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Medical Laboratory Assistant

Showing program information for start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
Program Code: ML111
CIP Code: 51.0802
PGWP-Eligible: Yes
Credential: Ontario College Certificate
Start Dates: September
Program Length: 3 semesters
Pathways: Explore Pathways
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Apply for September 2025 and get your chance to win $5,000 toward tuition* See details.

Program Overview

The Medical Laboratory Assistant program provides students with the skills to perform pre-analysis components of medical lab work under direct supervision of medical laboratory technologists in hospitals, physician’s offices and private medical laboratory settings. Students become proficient in the collection of blood samples, performing ECGs, the use of laboratory equipment and gain fluency in medical terminology. Communication and interpersonal skills are also developed in the program for patient interaction. Graduates of this program are eligible to write the Medical Laboratory Professionals Association of Ontario (MLPAO) and the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) certification exams. 

Work-Integrated Learning  

After completion of two semesters of theory and laboratory course work, learners will participate in an unpaid professional practicum to gain valuable hands-on experience. This mandatory professional practicum provides students the opportunity to integrate medical laboratory assistant skills and knowledge in a supervised setting. Humber maintains strong partnerships within the community, resulting in practicum experiences that are diverse and cover a broad range of settings including, for example, private clinics and hospitals. 

Clinical Practicums will be supervised directly by one of Humber’s experts in clinical practicum education. On-campus simulation activities are also a component of the practicum to ensure all learners have ample time and opportunity to practice and gain proficiency in all required competencies for certification as a medical lab assistant.

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Watch the video to learn what is work-integrated learning.

An Education in High Demand

The demand for medical laboratory professionals continues to rise, with a significant shortage projected over the next decade. This program equips students with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to contribute effectively to this critical healthcare field.

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The Right Fit

Are you detail-oriented and dedicated? Do you excel at staying organized while solving problems? Are you adaptable and passionate about lifelong learning? As a medical laboratory assistant, you will play a vital role in healthcare, positively impacting patients' lives.

Expert Faculty

You will learn from experienced faculty who are experts in the field of medical laboratory sciences. Our instructors bring a wealth of industry knowledge, combining advanced education with hands-on experience in laboratory settings. They are dedicated to providing you with the practical skills and scientific expertise needed for success. Through their guidance, you will gain the technical proficiency and professional insight required to excel in your career as a medical laboratory assistant.

Your Career

Graduates will be prepared to work as medical laboratory assistants and medical laboratory technicians in hospitals and private laboratories, research assistants, public health/infection control supports, and quality assurance technicians. Career opportunities remain strong in these fields and are expected to grow over the coming years. 

Program Availability

Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2025   North Open
Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2025   North Open

Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International students in Canada could be eligible for an automatic scholarship*.  Apply now!

Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.

Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2025   North Open

Humber is a publicly funded institution. International students graduating from a PGWP Eligible program at Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International applicants outside of Canada can apply through Humber International. Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.

Upcoming Recruitment Events

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Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber Polytechnic reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.

GET YOUR $125 APPLICATION FEE BACK*

Apply On Us This September!

Apply through OCAS between June 14 - July 19, 2024 and be registered full-time on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 and receive a $125 credit equal to the domestic application fee.

To qualify, get started by filling out the APPLY ON US form.

*This promotion is open to domestic applications for the September 2024 program intakes only. Offer not valid for existing applicants or applications.

International Students with a valid Study Permit or Letter of Introduction (LOI)* can receive a Waiver Code to cover the $100 September 2024 application fee.

Bringing You Our A-Game

A Humber education is second to none, benefit from:

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How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by July 15, 2024 to receive your Application Fee Credit. Applications for September will remain open as long as the program availability status shows Open.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Contact Us

Admissions Questions

General Enquiries

Call 416-675-3111 or email enquiry@humber.ca. If you have already applied, be sure to check your application status on myhumber.ca.

