An entry-level MS degree in clinical laboratory science: Is it time?

Clinical Laboratory Science, Summer 2002 by Beck, Susan J, Doig, Kathy

Significant differences in responses among managers, educators, and practitioners were only found in responses to statement 2. All groups agreed that the BS degree is currently the most appropriate degree for entry-level CLS practitioners; however, educators rated this statement significantly higher (more in agreement) than managers or practitioners.

The responses to the 12 opinion statements for hospital-based and university-based educators are shown in Table 5. Significant differences were detected in responses to statements 2, 6, and 10. Both groups agreed that the BS degree is currently the most appropriate degree for entry-level CLS practitioners; however, hospital-based educators rated this statement higher than university-- based educators. Hospital-based educators disagreed with the suggestion that MS degrees would be needed for practice in the next 5 to 10 years (statements 6 and 10). University-based educators were undecided in their responses to these statements.

The educational background of managers did not influence their opinions. No significant differences were detected when the responses of managers with BS degrees were compared to those with advanced degrees for each of the 12 statements shown in Table 4.

DISCUSSION

This study provided answers to several questions concerning entry-level MS degrees from the perspectives of educators, managers, practitioners, and students. Educators, managers, and practitioners agreed that the current scope of practice of the CLS does not require an entry-level MS degree, that the BS degree is appropriate for entry-level practitioners, and that the MS degree is most appropriate for those practitioners who wish to further their education. There were no major differences in the opinions of educators, managers, and practitioners on these questions related to CLS education. This degree of agreement was impressive given the divide that is often described between the academic world and the 'real world' of clinical practice.

While students were not directly asked for their opinions on the advisability of an entry-level MS in CLS, they were asked about their interest in this type of program. Students indicated that they would be interested if the additional education would give them higher salaries and more job opportunities. The information gathered from managers indicated that this would not be the case. The majority of the managers in this study would not pay a new practitioner with an entry-level MS in CLS more than a new practitio- ner with a BS degree. Also, managers would not hire, for a super- visory position, a graduate with an entry-level MS degree with no work experience.

The concept of an entry-level MS degree requirement for CLS practitioners raised many concerns for the respondents in this study. Half of the hospital-based programs indicated that an entry-level MS program was not an option at their institution. The majority of educators in both hospital-based and university-based programs indicated that a change to an entry-level MS degree would require a significant amount of new resources including faculty, opportunities for graduate practical experiences, and funding for students. Educators in both types of programs also expressed concerns about enrollment and program viability if their program changed to an entry-level MS degree. Managers and practitioners appear to share the opinion of educators that a change to an entry-level MS in CLS would decrease the supply of practitioners. This concern is especially important in a time of declining enrollments, program closures, and staffing shortages.