For Staying in Clinical Laboratory Science
National Certification: The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification administers the MLT and MLS certification exams. Your 68K AIT transcript should qualify you for the MLT(ASCP) exam — verify eligibility directly with ASCP using your military training records. This certification is required or preferred by the vast majority of civilian employers.
AMT Certification: American Medical Technologists (AMT) also offers MLT certification and may have different eligibility pathways for military-trained laboratory professionals. Check both ASCP and AMT routes to determine which fits your background best.
Professional Development: The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) offers continuing education, advocacy, and networking for laboratory professionals. State-level ASCLS chapters often host job fairs and connect transitioning military lab techs with employers.
SkillBridge Programs: Some hospital laboratory systems participate in DOD SkillBridge. Search the SkillBridge database for current clinical laboratory openings.
For Careers Outside of the Laboratory
Quality Management: ASQ (American Society for Quality) certifications translate lab QC experience into industrial quality management. The CQA (Certified Quality Auditor) and Six Sigma certifications are valued in pharmaceutical manufacturing and biotech.
Pharmaceutical & Biotech Industry: Companies like Abbott, Roche, and Siemens Healthineers hire former lab techs for field service, applications specialist, and technical sales roles. Your hands-on analyzer experience is the product knowledge they need.
Federal Employment (USAJobs): Create your USAJobs profile 6 months before ETS. Key agencies: VA (largest employer), DOD medical facilities, CDC, NIH, FDA, and USAMRIID. Federal resumes follow different formatting rules — build yours here.
Veteran Networking: American Corporate Partners (ACP) provides free mentorship from corporate executives in healthcare, biotech, and other industries.
Education Benefits: GI Bill covers MLS bachelor's degree completion programs for those with MLT credentials. Also covers specialty certifications, master's programs in clinical laboratory science, and healthcare administration degrees. Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to verify program approval.
BMR Career Resources
Army Resume Guide: MOS Translation | Complete Military Resume Guide | Army ETS Checklist | Build Your Resume Free