Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate Program

The Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate introduces students to the pre-analytic and analytic activities of the Medical laboratory.  It provides the basic foundational training for laboratory personnel working in the medical office, clinical or hospital laboratory setting. The program introduces students to a variety of laboratory techniques and equipment used in the medical laboratory.  Students are introduced to laboratory safety, specimen collection, processing and reporting,  Students are trained in chemistry, hematology, microbiology, serology, blood banking and urinalysis.  

Student Learning Outcome:

Students will demonstrate introductory knowledge of hematology, blood banking, coagulation, chemistry, chemistry, serology, microbiology and urinalysis.

Students will explain how clinical laboratories are regulated.

Students will accurately and safely perform laboratory tests that identify diseases associated with blood, blood forming tissues and body fluids.

There is a high priority at MSJC on creating programs for students to earn a certificate or degree and be prepared for employment. 

The enrollment for this program is expected to be over 20 students per semester who should complete the certificate in Medical Laboratory Assistance Program in one of two semester.

The goal in providing a Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate program and an associate degree program in Medical Laboratory Technology is to become a part of statewide and even a nationwide solution to the problem of the critical shortage of medical laboratory professionals. Currently there is a wide gap, a large vacancy, a total absence of Medical Laboratory Technology program in the Inland Empire.

The biggest problem, however, is the limited number of accredited education programs in California and the lack of capacity to train large number of students. Internship opportunities, which are embedded in these programs create connections between students and the professional community and provides engagement in outreach to build positive relationships with our diverse communities, promoting feelings of inclusion, enhancing intercultural sensitivity, and foster mutual respect. By implementing a program that has a high demand for personnel, we are increasing the percentage of exiting CTE students who will report being employed in their this industry sector.

The Medical Laboratory Assistance Program is a 18 unit program that provides students with the knowledge and skills for an entry level position in a medical laboratory setting in the clinical labs, the medical office and hospitals.  Currently there is a high demand for laboratory personnel and priority sector of essential workers has a projected growth of 13% in the Inland Empire.