American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and ASCP Board of Certification medical and public health laboratory education financing study.

چکیده اصلی

OBJECTIVES: This study examines the cost of completing laboratory education programs across degree levels and evaluates the availability and use of financial resources for laboratory students. Its findings support advocacy to reduce student debt, inform federal and state policy, and help institutions strengthen recruitment and retention by addressing financial barriers. METHODS: This national cross-sectional study surveyed laboratory professionals, educators, and current or recent students across the United States and its territories. It was conducted in a collaboration among the American Society for Clinical Pathology's (ASCP's) Institute for Science, Technology, and Policy; the ASCP Evaluation, Measurement, and Assessment Department; and the ASCP Board of Certification. RESULTS: The cost of attending a laboratory education program generally falls at or below the lower end of national averages for educational expenses among students and working laboratory professionals. Respondents most often rely on self-funding, federal student loans, and private loans, with financing methods varying by enrollment period. Logistic regression showed that dependence on federal loans and younger age were the strongest predictors of student loan participation among laboratory professionals. CONCLUSIONS: Continued advocacy is essential to ensure that laboratory professionals remain included in federal and state scholarships, grants, and loan forgiveness programs. As policies governing educational funding evolve, it is increasingly important to engage stakeholders in championing financial support for laboratory professionals. Doing so will help reduce the burden of educational costs and strengthen pathways into laboratory careers, ultimately securing recruitment and retention.

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