Medical Laboratory Assistant Program in Calgary

Program DeliveryIn-Person Classroom
duration19 Weeks (5 Months)
Schedule5 Days / Week, Daytime Schedule
Practicum5 Weeks Full-Time

Medical Laboratory Assistant Program Highlights

Here’s what you can expect to learn and perform in your education and career as a Medical Laboratory Assistant:
  • Clinical and Administrative Practices
  • Blood Collection
  • Specimen Processing and Accessioning
  • Basic Diagnostic Laboratory Procedures
  • Electrocardiography
  • Quality Control
  • Infection Control
  • Medical Terminology
0%
ABES Graduate Employment Rate
$0/hour
Median Wage
$0/hour
High Wage

*Source: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/4214/22310

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Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA): What do MLAs do?

In partnership with Alberta Precision Laboratories (APL), this full-time program prepares graduates for work in hospitals, patient service centers, and clinical laboratories. Become fully qualified with ABES’ Medical Laboratory Assistant course.

What is the benefit of our CLS partnership?

Our partnership with APL for the medical laboratory assistant certification means that students have the opportunity to form a professional relationship with APL—the largest employer of MLAs in Calgary and the surrounding areas. Our MLA students also receive these direct benefits: 

  • APL interviews and selects students for the program. You will have a working relationship with APL from the beginning. 
  • APL employees help train students while they are at ABES. ABES brings in APL employees to provide training in technical areas during the classroom portion of the training. ABES’ onsite lab uses all APL equipment and trains students to APL’ Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) standards to help better prepare you for practicum and employment. Our students complete a 5-week phlebotomy course practicum with APL in either a community or hospital setting. 
  • The APL Occupational Health and Safety Department screens students and offers them any vaccinations requisite for their practicum and employment. APL will help you prepare for jobs in any way that they can. 

Career Opportunities

Medical lab assistant and phlebotomy training programs can help you find a career in the following fields and locations: 

  • Diagnostic Laboratory
  • Hospital

5-Week Practicum Placement and Connections to APL

In 2004, Alberta Precision Laboratories approached Alberta Business & Educational Services (ABES) and requested we run the Medical Lab Assistant program in Calgary to solve a shortage of MLAs in the industry.

As a result of successfully addressing their issues, we have remained partners ever since. This relationship has been beneficial for our students because it allows our program to grow with the times and develop the most current techniques and skillsets necessary for success in the field.  

During your education, you can form a professional relationship with APL—the largest employer for medical lab technicians and MLAs in Calgary and the surrounding areas. 

Start Your Application Now.

Fill out the form below and one of our Admissions Advisors will contact you to begin your application for the Medical Lab Assistant program, and answer any questions you have.

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Video Testimonials

The Medical Laboratory Assistant program at ABES College helped Shae discover a fulfilling career path and find a job she loves.
Apply For This ProgramBegin your path towards a rewarding career
Read Our Google ReviewsClick here to read our reviews on Google

What Our Students Have to Say

Trust the Process

Studying at ABES College has been one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. The instructors and staff are a top-rate as they want their students to do well and they are very supportive in every step of the way. I am very thankful for all the staff of ABES College as they have been a part of my successful journey and I wouldn't achieve what I have achieved without the caring environment. One piece of advice I would like to give to future students is "just trust the process!"

Angelyn P.

Great School

ABES College is a great school! If you want a career in health care this is the place to go. They have a great reputation with CLS and Alberta Health Services. They will give you everything you need to start in health care down to scrubs to wear. I would recommend anyone to take a program here. The staff and teachers really care about students. They will help you reach your goals.

Vicky B. 

Read More MLA Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Job Outlook for Medical Lab Assistants in Calgary?

Great news for Future MLAs:

There are plenty of opportunities for steady, high-paying positions in demand all over Alberta.

According to Alberta Labour, MLA positions will grow 3.6% through 2023. Increased demand for MLAs has also come about due to COVID-19 and many current MLAs reaching retirement age. 

If you’re passionate about life sciences and have been searching for a career that will allow you to work in a professional lab setting in the health care industry, becoming an MLA is an excellent way to earn more money in a meaningful and respected career space. 

Can I Qualify for Financial Aid?

More than 95% of applicants qualify for financial aid. That means you’ll likely be eligible for a government grant or similar funding.  

If you’re worried about the program’s cost, please schedule an appointment with an Admissions Advisor. Our admissions team recognizes that this is a significant investment for your future and will work with you to help you reach your goals.  

