Willis College
Medical Laboratory Assistant
Nova Scotia’s Only Accredited Medical Laboratory Assistant Program
Dartmouth
Program Length:
28 weeks
Program Hours:
790
Dartmouth Hybrid
Program Length:
30 weeks
Program Hours:
790
Credentials:
- NS Diploma
Study Options:
- Hybrid
- In Person
Start Dates
Dartmouth Hybrid
January 11, 2027
Request Info
Print this page
Nova Scotia’s Only Accredited Medical Laboratory Assistant Program
100% Exam Pass Rate. Nation-Leading Scores. Career-Focused Training.
Start a rewarding healthcare career as a Medical Laboratory Assistant with Willis College’s nationally accredited program. Designed to prepare you for work in clinical laboratories, hospitals, and diagnostic testing centres, this program combines strong scientific foundations with practical, hands-on training.
Students build essential knowledge in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, microbiology, hematology, chemistry, histology, and cytology while learning the laboratory procedures that support accurate diagnostic testing. A strong emphasis is placed on specimen collection, phlebotomy techniques, laboratory safety, and quality assurance — ensuring graduates are prepared to meet the high standards of modern clinical laboratories.
Accredited by Accreditation Canada, the program meets national healthcare education standards and prepares students to write the CSMLS national certification exam. Graduates benefit from a comprehensive clinical laboratory practicum, where they gain real-world experience working alongside healthcare professionals in a laboratory environment.
Recent cohorts have achieved a 100% pass rate on the national certification exam, with scores exceeding national averages across multiple assessment areas.
With hands-on training, industry-recognized certifications, and clinical experience, the Medical Laboratory Assistant program at Willis College prepares you to confidently step into a vital role supporting patient diagnosis and care.
 | The CBBC Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) program is fully accredited by Accreditation Canada. This accreditation is part of Health Education Accreditation, a quality assurance process that helps ensure graduates are fully prepared to deliver safe, high-quality care at the entry level of practice. |
Enhance Your Training with the Patient Partner Program
Willis College’s Patient Partner Program is an exclusive opportunity for Medical Laboratory Assistant students to gain firsthand insights from real patients, caregivers, and advocates. This unique experience enriches your education by fostering empathy and preparing you for compassionate, real-world patient care.
Not a student? Click here to learn more about becoming a patient partner for the program.
$25
Average Wage/HR$33
High Wage/HRJobbank.gc.ca Updated Nov, 2025
Program Outline
Please click on the course title to see the course description.
This course provides a detailed preview of the Medical Laboratory Assistant program (modules, laboratory component, and clinical practicum) and the path to a career as a CSMLS-certified medical laboratory assistant. It also introduces Willis College campus resources and policies, as well as online resources, to ensure student satisfaction and success.
This brief introductory module illuminates the professional world of medical laboratory assistants (MLAs), both as individuals and as members of a team. It locates the MLA in the Canadian healthcare system and identifies the organizations and professionals who oversee and uphold the high standards of education and performance expected of MLAs in Canada. Students also learn how personal habits, such as professional integrity and healthy self-care practices, can support a successful career in healthcare.
Students will be able to relate to the medical terms used in the healthcare field, analyze and identify each term, and understand their relationships to human anatomy and physiology. Proper spelling, pronunciation, and usage are of utmost importance.
This course covers the structure and function of the human body, beginning with the smallest unit, the cell, and proceeding through the various organ systems. The student learns how the organ systems work together to support the body as a whole, and gains an understanding of where various diseases, specimen origins, and specific tests fit in the context of the MLA laboratory role.
This course teaches students about the hazards and risks inherent in the clinical laboratory environment. Content addresses physical, chemical, and biological risks, examining not only the nature of individual risks but also the means of recognizing and assessing them, and ways to mitigate them and protect yourself from harm.
Students will complete the objectives outlined in the curriculum for Standard First Aid and Level C CPR, as delivered by a certified training provider. Upon successful completion, students will be certified in Standard First Aid and Level C Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.
The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is a standardized system that aligns with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and focuses on safety when hazardous materials are in use. Education and training in WHMIS allow workers to understand the system and its hazards and to take appropriate measures to reduce the risk to themselves and others. Upon completion of this module, students will receive a WHMIS training certificate.
This module provides background knowledge of legislation governing workplace health hazards and the responsibilities of employers and workers in controlling and managing them. Students learn to identify workplace conditions that can negatively affect their health, take responsibility for safe practices, and respond appropriately in accordance with occupational health and safety guidelines. This module provides a certificate in occupational health and safety training.
