Shaping the Future of Healthcare - Clinical Laboratory Science Shortage

[@TNPIONEER]

Learn about the DCLS degree! A degree that qualifies med techs to become medical directors in the lab

[@brookebain7250]

I have been really interested in being a medical technologist. I'm in high school currently and I've been shadowing my local hospitals laboratory. I have really enjoyed it. I am very shy and I like peace and quiet. The laboratory is my type of atmosphere. The only thing that makes me reluctant for going in this career field, is the pay. I understand that it won't be like Dr. pay, but it's not be lower than nurse pay. I really hope that this will change because I seem to be really enjoying it so far.

[@ansonstiles]

There is so much negative energy flowing amongst Med Techs. It's a great opportunity, but the pressures involved cause a lot of people to sell themselves short. I think that in order to handle what we learn day to day and week to week and are responsible for on exams the pay grade will inevitably need to be bumped. I can't understate that the programs are a real pressure cooker. Talk about a perfect storm, highly driven students will gravitate to the high pay grade assoc. with other high pressure academic programs. While, students without the drive to succeed simply won't make the cut, or will flunk out when given the first real challenge of their academic career. It's a complicated issue that I enjoy trying to flesh out, as I plan on graduating and taking the board of registry in about a year.

[@nicholasthon9537]

Missed the mark on this one. #1 Reason?? LOW PAY Medical SCIENTIST is respected professionally, TECH is not. We're getting lumped with and paid the same as all the other TECHs in the building. Until HR and certifying agencies push for our professional recognition, we'll be losing intelligent candidates.

[@nesreenalzarrad9313]

What do you think about taking master degree in this field..is it a good idea .. will that improve the low pay..thank you :)

[@nicholasthon9537]

I haven't seen an instance where it's a wise choice unless you're interested in getting into management. Regarding pay, it really doesn't make a significant difference if you have a masters.

[@nesreenalzarrad9313]

nicholasthon

[@nesreenalzarrad9313]

Thank you so much..that is very helpful

[@incharini]

The problem isn't the shortage of training programs or the lack of understanding of anything. It's that salaries have stagnated as Clinical Laboratory Scientists. You're competing for the same group of applicants that don't want to or have the intelligence to become a doctor or an engineer. You're competing for the same group of students that would gravitate towards nursing. When a nurse earns 50% more than a CLS and can pick up and move anywhere in the US, it really is a no brainer.

[@pets6939]

dumb comment

[@R.Williamss]

yes