The 2023 clinical laboratory genetics workforce in the United States: trends, challenges, and evolving practices

This study analyzed data from the National Coordinating Center for the Regional Genetics Networks (NCC) 2023 electronic survey to gather insights on current workforce trends and challenges faced by clinical laboratory geneticists in the United States. The analysis included demographics, certifications, career stages, practice patterns, staffing, reimbursement practices, and burnout levels. A total of 375 clinical laboratory geneticists responded to the survey (36.9% response rate). The workforce predominantly identifies as White and female, with limited representation from African-American/Black, Latinx/Hispanic, and Native American groups. The field includes both experienced professionals and newer entrants, with up to 25% of respondents anticipating retirement within the next decade and another 27% uncertain of retirement timeline. Technician/technologist staffing shortages were reported by over half of respondents and included other key laboratory roles such as genetic counselors and variant scientists. Concerns about reimbursement practices for new technologies and increased complexity in test interpretation were expressed by nearly 33% of respondents. Inequities in reimbursement for PhD-trained clinical laboratory directors were identified, along with increased staff strain and heightened burnout, especially among mid-career professionals. Together, these findings underscore the urgent need for dedicated strategic initiatives to enhance workforce diversity, address staffing and compensation disparities, improve resource allocation, and alleviate burnout to ensure a sustainable future for clinical laboratory geneticists.