AGE REQUIREMENTS: Must be between the ages of 17 and 35

The ASVAB isn’t the only test that matters in the military. A Soldier’s 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 You’ll 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.

The National Guard is a unique element of the U.S. military that serves both community and country. The Guard responds to domestic emergencies, overseas combat missions, counterdrug efforts, reconstruction missions and more. Any state governor or the President of the United States can call on the Guard in a moment’s notice. Guard Soldiers hold civilian jobs or attend college while maintaining their military training part time. Guard Soldiers’ primary area of operation is their home state.

The Guard dates back to 1636, when Citizen-Soldiers formed militias to defend community and country. And for 377 years, the Guard has stayed true to its roots. Enlisting in the National Guard means more time at home. Training typically requires one weekend each month, with a two-week training period once each year. Get a degree with money for school, learn job skills that translate to the civilian world, make bonds that last a lifetime and earn pride for life. When you become a Guard Soldier, your family will thank you, your country will thank you and your future will owe you. Contact a recruiter to find more specifics about your opportunities in the Army National Guard.