The Air Force Medical Laboratory Apprentice program provides education and training in the major disciplines of the clinical laboratory. 

The program prepares the laboratory technician to perform laboratory procedures at a medical treatment facility (MTF) under the supervision of a qualified laboratory technician/technologist. The instructional design of this program’s courses is group-lock step. This is a single service program that has a two-phase, field of study schedule. Resident training is first conducted at the METC and then the student transitions to clinical training that is conducted at military MTFs. 

Upon initial entry to METC, students are provided formal education and training that develops them into entry-level Medical Laboratory Technicians within fixed and deployable medical facilities. 

Students will learn the medical laboratory mission and scope of practice. Training includes the study of: clinical chemistry, hematology, immunohematology, immunology, microbiology, parasitology, urinalysis, blood donor center operations, specimen collection and processing, and laboratory operations/management. Methods of instruction include, but are not limited to: lecture, demonstration, online materials, simulations, laboratory practice, and practical exercises. 

The MLT program provides graduates with knowledge and technical skills required to achieve medical laboratory technician entry-level competencies, and meets basic requirements of the DoD Clinical Laboratory Improvement Program (CLIP). Quality assurance and safety techniques are emphasized throughout the program. 

 Clinical training provides students with clinical knowledge and hands-on experiential training which consists of clinical practicum in a MTF. The program prepares the student to exercise judgment and accept responsibility in performing clinical laboratory procedures in the care of patients. The training will include, but is not limited to: the application of specimen collection, clinical chemistry, microbiology, hematology and coagulation, immunohematology, urinalysis, and immunology/serology in a medical laboratory setting, using the areas of practice of medical laboratory department technicians at MTFs. 

 Proficiency advancement in clinical applications is determined by the program director and clinical advisor/coordinator on a case-by-case basis. 

 

Essential Functions

The ability to relate to people, a capacity for calm and reasoned judgment and a demonstration of commitment to the patient are qualities essential for a clinical laboratory technician/medical laboratory technician. They must demonstrate ethical and moral attitudes and principles, which are essential for gaining and maintaining the trust of professional associates, the support of the community, and the confidence of the patient and family. An attitude of respect for the patient and the confidentiality of the patient’s record and/or diagnoses must be maintained.