November 17, 2025 | British Columbia

If you are curious about how to Become a Medical Laboratory Assistant and you want a meaningful career in the healthcare field without spending years in university, you are in the right place. Medical Laboratory Assistants are essential members of the diagnostic process. They collect samples, prepare equipment, and support the medical team by ensuring that test results are accurate and on time. In a world where patient care depends heavily on fast and reliable data, their role has never been more important. 
 

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about how to Become a Medical Laboratory Assistant including what they do, the skills they need, average salary, and the step-by-step pathway into the profession. We will also look at what makes CDI College a trusted choice for future Medical Laboratory Assistant Course. Let us get started. 

What is a Medical Laboratory Assistant 

A Medical Laboratory Assistant is a trained healthcare professional who supports laboratory technologists, pathologists, nurses, and physicians by handling all the tasks required before and during medical testing. While technologists focus on analysing samples and performing complex diagnostic procedures, Medical Laboratory Assistants take care of the essential preparation that makes accurate testing possible. 
 

They work behind the scenes, but their impact is visible across every area of patient care. From collecting blood to preparing chemical solutions, they make sure that samples are handled correctly, and that testing equipment is properly set up. Their work directly influences the quality of diagnoses and treatments offered to patients. 

Medical Laboratory Assistants work in a wide range of settings including hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, public health labs, medical clinics, research facilities, and post-secondary institutions. Because diagnostic testing is a fundamental part of modern healthcare, the demand for skilled MLAs continues to grow across Canada. 

What Does a Medical Laboratory Assistant Do 

The daily responsibilities of a Medical Laboratory Assistant can vary depending on the workplace, but the core tasks remain consistent. Their job centres around specimen collection, sample preparation, equipment maintenance, and laboratory support. Even though much of their work happens behind the scenes, the impact on patient care is significant. Here is a closer look at what a Medical Laboratory Assistant typically does each day. 

Collecting samples 

Medical Laboratory Assistants collect blood, urine, and other biological samples from patients. This process requires strong communication skills and a gentle approach, especially during phlebotomy. Sample collection is one of the most important steps because errors here can affect the entire testing process. 

Logging and preparing specimens 

After collecting a sample, the next step is careful labeling and logging. Medical Laboratory Assistants must enter patient information accurately and prepare each specimen for testing. This helps prevent mix-ups and ensures that medical technologists receive samples that are ready to go. 

Setting up equipment 

MLAs prepare laboratory equipment that technologists and other professionals rely on. This includes cleaning tools, calibrating instruments, preparing slides, and making sure the workspace is sterile. 

Performing routine tests 

Depending on the workplace, some Medical Laboratory Assistants handle basic tests and analyses. These routine procedures help technologists and physicians get quick results for things like blood glucose levels, urinalysis, and other standard markers. 

Quality and safety procedures 

MLAs work around infectious samples and chemicals, so accuracy and safety are non-negotiable. They must follow infection control protocols, maintain a clean laboratory environment, and ensure all safety standards are met. 

Supporting the healthcare team 

Medical Laboratory Assistants help medical professionals by delivering accurate and timely test results. They also communicate with patients during sample collection, which gives them a direct role in patient service and education. 
 

Their work ensures that doctors receive the data they need to diagnose health conditions, create treatment plans, and monitor progress over time. 

How to Become a Medical Laboratory Assistant Step by Step 

If you want to Become a Medical Laboratory Assistant, the process is clear and accessible. This is one of the fastest healthcare career paths, and you can begin working in less than a year if you choose the right diploma program. Here is the step-by-step journey. 

Step One: Complete High School or Equivalent 

To begin your studies, you need a high school diploma or an equivalent credential. Science courses like biology and chemistry are recommended but not required. Mature students can also qualify depending on the admissions guidelines of the college. 

Step Two: Research and Choose an Accredited MLA Program 

Your next step is choosing a Medical Laboratory Assistant program that gives you hands on training and credible certification pathways. CDI College offers a 36-week MLA diploma program in British Columbia that is approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit of BC. Choosing an approved program ensures your education meets industry standards and prepares you for real laboratory environments. 

