Field Notes 1: UAMS and MLS Training

The challenge of staffing Medical Laboratory Science positions, particularly in rural areas, and a scalable solution for recruitment.

Summary There is a significant shortage of Medical Laboratory Science staff, especially in rural settings, which creates severe staffing challenges for hospitals. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences developed an approach to address this by training personnel locally rather than requiring relocation, which proved effective in attracting and retaining talent.

Key takeaways

• Unfilled MLS positions are in the eight to ten percent range nationally.
• Unfilled rural MLS positions are significantly worse, at 15% or higher.
• Moving staff from metropolitan areas to rural communities for training is less effective than training locally.
• A successful model involves allowing trainees to stay in their community while completing training and continuing employment.
• The Arkansas program has achieved a 100 percent pass rate on board exams.
• This approach offers a scalable model for addressing healthcare staffing needs in rural areas.