basic level
     back to the basics
    always be careful
    genetics’ genies
    diabetes
post-RT level
     fish
    advanced fish
    virology 2001


Training Courses
 The following courses are offered on a rental basis as distance education materials. They consist of video or audio lectures accompanied by reading materials and/or slide printouts. These are self-study materials. Tutorial assistance is NOT provided. To obtain education credits exams must be completed and returned to BCSLS for marking. Prices include shipping of materials to the client (clients must return the video materials at their own expense). Also included are all taxes and examination fees.

Basic Level
 BACK TO THE BASICS (refresher): BASIC entry-level hematology and chemistry with some microbiology and transfusion medicine. This course is popular with Medical Laboratory Technologists re-entering the workforce and internationally trained technologists seeking to update their knowledge. It is accepted by most Canadian employers & regulatory bodies. Get our detailed brochure/Registration form or register online. It is eligible for credit towards the CSMLS Professional Enhancement Program (PEP) – Hematology (CSMLS#4100-7); Chemistry (CSMLS#4099-7); Joint Case Studies (CSMLS#4101-7) is included with either Hematology or Chemistry modules. This is not a post-RT course. Available in DVD format with printed reading materials.

ALWAYS B CAREFUL (basic): Work shouldn't make you sick! The hazards are real. Using case studies, “risky behavior” will be identified in the lab, along with the steps can be taken to reduce these risks. Topics include: blood borne pathogens, methods of transmitting infections, protective equipment and practices, workplace violence, and ergonomic issues.

GENETICS' GENIES (basic): Why is it that “normal” parents can have genetically abnormal children? Did you know recurrent miscarriages could be caused by abnormal chromosomes? Or that genetic testing is used to determine the type of leukemia that a patient has? Why is it that live tissue must be used to do these types of tests? This course uses pictures and case studies to explain some of the features of this fascinating discipline.

DIABETES – the OLD and the NEW (basic): Examine the clinical background of diabetes in a variety of situations, including pregnancy, children, late onset in adults. Review basic concepts of diagnostic testing for diabetes and clinical relevance of the GTT. Theory, application and case studies are used to illustrate the different facets of the disease and the role of the laboratory in diagnosis and management.

Post-RT Level
 FISH: A PRACTICAL APPROACH: The four modules include: probe classification and preparation; the FISH procedure; visualization, documentation and interpretation; and advanced techniques and applications. First offered in 1996/Revised in 2000.

ADVANCED FISH (2002): Four modules – a continuation of our popular course “FISH: A practical approach”.

VIROLOGY 2001: Topics include: basic virology, pathogenesis of virus infections, principles of viral diagnosis, update on Hepatitis C and Hepatitis A, B, D, E, G as well as respiratory, heart, CNS, skin and eye viruses, retroviruses and zoonotic viruses. The course is a set of 12 lectures (45 minutes each) on audio-cd and a 2-hour exam. This course is jointly sponsored with the BC Centre for Disease Control. It is assigned 1.0 credit (CSMLS #4041-7) replacing our previous course named “Virtual Virology“).


Medical Laboratory Assistant Programs

BCSLS reviews applications from public and private colleges to determine whether their MLA programs meet our certification standards. Graduates of approved programs can apply for BCSLS certification within three years of their graduation date.

BCSLS Approved Colleges

Only these colleges are approved by BCSLS to offer MLA programs:

  • Camosun College
  • CDI College (Victoria)
  • MTI Community College
  • Stenberg College
  • Thompson Rivers University
  • Vancouver Community College
  • Westcoast College of Health Care

BCSLS accepts applications from educational institutions who are prepared to follow our:

MLA Program Syllabus

MLA Program Policy

To apply complete our:

MLA Program Application Form