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 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 run as needed and focus on the skills required to use the Songbird Hyris bCUBE and other rapid tests. Students from Brandon and Winkler will take their labs in Winnipeg.



Modules

The course consists of five modules:

  1. SARS-CoV-2, Testing and You
  2. Safety
  3. Laboratory Equipment and Skills
  4. Quality Practices
  5. 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.

Schedules

Sections are currently unavailable.

Apply

NOTE: All sections are full and course registration is currently closed. Sign up for notifications.

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.

NOTE:

Please check the Schedules 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.

NOTE:

Sections are currently unavailable.

COVID-19 Rapid Testing Micro-Credential Course

Personal Information

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NOTE: Complete the web form below to be notified when course registration is available.

Only individuals who are available to attend the in-person skills lab (in Winnipeg) should apply.

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Additional Information

Questions about the course can be directed to Red River College by calling 204.694.1789 or emailing cde@rrc.ca.