TECHNOLOGISTS REPORT OVERALL JOB-SATISFACTION - 10-YEAR RETROSPECTIVESTUDY EXAMINES CAREER PATTERNS

In 1993, the Research and Development Committee of the American Societ y of Clinical Pathologists Board of Registry conducted a 10-year retro spective study of medical technologists to determine career Progressio n after certification. Approximately 1,000 surveys were mailed to medi cal technologists who were certified by the Board of Registry in 1983. The committee assessed 417 usable surveys, representing a 42% return, regarding the sample's professional activities from 1983 to 1932. The committee evaluated a variety of activities with emphasis on patterns in salary levels; specialization; acquisition of additional certifica tion, degrees, or both; promotion; and career changes. Overall, a posi tive portrait of the career patterns of medical technologists emerges with 75% of respondents remaining in the laboratory work force at the end of the 10-year period and more than 75% reporting their job satisf action as moderate or high.