Bringing Awareness to the Medical Laboratory Science Field
Introduction
As a child, most of us were asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Many of our answers probably involved occupations such as doctors, policemen, teachers, or lawyers. However, that is mostly because we didn’t know all of the niches and lesser known professions that are out there. As we grow up, we begin to explore our options, and claim our own place in society. Unfortunately, there are still many occupations that people don’t know about. If a person does not know about it, then they are cheating themselves of the possibility that this could be their perfect fit. One of these jobs that falls into this unknown job category are medical laboratory scientists.
What is a Medical Laboratory Scientist?
A medical laboratory scientist is someone that runs diagnostic tests on blood, urine, and other body fluids. When a person gets blood drawn or a urine specimen taken, those specimens are sent to the lab. Most people do not give much thought to what happens after these items are collected. They just expect that in a few days, their doctor will let them know what the results were. It seems as though the middleman step that laboratory professionals are involved in does not exist to most people. However, doctors make an estimated 70% of patient diagnostics and treatment plans off of results that come from the laboratory. This professional is vital to healthcare, but because it takes place behind the scenes, people forget about it. I am a student in the Medical Laboratory Science program at Arizona State University. Whenever I tell people what my major is, I am given blank stares and a resounding, “What’s that?” I then proceed to tell them exactly what my job involves.
Trends
A vast majority of the people that are currently employed as medical laboratory scientists will be retiring soon. However, the enrollment in educational programs is decreasing. There will be a desperate need for more professionals in this field if the trends do not pick up. While it is true that there are many innovative tools and equipment used in the laboratory, a human brain will always be needed. Critical thinking is something that machines cannot do.
Is this career right for you?
I am writing this article in hopes that it will reach someone that is a standstill on what they want to pursue as a career. If more people know about it, then more people will at least have the opportunity to think about it. Medical Laboratory Science is a highly rewarding career that involves science, and is perfect for the introvert. Many people want to help others, but being in constant contact with patient’s would not be their ideal. While most positions in healthcare rely heavily on patient interaction, medical laboratory science is different. Please let me know if you have any questions, and I hope this article will make you think twice about this exciting career choice.
References:
Medical Laboratory Sciences. (n.d.). Retrieved June 18, 2017, from http://www.mayo.edu/mayo-clinic-school-of-health-sciences/careers/laboratory-sciences
MLS(ASCP), I. R. (2017, April 4). Responding to the Continuing Personnel Shortages in Laboratory Medicine. Retrieved June 18, 2017, from https://www.labtestingmatters.org/responding-to-the-continuing-personnel-shortages-in-laboratory-medicine/