This course provides certificate training in the transportation of dangerous goods (TDG) by ground, with customized content on safe handling of infectious substances, biological substances, liquid nitrogen, and dry ice. Course content covers the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations, classification of infectious substances, and requirements for packaging, labeling, documentation, and response to a spill that could endanger the public. Upon completion, students earn a valid TDG training certificate.
This module covers safe and proper collection techniques for common specimen types with particular emphasis on current phlebotomy procedures and the development of phlebotomy skills. Course content explores the necessity for rigorous attention to detail: patient identification, collection of relevant clinical information, proper specimen handling, the role of laboratory information systems, and the implications for patient care when these requirements are not met.
This course describes the healthcare industry and examines what we mean by health and wellness. Students learn key elements of professionalism in the healthcare industry, explore elements of law, ethics, and integrity as they relate to the medical laboratory assistant (MLA), and gain an understanding of the importance of hard and soft skills such as adaptability, time management, communication, and teamwork in a healthcare setting.
The clinical laboratory practicum is experiential education that allows the student to link campus learning with the real-life laboratory. During this period, learners draw on their communication, problem-solving and critical thinking skills as they integrate into the world of medical laboratory science. They have the hands-on opportunity to apply knowledge and fine-tune skills while working as part of the healthcare team. The clinical experience is the final step in preparing the student for a smooth transition into the working lab.
This module introduces students to the importance of quality in all aspects of the clinical laboratory and the programs designed to monitor, evaluate, and continuously improve laboratory processes, performance, and results. Both external organizations and internal processes are discussed, as well as the critical role each healthcare professional plays in achieving excellence.
This course covers aspects of pre-analytical clinical chemistry, including common specimen types, tests, equipment, and instruments. Students gain practical skills with laboratory glassware and other equipment, and apply mathematical concepts to prepare reagents, with an emphasis on safe and competent practice. Point-of-care testing is also addressed.
Pre-Analytical Microbiology introduces the organisms that cause disease in humans, as well as the specimens and laboratory procedures currently used to detect and isolate them in the clinical laboratory. Students learn how to work safely with bio-hazardous microbiology specimens and prevent contamination of the environment inside and outside the lab while acquiring practical skills in specimen processing and culture methods.
This course explores the components of blood, the principles of blood testing, and blood transfusion medicine. Content covers aspects of pre-analytical hematology, including common specimen types, tests, equipment, and instruments. Students gain practical skills in the preparation and staining of blood films, the use of commercial testing kits, and point-of-care testing, with an emphasis on safe and competent practice.
This module introduces laboratory analysis that focuses on cells and tissues, and the detection of malignancy and other cellular abnormalities. Students will learn the pre and post-analytical steps used for tissue and fluid histology and cytology specimens, including specimen collection guidelines, specimen receipt, processing, staining methods, storage, and disposal.
Healthcare professionals frequently experience aggressiveness and threats to their physical safety in the workplace. This module teaches skills for maintaining calm while recognizing and responding to potentially disruptive or violent situations. Participants learn how to de-escalate a situation while protecting themselves physically and how to use nonviolent means of avoiding personal injury.
The Career Management course introduces students to, and teaches them how to apply, the most effective strategies to secure employment in their chosen career. Topics covered: effective job search strategies, cover letter and strategic resume writing, interview preparation, and effective interviewing skills.
The clinical laboratory practicum is an experiential education that allows the student to link campus learning to the real-world laboratory. During this period, learners draw on their communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills as they integrate into the world of medical laboratory science. They have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and fine-tune their skills while working as part of the healthcare team. The clinical experience is the final step in preparing the student for a smooth transition into the working lab.
Program Outline
Please click on the course title to see the course description.
This course provides a detailed preview of the Medical Laboratory Assistant program (modules, laboratory component, and clinical practicum) and the path to a career as a CSMLS-certified medical laboratory assistant. It also introduces Willis College campus resources and policies, as well as online resources, to ensure student satisfaction and success.
This brief introductory module illuminates the professional world of medical laboratory assistants (MLAs), both as individuals and as members of a team. It locates the MLA in the Canadian healthcare system and identifies the organizations and professionals who oversee and uphold the high standards of education and performance expected of MLAs in Canada. Students also learn how personal habits, such as professional integrity and healthy self-care practices, can support a successful career in healthcare.
Students will be able to relate to the medical terms used in the healthcare field, analyze and identify each term, and understand their relationships to human anatomy and physiology. Proper spelling, pronunciation, and usage are of utmost importance.
This course covers the structure and function of the human body, beginning with the smallest unit, the cell, and proceeding through the various organ systems. The student learns how the organ systems work together to support the body as a whole, and gains an understanding of where various diseases, specimen origins, and specific tests fit in the context of the MLA laboratory role.
