Careers

Career Description

Even the most well-trained Airman can't perform at their peak if they aren't healthy. As a Medical Laboratory Specialist, you will help Physicians provide the best healthcare possible to our Airmen and their families. From running blood tests to wellness evaluations, you'll be an integral part of keeping our Airmen healthy. Whether on the ground in hostile territory or on bases across the world, you will use state-of-the-art equipment to help ensure that our force stays in fighting shape.

Career Tasks

• Collect and prepare various specimens for analysis
• Test and analyze specimens using scientific laboratory techniques to aid in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases
• Perform preventive maintenance on sophisticated electronic laboratory equipment.
• Complete processing of blood for transfusion
• Conduct procedures necessary to identify bacteria and determine antibiotic sensitivity of pathogenic microorganisms
• Evaluate blood cells and blood components
• Maintain records of all laboratory work performed and prepare specimens for shipment to various military and civilian medical facilities

Relevant Interests & Skills

• Health and Medicine
• Nursing
• Problem-solving

Training

After eight-and-a-half weeks of Basic Military Training, every Airman goes to technical training to learn their career. Here's the basic information about Medical Laboratory Specialist technical training:

School location: Sheppard AFB [TX]

Length of course: 268 days

College degree earned: Medical Laboratory Technology

College credits earned: 89