Hands-on, industry-relevant training
As part of the health-care team, Medical Laboratory Assistants are trained in the collection of specimens from the patient, the initial processing and preparation of specimens for analysis, data entry, performance of phlebotomy and ECGs, urinalysis, specified basic laboratory procedures, and the laboratory information system (LIS).
In the program, students learn how to provide quality patient care by being introduced to
- How to work safety in a level II containment laboratory
- The process of collection of specimens for analysis
- How to procure quality laboratory specimens for analysis
- How to think critically, to communicate, and to collaborate professionally
- The professional responsibility of an MLA, including scope of practice, ethics, accountability, and professional development
Semester 1
Semester 1 of the Medical Laboratory Assisting program begins every September and January, and consists of 15 weeks of classroom instruction with related practical laboratory sessions on NAIT Main Campus.
Semester 2
Semester 2 consists of 7 weeks of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) at an affiliated training site in Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Wetaskiwin, Wainwright, Westlock, Camrose and surrounding areas throughout Alberta. WIL provides practical experience in a variety of clinical settings. Emphasis is placed on practical application of concepts studied at NAIT and on development of organizational and professionalism skills.
International Applicants
Some NAIT programs are unavailable to international students because they do not meet eligibility for a study permit or Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
- Study Permit: This program is a credit certificate and meets the criteria for a study permit and a co-op work permit.
- Co-Op Permit: International students enrolled in this program must complete a Clinical Placement. As such, you must apply for a co-op work permit and receive approval before the start of your work placement.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit: This program is too short to meet the requirements for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Completion of this program will not make you eligible for a PGWP.
International applicants seeking permissions to take this program can contact a NAIT Academic Advisor – International to discuss options.
What you need to know about Structured Part-Time Pathways
Structured Part-time Learning allows you pursue your post-secondary studies while balancing your everyday life.
*Only certain programs are offered on a structured part-time basis.
Set course schedule
This program’s part-time learning follows a structured and set schedule. While intensive, this structured schedule means that your program will pre-determine and set your course schedule to ensure you can progress in the program in a part-time format.
Typically, you’ll take 2 to 3 courses per term. You can review the Courses and Advanced Credit tab to see the part-time structure for this program.
Financial aid and funding
There are different financial aid applications for full-time and part-time studies; the amount of student aid fund you can receive is affected by your course load. Review your student aid options or learn more by contacting financialaid@nait.ca.
Impact on Scholarships and Bursaries
Most scholarships, bursaries and awards offered by NAIT have course load requirements that will make students in structured part-time learning programs ineligible. To qualify for bursaries, you must have at least a 60% course load in a given term, while an 80% course load is required for scholarships.
International students are ineligible
International students with a study permit who take part-time learning cannot work during their studies and do not qualify for a post-graduation work permit after finishing their program.
Instead of part-time learning, we recommend that international students choose a full-time intake of this program or one of NAIT’s many other program options. This way, you can study at NAIT while ensuring your eligibility to work and qualify for a post-graduation work permit.
If you’re interested in this program option, be sure to select the "Structured Part-time Learning" when you apply online.
Career Outcomes
As a graduate of the program, you are eligible to challenge the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science exam to obtain national certification as a medical laboratory assistant in Canada.
Please refer to the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) website to learn more about their requirements for licensing/mandatory registration and declaration of conduct, which may include disclosure of information related to criminal convictions and professional misconduct or incompetence as well as any personal factors that could impact the ability to practice safely.
Build your resume before you even graduate
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Courses and Advanced Credit
Current and recently admitted students can find information and updates about their program on their My Program page in the MyNAIT Portal. To monitor your course progress and the courses still needed to graduate, visit your Academic Progress Report.
Advanced Credit
You may apply for advanced credit once you have been accepted into the program. Advanced credit can be Transfer Credit (for completed post-secondary courses) or PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition). Course(s) completed in a diploma credential will not be considered for transfer credit assessment for NAIT BTech courses.
Transfer Credit
In addition to the common guidelines outlined on the Transfer and Credit Options section, your program has other advanced credit requirements that are applied to each request including:
- You must have completed the course or program no more than 2 year(s) ago unless a formalized articulation agreement is in place
- You must have a minimum mark of C- in the course(s) or program
Read more about advanced credit or contact us about applying for credit for this program.