The challenging journey of CLS/MLS student recruitment

Abstract

Clinical laboratory science/medical laboratory science (CLS/MLS) programs struggle for student applicants. At the same time, the health-care industry suffers from a shortage of qualified laboratory scientists. This article addresses the University of Utah's (U of U) Medical Laboratory Science program efforts to increase student enrollment. Student applicants were needed desperately. The Director of Medical Laboratory Science Education appointed a 0.5-FTE person to manage student recruitment and academic advisement. Immediately, we took a "shotgun" approach to promote and attract qualified students, followed by specific exploratory methods to examine students' motivations in applying to the U of U MLS program. Recently, we conducted a national study of university-based CLS/MLS programs to research what motivates students' enrollment in CLS/MLS programs. We found that the most important motivational factors for a student's choice of a CLS/MLS program are 1) based on geographical location, 2) influenced by family and friends in making their decision, 3) viewing the laboratory profession as a stepping stone to other professions, and 4) their college advisor, the most relevant information source for these students. The U of U MLS program markets locally and encourages family and friends to spread the word about the profession. We remain visible to college advisors and find new opportunities to expose the profession to high school students.