Step Three: Enrol and Complete Your Classroom Training 

MLA programs cover classroom learning and practice-based laboratory work. At CDI College you will study subjects like medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, laboratory mathematics, clinical chemistry, microbiology, infection control, computer labs, phlebotomy procedures, and laboratory safety. This combination helps you develop both the theoretical knowledge and the technical ability needed to work safely and confidently. 

Step Four: Complete Your Clinical Practicum 

Hands-on experience is one of the most important parts of your training. CDI College includes a six-week practicum that places you directly in a real laboratory environment. During this practicum you will practice specimen collection, equipment setup, quality control, computer documentation, and routine lab testing under the supervision of trained professionals. This experience also helps you build confidence and makes it easier to transition into paid employment. 

Step Five: Obtain Additional Certification if Desired 

Some provinces and employers prefer or require MLA certification. In British Columbia graduates of CDI Colleges Medical Laboratory Assistant program are eligible to apply for certification through the British Columbia Society of Laboratory Science. Certification is not mandatory everywhere, but it increases your job opportunities and shows employers that you are competent and committed to professional standards. 

Step Six: Begin Your Job Search 

Once you complete your MLA program and practicum, you can begin applying for positions in hospitals, private diagnostic test centres, clinics, research labs, public health facilities, and other medical environments. Because of Canada’s growing healthcare needs new graduates often find work quickly. 

Medical Laboratory Assistant: Skills, Salary and Job Outlook 

If you plan to Become a Medical Laboratory Assistant, you are wondering about the skills you need and the salary you can expect. 

Essential Skills 

Medical Laboratory Assistants rely on a variety of technical and personal skills including attention to detail, accuracy in specimen handling, communication during patient interactions, strong organization, time management, analytical thinking, teamwork, and safe working practices. They must feel comfortable using computers, operating laboratory equipment, and following established protocols. 

Salary Expectations 

Based on recent Canadian labour market information Medical Laboratory, Assistants earn an average of about 46,000 to 54,000 dollars per year depending on the province. In British Columbia, the median wage for MLAs is approximately $26 per hour with top earners making more than $38 per hour. Salaries can vary based on experience, workplace setting, certifications, and location. 

Job Outlook 

The demand for MLAs continues to rise. Canada’s aging population increased diagnostic testing and expanded public healthcare services have created consistent opportunities for new graduates. In British Columbia alone more than 3500 Medical Laboratory Assistants are currently employed and half of them work full time. The work environment is usually clean and well-ventilated but can involve shift work including evenings, weekends, and holidays depending on the facility. 

Why Choose CDI College for Your Medical Laboratory Assistant Training 

If you want to Become a Medical Laboratory Assistant and start your healthcare career quickly CDI College offers a strong and supportive pathway. Here are why students choose this program. 

A fast program 

CDI College’s Medical Laboratory Assistant diploma can be completed in only 36 weeks, which means you can begin working much sooner than many other healthcare programs. 

Six-week practicum included 

The program includes a supervised practicum that places you directly in a real laboratory. This experience gives you an advantage when applying for jobs because you can show hands-on training and real-world practice. 

State of the art labs 

Students learn in fully equipped training labs that reflect today’s medical laboratory standards. You will use professional equipment and learn modern techniques that apply directly to your future workplace. 

Experienced instructors 

You learn from instructors who have real experience in the field. They understand the challenges of the job and guide you through both the technical and human sides of laboratory work. 

Student focused environment 

CDI College offers one-on-one instruction, supportive learning environments, and strong student services. After graduation, you also receive up to six months of employment support to help you begin your career. 

Approved and recognized program 

The program is approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit of British Columbia and graduates are eligible for MLA certification through the British Columbia Society of Laboratory Science. 

Final Thoughts 

If you want to Become a Medical Laboratory Assistant and step into a meaningful and stable career in healthcare this is the perfect moment to get started. MLAs play an essential role in diagnosis and patient care and the demand for qualified professionals continues to grow across Canada. With the right training and practical experience, you can begin working in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, clinics, and research facilities in less than a year. 
 

CDI College’s Medical Laboratory Assistant diploma program provides the training, practicum experience, and support you need to succeed. When you follow the right steps and build the right skills, you set yourself up for a rewarding and impactful future in the medical field.