Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics and the American Society for Clinical
Pathology (ASCP) have awarded a combined $180,000 in scholarships to the
nation’s top undergraduate and graduate medical laboratory students for
the 2013 – 2014 academic year [>
see Winners]. Since 2003, more than $1.5 million in scholarships
have been awarded through the Siemens—ASCP Scholarship Program pursuing
bachelor’s or master’s degrees in medical laboratory science or other
areas of laboratory medicine.
The Siemens—ASCP Scholarship Program was established to address the
nation’s shortage of qualified medical laboratory personnel, defray
education costs, and promote the profession. Medical laboratory
diagnostics—tests performed on the body’s blood, urine, or tissue
samples to obtain critical data used for disease detection, diagnosis
and monitoring—is a key healthcare value driver. Spending on laboratory
diagnostic tests is only 2 percent of total healthcare costs, yet 70
percent of medical decision making is influenced by medical laboratory
test results.1
“We extend our congratulations to all of the scholarship recipients,”
said Michael Reitermann, CEO, Siemens Healthcare, Diagnostics Division.
“As these outstanding individuals enter the vital profession of
diagnostic medicine, they will without a doubt play a critical role in
the delivery of quality health care to patients. Siemens is privileged
to support them in this endeavor.”
According to a recent ASCP survey, the national average of job vacancy
rates for medical laboratory professionals ranges between 4 and 8
percent, depending upon the specific area. However, staffing shortages
will continue to significantly challenge laboratories as the bulk of the
current workforce is expected to retire within the next decade.2
“In addition to a continuing workforce shortage, laboratories anticipate
seeing a greater demand for testing as the U.S. population ages,” said
Mark Bailey, MA, HTL(ASCP)CM, Chair of the ASCP Scholarship
Committee. “By helping students to pursue their education, the
Siemens—ASCP Scholarships addresses this challenge by fostering the next
generation of skilled laboratory professionals and leaders.”
Awards are available to eligible students in the U.S. pursuing
associate, bachelor, or master’s degrees in medical laboratory science.
Special Legacy Scholarships are awarded to students who follow family
members into the laboratory profession. Scholarships are awarded by the
ASCP, which also administers the program.
-
White L. “Expanding role of RCM, ICD-10, MDx” Medical Laboratory
Observer. August 2011. Available at:. http://www.mlo-online.com/articles/201108/expanding-role-of-rcm-icd-10-mdx.php.
Accessed 4/18/14
-
Doig, Kathy. “Future of the Laboratory Workforce: Advance Clinical
Practice.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/cliac/pdf/Addenda/cliac0906/AddendumN.pdf.
Accessed 3/4/14.
For further information on the Siemens – ASCP Scholarship Program,
please visit: www.siemens.com/diagnostics-scholarships
or www.ascp.org/scholarships.
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The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world's largest
suppliers to the healthcare industry and a trendsetter in medical
imaging, laboratory diagnostics, medical information technology and
hearing aids. Siemens offers its customers products and solutions for
the entire range of patient care from a single source – from prevention
and early detection to diagnosis, and on to treatment and aftercare. By
optimizing clinical workflows for the most common diseases, Siemens also
makes healthcare faster, better and more cost-effective. Siemens
Healthcare employs some 52,000 employees worldwide and operates around
the world. In fiscal year 2013 (to September 30), the Sector posted
revenue of 13.6 billion euros and profit of 2.0 billion euros. For
further information please visit: www.siemens.com/healthcare
About ASCP
The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) unites more than
100,000 anatomic and clinical pathologists, residents and fellows,
medical laboratory professionals, and students to accelerate the
advancement of laboratory medicine to better improve patient care
through knowledge, collaboration, and global community. ASCP’s mission
is to provide excellence in education, certification, and advocacy
on behalf of the patients, pathologists, and laboratory professionals
across the globe. For more information, visit www.ascp.org
Copyright Business Wire 2014