Course description
The Medical Laboratory Assistant Program consists of four theory courses, a two day phlebotomy workshop and a clinical practicum which is provided by hospital or private laboratories under criteria developed by Thompson Rivers University. Combined, these provide the theory and skills required to function as a medical laboratory assistant in hospitals or private clinical laboratories.
Upon registration for a course, the student is contacted by a course Tutor to initiate communication and encourage discussion about various aspects of the course and materials.
A maximum of 30 weeks per course is permitted, however students are allocated a maximum of two years to complete the entire certificate program. Students are however encouraged to complete the program in less than a year. No extensions will be granted to the program time frame.
This entire program is equivalent to 16 to 20 weeks of full-time study and leads to rewarding employment in the health care setting.
Currently, the job market in BC is becoming saturated for qualified Medical Laboratory Assistants. It is recommended that students contact TRU for information before contacting any lab for a practicum placement. Most hospitals in the interior of BC and on Vancouver Island are currently scheduling fall 2010 practica or later in 2011, so are not signing many, if any, practicum forms at this time.
Course Requirements
MLAP 112, Anatomy, Physiology and Medical Terminology for Phlebotomists (2)
MLAP 113, The Electrocardiogram (1)
MLAP 121, Professional and Safety Issues (3)
MLAP 131, Laboratory Procedures and Protocols (3)
MLAP 051, Phlebotomy Workshop
Note: MLAP 051 is mandatory for students in British Columbia prior to beginning the practical skills component of the program (MLAP 141). However, this admission requirement may be waived by the Academic Director or designate.
MLAP 141, Evaluation of Competencies (3)
Post-Certificate Courses (optional)
MLAP 151, General Pre-Analytical Specimen Preparation (3)
MLAP 161, Pre-Analytical Histo-Pathology (3)
