---
title: "Medical laboratory scientist"
chunk: 7/7
source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_laboratory_scientist"
category: "reference"
tags: "science, encyclopedia"
date_saved: "2026-05-05T03:47:55.874604+00:00"
instance: "kb-cron"
---

== Labor shortage ==
Medical facilities throughout the United States have gradually been experiencing a shortage in medical laboratory science professionals. The current projectory of medical laboratory personnel through 2030 is insufficient to serve medical services effectively. Reasons for the shortage include current professionals retiring, a modern increase in medical laboratory scientist and technician demand, changes in the practice caused by new technological advances (which need training to learn to use), and vacancy and retirement rates being greater than the number of graduates from medical laboratory programs. Lack of funding, low salaries, lack of a developed career ladder, and a lack of clear job requirements has made recruitment and the hiring process difficult.
Newer recruiting attempts have increased the number of graduated professionals in the last five years, but not enough to meet the growing demand. Some clinical organizations suggest that professional-development programs for the allied health fields should be improved to cultivate interest in younger professionals and students. The Institute of Medicine is actively working on re-viewing policy reforms and new plans and recommendations to increase medical professional turnout among younger people. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the medical laboratory shortage in the medical field. Organizations such as the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science and the American Society for Clinical Pathology are pushing for new ways to reduce this shortage and meet the demands of the public.

== See also ==
Laboratory information system
Medical technology
Medical laboratory
Phlebotomist
Reference ranges for common blood tests
Urine test

== References ==

== External links ==
Canadian Society for medical Laboratory Science
U.S. Department of Labor information on clinical laboratory technologists and technicians
American Association for Clinical Chemistry
American Society of Clinical Pathology
American Society of Clinical Laboratory Science
National Credentialing Agency for laboratory personnel
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science
Medical Technologist Continuing Education
AIMS: Australian Institute of Medical Scientists
New Zealand Institute of Medical Laboratory Science
Greek Association of Medical Laboratory Technologists
Clinical laboratory scientists at work