Program Description

MLAP is a correspondence program for individuals wishing to become certified as a Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA). Typically, an MLA is employed in a hospital or private laboratory setting and performs tasks related to the processes leading up to, but not including, analysis of clinical specimens. A certified MLA is competent in the following general areas: handling, processing and disposing of clinical specimens, medical billing and other office procedures, collecting blood specimens, producing electrocardiograms, performing special collection procedures and demonstrating professionalism.

The program also provides an opportunity for health care workers in other health-related professions to enhance their training (by becoming 'cross-trained' or 'multi-skilled') and benefit their employers.

The program consists of four courses:

The first three courses (MLA 111, 121, 131) represent the theoretical knowledge included in the provincial curriculum developed and endorsed by the British Columbia Society of Medical Technologists (BCSMT). These three courses are offered in tutor-supported, distance delivered and independent study format. The fourth course, MLAP 141, is an evaluation of the student's competencies, documented and forwarded to UCC by the student's supervisor. All four courses must be successfully completed in order to receive certification as a MLA.

Two new courses have been written to meet the new current standards set by the National Society (CSMLS) for an entry-level Medical Laboratory Assistant :

MLAP 151 is a General Pre-Analytical Specimen Preparation course including: microbiology, serum separation, loading specimens on automated instruments, and urinalysis (not including microscopics).

MLAP 161 is a Pre-Analytical Histo-Pathology course including: anatomic pathology/histology specimens, preparation for cutting, processing and accessioning. It will also include a cytology component covering specimen preparation, processing and accessioning.