EDUCATION
The Providence Health Care Laboratory supports clinically integrated teaching for medical laboratory technologists, medical laboratory assistants, undergraduate Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science Students, and Resident trainees in Pathology and other medical specialties. Graduate students and post-doctoral research fellows also train and work within our laboratory and associated research institutes.
British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) Medical Laboratory Sciences Program
Medical laboratory technologists (MLTs) perform over 1.2 million lab tests every day in Canada. Doctors use these tests to make diagnoses that impact patient health. MLTs play a critical role in ensuring patients get the right treatment and health care they need.
With one of the highest pass rates in the country, BCIT's Medical Laboratory Science program is known for producing high-quality and well-prepared MLTs who are ready to start working from day one.
- Two-and-a-half year, full-time, Diploma program
- On-campus lectures and clinical labs deliver a solid theoretical and practical foundation
- A 42-week clinical placement provides direct learning in a workplace lab setting
St. Paul's Hospital provides clinical placements for 10 BCIT students each year.
To find out more about the BCIT program, click here. Are you curious about becoming a laboratory professional? Visit the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science "Why become a Medical Lab Professional?"
Medical Laboratory Assistant Training Programs
Medical laboratory assistants (MLAs) play a vital front-line role in the health care team. An MLA's main duties are to collect blood samples from patients; process blood samples and other biological samples for laboratory testing; perform electrocardiograms; and perform front office duties while interacting with clients/patients. MLAs are the "face of the laboratory" in St. Paul's Hospital. We train up to 10 MLA students each year from two educational programs.
West Coast College
West Coast College is a pioneer in the training of MLAs in British Columbia. It is the first private college in British Columbia given permission to train MLAs. This is a 28-week Diploma program consisting of 24 weeks of theoretical and clinical study, and 4 weeks of practicum in a hospital or private laboratory.
Vancouver Community College
This is a full-time 6-month training program including a practicum which prepares students for employment as an MLA.
UBC Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Educational Programs
Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science Program
UBC's Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLSc) Program is a unique undergraduate science degree that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical lab experience, giving students the tools they need to meaningfully engage in real-world scientific research and biotechnology. Students in the program gain practical lab experience and knowledge in a broad range of health science subjects, while developing crucial transferrable competencies. Students enter Year 3 of the program and complete two years of study.
Graduate Studies Programs
Three degree programs are available: Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy and combined Doctor of Medicine/Doctor of Philosophy.
Residency Training
UBC offers six post-graduate residency training programs. Details of each program can be found on the UBC Pathology web page. St. Paul's Hospital supports clinically integrated and didactic resident teaching in all programs, with the exception of Neuropathology.
