Laboratory Professions

1
Laboratory Professions

• An introduction

2
Career Ladder

• Clerical Support
• Phlebotomist
• Laboratory Assistant
• CLS
• Technical Specialist
• Supervisor
• Manager

3
Laboratory Science Career Ladder
Education Programs
Related Careers
Primary Occupation
Supervisor
Cytology Microbiology Histology
San Francisco State San Jose State CSU East Bay
CLS
MLT
Nursing
Lab Assistant
Phlebotomist
Ohlone College
Clerical
High Schools
4
National Outlook

• 145,000 CLS (MTs) (2001)
• 147,000 MLT (2001)
• 80 of Medical Diagnoses depend on accurate
  laboratory results
• Lindler and Chapman, The clinical laboratory
  workforce in California, UCSF, 2003

5
California

• MLT not recognized until 2005
• Regulations passed
• Programs have to be approved by LFS NAACLS
• Licensure
• Limited grandfathering
• CLS licensure, examination by state

6
Labor Projections

• Vacancy rate (ACSP)
• 1996 5 to 9
• 2000 11 to 21
• Average age of CLS in Bay Area?
• gt 50
• Training positions is State
• lt 90

7
Proposed Solutions

• Increase Educational Opportunities
• MLT
• CLS
• Promote Clinical Lab Careers
• Collaborative Activities

8
Increasing Educational Programs

• Needs/Barriers
• Qualified Faculty
• Clinical Practicum opportunities
• Facilities/Equipment
• Prerequisite bottleneck
• Funding and sustainability