Program Information

Drawing on sharp skills.
 
Medical laboratory assistants play an essential role in healthcare. These laboratory professionals collect patient specimens, carry out pre-analytical procedures to prepare specimens for analysis and perform data entry, clerical and reception duties. As an integral member of the health care team, the medical laboratory assistant is part of the front-line laboratory staff and is often the first person with whom patients/clients interact. This requires strong communication, critical thinking and organizational/time management skills as well as professional conduct.

These are dedicated professionals, serving the health care needs of the patient with respect for an individual’s diversity, dignity, values and beliefs, ensuring everyone’s safety and protecting the confidentiality of patient information.

College of the North Atlantic’s (CNA) Medical Laboratory Assistant program provides a quality learning environment that blends academic study and hands-on training with clinical training for those aspiring to a career in laboratory health sciences. A 36-week program, Semesters 1 and 2 (15 weeks each in duration) take place on campus and in Semester 3 you complete a six-week clinical placement at a hospital or clinic in Newfoundland Labrador. Upon graduation, you will be eligible to write the certification examination set by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science.

This certificate qualifies you for work in hospital laboratories, public health laboratories, clinics, research labs, reference labs, insurance companies, private laboratories, Canadian Blood Services and manufacturing. While this is a demanding field, it is an extremely rewarding career worth pursuing.

If you are intrigued by the science of blood, this career is for you!
 
 

At the time of application to the Medical Laboratory Assistant program, applicants MUST be completing or have completed one of the following:
 
1. High School
High School Graduation Certificate with a 60% overall average in the following (or equivalent):
i. English 3201 or 3202 (minimum 60%)
Note: Effective 2026-2027 Academic Year intake applicants will need to have completed English 3201
ii. Mathematics chosen from:
    Advanced: 2200, 3200 (50% minimum in each course)
    Academic: 2201 (50% minimum), 3201 (60% minimum)
iii. Science:
    Biology: 2201 and 3201 (minimum 60% in both courses)
    Chemistry: 3202 (minimum 60%)
iv. Electives (2 additional credits) chosen from any of the remaining 3000 level courses offered in the Senior High School Program.
Note: Starting with the 2024-2025 Academic Year intake, applicants that have completed BL3201 after September 2020, will be required to have completed both BL2201 & BL3201.
Note: CNA will not apply newly revised requirements to the disadvantage of an applicant whose high school courses were established by earlier requirements. 
2. College Transition (prior to 2024, students would have completed Comprehensive Arts and Science (CAS) Transition)
College Transition Certificate with the following courses:
i. English (minimum 60%): CM1060, CM1061
ii. Math (minimum 60%): MA1040, MA1041
iii. Four Science courses:
a. Biology: BL1025, BL1026
b. Chemistry: CH1035, CH1036
3. Adult Basic Education (ABE)
Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with Degree and Technical Profile (overall 60% average) including the following courses (or equivalent):
1 English (minimum of 60%) 3101A, 3101B, 3101C or 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
2 Mathematics (minimum of 60%) 1101A, 1101B, 1101C, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
3 Science from two of the following sections:
a. Biology 1101, 2101A, 2101B, 2101C, 3101A, 3101B, 3101C
b. Chemistry 1102, 2102A, 2102B, 2102C, 3102A, 3102B, 3102C
Applicants with Adult Basic Education (Level III) Graduation with a different Profile (and appropriate grades) may be eligible for admission to the program provided the appropriate selection of courses including those outlined above have been completed.
4. Mature Student Requirements
Applicants who do not meet the education prerequisites for this program, must be at least 19 years at the time of application and out of school for at least one year may be considered on an individual basis under the Mature Student Requirements; for more information regarding the Mature Student Requirements please refer to Procedure AC-102-PR Admission.
Note:  Students meeting academic entrance requirements are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Before final acceptance is granted, additional documentation must be submitted; see the Additional Information for Health Sciences Applicants section of the calendar or under the Admissions Regulations section of our website for details.

Note: ESL students only – must meet School of Health Sciences English proficiency as outlined in Policy No. AC-102-PR.
 
Additional Requirements Upon Acceptance

1. Complete a HS Student Information and Program Awareness Package, which includes:

• Criminal Record Screening (RNC) or Criminal Record Check (RCMP)
• Vulnerable Sector Check (RNC or RCMP)
• NL Student Preplacement Immunizations and Communicable Diseases Screening Form

 
See the Additional Information for Health Sciences Applicants (Definitions and Regulations) section of the calendar or under the Admissions Regulations section of our website for details.

Notes: 

•  Applicants with a criminal offense listed on their Criminal Record Check may be denied access to clinical placements and may be unable to complete their program. Acceptance of the Criminal Record is at the discretion of the clinical placement site.
• The applicant is responsible for ensuring that all medical requirements are met, and health screening records are complete before submission. Certain immunizations require a series of tests or vaccines, requiring weeks or months to complete. Start the process as early as possible.
• The applicant is responsible for all associated costs (vaccinations, laboratory testing, healthcare fees, certificate of conduct fees, etc.).

CODE	TITLE	Hrs/wk
Semester 1		Cr	Le	La
ML1000	General Laboratory Knowledge	3	2	2
ML1010	Orientation & Medical Laboratory Skills	3	2	2
ML1025	Laboratory Calculations	3	3	0
MC1130	Computer Studies	2	2	0
TM1130	Medical Terminology	3	3	0
BL1601	Human Biology	5	4	2
HG2051	Professional Practice & Ethics	3	3	0
Semester 2		Cr	Le	La
ML1030	Practical Clinical Chemistry	3	2	2
ML1040	Practical Hematology	3	2	2
ML1050	Practical Microbiology	3	2	2
ML1060	Practical Histotechnology/Cytology	3	2	2
ML1070	Specimen Collection	3	2	2
CM1250	Communications in Healthcare	3	3	0
Semester 3 (Intersession)		Cr	Le	La
ML1080	Clinical Practicum	6	0	6 wks

Note:  In Semester 3 students will be assigned to one of the program’s affiliated clinical locations.