MTI has small class sizes
Smaller class sizes means greater hands on opportunity for MTI students. Students are able to access the instructor more easily and receive more assistance when required.

Students complete a minimum of 70 successful phlebotomies during the program
MTI graduates are well prepared in phlebotomy draws and meet the standards for both hospital and private labs.

Instructors have worked in the field
High quality instruction that ensures students are extremely skilled upon graduation.

Hands-on practical learning for 35 weeks
Students are able to learn hands on using materials and resources found in medical labs. The length of the program gives students the opportunity to perfect their skills and be job ready. Students begin learning their hands-on skills right from the start of the program.

Program Length
Students’ stress level is reduced as there is lots of time and opportunity to learn and practice.

MTI's program is highly recognized in the field
MTI graduates get hired. Hospitals and private labs throughout B.C. and Alberta have hired MTI’s MLA Graduates

CSMLS Certification
MTI students learn additional lab courses that prepare them to sit the CSMLS Certification Exam. This exam fee is included in the program costs. Upon successful completion of this exam students receive National Certification that is recognized at hospitals and labs throughout Canada. This gives graduates the opportunity to be eligible to work in any province in Canada.

Program
The purpose of the Medical Lab Assisting Program is to prepare graduates to work in hospital labs and private lab settings.

Employment
Upon successful completion of the MTI Medical Lab Assisting program and the completion of a practicum in a medical lab, students are ready to work in a medical lab in Canada.

Courses
In order to graduate each student must successfully complete 39 weeks of in class lectures/experiences and 4 weeks of practicum in a medical setting

Medical Terminology
Students will learn the concepts of medical terminology, including root words, prefixes and suffixes. Students will develop the skills to identify the key parts of medical words.

Anatomy & Disease
The students will learn through description, illustration and exercises the major anatomical features of each system as well as the common pathologies which can adversely affect each system. Students will also focus on the correct pronunciation and spelling of the medical terminology associated with each body system and disease.

MS Word
Students learn the basics of Word including creating, formatting and handling of documents.

MS Excel
In Excel students gain the introductory concepts of working in a spreadsheet program.

Keyboarding
Keyboarding skills are an essential part of the MLA program. Students should come into the program with some basic keyboarding skills. Students that want to prep their keyboarding skills prior to the start of their program should inquire with the admission department. Students must have a minimum of 40 wpm to go out on practicum. Keyboarding skills and weekly tests are a daily part of the program.

Medical Billing
Medical Billing is an important service that contributes to the smooth operation of the medical field. Students will learn how to bill for various claims including MSP, RCMP, ICBC, WCB, DVA as well as Out of Province claims.

Clinical Skills
This course will provide information and practical knowledge in clinical assessment in the medical field. Standards in safety in health care will also be covered. Accessioning in a lab setting is a component of this course.

Office Procedures
This course will familiarize students with the many office duties that may be required in a medical setting.

Pharmacology
Students will be introduced to Brand/Trade and generic drug names, drug classes, drug actions and the rationale for treatment. Focus will also be on drug doses, strengths, quantities, and routes of administration. drug side-effects, allergic effects, and deciphering Physicians prescription orders. Pharmacology knowledge is essential in determining the effects of drugs on various lab tests.

Accounting
This course covers the basic accounting skills required in any medical setting. Knowing how to keep track of petty cash, cheques and payroll can be an important part of a supervisor in a Medical Lab. In this module, you will learn the basics of all three of these components.

Communications
This course focuses on the development of self-awareness and understanding of others, professionalism, and customer service skills. Participants explore basic communication concepts and practical skills, which contribute to effective interpersonal relationships.

Introduction to MLA
Students will focus on the roles, responsibilities and obligations of the Medical Laboratory Assistant in both the public and private health care sectors. They will learn about the inter-relationships of the laboratory and other members of the health care team. Students will be asked to look at their own characteristics that might influence their role in the field of laboratory medicine.

Lab Fundamentals
Laboratory Fundamentals focuses on laboratory safety and infection control, WHMIS regulations and the basic preparation and storage/handling of biological hazards and wastes.

Medical Legalities
This course focuses on the unique legalities that apply to the MLA profession. In particular respect for the patient, the importance of confidentiality, and the ethical policies and procedures that all health care professionals should follow are covered. The importance of quality management and continuous improvement are detailed in the course.

Electrocardiography Theory & Practical
Electrocardiography is an important non-invasive diagnostic tool used in healthcare. This course is designed for the healthcare worker who is new to the duties of performing a 12-lead ECG. The student will learn the fundamentals of electrocardiography. They will gain the knowledge of the correct procedure for performance of a 12-lead ECG, proper use of the ECG equipment and maintenance of this equipment. The student will develop skills to recognize when the ECG is incorrectly connected and how to correct artifact problems when they occur.

Specimen Collection
This theory based course focuses on the collection of all specimens with emphasis on blood collection, including venipuncture and micro collections (skin puncture). Urine, stool and miscellaneous collection procedures are explained. Trouble shooting for difficult blood collection situations is addressed and reinforced. This course includes preparation and instructions for patients, performance of procedures, and care of patients before, during and after collection. The student is provided with knowledge of conditions and complications that may be present or arise, and which may affect the performance of the procedures or the care of the patient.

Specimen Handling
Students learn the procedures and protocols for preparation, handling and transport of laboratory specimens for testing. Knowledge, correct use and maintenance of laboratory equipment and documentation procedures are covered. Students are taught the significance of many routine laboratory tests and how to use requisitions according to use proper order of draw.

Specimen Collection & Handling Practical
This course is designed to allow the student to practice perfecting skills that are required for exceptional patient care, specimen collection and handling, phlebotomy skills and following order of draw. The course is a hands-on course that begins at the start of the program. Students are assessed on the clinical competencies of this course throughout the program and must pass all competencies successfully to be eligible for practicum.

CSMLS Microbiology
This course focuses on hematology, microbiology, histology, and cytology slide preparation and staining, and specimen preparation procedures for histology and cytology. Students will become familiar with performing the Wrights, Grams, and Hematoxylin staining methods, and the identification of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets on blood smears. Students will also become familiar with the microscope and identification of the part names and functions. Students will learn plating techniques and procedures for a variety of specimens on microbiology media.

CSMLS Specimen Prep
Students learn to prepare laboratory solutions in order to become familiar with mathematical calculations such as percentage, ratio and proportions. In particular students learn how to perform simple math calculations for dilutions, reagent, and media preparation. Students will learn how to and practice the use, care, and maintenance of balances, centrifuges, pH meters, pipettes, and glassware. Students also learn about different methods of sterilization and disinfection equipment and techniques, and particularly the theory and use of autoclaves in the medical lab environment. The identification, use, and correct handling procedures of laboratory chemicals and reagents will be studied.

Medical Practicum
MTI Community College has affiliation agreements with health authorities and private labs throughout the provinces of B.C. and Alberta. Students must be prepared to travel to any location within B.C. or Alberta for their lab practicum and any travel expenses associated with practicum are the students’ responsibility. A lab practicum is a requirement for employment with most hospitals and private labs. Students should also be prepared that a lab practicum may not always be available on the scheduled practicum dates and that they may be required to complete a practicum in an alternative medical setting. Once a lab practicum becomes available students will be required to complete the lab practicum.

Career & Professional Development
This course provides students with skills to prepare an effective cover letter and resume. Students also learn effective interview skills.