This course teaches students about the hazards and risks inherent in the clinical laboratory environment. Content addresses physical, chemical, and biological risks, examining not only the nature of individual risks but also the means of recognizing and assessing them, and ways to mitigate them and protect yourself from harm.
The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is a standardized system that aligns with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and focuses on safety when hazardous materials are in use. Education and training in WHMIS allow workers to understand the system and its hazards and to take appropriate measures to reduce the risk to themselves and others. Upon completion of this module, students will receive a WHMIS training certificate.
This module provides background knowledge of legislation governing workplace health hazards and the responsibilities of employers and workers in controlling and managing them. Students learn to identify workplace conditions that can negatively affect their health, take responsibility for safe practices, and respond appropriately in accordance with occupational health and safety guidelines. This module provides a certificate in occupational health and safety training.
This course provides certificate training in the transportation of dangerous goods (TDG) by ground, with customized content on safe handling of infectious substances, biological substances, liquid nitrogen, and dry ice. Course content covers the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations, classification of infectious substances, and requirements for packaging, labeling, documentation, and response to a spill that could endanger the public. Upon completion, students earn a valid TDG training certificate.
This module covers safe and proper collection techniques for common specimen types with particular emphasis on current phlebotomy procedures and the development of phlebotomy skills. Course content explores the necessity for rigorous attention to detail: patient identification, collection of relevant clinical information, proper specimen handling, the role of laboratory information systems, and the implications for patient care when these requirements are not met.
This course describes the healthcare industry and examines what we mean by health and wellness. Students learn key elements of professionalism in the healthcare industry, explore elements of law, ethics, and integrity as they relate to the medical laboratory assistant (MLA), and gain an understanding of the importance of hard and soft skills such as adaptability, time management, communication, and teamwork in a healthcare setting.
This course covers aspects of pre-analytical clinical chemistry, including common specimen types, tests, equipment, and instruments. Students gain practical skills with laboratory glassware and other equipment, and apply mathematical concepts to prepare reagents, with an emphasis on safe and competent practice. Point-of-care testing is also addressed.
Pre-Analytical Microbiology introduces the organisms that cause disease in humans, as well as the specimens and laboratory procedures currently used to detect and isolate them in the clinical laboratory. Students learn how to work safely with bio-hazardous microbiology specimens and prevent contamination of the environment inside and outside the lab while acquiring practical skills in specimen processing and culture methods.
This course explores the components of blood, the principles of blood testing, and blood transfusion medicine. Content covers aspects of pre-analytical hematology, including common specimen types, tests, equipment, and instruments. Students gain practical skills in the preparation and staining of blood films, the use of commercial testing kits, and point-of-care testing, with an emphasis on safe and competent practice.
This module introduces laboratory analysis that focuses on cells and tissues, and the detection of malignancy and other cellular abnormalities. Students will learn the pre and post-analytical steps used for tissue and fluid histology and cytology specimens, including specimen collection guidelines, specimen receipt, processing, staining methods, storage, and disposal.
Healthcare professionals frequently experience aggressiveness and threats to their physical safety in the workplace. This module teaches skills for maintaining calm while recognizing and responding to potentially disruptive or violent situations. Participants learn how to de-escalate a situation while protecting themselves physically and how to use nonviolent means of avoiding personal injury.
This module introduces students to the importance of quality in all aspects of the clinical laboratory and the programs designed to monitor, evaluate, and continuously improve laboratory processes, performance, and results. Both external organizations and internal processes are discussed, as well as the critical role each healthcare professional plays in achieving excellence.
The Career Management course introduces students to, and teaches them how to apply, the most effective strategies to secure employment in their chosen career. Topics covered: effective job search strategies, cover letter and strategic resume writing, interview preparation, and effective interviewing skills.
The clinical laboratory practicum is an experiential education that allows the student to link campus learning to the real-world laboratory. During this period, learners draw on their communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills as they integrate into the world of medical laboratory science. They have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and fine-tune their skills while working as part of the healthcare team. The clinical experience is the final step in preparing the student for a smooth transition into the working lab.
Job Market
Graduates of the Medical Laboratory Assistant program may seek employment in private diagnostic testing laboratories, public health laboratories, hospital labs, quality control labs, physician’s offices or clinics, and veterinary laboratories. The diverse range of employment options provides flexibility and the potential to explore different areas of interest within the medical laboratory field.
Salary Information
Nova Scotia
Average Wage ($/hr) – $25.00
High Wage ($/hr) – $33.00
Canada Wide
Average Wage ($/hr) – $27.00
High Wage ($/hr) – $36.11
Admissions Requirements
Standard Admissions Policy:
- Academic Grade 12
- Grade 11 or 12 Biology (min 60%), OR, Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry (min 60%)
- Grade 11 or 12 Math considered an asset
In addition to the above, applicants also need to provide:
- Vulnerable Sector Check
- Immunization Agreement Waiver
- Admissions Interview
- Applicants must submit a current resume prior to the interview.
