Mass General Brigham's Medical Laboratory Science program receives state Workforce Success Grant

Mass General Brigham’s Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Program was awarded a $511,500 grant from the commonwealth of Massachusetts last week, allowing the hospital-based training program for careers in laboratory medicine to provide financial assistance to students during their training. The MLS, part of the Department of Pathology, is one of several programs that shows our organization’s ongoing commitment to developing a skilled, diverse and culturally competent workforce.

The MLS Program is a newly established, NAACLS-accredited, hospital-based training initiative that offers an accelerated 10-month pathway to careers in laboratory medicine by integrating six months of comprehensive didactic training followed by four months of clinical training in the nation's top hospital laboratories. A major advantage of the hospital-based approach is applied clinical training throughout the program — students receive hands-on experience in the hospitals where they are potential future employees. The program prepares students for immediate entry into the field, ensuring they are eligible for the ASCP Board of Certification exam, a vital qualification for medical laboratory professionals.

The MLS program was created in response to the rapid growth in laboratory medicine, fueled by increased diagnostic demands, an aging population, technological progress and emerging infectious diseases. These factors not only create significant job opportunities but also drive innovation in diagnostics. With the national demand for skilled laboratory professionals exceeding the availability of training programs, the Mass General Brigham MLS Program addresses this critical gap. The program prepares graduates for immediate employment, equipping them to contribute effectively to the healthcare sector and enhance patient care standards. 

The grant received last week was funded by the Senator Kenneth J. Donnelly Workforce Success Grant (Workforce Competitiveness Trust FY’21 Appropriation) and funds appropriated through the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021. This grant initiative is administered by Commonwealth Corporation on behalf of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and the Workforce Skills Cabinet.

Grant funds will be allocated to offer financial assistance to students during their training, ensuring that economic barriers do not obstruct their pursuit of a career in medical laboratory science. Additionally, the Workforce Development team at Mass General Brigham will offer robust support and guidance, aiding graduates in securing employment promptly upon program completion.

By deepening the pool of qualified medical laboratory scientists, hospitals across our system will have the resources to perform critical tests accurately and efficiently, crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. This enhancement of our capabilities will not only meet local and regional healthcare needs but also foster inclusivity and professional development within the laboratory sciences sector.

For more details about the MLS Program, visit the MGB MLS Program Website or contact mgbmlsinfo@partners.org.