“Attract, Recruit, and Retain” is the first step towards addressing the scarcity of medical lab personnel. A reputable publication recently published anarticle on the necessity for labs to attract, hire, and keepboard-certified and licensed medical laboratory professionals.
Dr. Rodney Rohde is a clinical laboratory science professor at Texas State University. According to her, the activity that impacts Americans most frequently is“Medical Laboratory Testing.”The life of a patient depends on the skill of a medical lab professional whenever they seek medical attention at a hospital or other healthcare facility.
The words of Dr. Rodney Rohde clarify the importance of medical lab professionals. So, if there is a shortage, an opportunity is also implied. This article is for you whether you’re considering a career in the industry or already a medical lab professional. First and foremost, Let’s understand the market statistics and growth trends.
What Do The Statistics Suggest For Professional Lab Experts?
While discussing the numbers with our in-house expert, he stated that “Medical lab professionals do about 13 billion tests every year…. On top of this! During the COVID-19 period, almost 1 billion tests were performed by professional lab experts. But here’s the thing: the industry is short on staff by 20-25,000 people. If we follow the data from CLIA, Firstly, there are 320,000 certified labs and 123,128 POLs. Secondly, there are only 337,800 lab professionals. To mitigate the shortages, we need more reliable laboratory experts to help out because there’s a big demand for these tests! It’s like one lab professional per 1000 people.”
Now that you know the stats, the concurrent question is, why is this shortage? The nature of the job. Becoming a medical lab professional means dedicating yourself to a high focus and a high demand for skills and abilities.
In a survey conducted by the American Society for Clinical Pathology among laboratory professionals, it was found that 85.3% experienced burnout. Furthermore, 36.5% of professional lab experts expressed concerns about insufficient staffing, with a similar percentage noting an overwhelming workload. Additionally, 14.9% of medical lab professionals cited a lack of recognition as a significant issue.
Aspirants and students worry not! To help you Navigate through this high-stress and demanding work environment, here are 5 unconventional TIPS. The tips will equip you with the knowledge to become one of the dedicated professional lab experts.
5 Unconventional Tips To Help You Become A Successful Lab Professional
Becoming a successful lab professional requires technical skills, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic. However, some unconventional tips can help you stand out as a reliable laboratory experts and excel in your field. Here are a few tips:
TIP 1: Embrace Continuous Learning As a Lab Professional: A Journey of Perpetual Growth
As a lab professional, the journey doesn’t stop after graduation. Continuous learning is key. Stay updated with the latest advancements in diagnostics. Whether you’re a student starting or a seasoned clinical laboratory professional, ongoing education ensures you’re equipped with the newest techniques and technologies.
Engage in workshops, seminars, or webinars tailored to clinical laboratory professionals. Organizations like ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) or AACC (American Association for Clinical Chemistry) often host events. These events cover diverse topics, from molecular diagnostics to laboratory management. You learn from industry experts, discuss real-world case studies, and network with peers.
TIP 2: Cultivate Curiosity and Creativity Lab Professionals: Innovation Starts with Inquisitiveness
Curiosity is the heartbeat of diagnostics. It’s about asking the right questions and exploring new paths. For lab professionals, fostering curiosity sparks innovation. Also, it drives the development of new testing methods or techniques that can revolutionize medical diagnoses and treatments.
Innovation is a continuous process. As a Laboratory Expert, you must always be curious. Curiosity and creativity often lead to groundbreaking solutions in the lab. Take the case of developing new assay methodologies. Sometimes, lab professionals step away from conventional methods, experiment with novel techniques, and discover more efficient ways to analyze samples or detect diseases.
TIP 3: Master the Art of Communication and Collaboration: Building Bridges for Success
Working in a lab is all about teamwork. Effective communication among medical lab professionals ensures smooth operations and accurate results. Additionally, collaboration fosters a dynamic environment where ideas flourish and solutions to complex problems are discovered.
Numerous studies highlight the critical role of communication in laboratory medicine. Communication errors are a significant factor in diagnostic discrepancies. Effective communication between laboratory experts, clinicians, and patients reduced the likelihood of misinterpretations and improved patient care outcomes.
TIP 4: Seek Mentorship and Build a Network: Navigating the Path with Guidance and Support
For both beginners and experienced reliable laboratory experts, mentorship is invaluable. Learning from those with more experience helps navigate the intricacies of working in a lab. Also, building a network within the clinical laboratory professionals creates a support system where knowledge is shared, leading to personal and professional growth.
Building a medical lab professional network is a strategic move that opens doors to diverse opportunities. Attending industry events, joining lab professional organizations like the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) or the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC), and connecting with peers online through platforms like LinkedIn fosters relationships within the laboratory professional’s community. This network becomes a valuable source of support, information exchange, and potential career prospects.
Tip 5: Embrace Technology and Automation: Enhancing Efficiency and Accuracy
The impact of technology on laboratory practicesis transformative. Advanced instrumentation and automation systems have redefined how tests are conducted, improving accuracy and throughput. For example, automated analyzers and robotics streamline sample processing, reducing human error and increasing efficiency.
Professional Lab Experts benefit immensely from familiarizing themselves with technological tools like Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), robotics, and other specialized software. LIMS, for instance, centralizes data management, ensuring the accuracy and traceability of samples throughout the testing process. Understanding and effectively utilizing these tools empower Lab Experts to handle complex workflows with precision.
To Conclude
These tips will be your guiding stars toward becoming reliable laboratory experts and proficient medical lab professionals. However, remember every role, especially in the medical field, comes with immense responsibility. As a medical lab professional, never forget that life depends on your skills and precision. Stay vigilant, and strive to embody the epitome of an ideal lab professional in every task you undertake.
It’s crucial to not just absorb these tips but also actively engage with them. Share this article with your peers, initiating a dialogue and seeking their perspectives. Now, more than ever, you have a significant reason—a life-saving one—to uphold these principles. Embrace these tips as a shared commitment toward excellence in the medical laboratory field.
“Dedication is not what others expect of you, it’s what you can give to others.”
