The American Society for Clinical Pathology 2022 Vacancy Survey of medical laboratories in the United States

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the extent and distribution of laboratory workforce shortages within the nation's medical laboratories.

Methods: The Vacancy Survey was conducted through collaboration between the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Institute for Science, Technology and Public Policy in Washington, DC, and the Evaluation, Measurement, and Assessment Department and ASCP Board of Certification in Chicago, IL. Data were collected through an internet survey distributed to individuals who were able to report on staffing and certifications for their laboratories.

Results: Results of the ASCP 2022 Vacancy Survey show increased overall vacancy rates for laboratory positions in all departments compared with 2020. Overall retirement rates for laboratory professionals increased across most departments.

Conclusions: Current Vacancy Survey data show continued increases in the numbers of laboratory vacancies and retirements as well as changes in certification requirements, with trends amplified during the pandemic continuing into the present. Qualitative analysis results showed that there is an urgent need to focus not only on recruitment but-equally important-on retention of laboratory professionals.

Keywords: ASCP Vacancy Survey; COVID-19; anatomic pathology; certification; clinical pathology; laboratory departments; laboratory staff recruitment and retention; laboratory staffing; laboratory workforce.