Northern College Medical Laboratory Technician diploma will set you up with the knowledge and expertise you need to take charge of the lab.

Along with an overview of applied anatomy, physiology, microbiology and chemistry, you’ll learn specimen collection and processing. You’ll master the various tests and equipment used to measure vital signs. 

And you’ll develop the professional bedside manner that’s so critical for close patient contact.

Thanks to comprehensive simulations in the state-of-the-art medical lab, you’ll get all the practice you need. Plus, you’ll get work-world experience at various local laboratories.

The Medical Laboratory Technician program provides students with the knowledge and skills to enable them to work in a medical laboratory. 

Students will receive education and training in specimen collection and processing, the administration of ECG’s, set up of Holter monitors, and the use of laboratory equipment while developing the professional attitude and demeanour needed for close patient contact.

Students will have the opportunity to perform a variety of lab functions both within the simulated on-site medical laboratory and during clinical practicums within both community and hospital laboratories. 

Upon successful completion of all courses outlined in the program of study, students are eligible to write the Examination for Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician with the MLPAO.

• Academic/Official Transcripts
• Language Proficiency test scores
• Passport or Visa Documents
• Official translations of documents in a language other than English

• Proof of Senior High School Diploma/Certificate
• Grade 12 (OSSD) equivalent Core Course with 50% in each equivalent for Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology.

Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (word processing, spreadsheets), web search engines and e-mail systems. 

Students may assess whether or not they meet the computer proficiency expectations for this program by taking the free online assessment at https://www.northernc.on.ca/assessmenttool

Successful completion of Northern’s two-semester Pre-health program will also serve to meet the admission requirements for the Medical Laboratory Technician program. 

Northern College does not offer to test for the science equivalencies.

Other Admission Requirements

• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (CPR – HP content). Standard First Aid Certificate (or equivalent)
• Physician’s medical report as per guide supplied by the College Immunization record including Hepatitis B; two step Mantoux (with follow-up chest x-ray if the test is positive)
• Employers who provide clinical placement settings require a criminal record check for criminal offences before accepting a student into the clinical setting
• A recent criminal/vulnerable sector record check (within 3 months of the start of the semester) is required prior to the start of the third semester
• CPR re-certification, criminal reference checks and immunization updates are required annually. Any costs for these tests/certifications will be the responsibility of the student.
• To be eligible for participation in clinical training, students must not have been convicted of any criminal offence for which that person has not been pardoned.

An unpardoned criminal record will result in an inability to participate in clinical placements and field internship courses and will prevent the student from graduating.

Northern College requires all students to have their own PC laptop computer. The College’s Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program is mandatory for all students.