Medical lab workers could be described as the detectives of the healthcare industry.
Just as detectives use fingerprints to help police and prosecutors find, arrest and convict criminals, medical technologists use patient specimens to help doctors diagnose, treat and monitor diseases. Likewise, just as detectives must strive to keep up with the latest sleuthing techniques and technologies, medical lab workers must strive to keep up with the latest scientific research and discoveries in their field.
That's where continuing education (CE) comes in.
"Things change so quickly in the world of medicine, and it's important to be aware of those changes," says Ann Tiehen, education coordinator for the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) in Chicago. "It's also important to go back and review the basics every once in a while."
Therein lies the dilemma.
With the current shortage of laboratory workers across the country, when does the information-seeking medical technologist find the time to take off work to attend a CE course? Experts say there are more options than you might think. From journal reading to computer-based options, CE is evolving to meet the needs of busy med/lab professionals.
Reading, Writing and CE
The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) in Bethesda, Maryland, features bimonthly articles on new research in its Clinical Laboratory Science journal. For a nominal fee, laboratorians who wish to earn CE credits need only read a series of articles, take a quiz and send it to the ASCLS for grading.
A similar CE opportunity is available through the "Learning Scope" reading program, which the ASCLS offers jointly with the Advance magazine group.
"Reading of any sort is one of the hallmarks of being a professional," says ASCLS executive vice president Elissa Passiment. "Taking the test validates that you read the material. It's as valid an approach to continuing education as going to a live class."
For its part, the ASCP offers "Tech Sample," a self-paced home-study program designed to help busy laboratorians keep their skills sharp. Tiehen says Tech Sample courses are practical, because students receive a case study along with color images or other lab data to illustrate the problem.
CE in the 21st Century
The healthcare industry is also embracing computer technology to deliver educational opportunities. CD-ROMs and Internet-based classes are gaining popularity among medical lab workers.
"Internet courses are fine as long as the sponsor is credible," Tiehen explains. "Computer-based CE is obviously very convenient, because you don't have to pay for parking or hotels, and you can learn at your own pace."
The ASCLS, ASCP and the American Society for Microbiology each produce a variety of self-paced CD-ROM and online courses. The University of Washington's Department of Lab Medicine features Internet learning materials. The Colorado Association for Continuing Medical Laboratory Education produces CD-ROMs that are respected industrywide.
Traditional Approach
Although more convenient options are becoming available, experts say medical technologists should not forsake traditional CE classes altogether.
"All of these approaches –- reading, computerized and live classes –- carry the same level of credibility," Tiehen says. "But there are some intangible benefits to participating in continuing education in a live setting. You get to network with your peers and learn what best practices they are utilizing."
Regardless of the method, experts agree that CE helps medical lab workers advance their careers. The technologists who keep up with the latest and greatest approaches to clinical laboratory work are usually the most likely to be promoted to positions of greater responsibility.
"Even if you don't want to move into management, CE puts you in a position of being a technical expert that your peers will gravitate toward when they need advice," Passiment says.
This article originally appeared on Monster.com.
Add to:
