About the Medical Lab Assistant /Technician Diploma Program

Accurate laboratory testing plays a critical role in modern healthcare. The Medical Laboratory Assistant / Technician Diploma Program prepares you with the practical laboratory skills and scientific knowledge needed to support diagnostic testing and help healthcare teams deliver effective patient care.

Students develop expertise in specimen collection, laboratory safety, medical terminology, and diagnostic testing procedures while building the precision and professionalism required in clinical environments. Through hands-on labs and real-world clinical placements, you’ll gain experience working with the equipment and processes used in medical laboratories every day.

The program also prepares graduates to challenge the Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario (MLPAO) certification exam and pursue careers supporting physicians and healthcare teams.

Course Overview

Working in a medical laboratory requires precision, technical skill, and a strong understanding of laboratory procedures. The Medical Laboratory Assistant / Technician Diploma Program prepares students with the practical training and scientific knowledge needed to support diagnostic testing in modern healthcare environments.

Throughout the program, students develop hands-on laboratory skills including specimen collection, specimen handling and processing, laboratory safety procedures, medical terminology, and diagnostic testing practices. This training helps students build the accuracy, attention to detail, and professionalism required when working with patient samples and laboratory equipment.

The program is recognized by the Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario (MLPAO), and graduates gain the prerequisites needed to apply for the MLPAO certification exam, an important step toward provincial certification and professional recognition within the field.

Graduates are also prepared to challenge the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) national certification exam. These pathways provide graduates with recognized credentials that support career opportunities in medical laboratories and healthcare settings across Ontario and beyond.

The program has also progressed through the accreditation process and is currently Accredited with Conditions at the Oshawa, Kingston, and St. Catharines campuses, with the Sudbury campus Admitted with EQual. These milestones reflect Trillium College’s commitment to quality education and continuous improvement while ensuring training aligns with industry expectations.

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma or Mature Student Status
• Completed Vulnerable Sector Screening waiver (VSS)

Placement Requirements

• Trillium College Immunization Report; completed and signed by a medical professional.
• Submission of a clear Police Check (CPIC) report with Vulnerable Sector Screening

Graduation Requirements

• 220 Placement hours completed

A Curriculum that Transforms

Working in a medical laboratory requires precision, technical skill, and a strong understanding of professional responsibility. Throughout the Medical Laboratory Assistant / Technician Diploma Program, you’ll develop the laboratory techniques and clinical knowledge needed to support diagnostic testing and contribute to patient care as part of a healthcare team.

Students learn how to collect, handle, and process medical samples while working alongside physicians, registered laboratory technologists, and other healthcare professionals. Training is delivered through live instructor-led virtual lectures and in-person laboratory training, allowing you to build both the scientific knowledge and practical skills required in modern medical labs.

Key areas of training include:

Hands-on learning is central to the program. Through in-person labs and 100 hours of volunteer experience, students practice real-world laboratory procedures—including specimen collection, processing, and analysis—under the supervision of experienced instructors. This practical training builds confidence, supports preparation for the MLPAO certification exam and the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) national certification exam., and ensures graduates are ready to enter medical laboratory environments.

Why Study to Become a Medical Lab Assistant /Technician at Trillium College?

Choosing the right training program is an important step toward building a healthcare career. The Medical Laboratory Assistant / Technician Diploma Program combines hands-on laboratory training, clinical experience, and MLPAO-recognized education to prepare students for professional practice in medical laboratory environments.

Students learn from experienced instructors while developing real-world skills through in-person labs and supervised training. Live, instructor-led virtual classes provide flexibility while allowing students to stay engaged with instructors and classmates throughout the program.

Graduates are prepared to challenge professional certification exams, including the Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario (MLPAO) certification exam and the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) national certification exam. These pathways provide graduates with recognized credentials that support career opportunities in medical laboratories and healthcare settings across Ontario and beyond.