The American Society for Clinical Pathology's 2014 vacancy survey of medical laboratories in the United States.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the extent and distribution of workforce shortages within the nation's medical laboratories. Historically, the results of this biennial survey have served as a basis for additional research on laboratory recruitment, retention, education, marketing, certification, and advocacy.


METHODS
The 2014 Vacancy Survey was conducted through collaboration between American Society for Clinical Pathology's Institute of Science, Technology, and Policy in Washington, DC, and the Evaluation, Measurement, and Assessment Department and Board of Certification in Chicago, Illinois. Data were collected via an Internet survey that was distributed to individuals who were able to report on staffing and certifications for their laboratories.


RESULTS
Data reveal increased overall vacancy rates since 2012 for all departments surveyed except cytology and cytogenetics. Also, results show higher anticipated retirement rates for both staff and supervisors. Overall certification rates are highest among laboratory personnel in cytogenetics, hematology/coagulation, and flow cytometry departments and lowest among phlebotomy, specimen processing, and anatomic pathology.


CONCLUSIONS
Factors such as retirement and the improving economy are driving the need for more laboratory professionals. Recruitment of qualified laboratory professionals in the workforce and students in laboratory programs will be the key in fulfilling the higher vacancies revealed from the survey results in 2014.
From the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Institute of Science, Technology, and Policy, Washington, DC; and Edna.Garcia@ascp.org.
Edna
E
Garcia
ASCP Evaluation, Measurement, and Assessment Department, Chicago, IL.
Asma M
AM
Ali
ASCP Evaluation, Measurement, and Assessment Department, Chicago, IL.
Ryan M
RM
Soles
From the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Institute of Science, Technology, and Policy, Washington, DC; and.
D Grace
DG
Lewis
D002568:Certification / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003625:Data Collection; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D007753:Laboratories; D059232:Laboratory Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010338:Pathology, Clinical; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce
ASCP Vacancy Survey; Anatomic pathology; Certification; Clinical pathology; Laboratory; Laboratory departments; Laboratory staff; Laboratory workforce