Medical Laboratory Assistant

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Orientation and Student Success Skills

This course will provide a comprehensive orientation to Stenberg College and the program you have enrolled in. As with all new things, there will be some challenges and excitement; this course will explore transitioning as a college student, review learning styles, enhance critical thinking, and familiarize you with the resources available for your use. This course covers student success skills, where you’ll learn effective study habits (specifically aimed at improving both reading and writing skills) based on your own personal learning style. Life skills exercises are also integral to the course, teaching communication, accountability, teamwork, self-awareness, and building an understanding of the impact you have on others.

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Keyboarding & Computer Fundamentals

This course is designed to provide you with a detailed introduction to correct typing technique and the computer skills required to work in a fast-paced environment. Throughout the course, you will use a simulated program to improve proficiency with the Internet, Windows environment, and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
You will also focus on the development and maintenance of accurate keyboarding skills. You are encouraged to practice your keyboarding using the Typing Ace online program outside of your regular classroom hours.

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Medical Terminology

This intensive, fast-paced course is an introduction to the world of medical terminology and is designed to provide the foundation for all subsequent courses. You’ll become familiar with various medical word parts, build fluency in the pronunciation and spelling of these parts, and learn to build and break down medical terms to determine meaning. Understanding the language of medicine is essential for all healthcare professionals to be able to function effectively and safely in a health care environment. You will also gain a general introduction to each of the body systems, developing a foundation in body systems terminology which will be built upon in subsequent program coursework.

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Anatomy & Physiology/Pathology Fundamentals

Building upon the foundations developed in Medical Terminology / Intro to Anatomy & Physiology, this course will develop your understanding of anatomy and physiology with emphasis on those body systems relevant to medical laboratory assistant practice. You will also learn about diseases and common tests related to the body systems.

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Medical Laboratory Communications

This module discusses the professional behaviour and uses specific examples that pertain to the Medical Laboratory Assistant. It also describes the health care organization and the duties of the team members in the various departments. You will become accustomed to the role of the Medical Laboratory Assistant in providing professional patient/customer service and will learn how to use outstanding interpersonal skills. This module will teach the cardiovascular system, the components of the blood, and the commonly used veins in phlebotomy. Laboratory structure and the commonly performed tests in each department will be discussed. Quality assurance and improvement as applied to the Medical Laboratory Assistant will be briefly discussed along with the ethical, legal, and regulatory issues. You will learn basic laboratory terminology and measurements.

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Medical Laboratory Procedures

In this course you will learn about diagnostic laboratory tests, documentation, and delivery methods of specimens, safety supplies, phlebotomy equipment, and venipuncture procedures. This course will highlight all aspects of phlebotomy including:

• Venipuncture procedures and working with special populations
• Blood collection equipment
• Documentation, specimen handling, and transportation
• Computerization in health care
• Pre-analytical complications in blood collection
• Point-of-care testing
• Urinalysis, body fluids, and other specimens for laboratory evaluation
• Forensic toxicology, workplace testing, sports medicine, and related areas
• Specimen handling and processing

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Pre- and Post-Analytical Procedures and Microbiology

This course will address pre- and post-analytical procedures, processing, and referral procedures required for the Medical Laboratory Assistant to function proficiently in the front end of a medical laboratory environment. Topics covered include: labelling, requisitions, phone protocol, quality control management, packaging, inventory control, ordering of supplies, and healthcare information systems. You will also become competent in the specific pre-analytical procedures for microbiology set-up.

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Cardiac Procedures

You will review the anatomy of the heart and be introduced to the electrical conductive system of the heart. You will learn procedures that will enable you to use, maintain, and analyze electrocardiogram tracings of 12/15 lead electrocardiograms. Emphasis will be put on the theory and practice of correct application and activation. Troubleshooting will also be addressed. You will also learn about ambulatory ECG monitoring (Holter) and be able to identify indications to rule out arrhythmias and identify critical values. Focus will be placed on Holter hook-up procedures and care for equipment.

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Career Search Strategies

You will learn to network effectively (online and in person), to search and apply for jobs, and to prepare targeted resumes and cover letters. You are also provided with coaching and individualized instructor feedback on their resume, cover letter, and interview skills.

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Consolidated Practice Experience

You will perform procedures such as phlebotomy, electrocardiography, and specimen collection skills in a real laboratory setting.

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Additional Certifications

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Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System

WHMIS provides information about materials in the workplace that can be hazardous, such as cleaning agents, compressed gasses, and flammable materials. Becoming WHMIS certified will demonstrate the ability to identify hazardous materials and handle them properly.

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Personal & Professional Development Skills Certificate

The Personal and Professional Development (PPD) Skills Certificate is a self-directed, online certificate that enhances your soft skills. The six PPD workshops cover Professionalism, Quality Service, Feedback, Diverse Teams, Conflict Resolution, and Leadership. Together, these workshops prepare you to effectively approach and resolve real-life situations.

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Provincial Violence Prevention Certification

The Provincial Violence Prevention Training Curriculum will teach you to recognize and respond to violent situations and learn about different types of violence and strategies for dealing with the risks in a variety of health care contexts. The Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum has been developed by a team of experts from Worksafe BC, the Occupational Health & Safety Agency for Healthcare in BC, and various BC health authorities and healthcare unions. This training and certification is offered in collaboration with Fraser Health Authority.

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Fit Testing

This theory course will cover the correct use and care of respirators, respirator limitations, donning and doffing procedures, and proper disposal of respirators in accordance with WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation Section 8.7.3.

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