Clinical Lab Scientist Credential

Military Spouse Pursues Clinical Lab Scientist Credential

An American Forces Press Service News Story 

A Marine gunnery sergeant's wife received welcome assistance last month when she learned that she was eligible for a Career Advancement Account (CAA), which will provide financial assistance to help her advance her career goals.

When she married more than 16 years ago, she was a student with an interest in biochemical research. She knew she needed a transportable career and focused on clinical lab work as a choice that she would enjoy and that would be in demand wherever her husband was assigned. This career path led her to enroll in a rigorous clinical lab scientist training program.

She is now within one year of receiving her license as a clinical lab scientist. While pursuing this credential, she also works full time as a clinical lab specialist, performing laboratory work to identify, diagnose, and treat diseases. As a licensed clinical lab scientist, she will be able to specialize in blood banking for critically ill children and qualify as a laboratory supervisor.

Because education always has been a priority for her and her husband, they put many other desires on hold so she could pursue her career goals. The financial assistance from CAA has given them valuable stability and has enabled them to fulfill another long-standing wish - it "made it possible for us to buy a house and go to school at the same time," she said.