Pathway
Medical Laboratory Assistant
A Medical Laboratory Assistant youth apprentice performs specimen collection, transport, and processing of fluids for analysis. Youth apprentices pay attention to pre-analytical factors which compromise the accuracy of test results.
Length of Apprenticeship: One year

Job Competencies
Youth apprentices must complete a total of 10 competencies. Nine must be from the list below. If necessary, employers can substitute 1 competency with another occupationally appropriate skill. That skill should be added to the competency list for assessment.
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Required Competencies
- Apply standard precautions and infection prevention controls
- Maintain inventory
- Prepare supplies, instruments, and equipment for use
- Perform pre-analytical procedures
- Operate lab equipment (i.e., centrifuge, incubators, water bath)
- Assist in performing Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waived tests
- Dispose of biohazardous waste
- Perform clerical tasks
- Respect patient confidentiality
- Perform post-analytical procedures
Related Instruction
Students must enroll in 1 High School Credit or 3 College Credits of related instruction each year they participate in the Youth Apprenticeship program.
Purpose of Related Instruction
The purpose of choosing a related instruction course is to ensure students are learning technical and academic skills that support the student's ability to perform their work tasks. This should be done concurrently with on-the-job training to make relevant connections between learning competencies and work.
Choosing Related Instruction
You will collaborate with your YA Coordinator and School Counselor to determine the most appropriate option for related instruction. A course within your high school directly related to the career pathway is ideal, especially if dual credits and/or hours related to a potential registered apprenticeship are offered.
If there is not a directly related course in your school district, related instruction in the same career cluster is also acceptable.
If there is not a course within that career cluster in your school district, you may request to register for a college course through the Start College Now program with a local technical college, Early College Credit from a local university, or from an alternative provider such as Destinations Career Academy.-
- Contemporary Healthcare Practices
- Digital Literacy for Healthcare
- Medical Terminology
- Basic Lab Skills
- Microbiology
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- Contemporary Healthcare Practices
- Digital Literacy for Healthcare
- Medical Terminology
- Basic Lab Skills
- Microbiology
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- Medical Terminology
- Pharmacy Technician Certification Course
- Biotechnology
Post Secondary
There are numerous opportunities to continue your education after completing the Youth Apprenticeship program.
Registered Apprenticeships
Registered Apprenticeship in in Medical Laboratory Assistant is not currently available.
College and University
- Completion of a Youth Apprenticeship fulfills college admission requirements across the UW System. Click here to learn more Universities of Wisconsin.
- Wisconsin Technical College System.