Medical Laboratory Assistant and Phlebotomist
Medical Laboratory Assistants and Phlebotomists collects samples from patients, prepares laboratory samples for analysis.
An Exciting Field of Work
In general, Medical Laboratory Assistants and Phlebotomists:
- Collect blood, tissue or other samples from patients for laboratory testing
- Log patient samples and prepare them for testing
- Clean and maintain medical laboratory and medical laboratory equipment.
- Label and sort tissue samples and specimens
- Load and operate laboratory testing equipment
- Prepare slides of blood and other fluids for examination under a microscope
- Make chemical solutions and stocks of culture media
- Plant specimens to culture bacteria
- Transports specimens to laboratory
- Use computers to input and analyse data
- Dispose of hazardous waste and sterilize equipment
Personal Characteristics / Skills
- Attention to detail and good manual dexterity
- Normal color vision
- Ability to work with precision
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Good organizational skills and problem solving skills
Education and Training
A medical laboratory assistant program college diploma is required.
Education program offered in New Brunswick
Medical laboratory assistant program are offered in New Brunswick by the following educational institutions:
- New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) – English program
- Oulton College – English program
- Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB) – French program
Length of Study / Training
1.0 years
Licence and certification
In New Brunswick, Medical Laboratory Assistants and Phlebotomists are not required to be certified. However, they can be certified via a voluntary process set up by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS). Certification may also be an asset when seeking employment.
Helpful High School Courses
- Math
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Basic Computer
Employment and Common Working Conditions
Medical Laboratory Assistants and Phlebotomists work in a variety of settings such as:
- Medical laboratories in hospitals or clinics
- Research institutes and universities
- Pharmaceutical laboratories
Hours of work vary in this occupation. Medical Laboratory Assistants and Phlebotomists may work full time or part time. They may also work rotating shift including evenings, weekends and holidays.
Medical Laboratory Assistants and Phlebotomists work in laboratory environments where they may spend a considerable amount of time standing or sitting, performing tasks that may be repetitive. They must observe safety precautions to reduce the risk of exposure to infectious body fluids, dangerous chemicals or hazardous radiation.
Employment Prospects - GOOD
It is anticipated that the aging population will increase the need for staff in this field.