Medical Laboratory Assisting
Overview
Programs in medical laboratory assisting prepare people to test cells, blood, and tissue samples under the supervision of physicians or laboratory scientists.Medical laboratory assisting programs include topics such as:
- Clinical procedures
- Laboratory tests
- Laboratory math
- Equipment operation and maintenance
- Sterilization and safety
- Communication and interpersonal skills
Concentrations
In medical laboratory assisting programs, students may be able to specialize in:
- Blood bank technology
- Hematology technology
- Histologic technology
Schools
Many community colleges and two-year schools offer certificate and associate degree programs in medical laboratory assisting. A certificate program usually takes a year of full-time study. An associate degree program usually takes two years of full-time study.
Several colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in medical laboratory assisting. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Anatomy
- Biological Sciences, General
- Biomedical Sciences, General
- Biotechnology Laboratory Technology
- Chemistry
- Cytotechnology
- Dental Laboratory Technology
- Immunology
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Ophthalmic Laboratory Technology
- Phlebotomy
- Physiology
- Sterile Processing Technology
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Forensic Science Technicians
- Medical Equipment Preparers
- Phlebotomists
- Surgical Technologists
- Veterinary Assistants
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
Program Admission
Proprietary schools, colleges, and universities all offer this program. If you want to study at a proprietary school, you can prepare for this program of study by completing your high school diploma or getting a GED. If you want to study at a college or university, you can prepare for this program by taking the following courses: four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
You will take many of the following courses if you are preparing to go to a college or university. But no matter what kind of school you want to go to, you should take many courses in the physical and natural sciences, math, and computers.
Many schools will also require you to take tests to make sure your reading, writing, and math skills are appropriate. They may also test you on your general chemistry, biology, and algebra knowledge.
Other requirements might include:
- Good scores on the American College Test (ACT) or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal interview
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Advanced Algebra courses
- Advanced Biology courses
- Advanced Chemistry courses
- Algebra
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Basic Computer
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Community Health
- Computer Technology
- General Computer Applications
- Healthcare Occupations
- Healthcare Sciences Work Experience
- Life and Physical Sciences Lab Assistant
- Medical Lab Technology
- Physical Science
- Physics
- Pre-Algebra
- Safety and First Aid
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Clinical Chemistry
- Clinical Laboratory Techniques
- Clinical Microbiology
- Clinical Microscopy
- General, Organic, and Biochemistry
- Hematology
- Immunohematology
- Immunology and Serology
- Instrumentation in the Clinical Laboratory
- Medical Terminology
- Mycology and Parasitology
- Transfusion Medicine
- Urinalysis and Body Fluids
Most associate degree programs also require you to take a set of general education core courses. These may include courses such as the following:
- College Algebra
- Expository Writing
- General Psychology
- Mathematical Models
- Research Methods
- Speech and Communication
- Statistics
- Technical Writing
All programs include at least one practicum or clinical rotation in their curriculum. These are valuable hands-on opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills you have gained in real-world settings. For example, you might work with an experienced blood bank technician helping to screen and process blood transfusion components.
Things to Know
You need to have good hand-eye coordination in order to perform delicate procedures. You also need to be able to distinguish colors from each other.
Schools
King-Snohomish Area
Bellevue College
- Clinical Lab Assistant
Edmonds Community College
- Allied Health Education--Clinical Laboratory Assistant
Tacoma Area
Clover Park Technical College
- Medical Laboratory Technician
Yakima Area
Heritage University
- Medical Laboratory Science