Who’s Who in the Lab: A Look at Laboratory Professionals

Outlook for Lab Professionals

Clinical scientists accounted for 285,000 jobs in 1996, over half of which were in hospitals; the remainder worked in clinics, doctor’s offices, blood banks, independent clinical labs, research labs, or for the government (such as the Public Health Service). Despite changes in the field, including technological advances that can automate some tasks, the need for laboratory professionals is expected to grow. With population growth and aging and the development of new tests, the volume of lab tests will probably increase.

However, there has been a recent shortage in applicants for many clinical lab training programs, and the number of working lab personnel has declined because of retirement and other reasons. As a result, some organizations have adopted incentives, such as sign-on bonuses. Congress is considering requiring the Public Health Service to apply Title VII to CLSs and CLTs; Title VII forgives student loans for those who commit to serving in rural or underserved areas. This shortage of laboratorians has been aggravated even more by the terrorist events of September 11th and the consequent increase in vigilance that the U.S. needs to take to protect itself against agents of bioterrorism, such as anthrax and smallpox.

For information on job opportunities, there are several web sites with job banks:

In addition, hospitals and labs in your area may have job databases on their web sites.

To search for a training program, visit the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences’ web site: www.naacls.org.