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Program Information

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Medical Laboratory Assistant

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CERTIFICATE

  • School of Health Sciences
  • Duration: One Year


 APPLY NOW 

LOCATION/DELIVERY MODES & DATES
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Delivery Legend:
C
On Campus
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On Campus: All courses in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location. Some courses may have online elements.
 | 
B
Blended
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Blended: Some courses, or parts of courses, in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location, while other courses, or parts of courses, will be delivered online or virtually to students at another location.
 | 
OA
Online - Asynchronous
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Online - Asynchronous: Delivered fully online with no scheduled classes, and allows students to learn on their own schedule, in a flexible environment, within a certain time frame.
 | 
OS
Online - Synchronous
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Online Synchronous: Delivered fully online with live, scheduled videoconference classes. The instructor and the students in the course engage with the course content and each other at the same time, from different locations.
Grand Falls-Windsor - On Campus delivery - September 2025

  • Overview
  • Admission Requirements
  • Courses
  • Tuition & Fees

Overview

Show me more about...PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS | DID YOU KNOW? | OBJECTIVES | CURRICULUM | CERTIFICATIONS | CLINICAL PLACEMENTS | ACCREDITATION

LOCATION/DELIVERY MODES & START DATES
Show Legend Definitions
Hide
Delivery Legend:
C
On Campus
close
On Campus: All courses in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location. Some courses may have online elements.
 | 
B
Blended
close
Blended: Some courses, or parts of courses, in this program will be delivered onsite at a CNA campus or at an approved location, while other courses, or parts of courses, will be delivered online or virtually to students at another location.
 | 
OA
Online - Asynchronous
close
Online - Asynchronous: Delivered fully online with no scheduled classes, and allows students to learn on their own schedule, in a flexible environment, within a certain time frame.
 | 
OS
Online - Synchronous
close
Online Synchronous: Delivered fully online with live, scheduled videoconference classes. The instructor and the students in the course engage with the course content and each other at the same time, from different locations.
Grand Falls-Windsor - On Campus delivery - September 2025

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!
 
 
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
  • Robust training to become an integral part of the healthcare community and fill the identified occupational need.  
  • The Medical Laboratory Assistant program is accredited by Accreditation Canada.
  • You can leverage your certificate for transition into the Medical Laboratory Technologist program at CNA.
  • Prepares graduates to challenge the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) certification exam.
  • The CSMLS provides portability to most provinces and territories.
DID YOU KNOW?
  • There is a rising need for this type of program across Canada.
  • Today’s healthcare system would not function as efficiently and effectively without the work performed by MLAs every day. 
  • Some 70% of all medical decisions depend on laboratory results.
OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of Medical Laboratory Assistant program, the graduate will:
  1. Utilize academic knowledge as outlined in the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) competency profile and apply the learned knowledge in clinical practice.
  2. Perform pre-analytical clinical laboratory procedures using appropriate equipment and instruments in accordance with established protocols.
  3. Communicate and interact effectively with clients, family members, and members of the health care team.
  4. Maintain a high level of professional practice, meeting legal and ethical requirements, while following established protocols, safety guidelines, and existing legislation in the performance of duty.
  5. Use quality management / continuous improvement principles to investigate, evaluate, and problem solve in a rapidly changing environment.
CURRICULUM
This is a 36-week program, which includes training at the College as well as clinical placements at various hospitals/clinics throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Semesters 1 and 2 (15 weeks each in duration) take place at the College whereas Semester 3 consists of a 6-week clinical placement. Graduates of the program will be eligible to write the certification examination set by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science.
CERTIFICATIONS
Students must possess valid Standard First Aid with Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) /Basic Life Support (BLS) certification to be eligible for graduation from the College.
CLINICAL PLACEMENTS
Clinical placements are a required element of this program and students will be assigned placements at approved training sites. There is no guarantee that students will receive a placement at their preferred clinical site. All expenses associated with the completion of clinical placement will be the responsibility of the student.   

Students require a clear Certificate of Conduct (Criminal Record Check and Vulnerability Sector Check) to be permitted into a clinical placement. Students with an unclear Certificate of Conduct are advised to contact student.placements@cna.nl.ca prior to beginning the program.
 
