Medical Laboratory Assistant, Basic Certificate

College(s):

Program Code: 0518

The Medical Laboratory Assistant program provides comprehensive training designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in clinical laboratory settings. The MLA program covers fundamental laboratory techniques, phlebotomy, specimen collection and processing, safety protocols, and quality control procedures essential for accurate diagnostic testing. Students gain practical experience with modern laboratory equipment and develop skills in waived laboratory testing under the guidance of experienced instructors. Emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice, the curriculum prepares graduates to support healthcare teams effectively, ensuring reliable patient test results and contributing to overall patient care.

Program Requirements

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
Required Program Core
MED LAB 100	Medical Laboratory Techniques	2
MED LAB 113	Phlebotomy Techniques ¹	4
MED LAB 201	Medical Laboratory Assistant Skills	7
PSYCH 201	General Psychology	3
or SPEECH 202	Interpersonal Communication
Total Hours		16

¹: Course may be waived if students have successfully completed all of PHLEB 108 Phlebotomy Seminar I, PHLEB 110 Phlebotomy Practicum, PHLEB 208 Phlebotomy Seminar II and PHLEB 210 Phlebotomy Clinical (or both PHLEB 109 Phlebotomy Practicum and Seminar I and PHLEB 209 Phlebotomy Practicum and Seminar II).

Pathway

This is an example course sequence for students interested in pursuing a Basic Certificate (BC) in Medical Laboratory Assistant. It does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability.

Semester-by-Semester Program Plan for Full-Time Students

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1		Hours
MED LAB 100	Medical Laboratory Techniques	2
MED LAB 113	Phlebotomy Techniques	4
MED LAB 201	Medical Laboratory Assistant Skills	7
PSYCH 201 or SPEECH 102	General Psychology or Advanced Public Speaking	3
	Hours	16
	Total Hours	16

¹: Course may be waived if students have successfully completed all of PHLEB 108 Phlebotomy Seminar I, PHLEB 110 Phlebotomy Practicum, PHLEB 208 Phlebotomy Seminar II and PHLEB 210 Phlebotomy Clinical (or both PHLEB 109 Phlebotomy Practicum and Seminar I and PHLEB 209 Phlebotomy Practicum and Seminar II).

Choose your courses with your College Advisor.

Program Admission Requirements

Complete an application to the Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) program
Submit official/sealed high school transcript or GED certificate directly to Malcolm X College
- High school diplomas will not be accepted
- GED certificate must indicate date of completion
Submit official/sealed college transcripts from institutions outside of City Colleges of Chicago directly to Malcolm X College
English 101 eligibility
College level math eligibility

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