Courtesy Photo | Herlene Alexandre, phlebotomy extern at Miami MEPS, conducts a blood draw on an...... read more read more
U.S. Military Entrance Processing Command (USMEPCOM) introduced a new medical externship initiative designed to strengthen mission execution through innovation, local partnerships and forward-thinking solutions. The program connects students enrolled in medical assisting and phlebotomy certification programs with Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS), creating a mutually beneficial opportunity that enhances operational efficiency while developing future healthcare professionals.
By partnering with local educational institutions, MEPS across the country are able to integrate trained externs into their medical departments, providing hands-on clinical experience for students while supporting the fast-paced medical evaluation process essential to the accession mission.
USMEPCOM’s 10 Battalion was the first to explore and implement the initiative, welcoming phlebotomy externs into its medical department. The externs support daily operations alongside MEPS medical technicians, assisting with tasks such as drawing blood and preparing applicants for medical evaluations.
“Finding adaptable, mission-focused solutions is critical to sustaining readiness,” said Navy Cmdr. Ryan Roeling, 10th Battalion and Jacksonville MEPS commander. “This partnership allows us to maintain the high standard our applicants deserve while also investing in the development of future healthcare professionals.”
The externship model emphasizes structure, supervision and meaningful clinical repetition, ensuring students gain real world experience while MEPS benefit from added capacity during high-tempo operations.
Building on early success, the initiative has expanded to other locations. Boston MEPS recently launched a medical assistant externship program, broadening support beyond phlebotomy to a wider range of clinical tasks. Inspired by lessons learned across the enterprise, Boston MEPS leadership coordinated closely with academic partners and medical leadership to ensure alignment with operational needs.
“The students are trained in much of what we do here,” said Navy Cmdr. Abaigeal Hillyard, 2nd Battalion and Boston MEPS commander. “That makes this a valuable opportunity for both the mission and the students supporting it.”
Early feedback from medical staff has been positive, noting improvements in workflow support, applicant preparation and overall improved efficiency. Leadership at Boston MEPS views the program as a scalable model that, with standardized communication and clear expectations, could be replicated across the enterprise.
As USMEPCOM continues to adapt to operational demands, the medical externship initiative reflects the command’s commitment to innovation, collaboration and mission-focused problem solving, leveraging local partnerships to strengthen readiness while investing in the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Participating MEPS Locations (as of Jan. 20, 2026) include:
| Date Taken: | 01.20.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 01.20.2026 13:57 |
| Story ID: | 556411 |
| Location: | NORTH CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, US |
| Web Views: | 17 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, USMEPCOM Expands Medical Externship Program to Strengthen Operations, by Ashley Toomey, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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