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- Kathy Doig⇑
- Address for correspondence: Kathy Doig PhD CLS(NCA) CLSp(H), Medical Technology Program, Michigan State University, 322 N Kedzie Hall, E Lansing MI 48824. (517) 353-7800 x 8, (517) 432-2006 (fax). doig{at}msu.edu
Extract
One proposal to advance the clinical laboratory science (CLS) profession has been to mandate a master's degree (MS) as entry qualification for positions that currently require a bachelor's degree. Proponents have presented the following arguments:
other health professions that command higher salaries have made the move to advanced degrees for job entry, e.g., physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT); thus, proponents argue, the advanced degree could be expected to achieve the same for laboratory professionals.
there are tasks within the laboratory that demand additional education beyond what is incorporated into current bachelor's degree programs.
bachelor of science (BS) curricula are so packed as is, that addition of new content will require time beyond the BS, thus an MS.
nearly 35% of the students in BS programs and especially hospital-based programs already possess a BS degree.1 They would prefer to be earning an MS and this may make the profession more attractive to other such students.1
Opponents of the idea of mandating an MS at entry have presented the following arguments:
the added time and expense will discourage many students from selecting laboratory careers at all.1
some programs will close because they will be unable to provide MS-level education.1
fewer students will enter these programs and the shortage of personnel will be exacerbated because there is no reason to believe that managers will pay MS graduates more than they pay BS graduates OR that they will use them differently.1
there is no independent practice (as in physical therapy and occupational…
ABBREVIATIONS: BS = bachelor of science; CLS = clinical laboratory scientist; CLT = clinical laboratory technician; DLS = clinical doctorate in laboratory science; DO = osteopathic doctorate; EdD = doctorate in education; MD = medical doctorate; MS = master's degree; OT = occupational therapy; PharmD = Doctor of Pharmacy; PT = physical therapy.
- © Copyright 2005 American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science Inc. All rights reserved.
