Upon successful completion of the course, the Learner will be able to:

1. Explain the principles of immunohematology and describe the characteristics of ABO, Rh, and other blood group systems.
2. Perform and interpret routine pre-transfusion testing, including ABO blood grouping, antibody screening, and crossmatching.
3. Describe and outline safe handling, selection, and administration of blood and blood products, in accordance with current standards and best practices.
4. Apply quality assurance and safety protocols in the blood bank to ensure compliance with regulatory and institutional guidelines.
5. Analyze and resolve common transfusion-related challenges, such as antibody investigations using critical thinking and laboratory data.

Hybrid delivery will have online content, with a weekly synchronous session that will be held in the evening, along with three weekend sessions that will be spread over the 12 weeks. There will be assessments in both the theory and lab components, with written (quizzes and final exam) and a competency assessment in the lab. As participants are supported by employers, there is an expectation that knowledge and skill acquired will be incorporated into opportunities to practice and demonstrate within the lab.

This program is intended for Medical Laboratory Assistants / Technicians (MLAs), with the support of their employers, who are already working in the Transfusion Science area and would like to achieve a micro credential in Transfusion Science.

Please note, successfully completing the Transfusion Science Micro Credential for MLA course alone does not qualify an individual to become a registered Medical Laboratory Technologist with CMLTO. We suggest you reach out to CMLTO directly to confirm what is required to become a registered Medical Laboratory Technologist with them.

The course will run from the 27th of October, 2025 to the 13th of February, 2026. The in-person sessions are November 29–30, 2025, January 10–11, 2026 and February 7–8, 2026.

Aladdin Elzubeir

Applications to the Transfusion Science Micro Credential must be submitted via Michener Self-Service by September 30, 2025.

All supporting documents including the Transfusion Science Applicant Experience Checklist must be submitted by September 30, 2025. For more information on admission and document requirements, please refer to ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS section of this page.

• Educational requirement Applicants must demonstrate successful completion of a Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) or technician program of study from a Canadian institution which was, at the time of graduation, accredited or approved by the Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario (MLPAO). Clinical Experience requirement Applicants must meet the following clinical requirements:
  • Minimum of two years full-time clinical practice as a MLA
  • Must be a member in good standing with Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario (MLPAO) OR Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) and/or Registered Medical Laboratory Technician with the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO) Voluntary Roster

Document Requirements

Applicants must submit all required documents below by September 30, 2025. Documents may be uploaded via Michener Self-Service or email to admissions@michener.ca

• • Proof of conferral or completion of Medical laboratory Assistant (MLA) program^

^Internationally educated applicants are strongly encouraged to provide a WES or ICAS evaluation.

• • Completed Transfusion Science Applicant Experience Checklist along with all or any one of the applicable supporting documents below:
    • Resume or CV
    • Letter of support from employer (lab manager) attesting to your experience and contributions to the workplace and their support of taking the course
    • Provide Certification by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) or the Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario (MLPAO) and/or Registered Medical Laboratory Technician with the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO) Voluntary Roster

Other Requirements

• • Students must have access to a computer that meets the minimum system requirements, access to high-speed Internet, webcam and microphone.
  • Computer fluency is required.
  • Internationally-educated applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency. Please visit the Internationally Educated Applicants page for more details.

Note:

Applicants will be ranked based on clinical experience and/or education if the course is oversubscribed. Preference will be given to applicants who submit a complete application by the set deadline. 

1. Bloody Easy 5.1: Blood Transfusions, Blood Alternatives and Transfusion Reactions. A Guide to Transfusion Medicine, 5th Edition Handbook. (2023). Available online.
2. Harmening DM. Modern Blood Banking and Transfusion Practices. FA Davis; 2019.
3. Transfusion Science Standard Operating Procedures (2023). The Michener Institute for Applied Health Sciences.