The ASVAB isnt the only test that matters in the military. A Soldiers tissue, blood, and body fluids also need to be tested to detect and identify diseases. As a Medical Laboratory Specialist in the Army National Guard, you will perform these clinical tests that the healthcare team will use to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness of their patients.
In this role, you will examine blood and bone marrow samples; test for bacteria or viruses; and analyze tissue, blood, and fluid specimens for diagnostic information.
Job Duties
Perform elementary blood banking and clinical laboratory procedures in hematology, immunohematology, clinical chemistry, serology, bacteriology, parasitology, and urinalysis
Collect blood specimens by venipuncture and capillary puncture
Pack, unpack, inspect, store, and distribute blood products
Assemble, disassemble, and maintain laboratory equipment
Some of the Skills Youll Learn
Medical laboratory procedures
Study of human parasites and diseases
Laboratory administration and record keeping
Helpful Skills
Interest in biology, chemistry, and algebra
Ability to follow detailed procedures precisely
Through your training, you will develop the skills and experience to enjoy a civilian career with privately owned laboratories, hospitals, clinics, or research institutions. The certifications available to you after continued study and experience are medical laboratory technician, cytotechnologist, and clinical laboratory technician. Specific educational criteria must be met before you can qualify for certification.
Earn While You Learn
Instead of paying to learn these skills, get paid to train. In the Army National Guard, you will learn these valuable job skills while earning a regular paycheck and qualifying for tuition assistance.
Job training for Medical Laboratory Specialist consists of 10 weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and 52 weeks of Advanced Individual Training. Training consists of both classroom and field work.