For programs with competitive admissions, clinical placements are not affected by ranking in the competitive admissions process and will be determined under institutional guidelines.
ACCREDITATION
The Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) program is accredited by Accreditation Canada until December 2029.

This program is currently “Accredited” with Accreditation Canada/EQual. Our “Accredited” status serves as an important demonstration of our commitment to providing quality education in alignment with accreditation and regulatory requirements. If you require additional information regarding our accreditation status and endeavors and/or any potential implications our accreditation status may have on your future abilities to practice as a healthcare professional, we encourage you to reach out to the Dean for the School of Health Sciences.

Admission Requirements


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
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, CM1061
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ii. Math (minimum 60%): MA1040
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, MA1041
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iii. Four Science courses:
a. Biology: BL1025
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, BL1026
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b. Chemistry: CH1035
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, CH1036
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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.).

Courses


CODE TITLE Hrs/wk
Semester 1 Cr Le La
ML1000
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General Laboratory Knowledge 3 2 2
ML1010
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Orientation & Medical Laboratory Skills 3 2 2
ML1025
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Laboratory Calculations 3 3 0
MC1130
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Computer Studies 2 2 0
TM1130
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Medical Terminology 3 3 0
BL1600
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Human Biology 4 3 2
HG1500
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Working in Healthcare 3 3 0
         
Semester 2   Cr Le La
ML1030
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Practical Clinical Chemistry 3 2 2
ML1040
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Practical Hematology 3 2 2
ML1050
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Practical Microbiology 3 2 2
ML1060
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Practical Histotechnology/Cytology 3 2 2
ML1070
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Specimen Collection 3 2 2
CM2201
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Oral Communications 2 2 0
         
Semester 3 (Intersession) Cr Le La
ML1080
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Clinical Practicum 6 0 6 wks
Note:  In Semester 3 students will be assigned to one of the program’s affiliated clinical locations.

 

Tuition & Fees


Canadian Students

The confirmation fee is due within two weeks of receipt of your Letter of Acceptance. It is required in order to hold your seat in the program.

Base Fees

Mandatory Fees

  • Application Fee - $30.00 per program (non-refundable) | Application Page
    Applicants must pay a non-refundable fee for each application to the College.
  • Confirmation Fee - $103.00 per program annually (non-refundable)
    Student must pay a non-refundable fee on confirmation of acceptance to each program at the College. The fee covers registration and student association fees and is paid annually for the duration of the program.
  • Academic Audit Fee (once per program) - $50.00
  • Technology Fee (per semester) - $79.00
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Full-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Regular Term (15-weeks)
Health Sciences (per semester) - $1,239.00

Intersession (up to 7-weeks)
Health Sciences (per semester) - $595.00
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Part-Time Student Fees

Certificate & Diploma Programs:

Tuition Fee (per course) - $305.00

Regulations

Regulations Governing Payment of Fees & Charges

  1. All student fees must be paid by the date specified in each term.  The dates are listed in the Academic Calendar on page. Students receiving Student Aid must present their notification of Student Aid form on the first day of classes. These students are permitted to have fees outstanding until receipt of the Student Aid, at which time these students must pay their accounts in full.
  2. Students who have not paid all fees within the time limits given in these regulations may have their registration cancelled by the College.
  3. Students with outstanding accounts will be ineligible for a subsequent term, will not be awarded a diploma or certificate, access to register, and will not be issued a certificate of standing (transcript), grade report, or access to on-line grades until the outstanding account has been paid in full. It is the student’s responsibility to address outstanding balances and to work with their respective campus student services office on inquiries related to their account balance.
  4. Should the College cancel a program, all tuition and fees paid will be refunded.
  5. Out of sequence students registering or withdrawing within a term will pay a prorated tuition and equipment and materials fee per week.
  6. Students taking courses above their normal term load (requires application to extend normal course load per semester) will pay tuition for each additional course taken.
  7. Senior Citizens, 60 years and older, are required to pay 50% of confirmation fee and tuition.
  8. Students wishing to audit a course will pay 50% of the tuition and 100% of the technology fees (if applicable).

 



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College of the North Atlantic reserves the right to cancel or alter the delivery date and location of any program offering and delivery method, and will do so in a timely manner in order to minimize the impact on applicants.

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