Ever thought about the medical professionals who assess laboratory tests? Well, lab med travelers are wildly in demand in states across the country with the average vacancy rate of 7.2 percent in a survey conducted by the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science.
Top 5 States for Lab Jobs in 2022
Are you thinking about getting into the travel lab lifestyle? Or maybe you’re a current labbie traveler, but curious on the top job locations? Lucky you! We’ve put together details on the top five states when it comes to travel lab jobs! You’re welcome in advance (wink).
No. 1: Pennsylvania
Of course, you immediately thing of Philly (cheese steaks included), but what about the home of the oldest golf course? Or even catching Groundhog's Day in Punxsutawney? But really, the rich history of our country, sports fanatics, and everything in between, Pennsylvania is awesome.
Plus, Pennsylvania needs more of you, labbie. With an aging population and expanded health insurance coverage, the demand for professional lab workers continues to grow. In fact, a survey found that among hospitals with laboratories, each was short at least two full-time workers.
What we love about Pennsylvania:
- The history as one of the original 13 colonies of the U.S.
- It's where the Declaration of Independence was signed
- Hersheypark (and Hershey's chocolate)
- The beautiful Independence National Park and the historic Liberty Bell
Search for Pennsylvania travel lab jobs.
No. 2: Texas
We'd like to assume everyone in Texas is rocking boots and a cowboy hat, but that is far from the truth. The states list of things to do and see is as big as the state itself (everything's bigger in Texas, right?). And their hospitality will keep you coming back. You’ll be saying, "Hey y'all," in no time!
Don’t just travel to Texas for the sights and scenery. Visit the Lone Star State to provide aid in the shortage of medical laboratory professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are only about 335,000 practicing medical lab workers in the country and one of the most popular places for labbies to work is in Texas.
What we love about Texas:
- A stroll through San Antonio's scenic River Walk
- It's home to The Alamo
- The natural beauty of Big Bend National Park
- The four highest peaks in Guadalupe Mountains
Search for Texas travel lab jobs.
No. 3: California
The West Coast is the perfect region for beachside sunsets, celebrity sightings, and the perfect year-round weather. You won’t want to miss out on the magic of Disney Land, the beautiful hike up to the famous “Hollywood” sign, or the perfect surfing waves in the California sun.
Like the rest of the U.S., California faces a shortage in laboratory workers, like yourself. Over a ten-year period, the number of clinical lab scientists decreased by 10,000 professionals in California and the state ranks among the seven lowest states in the ratio of labbies per 100,000 population. Take your talents to the road and start your career as a travel lab worker!
What we love about California:
- The vibrant, colorful atmosphere of Venice Beach Boardwalk
- Napa Valley wine
- Disneyland, obviously
- The mysteries of Alcatraz Island
Search for California travel lab jobs.
No. 4: New York
You know New York for Broadway shows, Time’s Square, and Central Park, but did you know that New York is the 4th most populous, the 27th most extensive, and the 7th most densely populated state in the U.S.? So, of course the state needs more labbies.
“Recruiting medical technicians is a real challenge, said Noble Hospital Administrator, Charles Conole. “There are no medical technician schools in Northern New York.”
As a professional lab traveler, you can visit New York and help alleviate some of the pain the state experiences from the shortage of medical lab workers.
What we love about New York:
- Horseback riding along the Long Island shore
- The amazing gorges and rim trails in Taughannock Falls
- The famous Niagara Falls
- The 10,000 lakes of Adirondack Park
Search for New York travel lab jobs.
No. 5: Minnesota
Known for its lakes, forests, and the Twin Cities, Minnesota is a boppin’ place. While you’re there, check out the Mall of America and then brag to your friends that you’ve visited the country’s largest mall!
Minnesota is also home to the Medical Laboratory Sciences program at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Allied Health Programs. Over the past few years, the number of students and lab faculty has decreased, which has caused the program to go from 22 weeks to 12 weeks. Currently, the program graduates only about 60 students each year and the director said that they could easily admit 100 students if there were enough lab faculty.
“There is definitely a shortage,” said Janice Conway-Klaassen, PhD, director of the Medical Laboratory Sciences program at the University of Minnesota. “We need a new paradigm for how we educate students.”
What we love about Minnesota:
- The incredible 53-foot waterfall in Minnehaha Park
- The 3,000 rose bushes in Leif Erickson Park and Rose Garden
- The wonders of the Science Museum of Minnesota
- The 205 species at the Great Lakes Aquarium
Search for Minnesota travel lab jobs.
Medical lab workers do a lot of work behind-the-scenes of healthcare. Not only do they conduct a wide variety of patient tests, labbies also help other medical professionals diagnose and treat patients. Traveling lab workers are in demand in states across the country, especially in these top five locations. Share your talents with the world and take your lab career on the road with Fusion Medical Staffing.
