Medical laboratories play a key role in the health care field. While doctors may make a preliminary diagnosis based on a patient's observable symptoms (or lack thereof), only a medical laboratory can say for sure if a person is healthy or not, and what his/her condition actually is. The medical lab does this by scientifically analyzing biological samples such as blood, urine, hair, skin or organ tissue to look for telltale signs of illness at the microscopic level.
While most high-level analysis is performed by trained scientific professionals, labs often employ medical laboratory assistants or technicians to perform much of their critical support work. What kind of work do medical laboratory assistants and technicians do? Here are some examples:
- Collecting blood or tissue samples from patients
- Using a microscope or automatic analyzer to perform basic tests on blood and urine samples
- Testing for blood type and blood counts
- Setting up, calibrating and maintaining laboratory equipment
- Preparing chemical reagents for use in advanced medical tests
- Analyzing data and recording data either electronically or on paper charts
Working as a medical laboratory assistant or technician requires significant education as well as the correct temperament. A good medical laboratory assistant or technician needs to be disciplined, organized, focused and able to communicate clearly with other people. Other people's lives can literally depend on how well they perform their jobs.
Prepare to Be a Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician at Everest College in Ottawa
If the idea of becoming a medical laboratory assistant/technician appeals to you, consider the Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician career training program at the Ottawa West campus of Everest College of Business, Technology and Health Care. The school's 11-month career education program provides students with the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience they need to compete for entry-level positions in medical laboratories throughout Ontario.
Taught by medical industry professionals, Everest's Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician career education program covers a wide range of essential topics, including:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Laboratory Safety and Asepsis
- Hematology
- Urinalysis and Clinical Chemistry
- Laboratory Microbiology
- Fundamentals of Cytology and Histology
- Cardiovascular System and ECG
Career Services
Upon graduation, students in the Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician program can seek assistance from Everest's Career Services department, which helps identify and contact potential employers throughout Ontario. Career Services can also help with resume preparation, interview coaching and even professional wardrobe selection.
About Everest's Ottawa West Campus
Everest College’s Ottawa West campus is situated at 1050 Morrison Drive just south of the intersection of Highway 417 and Greenbank Road in Nepean, Ontario, just west of Ottawa. The campus has ample parking and is also easily reached by metro bus. The campus is convenient to numerous daycare centres, restaurants and shopping venues.
Contact Everest for Information
For more information on the Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician program and other accelerated career education programs, contact Everest College today.
Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify.
