Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) has launched a Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Education Program to address the growing shortage of skilled medical laboratory scientists in the United States. The initiative, led by Susanne Dannert, MS, MLS (ASCP), Program Director, and Elizabeth Margolskee, MD, MPH, Medical Director, is designed as a clinical training partnership for local college seniors who are completing their Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science.
The program offers students a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical rotations at CHOP during their final undergraduate year. This approach aims to prepare participants for certification as Medical Laboratory Scientists. These professionals are responsible for conducting diagnostic tests, ensuring transfusion safety, contributing to new technologies, and supporting precision medicine efforts that tailor care to individual pediatric patients.
According to national data, there are more than 12,000 job openings for MLS professionals each year in the United States but only about 5,000 graduates entering the field annually. At CHOP alone, approximately 30 MLS positions are filled each year. The demand for these roles is expected to rise by six percent over the next decade.
Sue Dannert stated: “The majority of students are local college seniors who will spend their final undergraduate year learning at CHOP.” She explained that after eight weeks of coursework in areas such as clinical chemistry and medical microbiology, students transition to practical training in CHOP’s clinical laboratories.
Dr. Margolskee commented: “We are excited to be able to expose our students to the breadth of laboratory medicine, with experts at every level – bench scientists, lab leaders, and the medical faculty.”
CHOP encourages community involvement with the program through applicant referrals or by participating as guest lecturers or mentors. More information can be found on the hospital’s website.
