|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
| News | |||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
National Accrediting
773.714.8880
info@naacls.org |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||
| Should the CLS/MT Education Entry Level be the Masters Degree? |
Ramifications for MLT/CLT if MT/CLS becomes a Master’s
Entry Level
Positive Spin for MLT/CLT:
An even better job market! Hospital laboratories may be encouraged to hire more
MLT/CLT’s as a cost savings; especially if testing becomes easier with advanced
technology and better methodology.
There would be fewer MLT/CLT’s and MT/CLS’s working side-by-side doing
essentially the same tasks on a day-to-day basis. Perhaps the difference between
these 2 positions would be more obvious to both professional levels and would
enhance working relationships.
Greater respect for the MLT/CLT due to sheer increase in numbers and also
because more MLT/CLT’s will be represented on lab committees etc.
Salaries for MLT/CLT’s are already a real value, but are rising. They will
probably continue to do so with or without the change to a Master’s Entry Level;
but maybe more so if labs tend to hire less MT/CLS’s.
Negative Spin for MLT/CLT:
If less MLT/CLT’s are hired, then MLT/CLT’s will have greater responsibility for
the bulk of testing and will need to be able to assure a smooth operation of a
section, department or several departments, depending on the size of the lab.
More problem-solving will be expected. More participation in key ‘testing
issues’ will be required and perhaps more committee work, OJT responsibilities
etc…People skills, communication skills are all important in these kinds of
interactions.
MLT/CLT educational programs are already highly prescribed and heavily weighted
on professional courses. In many cases, very few supportive courses are
required. Will the curriculum need adjustments for these ‘new’ and ‘expanded’
expectations? Perhaps, over-time, this is likely and will be a problem for the
educational programs to meet.
Clinical affiliates may have a problem with hosting a practicum for either level
with a shift in the ratio of professional levels.
The ‘Lion’s Share’ of the profession, over time, may consist of MLT/CLT’s who,
of course, have relatively lower salaries. Lower incomes may result in less
support for the professional agencies.
|
|
|
Copyright © 2008 National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. All rights reserved. Comments or suggestions to the site editor. |
|