Careers in Laboratory Science Not Affected by Economic Doldrums

Careers in health care, particularly in fields such as clinical laboratory science, are not expected to feel the effects of the current economic downturn.

November 20, 2008

• Health professions remain in demand

• Workforce expected to increase

• Biotechnology is especially hot field

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Careers in health care, particularly in fields such as clinical laboratory science, are not expected to feel the effects of the current economic downturn. Administrators at UAB's School of Health Professions say, in fact, that the school may see increased applicants in fields such as clinical laboratory science, physician assistant, nurse anesthesia, respiratory therapy and physical therapy.

"We expect to see a surge in applicants to our various programs in the near future," said Stephen Collier, Ph.D., professor and director of the Office of Health Professions Education and Workforce Development "since when unemployment is high, people often look for further education that will make them more employable in the future in careers that have high levels of job security."

The school's newest career offering is a course of study to train students in biotechnology, with an eye toward meeting the work-force needs of the burgeoning biotechnology industry. The UAB program offers two tracks: a certificate and a Master of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science with a biotechnology emphasis.

"While information technology was instrumental in driving economic progress in the late 20th century, the new century is viewed by many as the Bio-Century," said Janelle Chiasera, Ph.D., MT (ASCP), associate professor and director of the Clinical Laboratory Science Program. "We will see the convergence of information, engineering and biological technologies producing widespread opportunities for the development and growth of companies engaged in drug development, medical implants and devices, agriculture and food processing technologies, biosecurity, biodefense, biofuels, and many other bio-related applications yet to be developed."

UAB's program will be the first in the South and one of the few in the nation. Biotechnology is one of the most rapidly growing industries in the country. Alabama already has 80 biotech firms located in the state, and is poised to be a leader in this field.

The school also offers full time graduate degree programs for a Master of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science, the only program of its kind in Alabama and one of only a few in the nation; a Master of Nurse Anesthesia, one of the nations largest such programs; and a Masters of Physician Assistant Studies, one of only two entry-level surgical specialty program in the nation.

 Undergraduate degrees are offered for other in-demand careers including  cytotechnology, medical technology, respiratory therapy and health information management.   www.uab.edu/healthcareers