 4 3 2
ML1025 Laboratory Calculations 3 3 0
BL1601 Human Biology 5 4 2
TM1130 Medical Terminology 3 3 0
PS1420 Health Care Organization and Structure 3 3 0
HG2051 Professional Practice & Ethics 3 3 0
         
Semester 2   Cr Le La
ML1030 Practical Clinical Chemistry 3 2 2
ML1040 Practical Hematology 3 2 2
ML1050 Practical Microbiology 3 2 2
ML1060 Practical Histotechnology/Cytology 3 2 2
ML1072 Specimen Collection 3 2 2
ML1140 Quality Management 2 2 0
CM1250 Communications in Healthcare 3 3 0
         
Semester 3 (Intersession) Cr Le La
ML1080 Clinical Practicum 6 0 6 wks
Note:  In Semester 3 students will be assigned to one of the program’s affiliated clinical locations.

 

Tuition & Fees

Canadian Students
The confirmation fee is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance. It is required in order to hold your seat in the program.
Mandatory Fees

Application Fee - $30.00 (per program)

A non-refundable fee required for each application submitted to the College | Application Page

Application fees are only refundable if the program does not go ahead, and the applicant does not want to transfer the application to another program.

Confirmation Fee - $105.00 (per program annually)

A non-refundable annual fee due upon confirming acceptance into each program. This covers registration and student association services and must be paid each academic year.

Academic Audit Fee - $50.00 (once per program)

A one-time fee assessed for auditing academic records during your program.

Technology Fee - $83.00 (per semester)

A semester-based fee to support student access to software, internet, and digital services across all campuses.

Full-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
School Regular Term
(15 weeks)		 Intersession
(up to 7 weeks)
Health Sciences $1,301.00 (per semester) $625.00 (per semester)
Part-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
Program Type Tuition Fee
Certificate & Diploma Programs $320.00 (per course)
Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

  • Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
  • Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
  • Students with outstanding balances are:
    • Ineligible for future term registration
    • Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
    • Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes
  • If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
  • Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
  • Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
  • Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
  • Students auditing a course must pay:
    • 50% of tuition
    • 100% of any applicable technology fees

International Students
A fee, which is applied toward program tuition and compulsory fees and includes a deposit fee, is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance.
Mandatory Fees

Full-Time Student Fees
School Regular Term
(15 weeks)		 Intersession
(up to 7 weeks)
Health Sciences $4,685.00 (per semester) $2,344.00 (per semester)
Part-Time Student Fees
Certificate & Diploma Programs:
Program Type Tuition Fee
Certificate & Diploma Programs $1,046.00 (per course)
Estimated Program Costs

The document below provides a summary of estimated program costs for international students applying to the 2025–2026 academic year. Please note that all amounts are approximate and subject to change without notice. These costs apply only to international applicants.

Download Estimated Program Costs (PDF)

Making Payments

Application Fee

If applying online, the application fee must be paid via credit card during the submission of your application to College of the North Atlantic.

Tuition and Other Payments

College of the North Atlantic has partnered with PayMyTuition for all international tuition payments. All tuition payments, unless otherwise noted, can be paid via PayMyTuition.

  • Payments can be made from any bank, in any country, and in any currency.
  • Offers better than bank exchange rates.
  • Fast, secure, and cost-effective.
Please note that you can only use PayMyTuition once you have been assigned a CNA student number.

Regulations

All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term. These dates can be found in the Academic Calendar .

  • Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of award on the first day of classes. These students may defer payment until aid is received, at which time fees must be paid in full.
  • Students who do not pay fees within the prescribed time may have their registration cancelled.
  • Students with outstanding balances are:
    • Ineligible for future term registration
    • Unable to receive diplomas, transcripts, or grade reports
    • Denied access to online grades until the balance is paid in full

It is the student's responsibility to clear all balances and contact their campus Student Services office with any account inquiries.

Additional Notes
  • If the College cancels a program, all tuition and fees will be fully refunded.
  • Out-of-sequence students registering or withdrawing mid-term will be charged on a pro-rated basis.
  • Students taking additional courses beyond a standard load must pay for each extra course.
  • Senior citizens (60+) receive a 50% discount on confirmation fees and tuition.
  • Students auditing a course must pay:
    • 50% of tuition
    • 100% of any applicable technology fees

College of the North Atlantic reserves the right to cancel or alter the delivery date and location of any program offering and delivery method, and will do so in a timely manner in order to minimize the impact on applicants.

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