Language Requirements:
All students need to meet or exceed the language requirements set by Willis College. Click here to learn more.
Related Programs
Here are some other programs that may interest you
Preceptor Resources
This page is designed to support you in your vital role as a preceptor.
For more information or assistance, please contact the College.
Preceptor Handbook (PDF)
CBBC MLA Program PowerPoint
Preceptor Workshop
CSMLS MLA Competency Profile:
CSMLS MLA Competency Profile (2016)
CSMLS MLA Competency Profile (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The program is fully accredited by Accreditation Canada under the Health Education Accreditation process. Graduating from this accredited pathway directly qualifies you to challenge the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) national certification exam.
The program spans 26 weeks (736 total program hours). To be eligible for admission, applicants must have an Academic Grade 12 diploma or equivalent, which explicitly includes a minimum final grade of 60% in Grade 11 or 12 Biology OR Chemistry. High school level mathematics is also highly considered an asset.
The final component of the program is a structured Clinical Laboratory Practicum that transitions you out of the classroom into an active healthcare setting to fine-tune your critical thinking and hands-on skills. Graduates are equipped to step into full-time or part-time laboratory roles as phlebotomists, clinical lab assistants, or biological technicians across hospitals, public and private diagnostic labs, research facilities, and blood centers.
This program is an excellent fit for:
- Individuals interested in healthcare careers who want to play an essential role behind the scenes in patient diagnosis and treatment.
- Detail-oriented learners who enjoy science, biology, and working with precision in laboratory environments.
- Students seeking a stable, in-demand healthcare career with strong employment prospects across hospitals, clinics, and laboratories.
- Career changers looking for a practical, hands-on pathway into the healthcare field without spending years in university.
- New Canadians seeking Canadian-recognized healthcare training and pathways into the clinical laboratory workforce.
Why choose the Medical Laboratory Assistant program?
- Nova Scotia's Only Nationally Accredited MLA Program: Study in the province's only Medical Laboratory Assistant program accredited by Accreditation Canada.
- Prepare for National Certification: Graduate ready to write the CSMLS national certification exam with training aligned to industry standards.
- Build Confidence Through Hands-On Training: Develop practical laboratory skills before applying them during a supervised clinical practicum.
- Study Your Way: Choose between on-campus and hybrid learning options designed to make healthcare education more accessible across Nova Scotia.
- Train for an In-Demand Healthcare Career: Prepare for opportunities in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, clinics, physician offices, public health, and private laboratory settings.
- Support Patient Care Behind the Scenes: Play an essential role in healthcare by providing the accurate laboratory testing that helps guide diagnosis and treatment.
What You'll Learn
- Human Biology & Disease Fundamentals: Build a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and pathology to understand how laboratory testing supports patient diagnosis and care.
- Specimen Collection & Phlebotomy: Learn to safely collect, identify, process, and prepare blood and other specimens using current clinical protocols.
- Clinical Laboratory Procedures: Develop practical skills in microbiology, hematology, chemistry, histology, and cytology while following industry best practices.
- Laboratory Safety & Quality Management: Apply WHMIS, TDG, infection prevention, occupational health and safety, and quality assurance standards used in accredited laboratories
- Professional Practice & Communication: Build the communication, teamwork, ethics, and professionalism required to work confidently in healthcare environments.
- Clinical Experience & Certification Readiness: Gain hands-on experience through a supervised clinical practicum and graduate prepared to write the CSMLS national certification exam.
Why You'll Love Willis College
- Industry-Aligned Programs: Career-ready curricula designed alongside top employers to ensure your skills match current market demands.
- Instructor-Led, Applied Learning: Hands-on training taught by industry experts who bring real-world knowledge, mentorship, and practical insight into the classroom.
- Flexible Learning Pathways: Tailored study options—in-person, online, or hybrid—that fit your lifestyle and meet you where you are.
- Personalized Small-Class Support: Dedicated guidance and encouragement in smaller group settings where you are a person, not a number.
- Accessible Funding Assistance: Direct support navigating student loans, grants, scholarships, and flexible payment plans to make your education attainable.
- Lifetime Career Services: Continuous job-search support and career counseling to help you transition smoothly from the classroom to the workforce.
Related News
All News
What Our Graduates Are Saying
"Online schooling was helpful in working around my schedule. It allowed me to gain the education I needed from the comfort of my own home. Despite online classes, you receive a quick response when help is needed."
Daphne Phillips
Addictions & Community Services Worker Graduate