CLS competencies expected at entry-level and beyond

Area of Science:

• Clinical Laboratory Science
• Healthcare Education
• Professional Development

Background:

• The evolving landscape of healthcare necessitates a continuous evaluation of skills required for clinical laboratory scientists (CLSs).
• Understanding the expectations of educators, practitioners, and managers is crucial for aligning CLS training with industry demands.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess perceptions of educators, practitioners, and managers regarding future job expectations for CLSs.
• To determine the entry-level and experienced skill sets expected of CLS professionals.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 280 CLS educators, 600 CLS practitioners, and 600 CLS managers.
• Participants rated 44 competencies across three experience levels and four management functions.
• Lickert-type questions assessed opinions on future job expectations for CLS practitioners.

Main Results:

• Four competencies were expected at career-entry, primarily scientific and technical.
• Seventeen competencies were expected with experience but no additional education, focusing on laboratory operations and communication.
• Twenty-three competencies, including human resource and financial management, required experience plus further education.

Conclusions:

• CLS graduates are expected to possess significant laboratory operations and communication skills without advanced degrees.
• Curricula should integrate these essential skills, while non-technical competencies may require post-baccalaureate education.
• CLS programs can establish a foundation for advanced learning in specialized areas.