Learn More About Financial Options
The ABES College Difference

What Makes ABES Different from Other Schools?

We stand out from other schools for 3 big reasons:
  • As a small, privately owned school, ABES guarantees hands-on training for every student.
  •  Unlike other schools, all our programs offer practicum in the Calgary area—making it easier for you to stay local. (Many students get their first job offer while they’re still on practicum)
  • Finally, our extensive connections in the medical community set us apart from other schools. Thanks to our relationships with local healthcare facilities and prominent employers, we can offer one of the highest employment rates in Calgary.  
locationABES Campus, Calgary, AB
duration27 Weeks
(6 Months)
Schedule5 Days / Week, evenings and weekends scheduling available
Practicum8 Weeks Full-Time

Program Highlights

Here's what you can expect to encounter in your education and career as an Addiction and Disability Community Support Worker:
  • Navigating human growth and childhood development
  • Working with individuals who have experienced trauma 
  • Understanding and promoting multiculturalism and diversity
  • Working with at-risk populations
  • Working with individuals experiencing addiction and mental health issues
  • Understanding and navigating through complex family dynamics
  • Developing the skills needed to interview and counsel your clients
  • Non-violent, non-escalating crisis intervention
  • Ethical practices and professionalism in all circumstances
  • Earning a Diploma certificate as a result of your education in all of these areas!

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Or, get in touch with an ABES Admissions Advisor for a free, no-obligation consultation. They’ll answer your questions, explain how much financial aid you’ll qualify for, and help you decide if becoming a Community Support Worker makes sense for your goals. When you book a Discovery Session with ABES, you'll have complete access to our experienced team throughout your application process for any and all questions.

We can’t wait to meet you!

Addiction and Disability Community Support Worker: What is the diploma program like, and what do CSWs do?

The short answer is that Community Support Workers work within communities and help people deal with the problems, both personal and social, that they are experiencing.
As a CSW, your day-to-day could include:
  • Assisting clients with discovering and utilizing resources within their communities, including legal services, medical resources, financial assistance, housing, employment support, transportation and mobility, helping with moving, child care, and any other referral based services.
  • Helping your clients to develop life skills through real world applications.
  • Under the supervision of social services or health care professionals, understanding and monitoring your client's substance abuse treatment programs, behaviour management programs, youth services programs and any other social service programs they may be a part of.
  • Administration and implementation of social assistance programs and community services that will enrich the lives of your clients.
  • Establish contact with social service workers and health care providers that also work with your clients to provide them with information and receive valuable feedback on the progress of your clients.
  • Help to arrange and organize volunteer activities involving human service agencies, health care facilities, and recreational organizations.
  • Working alongside individuals currently living in group homes or half-way houses, supervise their activities and support their pre-release and release planning.
Earning your diploma in the ABES Addiction and Disability Community Support Worker program provides you with a valuable set of skills that set you up for a successful, stable career. The best part about working as a CSW is the fact that your work contributes to helping members of your community and making it a better place for everyone.

Career Opportunities

Find a CSW career in the following fields and locations:

  • Addiction and Substance Support
  • Disability Focused Care Centers
  • Newcomer and Immigration Services Support
  • Family Place Worker
  • Homeless Shelters & Temporary Living
  • Women’s Shelters
  • Teen Pregnancy Support
  • Parenting Support
  • Foster Home Support
  • Community Access
  • Case Management
  • Adult and Age Care
  • One-to-One Support
  • General Support
  • Youth & Family Support

Potential Salary

$35,393-$51,607*
Based on experience and employer.

*2021 data from ca.talent.com

8 Week Practicum Placement

At 8 weeks, ABES offers one of the longest CSW practicums in Calgary!

Many diploma recipients secure their first career position because of the experience gained during their practicum.

Your practicum gives you the real-world experience that employers seek, and allows you to network with peers and potential employers while builidng skills.

Start your Application Now

Fill out the form below and one of our Admissions Advisors will contact you to begin your application for the Community Support Worker program, and answer any questions you have.

Video Testimonials

ABES College CSW Program Graduates discuss their exepriences and career outcomes
The Community Support Worker Program at ABES helped Charity discover a new and meaningful career.
Apply For This ProgramBegin your path towards a rewarding career
Refer A FriendEncourage your friends of family to apply
Fill out the form below and one of our Admissions Advisors will contact you to begin your application for the Addiction and Disability Community Support Worker program, and answer any questions you have.