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Factors Influencing MLS Career Choice Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study


 Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare workforce. Increased personal risk, job instability, and workplace demands due to COVID-19 may reduce individuals’ interests in pursuing a healthcare career. Yet the enhanced visibility of the critical role of healthcare professionals in addressing the crisis may have strengthened individuals’ resolve to serve others as a healthcare provider. Moving forward it will be important for higher education institutions to identify what factors may influence prospective students’ decisions to pursue a healthcare career, including medical laboratory sciences, so that recruitment efforts may be focused accordingly. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted using a modified version of the Health Care Choice instrument to include questions regarding COVID-19. Seventy-two (n=72) students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate-level medical laboratory science programs at a university in the United States completed the survey. Parametric and non-parametric analyses were performed to identify relationships between factors that influence career choice and particular demographic factors, as well as the impact of COVID-19 on these factors. Results: Personal interests and nature of the work were the influencing factors rated highest, followed by job prospects. Prior healthcare exposure, self-efficacy, and social influences were rated lower. There were few significant differences based on demographic factors, except those who had military experience. Participants reported being personally impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but for most it did not change their career choice. Conclusions: Medical laboratory sciences students report the factors that influence their career choice are similar to the factors that impact other health professionals in choosing their career. Recruitment strategies should focus on the impact that medical laboratory sciences professionals have on people’s lives and the highly skilled, hands-on nature of the work, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.