Overview
The Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate at Red Deer Polytechnic prepares students to enter the healthcare field as skilled laboratory professionals. This accredited program provides foundational training in specimen collection, laboratory procedures, and patient interaction.
Students learn to collect, process, and prepare patient specimens while performing clerical duties, medical data entry, electrocardiograms, urinalysis, and other essential laboratory functions. The curriculum combines classroom instruction with hands-on simulation training.
Clinical Practicum Experience
The program includes one week of on-campus simulation labs followed by a six-week full-time clinical practicum in an Alberta medical laboratory. This real-world placement ensures students gain practical experience in professional healthcare environments.
Certification Pathway
Graduates attain the competencies outlined by the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) and are eligible to write the CSMLS MLA certification exam, allowing them to work as certified medical laboratory professionals across Canada.
- Academic Requirement: 2025–26 Requirements (Including Winter 2026) Minimum average 60%, with no mark below 50%, in: • English • Chemistry • Biology • Mathematics 2026–27 Requirements • 50% in English • 50% in Math 20-2 OR 60% in Math 10C • 50% in Chemistry • 50% in Biology Indian Equivalent (for system entry): 12th Science with Biology and Chemistry mandatory and Mathematics required, meeting minimum percentage criteria.
- ELP Requirement: IELTS Academic: 7.0 overall (minimum 6.5 each band) Duolingo: 130 TOEFL iBT: 92 Oxford ELLT: 8 overall (minimum 7 each band)
- Special Requirement: • Accredited program • One week on-campus simulation lab • Six-week full-time clinical practicum in Alberta • Practicum travel within Alberta required • Medical Authorization required for Study Permit holders • Health & safety certifications and immunization standards required • Eligible to write CSMLS certification exam • Students responsible for practicum-related travel and living expenses
- Application Fee: $150
- LOA Deposit: $1,500
- Annual Tuition Fee: $15,841
- Total Tuition Fee: $15,841
- Course Duration: 1 Year
- Credentials: Certificate
- Intake: September 2026
Eligibility
□ 12th Science with Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics
□ Minimum required subject percentages
English Requirement
□ IELTS 7.0 overall (minimum 6.5 each band)
OR accepted equivalent (Duolingo 130 / TOEFL 92)
Documents
□ Passport
□ 10th and 12th marksheets
□ English test result
□ Statement of Purpose
Fees and Admission
□ Application Fee – CAD 150
□ Tuition Deposit – CAD 1500
□ PAL Required
Program Confirmation
□ Duration – 1 Year
□ Fall or Winter Intake
□ 6-Week Clinical Practicum
□ CSMLS Exam Eligible
□ PGWP Eligible