Medical Laboratory Assistant Program in Calgary
Medical Laboratory Assistant Program Highlights
- Clinical and Administrative Practices
- Blood Collection
- Specimen Processing and Accessioning
- Basic Diagnostic Laboratory Procedures
- Electrocardiography
- Quality Control
- Infection Control
- Medical Terminology
Above AvgJob Outlook
*Source: https://alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/occupations-in-alberta/occupation-profiles/medical-laboratory-assistant/ & https://ca.indeed.com/career/laboratory-assistant/salaries/Calgary--AB
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.
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.
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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.
What Makes ABES Different from Other Schools?
- 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.