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Medical Laboratory Assistant

  • Certificate
  • 24 credits
  • Delivery Method: Hybrid
  • The Program Application Window is Open: Learn More

A Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) is a multi‐skilled person whose skills are focused on assisting in the medical laboratory. Competencies include medical terminology, phlebotomy skills, blood and body fluid processing, ability to assess validity of samples collected for laboratory tests and maintain validity of samples through the processing phase. MLAs must understand and comply with government regulations and safety in regard to human testing. Other skills include loading automated instrumentation, performing waived level laboratory testing. This program includes completion of the Phlebotomy Certificate and prepares students for certification as an MLA. Students may also prepare for entry into the MLT program.

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  • LSC is my TOP CHOICEfor Surgical Technology
    Earning my CNA and phlebotomy certifications at LSC were the first steps on my medical career path to becoming a surgical technologist Emily Klick
    Alum, Surgical Technology
  • LSC is my TOP CHOICEfor Respiratory Therapy
    …now that I have returned to teach I realize even more how LSC faculty set the standard for rich engagement with students and I desire to meet and exceed that standard whenever possible – whether it be on campus or in the hospital. Eloisa Fournier
    Alum, Respiratory Therapy
  • LSC is my TOP CHOICEfor Medical Laboratory Technician
    I have been fortunate at St. Luke’s to have so many opportunities to improve my knowledge base. My co-workers put care and dedication into each and every sample that passes through the lab. They work as a team to continually improve and communicate effectively Emily Behnke
    Alum, Medical Laboratory Technician
  • LSC is my TOP CHOICEfor Professional Nursing
    It’s competitive to get accepted into the LSC nursing program. This says to me that LSC is committed to having the best nursing program with the best students. Katrina Cole
    Alum, Professional Nursing
  • LSC is my TOP CHOICEfor Medical Laboratory Technician
    With high demand for med lab techs and scientists, you can pretty much get a job anywhere. The LSC medical laboratory tech program is challenging. It takes a lot of work and dedication, but if you push through, it is well-rewarding. Malorie Brazell
    Alum, Medical Laboratory Technician
  • LSC is my TOP CHOICEfor Phlebotomy
    The faculty and staff are great. They go above and beyond to ensure you are where you need to be and help you to meet your goals. Bianca Nissen
    Phlebotomy

Career Information

Visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the MN Dept of Employment & Economic Development, and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) to gather valuable career information such as wage reports, career outlook, job prospects, industry trends, and career opportunities. These tools are available to help empower students to make informed decisions about their educational and professional paths.

Below you will find the Career Field and Career Cluster that this program is related to. Learn more about if this career area fits your interests!

Is Health Science right for you?

Health science workers promote health and wellness. They diagnose and treat injuries and disease. As a physician, dentist, or nurse, you could work directly with patients. You could also work in a laboratory to get information used in research or provide administrative support by keeping medical records.

Plan Your Education

The Medical Laboratory Assistant Program Guide is a tool to help you map out how to successfully get your degree at Lake Superior College.

View approximate total tuition and fees for MN residents to complete this degree.

This program has additional entry requirements.

The Medical Laboratory Assistant Program Application Window is open.

Accepted/Current LSC Students: Apply to the program.

Prospective LSC Students: Learn more about the application process.

Skills and Knowledge

  • Phlebotomy (drawing blood)
  • Prepare samples for analysis
  • Test specimens (blood, body fluids) using waived complexity test methods
  • Communicate with other healthcare team members in a healthcare setting

Program Goals and Outcomes

Program Mission

The mission of the Lake Superior College Medical Laboratory Assistant program is to serve students with cost effective, and time efficient, training that leads to employment in the medical laboratory at an entry level. We seek to support the community with MLA graduates who are proficient in phlebotomy, sample processing, assessing validity of samples received in the medical lab for analysis, loading instrumentation, performing waived testing and able to interact with other healthcare workers and patients in a professional manner. Furthermore, the program provides a stepping stone for students with goals of continuing to ladder up in medical laboratory careers.

Program Outcomes

  • Prepare blood and body fluid specimens for analysis according to industry standards and prepare reagents, standards, and controls.
  • Perform data entry using a Laboratory Information System (LIS).
  • Perform phlebotomy following CLSI guidelines.
  • Display behaviors and communication skills appropriate for the healthcare environment.
  • Demonstrate HIPAA/confidentiality in the classroom and during clinical practicum.
  • Demonstrate compliance with safety principles and guidelines as well as other laboratory regulations that may impact clinical site accreditation and patient safety.
  • Demonstrate achievement in entry level competencies in performance of clinical laboratory waived testing procedures.
  • Demonstrate the ability to pipet, prepare patient dilutions, prepare reagents, controls, standards and other materials in support of clinical laboratory personnel performing moderate and high complexity analyses.

Want to Learn More?

Contact your advisor or Crystal Schmidt, M.Ed., MLS(ASCP)CM.
MLT Program Director
(218)-733-6939

After You Graduate

Consider advancing your laboratory career by exploring our MLT Associate degree program.

Consider taking the MLA certification exam to become a certified MLA ASCP BOC

Ready to get started? Become a Student
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