Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician

This integrated laboratory-theory course’s material is reflective of the CSMLS competencies found in the clinical histology laboratory. This course introduces students to the principles, theory and application of the techniques and mechanisms involved in staining routine tissue sections and the special stains used to demonstrate connective tissue elements, carbohydrates, pigments, minerals, microorganisms, and lipids.

This theory course covers the essential skills and knowledge for students to perform calculations, measurements, and data analysis in the laboratory. The course integrates topics from mathematics, chemistry, statistics, and instrumentation, with a focus on their practical applications in medical laboratory settings.

This theory course provides students with communication skills needed in the healthcare field. Students will develop active listening skills, overcome communication barriers, and produce professional-quality reports and correspondence using basic medical/scientific vocabulary. Students will also develop interprofessional skills and gain an understanding of the roles, responsibilities, and challenges of different healthcare professionals from the lens of laboratory professionals.

This integrated laboratory-theory course will teach the student how to use and handle various laboratory equipment and materials safely and properly. This course provides the student with the theory knowledge and essential applied skills required for the safe practice and complexities of clinical laboratory work.

This theory course provides an overview of the Medical Laboratory profession and the Canadian healthcare system. Students will gain an understanding of the Quality Management and Safety Legislation that governs laboratory operations and patient care. Additionally, students will examine the historical and current trends and issues in healthcare.

This integrated laboratory-theory course introduces students to the principles and techniques of specimen collection and microscopy in the medical laboratory science field. Students will learn how to handle blood and other body fluids and tissues for diagnostic testing. Students will also learn how to use bright field microscopy to examine different cell and tissue types. This course integrates theory and applied components and emphasizes the development of professional behaviours and safety standards.

This integrated laboratory-theory course covers the fundamentals of EKG and anatomical pathology lab skills. Students will learn about the heart's structure, function, and electrical activity, as well as how to perform and interpret EKG tests. Students will also learn about the preparation and examination of tissue specimens for histological analysis. The course emphasizes the importance of professionalism, patient education, informed consent, confidentiality, and ethics in both settings.

This integrated laboratory-theory course introduces students to the principles and applications of clinical chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology. It covers the basic theoretical concepts and applications that underlie the practice of clinical chemistry. Students will gain knowledge of skills and methods necessary to prepare them for working in a clinical chemistry laboratory.

This integrated laboratory-theory course introduces students to the study of blood and its cellular components. It covers the basic theoretical concepts and applications that underlie the practice of clinical hematology. Students will gain knowledge of skills and methods necessary to prepare them for working in a clinical hematology laboratory.

This integrated laboratory-theory course introduces students to immunological concepts and the blood system. Students will learn about the mechanisms of self-recognition, antigen-antibody reactions, and complement activation. Students will acquire practical skills in using immunological methodologies and principles. Students will gain knowledge of skills and methods necessary to prepare them for working in a transfusion laboratory.

This integrated laboratory-theory course covers the skills and knowledge needed to collect blood samples by venipuncture and capillary methods. Students will also learn how to receive, accession, and assess the integrity of various body fluids and tissues for diagnostic testing. Students will build upon their knowledge from Laboratory Skills 1 to follow laboratory safety rules and comply with relevant laws and professional standards.

This integrated laboratory-lecture course introduces students to the methods, safety protocols, and aseptic techniques required in clinical microbiology. Students will gain the knowledge to classify and understand the physiology and identification of bacteria at an introductory level. Practical skills developed encompass the isolation, staining, culturing, and sterilization/disinfection methods related to common pathogenic microorganisms encountered in clinical microbiology.

Field placement provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate entry-to-practice technical and professional competency while applying skills in the practice setting. Under supervision, students collect blood samples and handle information, equipment, and specimens inside the laboratory. Through the deliberation of assigned topics online, the student demonstrates reflective practice and professional growth.