Laboratory Medicine Workforce

Laboratory Medicine Workforce

Laboratory Medicine: A National Status Report

The laboratory medicine workforce plays a vital role in the health care system, managing and applying evidence-based, scientific testing techniques to support patient care and protect against public health threats.1 However, there is growing concern regarding a significant shortage in the number of laboratory professionals entering the workforce. The shortage could become pronounced soon with the forthcoming retirement of many laboratorians. At the same time, the demand for laboratory services continues to increase given such factors as the aging of the population, growing prevalence of chronic diseases, and availability of new testing methods. Innovative technologies also are changing the practice of laboratory medicine and, in turn, the educational requirements and staff qualifications needed to provide quality testing services. This chapter provides an overview of the professionals in the laboratory medicine workforce, including their day-to-day responsibilities, demographic characteristics, vacancy rates, and wages. The chapter also addresses the status of educational programs for each professional group, including specialty education programs, changes in curriculum, and data on program enrollees and graduates. Lastly, this chapter discusses licensing and certification at the federal and state level.