Medical Laboratory Science Career Pathway

This post is a departure from our hemostasis focus. I (Geo) am a Medical Laboratory Scientist practitioner and educator. If you wish to apply your science knowledge to a humanitarian career, consider our profession. On December 6, 2024, ASCP’s Am J Clin Pathol published Guenther GA, Shahrir SF, Skillman SM, Kundu I, Garcia E, Frogner BK. Career pathways into the medical laboratory workforce: Education, exposures, and motivations. Am J Clin Pathol. 2024:aqae151. doi: 10.1093/ajcp/aqae151. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39657272. The copyrighted article is available to ASCP members and can be accessed through your facility’s library. Here is a summary:
A majority of survey respondents reported hearing about laboratory occupations from friends, family, co-workers, and acquaintances. At least one-third to nearly one-half of respondents had a family member with broader professional healthcare experience. Respondents viewed their jobs favorably, with at least 75% of respondents answering that they would recommend their occupation. This study found overall positive job experiences and satisfaction, but career pathways into medical laboratory occupations are complex and often unclear. Organizations in the field are undertaking promotional efforts to increase the visibility of these occupations. Future research is needed to monitor and evaluate these efforts.