Special Report The Importance of Medical Laboratory Scientists and the Number of Doctoral Scientists that Began Their Career by Working on the Front Lines of Laboratory Medicine

Background Due to dwindling numbers of medical laboratory scientists (MLS), we are faced with staffing issues due to lack of visibility, recognition, low wages, and perceived lack of opportunities for upward career mobility. A brief survey of doctoral-level clinical microbiologists showed a significant number were certified, worked "the bench," and used this experience as a steppingstone to become a laboratory director or consultant. Objectives To help dispel the notion working as an MLS is a dead-end job, the authors developed an expanded national survey. Methods The survey was sent to 815 board-certified microbiologists and chemists to determine their career path. Results indicated that of 243 respondents, 41.3% were MLS certified, 47.1% had worked "the bench," and 51.9% and 63.5% became laboratory or technical directors, respectively. Conclusion Survey results provide evidence to dispel the notion that MLS and bench working jobs lack upward career mobility and may inspire students for a career in laboratory medicine.