By Jeff Lavender, MLS(AMT)

When I enlisted in the United States Army in 1982 to be a medical laboratory specialist, I did not envision that one day I could be the president of an internationally recognized allied health certification organization. The journey was challenging, but the Army provided the foundation I needed for success.

It all started with certification

In the 80s, the Army Medical Laboratory Program (combined with the Navy) included both basic and advanced laboratory programs. Back then, military members generally weren’t eligible for certification until successful completion of the advanced program.

Today’s medical laboratory technician (MLT) program, allows Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen to be immediately eligible for certification. This credential is readily available, yet many don't obtain or keep up their hard-earned certificate. Maintaining it can benefit you throughout your career, wherever your path leads.

I earned my MLS (AMT) certification in 1989 as a Sergeant after finishing the Army’s advanced medical lab course. Maintaining this certification has strengthened my career at every stage.

After I earned the credential, my certification and volunteer work with AMT appeared in almost every evaluation report. Combined with my military-specific work, my career skyrocketed up the ladder to eventually reach Sergeant Major. Even the Army recognized my commitment to professionalism and quality in my chosen career field.

Employers need to see that common factor to understand

With less than 3% of Americans serving in the Armed Forces, most civilian hiring managers don’t fully understand the quality of military training and education. Many are unaware of its depth and breadth. Employers do not readily recognize how your skills and knowledge gained in the military solve their workforce needs.

Fortunately, in the medical field, we can easily translate our skills and knowledge through a professional credential. Certification exams for AMT credentials like MLT, MLS, or RMA(AMT) are the same. It doesn't matter whether you completed your training in the military or at a civilian college or university.

Passing, and maintaining a national certification is something to which all military and civilian supervisors can relate. The bond translates your military training to the civilian equivalent.

The value of a professional credential

The certification exam is designed to assess and validate your skills and knowledge measured against high industry standards. It demonstrates that you are trainable, that you learn from your training to the point of proficiency. It also shows that you are ready for more advanced tasks and that you are capable of committing yourself to be a professional.

When you transition, your certification goes with you. You can immediately go to work anywhere in the US (and many countries abroad). And healthcare specialists are certainly in demand across this great country. As a military veteran, your reputation goes before you, making you even more in demand.

Considerations for choosing certification

When choosing a life-long certification organization partner, consider three aspects: reputation, accessibility, and endurance.

Reputable: Employers and state and federal agencies widely recognize AMT for its excellent reputation. A rigorous task-based exam backs an AMT credential. The respected National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) accredits AMT exams.

AMT has a long history of supporting its members with education and ongoing professional development. This helps you maintain your competencies and stay relevant in a fast-changing career field.

Accessible: AMT proudly offers top-quality exams and educational materials at affordable prices, giving you the best value. As a nonprofit, AMT aims to keep fees low so cost isn’t a barrier to career success.

AMT offers a streamlined process for application and recertification. They understand that everyone has a unique background of training and experience. That’s why they offer various paths to certification and different ways to earn continuing education.

Enduring: In 2024, AMT celebrates 85 years of certification excellence as one of the longest-running allied health certification organizations in the United States. AMT's membership grows each year as allied health professionals seek to stay relevant through new certifications. You can count on AMT to stay with you throughout your career and beyond.

After certification

I became certified through AMT as an Enlisted Soldier and availed myself of the opportunities that only a professional association can offer members. The 85,000 members of AMT national are locally supported by state societies, and I attended and volunteered for whatever state society in which I was stationed.

Eventually I worked my way up to the association’s national board of directors. My military training got me started and helped sustain me, but my mentors in both the Army and at AMT helped to propel me to the top.

You have that opportunity in AMT. Maintain that certification, keep yourself relevant in an in-demand career field, and you will be successful.

Jeff Lavender, MLS(AMT), is a retired US Army Sergeant Major with 29 years of active duty service. His career as a Medical Laboratory NCO in the Army was complemented by his volunteer work at all levels in AMT, including serving as the AMT National President. He currently is employed by Pikes Peak State College as a phlebotomy instructor in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He serves AMT as the Chairman of the Examination/Qualification/Standards Oversight Committee.