Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) professionals are integral to the health care team by providing crucial laboratory analyses and data that underpin approximately 70% of medical decisions, diagnoses, treatments, and evaluations.
Unfortunately, like many other health professions across the country, the MLS field is reaching a crisis point due to a significant workforce shortage. The National Center for Health Workforce Analysis projects a 19% increase in demand for medical and clinical laboratory professionals between 2016 and 2030, underscoring the critical need for these professionals.
As the state’s only accredited 4-year baccalaureate degree program, our MLS program is expanding its pool of candidates and enrollment through a federally-funded pathways program that provides scholarships to disadvantaged students to help address Minnesota’s workforce needs. Our program also stands out due to the high demand for our graduates, who boast a 99% employment rate within six months of graduation.
As the experts in medical laboratory testing, MLS professionals work tirelessly to provide high quality laboratory results that are fundamental to patient-centered care. Their contributions enable clinicians and other health care professionals to make informed diagnostic and therapeutic decisions.
Together, let’s champion the indispensable contributions of our MLS colleagues and strive towards our collective goal of world-class academic health.
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