Thanks for the update and information Dr. Aziz. This should be shared with our U.S. working committees if it has not already been done. Happy New Year!
Rodney E. Rohde, PhD, MS, SM(ASCP)CM,SVCM,MBCM, FACSc
University Distinguished Chair & Professor, Medical Laboratory Science [MLS] Program
Original Message:
Sent: 01-11-2025 10:05
From: Hassan Aziz
Subject: The MLS Transition Guidebook: A Resource for Institutions to Embrace a Unified Nomenclature
The International Federation of Biomedical Laboratory Science (IFBLS) is actively collaborating with the International Labour Organization (ILO) to standardize the nomenclature of laboratory professionals by aligning with the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO).
In the current ISCO framework (ISCO-08, adopted by the Eighteenth International Conference of Labour Statisticians [ICLS] in 2007), biomedical laboratory scientists are categorized under:
- Major Group 3: Technicians and Associate Professionals
- Sub-Major Group 32: Health Associate Professionals
- Minor Group 321: Medical and Pharmaceutical Technicians
- Unit Group 3212: Medical and Pathology Laboratory Technicians (Skill Level 3).
This classification could be considered outdated due to the advanced roles and higher qualifications held by biomedical laboratory scientists today. A more appropriate classification may be Major Group 2: Professionals (Skill Level 4), which better reflects their expertise and expanded responsibilities.
The current version of ISCO (2008) is under review. The revision process is being led by the ILO with support from a Technical Working Group (TWG). The most recent reference point for this review is the outcomes of the 21st International Conference of Labour Statisticians (ICLS), held from 11–20 October 2023.
Since 2012, IFBLS has maintained a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the European Association for Professions in Biomedical Science (EPBS). Recently, EPBS achieved a significant milestone by advocating for a change in the European Skills, Competences, Qualifications, and Occupations (ESCO) framework. In this system, biomedical scientists are now recognized as a Profession and categorized as a Health Care Profession with three distinct levels.
This presents a timely opportunity for IFBLS to advocate for similar changes in the ISCO framework. The updated ISCO is expected to be finalized by 2028, and IFBLS is assembling a task force to spearhead efforts to achieve global consistency in the naming, categorization, and recognition of laboratory professionals.
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Hassan Aziz, PhD, FACSs, MLS(ASCP)cm
Dean | Professor
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi TX
Original Message:
Sent: 01-10-2025 09:45
From: Rodney Rohde
Subject: The MLS Transition Guidebook: A Resource for Institutions to Embrace a Unified Nomenclature
Severe understaffing continues to challenge the medical laboratory profession, making public visibility essential for its future. However, raising awareness can be challenging when educational institutions, HR departments, and even licensing organizations all use different titles to describe the same profession. From Medical Technologists to Clinical Laboratory Scientists (CLS) to Biomedical Scientists, these varied titles lead to unnecessary confusion for students, professionals, and the public.
Fortunately, key professional and accrediting bodies in the laboratory field have agreed on a unified nomenclature for a four-year degree: Medical Laboratory Science (MLS).
The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS), the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS), along with numerous professional partner societies all agree that this title is the best choice to encapsulate the skills and credentials of the profession. And it aligns with the ASCP Board of Certification (ASCP BOC).
Embracing this standardization across the profession won't happen overnight. But if educational programs adopt the MLS terminology for their degree programs and certifications, it will gain traction much faster.
Encouraging your institution to commit to such a significant change can feel daunting. That's why ASCP, in collaboration with NAACLS, ASCLS, and the ASCP BOC, developed the Navigation Guide for Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Program Title Change. This eBook provides program directors with practical steps for getting their institutions to agree to switch to the MLS standard.
Critical Values spoke with three laboratory professionals about the guidebook, how the name change process works, and why it's so important.
CC: @Molly Strzelecki @Michelle Campbell @Susan Harrington @Marisa James
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Rodney E. Rohde, PhD, MS, SM(ASCP)CM,SVCM,MBCM, FACSc
Regents' Professor, Texas State University System
University Distinguished Chair & Professor, Medical Laboratory Science [MLS] Program
TEDx Speaker & Global Fellow – Global Citizenship Alliance
Texas State Honorary Professor of International Studies
Associate Director, Translational Health Research Initiative @txst_THR
Past President, Texas Association for CLS
Texas State University
MLS Program, Encino Hall 350B [office ENC 363]
601 University Drive
San Marcos, TX 78666-4616
512-245-3500 [CLS suite]; 512-245-2562 [office]
Email: rrohde@txstate.edu
Pronouns: he/him/his
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