Clinical laboratories are experiencing a shortage of all
types of diagnostic scientists and technicians from the AS level
through graduate degrees. The American Hospital Association’s
Workforce 2001 Survey has demonstrated that the overall vacancy
rate in this field is 12%, a full 1% higher than the national
nursing shortage.
The vacancy rate may only get worse, if current graduation
trends continue. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, for example,
projects a need of 9,300 scientists per year through 2008, while
data from the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory
Science (NAACLS) show only 4,110 graduates nationwide in these
fields.
To help diagnose the problem, analyze the data, and propose
solutions, the Coordinating Council for the Clinical Laboratory
Workforce (CCCLW) has developed a strategic plan. The Council
comprises 21 entities, including every leading professional
organization in the field, and four federal agencies. Participating
organizations include
- Clinical Laboratory Management Association (CLMA)
- American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
- American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS)
- National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science
(NAACLS)
- US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
For more information on the Council or its strategic plan,
contact James T. Griffith, PhD, at the University of Massachusetts
at JGRIFFITH@umassd.edu.
Taken from: AMA
(MedEd) Health Professions E-Letter, 8/2002.
|
