Western Community College’s in-demand Medical Laboratory Assistant Program yields real rewards

Gaury Sharma never imagined a future in healthcare. With a background in commerce and data analytics, she was heading down a completely different career path – until she discovered the Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) program at Western Community College.

“My journey in the Medical Laboratory Assistant program at WCC has been a transformative experience,” Sharma says. “Stepping into healthcare was a completely new challenge for me. But with the incredible support from WCC, I was able to transition smoothly and develop confidence in my skills.”

At Western Community College, Sharma found the hands-on, practical training that set her up for success. From learning phlebotomy techniques like venipuncture and butterfly needle collection, to safely handling and processing biological specimens, she built the skills she needed for real-world lab work.

“One of my favourite moments was a fun classroom game designed to help us learn medical terminology – it made studying engaging and memorable,” she recalls.

Sharma is now prepared to step into B.C.’s growing healthcare field, where Medical Laboratory Assistants play a critical role in diagnosing and treating patients. In British Columbia, MLA professionals can expect strong job prospects and an average hourly wage around $30, according to Canada Job Bank.

Graduates like Sharma can find work in diverse settings, including:

• Private and public medical laboratories
• Community health clinics
• Research and specialty labs
• Hospitals and public health facilities

Career paths range from Medical Laboratory Assistant and Phlebotomist to Laboratory Technician, Pathology Assistant and Clinical Support Worker. For Sharma, this is only the beginning.

“My journey doesn’t stop here,” she says. “I plan to work as a Medical Lab Assistant for a few years before advancing into microbiology and becoming a Medical Laboratory Technologist. WCC has set me on the right path, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s next!”

Western Community College’s MLA program welcomes students from all backgrounds – whether fresh out of high school or professionals looking for a career change. Admission requires Grade 12 or equivalent (or mature student status), a typing speed of at least 40 words per minute and proof of English proficiency.

Affordable, practical and career-focused, the program offers around 640 hours of training, ensuring students graduate job-ready.

“I have already helped two of my friends enrol at WCC because I truly believe in the quality of education here,” Sharma says.

Questions about a program?

Contact the Surrey campus at 604-594-3500 | [email protected]. Or reach the Abbotsford campus at 604-776-1301 | [email protected] for information on enrolment, programs or student support.