Medical Laboratory Assistant
Ontario College Certificate
3 Semesters / 1 Year
School of Health Sciences
Programs
Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees
PHPGSchool of Interdisciplinary Studies
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Key Details
Program Start Dates
January 2025
September 2025
January 2026
Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.
Credential
Ontario College Certificate
Program Duration
2 Semesters / 1 YearProgram Contacts
Shawn Carscadden
Program Coordinator / Professor
shawn.carscadden@cambriancollege.ca
International Admissions
mailboxadmissions@cambriancollege.ca
School of Interdisciplinary Studies
cips@cambriancollege.ca
Program Overview
Unleash your potential – bridge the gap to advanced health sciences
Is that limited enrolment health sciences or nursing program just within reach? Gain missing admission requirements and boost your grades with targeted English, math, and science courses.
You’ll customize your path with the electives you need to ensure you meet all prerequisites for your program of choice while building a solid foundation for future success. The Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees program is the preferred designated preparatory program for admission to Cambrian College’s limited enrolment health sciences programs.
Program Highlights
Program highlights
- Courses cover English, math, and science
- Strong foundation for entry into Cambrian’s limited enrolment health sciences programs
- Support and mentorship from professors
- Access to all of Cambrian’s free student services
- Grads who continue into another full-time Cambrian program have a high degree of success
Admissions
Admission requirements
For graduates of the new curriculum (OSS): Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status, including:
- Any grade 12 English (U) or (C)
- Any grade 11 mathematics (U), (C) or (M)
International Student Admissions
Are you an international student? Learn more about additional requirements.
Learn moreAdditional admission requirements
Recommendations
- Grade 11 biology or chemistry (U), (C) or (M)
- Computer competency in relevant software
Academic Upgrading
Are you missing admission requirements? Strengthen your academic skills for free at your own pace through Academic Upgrading!
Program delivery
Program delivery
2024-2025
Winter term start
- Semester 1: Winter 2025
- Semester 2: Spring 2025
2025-2026
Fall term start
- Semester 1: Fall 2025
- Semester 2: Winter 2026
Winter term start
- Semester 1: Winter 2026
- Semester 2: Spring 2026
Program of Study
Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 1003 | Biology I | 4 |
| CHM 1106 | Science Chemistry I | 4 |
| ENG 1006 | Technical Reading & Writing for the Health Science | 3 |
| MTH 1113 | Pre Health Math I | 4 |
| HEA 1081 | Introduction to Medical Terminology and Health Professions | 3 |
| The following Elective course: 1 | 3 | |
|
PHY 1031
| Health Science Physics I | |
| or | ||
| One General Education course. 2 | ||
| Credits | 21 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| BIO 1010 | Biology II | 4 |
| CHM 1002 | Physical Chemistry | 2 |
| CHM 1003 | Organic and Biological Chemistry | 4 |
| ENG 1121 | Research & Writing/Health Sciences | 3 |
| MTH 1213 | Advanced Pre-Health Math | 4 |
| HEA 1082 | Professionalism and Ethics in Health Careers | 3 |
| The following Elective course: 1 | ||
|
PHY 1002
| Health Science Physics II | |
| or | ||
| One General Education course. 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 23 | |
| Total Credits | 44 | |
- 1
-
Students looking for admission into the Medical Radiation Technologist program upon completion of Pre-Health must take Physics as their elective in both semesters
- 2
-
All other students can choose from the comprehensive General Education roster. For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.
Fees
Tuition Cost
Important Notice
Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.
Tuition and ancillary fees
Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.
Books and supplies
Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor for further information.
College may be more affordable than you think!
Have you said, “school can wait another year”? Don’t sacrifice your future any longer – you can do it!
Whether it’s fear, financial reasons, or something else that is impacting your decision to start school, we’re here to listen to you and help in any way we can!
Work-integrated learning (WIL)
Take your education beyond the classroom!
Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.
Work-integrated learning (WIL) resources
Your program may give you the opportunity to gain practical work experience through a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement. Before starting your program it’s important to understand the differences between the opportunities as well as the requirements.
Field of Study
School of Interdisciplinary Studies
Kickstart your future with the personal touch offered by Cambrian’s School of Interdisciplinary Studies. Whether you need help finding the right direction, improving your English language skills, or want to earn your high school equivalency certificate, Cambrian has got your back. Flexible, individualized programs give you the freedom to grow and explore your best path to a rewarding career.
Specific program pathways
Furthering your studies
Graduates from this program will have obtained the necessary prerequisites to apply to all Health Sciences programs offered at Cambrian. To explore the health sciences programs offered at Cambrian please click here. Graduates may also receive credit towards select courses in various programs.
Graduates from this program who also continue their studies at Cambrian College in a Community Services program, may receive credit towards select courses. To explore the Community Service programs offered at Cambrian please click here.
Note: Graduates of Pre-Health will need to apply to a health science or community service program through OCAS at ontariocolleges.ca
College or university degree opportunities
If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian’s college and university agreement details for further information.
Career Outcomes
Need a career coach?
Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!
See where you'll be learning!
Minimum technology requirements
Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.
Minimum technology requirements
- Regular access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection
- Webcam and headset
- Personal computer
- Windows 8, 8.1, or 10 operating system
- Web browser: Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer 10 or higher
- Apple Mac
- OS X operating system
- Web browser: Firefox or Safari
System requirements for assistive technology
To access the widest range of assistive technology (AT), a Windows-based computer is recommended.
- Recommended OS: Windows 10 or newer
- Recommended CPU: Intel or AMD multicore processor
- Recommended RAM: 8 GB
- Recommended storage for assistive technology: 8 GB of available hard drive of solid state drive space (please note this is not the total drive size and refers specifically to available space needed for assistive technology)
- Recommended audio: Speakers or headphones for text-to-speech and microphone for speech input
While Apple computers can provide many AT options, some specialized software may not be available/compatible with this platform. Please consult with the Glenn Crombie Centre for further details.
Bring your own device (BYOD)
Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!
Ready to take the first step?
Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!
Have Questions? We are here to help.
If you have any questions about programs, funding, OSAP, deadlines, student services, or anything else, reach out to our support team and we are happy to help!
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