Domestic Applicants Enquiries

Domestic applicants can book a one-on-one advising appointment with an admissions representative.

International Applicants Enquiries

Contact the International Centre for information about full-time programs (including the International Graduate School), how to apply and to follow up on your submitted application.

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Megan Spencer, program manager
437.565.1542
megan.spencer@humber.ca


Campus Information

Book a campus tour to take a closer look at what it's like to be a student at Humber.

Want More Info?

Find out more about the student experience and everything that Humber has to offer Future Students.

for more info on Humber, including programs, special events and more!

How To Become An Apprentice

Becoming an Apprentice

Find an employer willing to sponsor you as an apprentice.

Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to register as an apprentice.

Work with your employer approximately one year before attending Humber.

View Instructions 

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

If you’re in high school – grade 11 or 12 – you can earn co-op education credits through work placements in some skilled trades.

Visit OYAP 

How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Need Advice?

Program Advising Appointments

Get help narrowing down your program options or book a one-on-one pre-enrolment advising appointment with one of our Recruitment Officers.

Transfer & Pathway Advising

Book a virtual appointment with a Student Mobility Advisor learn more about getting Transfer Credit(s) for previous post-secondary experience, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), and Pathways options.

Admission Requirements

Admission selection is based on the academic criteria indicated. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

Admission selection is based on the following three requirements:

  • Academic

    To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following:

    • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent including these required courses:
    • Grade 12 English (ENG4C or ENG4U or equivalent)
    • Grade 11 or 12 Mathematics (MCR3U, MCF3M, MAP4C, MCT4C, MDM4U, MCB4U, MGA4U, MCV4U or MHF4U or equivalent)
    • Grade 11 or 12 Biology (SBI3C, SBI3U or SBI4U or equivalent) or Chemistry (SCH3U, SCH4C or SCH4U or equivalent)
    • One Grade 11 or Grade 12 C, M or U courses in addition to those listed above

    or

    or 

    Mature Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet all listed course requirements.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or attended postsecondary studies, and will be 21 or older as of the first day of classes. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U/M level or equivalent.

    College Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the program. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

    University Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

  • English Language Proficiency

    All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy.

  • International Credit Evaluation

    Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a credential evaluation. Note, for international High school education course by course evaluations, ICAS must be used. For international post-secondary education, a WES evaluation must be provided. In situations where you expect to apply for transfer credit, it is recommended that a course by course WES evaluation is completed.

International Academic Equivalency

Admission equivalencies for Humber depend on your country of study. Please enter your location or choose detect my location to see the requirements for your country below.

If you do not meet the admissions requirements for this program, we can help!

●Humber's Academic Upgrading and Exploratory Programs can help you improve your skills and meet admission requirements.

●If you require English language support, please consider the English for Academic Purposes program.

Post-Admission Requirements

Once you have been accepted, and have confirmed your offer, you may need to complete a further set of requirements related to your program (Post-Admission Requirements).

Equipment & Device Requirements

Fees & Financial Aid

Humber is awaiting confirmation of the annual tuition fees for this program from the Ministry, Colleges and Universities.  

As the fees have not been approved, we can only provide this estimate. 

  • Domestic estimate for an annual (2 semesters) fee of $4,326
  • International estimate for an annual (2 semester) fee of $20,510

Fees displayed here are only an estimate and could be higher or lower once the Ministry provides approval.

Financial Aid, Scholarships and Bursaries

Understand the costs associated with coming to Humber and explore resources available from first year to your final year on Student Fees and Financial Resources.

Scholarships

Humber Scholarships

Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships. International students can visit International Student Scholarships.

Humber Bursaries

Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.

External Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.

Indigenous Student Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.

Explore Opportunities through Humber Pathways

Humber Pathways include:

  • Opportunities to build on your college education and complete your diploma or degree at Humber.
  • Degree and graduate study opportunities at other institutions in Ontario, Canada and abroad.
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