The Medical Laboratory Assistant Diploma Program provides both a theoretical foundation and a practical skill set.
What will you learn?
Medical laboratory assistants work in laboratories and handle patients’ blood and other body fluid samples for different kinds of tests. This program prepares students to not only work in high-end laboratories but also excel in their careers.
Upon completion of this Medical Laboratory Assistant Program BC, the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:
• Work in an ethical and safe manner as a medical laboratory assistant, interacting with coworkers and members of the public.
• Provide professional medical laboratory services, efficiently and effectively use medical laboratory equipment, etc.
• Perform a variety of blood collection methods, using proper techniques and standard precautions.
• Collect, handle, and process specimens for analysis, following accepted standards and procedures for the operation of medical laboratories, and perform cardiac monitoring tests, properly recording the results.
• Fulfill administrative requirements and perform related tasks.
Graduates of the medical laboratory assistant diploma are prepared for technical support roles across the full spectrum of clinical laboratory settings in Canada, with skills in phlebotomy, ECG, specimen processing, hematology, microbiology, clinical chemistry, and urinalysis that also directly match the competency requirements of B.C.’s major laboratory employers. Career opportunities include:
Annual wages of Medical Laboratory Assistants typically range from $39,894 to $75,109, according to the Canadian Job Bank. The difference in salaries mainly comes due to the work experience of an employee and the province in which they work.
The hourly wage range of Medical Laboratory Assistants is $19.18 to $36.11 per hour. Workers in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Quebec, and Manitoba can receive higher median salaries compared to other Canadian provinces and territories.
Medical laboratory assistants are the front-line professionals who collect patient samples, process specimens, perform routine laboratory tests, and maintain the equipment that clinical laboratories depend on — and their role in Canada’s health care system is both essential and growing.
In B.C., WorkBC has designated medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations as high opportunity occupations. Medical laboratory assistants (NOC 33101) in B.C. can expect approximately 2,210 job openings between 2025 and 2035, with average annual earnings of $47,733.
In B.C., medical laboratory assistants must be graduates of BCSLS-approved MLA training programs. Completion of these programs can lead to certification by the BCSLS, which is voluntary but may be preferred by employers. This program is BCSLS-affiliated, meaning graduates are qualified to register with the BC Society of Laboratory Science immediately upon completion—a professional credential recognized by laboratory employers across the province.
"Graduating from this program as a Mental Health and Addiction Community Support Worker has been a truly impactful experience. The education I received provided me with both the knowledge and practical skills needed to support individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges in a meaningful and compassionate way.
The instructors were supportive, knowledgeable, and brought real-world experience into the classroom, which made the learning feel relevant and applicable. I especially valued the focus on trauma-informed care, cultural awareness, and building genuine connections with clients.
This program helped me grow not only professionally but personally. I left feeling confident, prepared, and motivated to make a difference in my community. I’m grateful for the foundation it gave me and would recommend it to anyone looking to pursue a career in mental health and addiction support
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"I had a great experience completing my Therapeutic Recreation Activity Assistant program at Edison College. The course was practical, easy to follow, and really helped me feel prepared to work in the field. I would definitely recommend it to others."
"My experience at Edison College Canada has been very rewarding. The Community Support Worker program, especially the Mental Health and Addiction specialization, has helped me build confidence and real-world skills to support vulnerable individuals in my community. I feel more prepared for my future career."
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