Medical Laboratory Apprentice
The Medical Laboratory Apprentice (MLA) course is designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to succeed in the clinical laboratory setting. This comprehensive program consists of 2 phases that encompasses clinical chemistry, hematology, immunohematology, immunology, microbiology, parasitology, urinalysis, blood donor center operations, specimen collection and processing, and laboratory operations.
During Phase 1 at the Medical Education and Training Campus (METC), which consist of 36 weeks and five training days. This phase focuses on theoretical knowledge and basic clinical skills. Phase 2 then shifts to practical instruction, which includes 118 training days of hands-on training at various military and civilian medical treatment facilities (MTFs).
This phase is essential for applying the knowledge and skills learned in Phase 1 to real world medical environments where residents can gain experience in patient care and learn from experienced healthcare professionals.
The MLA course is structured to provide a robust educational experience that combines diverse learning methods and practical training. The course utilizes an array of instructional modalities, including lectures, demonstrations, case studies, on-line materials, simulations, and laboratory practices. Graduates gain knowledge and technical skills required to achieve MLA entry-level competencies and meet basic requirements of the DoD Clinical Laboratory Improvement (CLIP).
Furthermore, graduates are awarded 104 Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) credits and are required to pass the Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) national accreditation examination.
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 US Air Force
AFSC: Medical Laboratory Apprentice
Course Length:
1464 hours / 36 weeks, 5 days
Iterations per year: 4
 US Army
MOS: N/A
 US Navy
NEC: N/A
School Code 083
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Search Instructions |
MEDICAL LABORATORY COURSE SCOPE OF INSTRUCTION
The Medical Laboratory Apprentice (MLA) course is designed to equip students with a comprehensive foundation in key areas of medical laboratory practice, contingency and daily healthcare operations. Upon completion of the program, students will have gained valuable skills and knowledge concerning the analysis of body fluids, isolate and identity of microorganisms, study blood components, perform pre-transfusion tests, and determine disease-related immune responses.
What We Do
Entry-level Medical Laboratory Technicians will work in fixed and deployable medical facilities, performing laboratory procedures under the supervision of a qualified 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. Students will learn and train in the following: 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 MLA Course provides graduates with knowledge and technical skills required to achieve medical laboratory technician entry-level competencies, requirements of the DoD Clinical Laboratory Improvement Program (CLIP) and the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
Essential Functions
Medical Laboratory Technicians must have the ability to relate to people, a capacity for calm and reasoned judgment and a commitment to quality patient care, as well as 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.
Clinical Facilities
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- Joint Base Langley-Eustis, VA
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- Joint Base San Antonio - Lackland AFB, TX
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Prerequisites
High school or college algebra, biology, and chemistry are required -- NOT waiverable.
Normal color vision as defined in Air Force Instruction 48-123 is mandatory.
Minimum ASVAB General Score of 62. ECL 70.
Uniform Requirements
Duty uniform varies between a combination of Blues and OCPs, ensure you have complete sets of each uniform requirement.
Students must bring Air Force Physical Training (PT) uniform and participate in the squadron PT program. As per AFI 36-2905, personnel enrolled in the Fitness Improvement Program (FIP) will continue the program while TDY to Fort Sam Houston. On Day 1, please hand carry your FIP along with a copy of your orders and present to the AF in-processing personnel.
EMRC
This course is conducted in an austere environment. NO amenities are provided or available for purchase, you must bring items to sustain you for the duration.
CHECKLIST FOR ITEMS YOU NEED TO BRING WITH YOU:
- Leather Work Gloves
- Protective Eye Wear
- Combat Boots
- Canteen or Camel Pack
- $20 CASH, in small bills (meals at the field kitchen)
- Towel
Suggested items: Sun Block, Insect Repellent
Prohibited Items: Tobacco products and Cell Phones
Reporting Instructions
Before you can attend classes at METC you will be required to establish an AKO account TWO WEEKS PRIOR to class start .
To establish your account, from a government computer, go to https://www.metc.mil, select "Newcomers", "I am an Airmen". YOU MUST COMPLETE ALL required actions, failure to complete actions could result in a delayed class start.
Day 0 – Sunday
(Prior Service/Active Duty/ANG/AFRES) – Arrive in local area.
Day 1 - Monday
Attend EMRC/Field conditions and lecture/discussion. Everyone will ride bus to and from the Training Facility - see requirements tab for information.
(ANG/AFRES - After class, contact the liaison located in Bldg 1469.)
Day 2 - Tuesday
Attend EMRC/Field conditions and lecture/discussion. Everyone will ride bus to and from the Training Facility - see special requirements section.
Day 3 - Wednesday
First day of class. Report NLT 0745 to class.
*In the event Monday is a holiday, Day 0 will be Monday, and EMRC will be conducted on Tuesday & Wednesday with a METC Class start of Thursday.
Billeting
IHG Army Hotels - Fort Sam Houston:
Direct Group/DVQ Reservations:(210)357-2705 ext.5006
Hours of Operation: 24 hours 7 days a week 365 days a year.
Meals
Fort Sam Houston has a full service dining facility, all three meals are available.
Accreditation:
The Medical Laboratory Apprentice course is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (
www.naacls.org).
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences
5600 N. River Rd., Suite 720
Rosemont, IL 60018-5119
Telephone: 773-714-8880
FAX: 773-714-8886
info@naacls.org
Graduates from this course receive 52 semester hours from the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF).
Credentialing Information:
Upon completion of Phase 2, graduates are eligible to take the credentialing examination for Medical Laboratory Technician certification through the American Society of Clinical Pathology (www.ascp.org) Board of Certification.
Program Outcomes
Last Three Years
(1 July – 30 June) |
Graduation Rate* |
Placement Rate* |
External Board Certification Rate* |
| 2022 |
77% |
100% |
72% |
| 2023 |
91% |
100% |
78% |
| 2024 |
83% |
100% |
75% |
2024 Phase I Attrition Rate: 17%
*Note: The Placement Rate is determined by the completion of the entire program, which includes both Phase I and Phase II.
100% of the participants who graduated from Phase I also successfully graduated from Phase II.
| Program Director |
(210) 808-5306 |
| Air Force Service Lead |
(210) 808-5305 |
| Phase II Coordinator |
(210) 808-5308 |