Medical Laboratory Assistant

To enroll in this class, apply online.

The Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA) with Introductory Biotechnology Exploration program is a two-part, short-term training program designed for adult learners seeking entry into clinical laboratory careers. The first portion of the program focuses on phlebotomy concepts and hands-on blood collection skills, while the second portion emphasizes the medical laboratory setting, including laboratory safety, specimen processing, waived testing, quality control, and professionalism. Instruction is delivered through a combination of classroom instruction, simulation, hands-on laboratory experiences, and supervised clinical practice, with introductory biotechnology concepts integrated to broaden student exposure to modern laboratory science.

The course includes 320 hours of instruction over 28 weeks in a flexible, self-paced hybrid format. Hybrid means a combination of in-person classes and optional online hours via our Flexible Health Zoom Classroom. All skills training and exams must be completed in person, requiring weekly on-site attendance. Students work with the instructor to create a personalized schedule and may choose to complete the entire course in person if preferred

Upon successful completion, students are eligible to pursue stackable national certifications, including the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Phlebotomy Technician certification and the American Medical Technologists (AMT) Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (CMLA) certification. More information about these certifications can be found at www.nhanow.com and www.americanmedtech.org. Students may be required to provide proof of immunizations prior to attending clinicals. Requirements are determined by the clinical site. A background check will be conducted and is included in the tuition fee.