An apparatus and method for dual mode power control. A transmitter is capable of operating in a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation, the first mode of operation and the second mode of operation including a closed loop control mode and an open loop control mode, the first mode of operation being different from the second mode of operation. The transmitter can be operated in the first mode of operation. A transmitter output power characteristic of the first mode of operation can be read back. The transmitter output power characteristic of the first mode of operation can be correlated to a transmitter output power characteristic of the second mode of operation. The first mode of operation can be switched to the second mode of operation based on the transmitter output power characteristic of the second mode of operation.