Now Is the Time to Advance Your Career in Medical Laboratory Science

The medical laboratory science field is one of the fastest-expanding career paths. From advancements in hematology to cryogenics, there are more opportunities for laboratory professionals to expand upon their skill sets and make a greater impact. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady job growth across this field throughout the entire U.S. over the next decade.

As the field of medical laboratory science continues to expand, the demand for skilled professionals is on the rise. This growth has brought to light the need for experienced professionals and leadership who can foster the field’s development. The International Journal of Biomedical Laboratory Science (IJBLS), edited by Dr. Patricia Tille from the University of Cincinnati, has highlighted several factors that support the idea that this is an opportune moment to advance in this field. These factors include a growing demand for leadership due to an increase in job openings, advancement in technology and education, as well as the emergence of new areas of opportunity.

A Growing Need for Laboratory Leadership:

One of the biggest concerns for staffing in the laboratory science industry is the expected retirements from the Baby Boomer generation. The laboratory sciences are certainly not excluded from these concerns. For example, organizations such as the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and the Association for Diagnostics and Laboratory Medicine (ADLM) both have stated that they expect a reduction in crucial staff due to retirements, particularly among supervisors. Supervisor roles in medical laboratories are difficult to fill, especially today, due to the shortage of trained professionals.

The aging population has affected laboratory shifting in two ways. The ASCLS estimates that the population of people aged 65 and above will increase by 18 million from 2015 to 2025. This means that there will be a higher demand for chronic disease management and lab tests to diagnose and treat those illnesses. Additionally, global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 will have highlighted the need for skilled laboratory professionals. The ADLM has reported these events have shown the ongoing shortage of medical laboratory professionals. In some areas, the vacancy rate in laboratories was as high as 25% during a time when accurate testing was vital. These vacancies include laboratory scientists and qualified leaders who can manage operations efficiently. Therefore, degrees in fields like clinical laboratory science, especially those with leadership components have become more crucial.

Advancements in Laboratory Technology and Education:

As vacancies continue to rise in the coming years, the technology used in laboratories continues to develop to improve diagnostic practices within the laboratory. According to the ASCLS, more than 4 billion medical laboratory tests are performed each year, with about 70% of patient care interactions being influenced by laboratory test data.

It’s no secret that technology is constantly advancing and that this allows for greater efficiency in all professions. The advancements in molecular diagnostics that have led to the diagnosis and treatment of complex human diseases in cancer biology and infectious diseases are on the cutting edge of medicine. Diagnostic technological advancements have also led to the identification of new human blood groups and techniques to improve patient care.

Not only has technology had a significant impact on laboratory diagnostics but also on the ability of educators to provide a state-of-the-art curriculum to anyone across the globe. Through advances in online learning, perpetuated by the need during the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Accrediting Association for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS) recognizes it as a viable tool for training new professionals in the field. The University of Cincinnati has championed online learning for years and has worked to ensure that earning a degree online will prepare laboratory professionals of tomorrow to use these new technologies and thrive in a high-demand environment

Ready to be the Answer to the Shortage in Medical Laboratory Professionals?

With the growing shortage of qualified lab personnel and the ever-rising need for staff to fill the vacancies, the time to advance in your laboratory science field is now! If you’re already a practicing Medical Laboratory Technician, or an experienced Medical Laboratory Scientist seeking advancement, the University of Cincinnati has opportunities for you!

Undergraduate Medical Laboratory Science Program:

The Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (BS-MLS) has been an online staple at UC for over 20 years! This NAACLS-accredited bachelor’s completion program is designed to give those who have completed a degree in laboratory science and are practicing Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technicians (CLT/MLT) a convenient path to advance and become a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS). Depending on your existing laboratory experience, you could complete this program in as little as two years!

Students who graduate from this program are well-prepared to take an ASCP MLS (or equivalent) certification exam thanks to the engaged curriculum that includes preparation materials. Our bachelor’s program goes above and beyond to be one of the best medical laboratory science bachelor’s degree programs in the nation, and our students experience the UC Online difference!

Graduate Medical Laboratory Science Program:

If you already have laboratory experience in industry, a specialty laboratory, research, veterinary science, clinical laboratory, education, or other related laboratory and are ready to excel in your career even further, the Master of Medical Laboratory Science Leadership (MS-MLSL) through the University of Cincinnati Online is a great next step. A fully online, asynchronous program led by elites in the industry will provide you with the latest training while still allowing you to fulfill your obligations outside of your studies.

The MS-MLSL degree at the University of Cincinnati provides instruction to hone the leadership and laboratory skills of those already in the field to ensure that they are more than qualified to lead a laboratory team. With nationally renowned faculty like Dr. Tille, at UC students learn the best from the best in their fields of interest. If you have laboratory experience, but not a degree in medical laboratory science, you can still qualify for this program!

Don’t Wait to Apply to The University of Cincinnati

Being worried about committing to an online graduate degree is perfectly reasonable. Fortunately, it’s not a big problem for UC students! Students who pursue a medical laboratory science degree through the University of Cincinnati Online say that they had no problems balancing life and school in the program. With an asynchronous online format for all programs, you can complete your assignments when it works best for you, and still get the full college experience.

The University of Cincinnati also has a top-notch student support system in place for all incoming applicants! From the time you submit your application to the day you graduate, you can expect high-quality student support and guidance from our staff.

If you’re ready to learn more, contact an advisor online, or call (833) 556-8611 today.