Laboratory Essentials for COVID-19 Testing
Red River College has launched a new micro-credential course to train specific groups of individuals with a foundation in science and/or working in a laboratory setting in critical laboratory skills necessary to meet the immediate testing needs in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in Manitoba.
The 11-hour, tuition-free course runs throughout the winter and consists of online theory and a hands-on lab delivered in person.
Course Information
This micro-credential focuses on providing critical laboratory skills necessary to meet the immediate COVID-19 testing needs. Students will become competent at using a micropipette and other common pieces of laboratory equipment required for conducting rapid molecular testing procedures. This micro-credential also includes a review of SARS-CoV-2 the causative agent of COVID-19, brief exploration of the molecular testing method used to identify SARS-CoV-2, safety considerations when working with human samples for COVID-19 testing, and the importance of quality concepts and practices when working as part of the healthcare team.
The course consists of six hours of self-paced online theory and five hours of an in-person skills lab held at RRC’s Notre Dame Campus to demonstrate competency in performing the skills required.
Sections are currently offered in Winnipeg beginning January 4, 2021 and focus on the skills needed to use the Songbird Hyris bCUBE and other rapid tests. Students from Brandon and Winkler may take their labs in Winnipeg.
What are Micro-credentials?
Modules
The course consists of five modules:
- SARS-CoV-2, Testing and You
- Safety
- Laboratory Equipment and Skills
- Quality Practices
- Laboratory Practice
Eligibility
The course is available to:
- medical laboratory assistants or technicians with laboratory-related work experience,
- graduates of a science or chemical and biosciences technology program,
- graduates of a pharmaceutical manufacturing program, and
- graduates with a bachelor of science degree with a major or minor in biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, chemistry, microbiology, or zoology.
Proof of eligibility will be required when applying.
Schedule
The theory and lab schedule is as follows:
| Mon Jan. 4 |
Tue Jan. 5 |
Wed Jan. 6 |
Thu Jan. 7 |
Fri Jan. 8 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winnipeg | Theory | Theory | Theory | Lab | Lab |
| Mon Jan. 18 |
Tue Jan. 19 |
Wed Jan. 20 |
Thu Jan. 21 |
Fri Jan. 22 |
|
| Winnipeg | Theory – full | Theory – full | Theory – full | Theory – full | Theory – full |
| Mon Jan. 25 |
Tue Jan. 26 |
Wed Jan. 27 |
Thu Jan. 28 |
Fri Jan. 29 |
|
| Winnipeg | Theory | Theory | Theory | Theory | Theory |
| Lab | – | – | – | – | |
| Mon Feb. 1 |
Tue Feb. 2 |
Wed Feb. 3 |
Thu Feb. 4 |
Fri Feb. 5 |
|
| Winnipeg | Theory | Theory | Theory | Theory | Theory |
| Lab | – | – | – | – | |
| Mon Feb. 8 |
Tue Feb. 9 |
Wed Feb. 10 |
Thu Feb. 11 |
Fri Feb. 12 |
|
| Winnipeg | Lab | – | – | – | – |
Note:
- Sections that are full and no longer accepting students are labelled in the table above.
- Students from Brandon and Winkler may take their labs in Winnipeg.
Apply
Entrance will be based on a first come, first served basis and eligibility requirements. Applications submitted without proper proof of eligibility may be cancelled.
A confirmation of acceptance email will be sent within two business days to individuals who have gained entry to the course.
Please check the Schedule table above for sections that may be full and ensure you are able to attend the lab in person before applying.
Accepted documents include degrees, transcripts confirming graduation or proof of employment in the form of a letter from an employer. Resumes will not be accepted.
Additional Information
Questions about the course can be directed to Red River College by calling 204.694.1789 or emailing cde@rrc.ca.