Medical Laboratory Assisting

For many people, medical laboratory assistants are the only direct contact with the laboratory. As a result, they must be professional and have strong client service and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively and to work as a team member.

To function efficiently in a clinical setting, the assistant must possess good manual dexterity, precision, accuracy, dependability and organizational skills, in addition to being able to work well under pressure and pay very close attention to detail. Applicants to this program should have a sound background in biology, chemistry and mathematics.

As part of the health-care team in the laboratory, the assistant is trained in the collection of specimens from patients, the initial processing and preparation of specimens for analysis, data entry, clerical and reception services, performance of ECGs, and specified basic laboratory procedures.

This program will respond to high employer needs in central and northern Alberta, as well as in other areas provincially and interprovincially.

For applicants who may be interested in other laboratory based programs, NAIT also offers the following programs: Medical Laboratory Technology, Cytotechnology, Combined Laboratory and X-Ray, Biological Sciences Technology - Laboratory and Research

Note: Medical Laboratory Assisting students are eligible to apply for skills investment grant funding.

Please pick up the appropriate paperwork at the Financial Aid Office (NAIT Room O111, South Lobby, 11762 106 St., between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.), and schedule an appointment with a case manager for your funding assessment. It could take two to three weeks to see a case manager and another six to eight weeks to have your funding application processed, so please book your assessment early. Ensure that all your paperwork is completed when seeing a case manager to avoid processing delays. If you are currently employed, do not change your employment situation before completing the assessment appointment.