Current Study on Laboratory Professionals’ Education, Exposures, and Motivations Identifies Timely Recommendations to Support the Workforce

A recent collaborative study by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and the University of Washington Center for Health Workforce Studies (UW CHWS), was published in AJCP in January 2025. The study examined professionals across six occupations, including medical laboratory scientists, medical laboratory technicians, and phlebotomists, and their career pathways into the medical laboratory workforce. The study reveals diverse educational backgrounds and career trajectories, with nearly 50 percent of respondents introduced to the field through personal networks in healthcare. Despite high job satisfaction (75 percent would recommend their careers), challenges persist: inconsistent job titles limit career advancement, staffing shortages strain workplaces, and public awareness of these vital roles remains low. The findings highlight the importance of hands-on-training and professional development while emphasizing the urgent need to clarify entry pathways and enhance the visibility of these critical healthcare roles. 

To strengthen the workforce, the study advocates targeted policy and organizational reforms. Key recommendations include standardizing job titles to improve role clarity, expanding outreach to schools and career counselors to promote laboratory careers, and investing in training programs to address staffing gaps. By prioritizing these strategies, stakeholders can foster a resilient pipeline of skilled professionals to meet growing healthcare demands. Enhancing public recognition of the medical laboratory field’s critical impact on patient care and streamlining entry pathways will ensure a sustainable workforce capable of maintaining community health.  

To read the full study and learn more about the results, click here.