Medical And Clinical Laboratory Technologists:Empty Lab Coats

<P>The recruitment of medical and clinical laboratory technologists has become a persistent problem. Shortages of qualified personnel, realities of the job requirements, relative obscurity of the profession and increasing demand for laboratory testing has complicated the process.</P> <P>Laboratory technologists have been trained in blood, tissue and urine sampling and analysis and the use of cell counters. They are trained to appropriately log results and are prepared to discuss findings with doctors. A Medical technologist job will typically include the supervision and training of medical technicians.</P> <P>A clinical laboratory assistant will perform the same general functions as a technologist without the supervisory role. Essentially the lab assistant will be typically supervised by a technologist. The average pay, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics is between $25,000 and $50,000 dollars annually. The average yearly pay for medical technologist jobs is $56,000 with the high end at $77,000.</P> <P>Both professional levels require formal training. A clinical laboratory assistant typically will have an associates degree. The technologist will have a bachelors degree. The American Medical Technologists (AMT) is a private organization offering certification for both professional levels.</P> <P>The AMT, while providing an independent verification of knowledge in the fields, also provides a job search engine. Job openings can be posted and resumes reviewed. Resume postings are from certified members only. Members have passed a test specific to their field to earn certification.</P> <P>The Clinical Laboratory Management Association (CLMA) also provides a job search engine. CLMA acts as an advocacy agency for the professions rather than providing a certification. Like the AMT, jobs can be posted and resumes searched, The American Association of Bioanalysts (ABB) is a professional organization similar to the CLMA. ABB does, however, offer certifications in laboratory management and supervision. A job search engine is also provided.</P> <P>Colleges offering degrees or certificates for both professional levels will generally require practicum work. Partnerships are built between laboratories and medical facilities. Schools place students nearing the end of their programs with employers. Students earn the practicum credits required and the employers develop a recruiting pool of proven experience.</P> <P><BR>Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologistsare graduating in large numbers from several major universities; University of Cincinnati, Michigan State University, University of North Dakota, University of Wisconsin, The University of Texas, Weber State University, Ohio State University, University of Minnesota, University of Rhode Island and the Virginal Commonwealth University.</P> <P>Despite the graduation rates qualified personnel for laboratory positions is becoming more difficult according to the 2011 vacancy study conducted the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Reponses from 625 facilities across all states representing 17,674 jobs found a six month search was required to fill a position. Some supervisory positions required a year to locate qualified personnel.</P> <P>The ASCP survey also found hiring was complicated by issues of scheduling, stress, no advancement potential, location (the western region having the highest difficulty) and tuition assistance for continuing education opportunities. Federal legislation is pending for the targeting of scholarships, loans and grants targeted toward laboratory personnel professional training.</P> <P>Robert Michael was advised by Peggy McKee, CEO for PHC Consulting to create a presence on social networking sites like Facebook.com, Myspace.com, etc.  Laboratory technicianslooking for work will be looking on these sites. Googlingmedical laboratory + facebook as suggested by Ms. Mckee will immediately locate only two laboratories, Advance and ZRT.</P> <P>The recruiting of medical and clinical laboratory technologists has become difficult. Offering fixable working schedules, providing a career path and education benefits can shorten the search for qualified personnel. Partnering with local colleges by offering practicum work sites and scholarships will aid in both recruitment and future development of trained staff. Finally, strategic use of social media will place your lab where job seekers are looking.</P>