The hidden profession that saves lives
Medical Laboratory Science (also called Clinical Laboratory Science) is one of the most under-recognized health professions – with excellent job prospects
By Rodney E. Rohde, PhD | Posted on 11 February 2014
Medical laboratory science involves diagnostic laboratory testing from A to Z. These professionals do everything from providing your cancer testing results, to predicting the correct antibiotic to prescribe, to typing the correct blood for surgery. MLS professionals provide answers to life-and-death decisions every day.
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- Act as detectives for physicians
- Perform and analyze tests on blood, urine, and other body tissues to help solve mysteries for physicians
- Provide 85% of the information needed to aid in diagnosis, treatment, or management of disease
- “The hidden profession that saves lives”
- Perfect for those who want to work in healthcare and help people but don’t want to be in the front line
- According to BLS, there will be a need for 48,000 more MLTs by the year 2022 (about a 30% increase). This is due to the aging workforce, longer life expectancy, increased access to health insurance
- From a 2013 survey, 42% of laboratory professionals are in the age group 56-65
- Within the next 5 years, half of them will retire creating more “work” for the lab
- We will need to replace them and then some equaling about 500,000 jobs nationwide