AI, Retirements, and Staffing Gaps: What Every Pathologist and Medical Laboratory Professional Should Know from the 2024 Vacancy Survey

• New survey data suggests vacancies have lessened, though retirement rates have increased since ASCP’s 2022 survey 

The 2024 ASCP Vacancy Survey of U.S. medical laboratories has been published and is now available here. The survey reveals that although vacancy rates have declined relative to 2022, they remain elevated when compared to pre-pandemic levels. The 2024 data also show that retirement rates continue to rise: 10 out of 17 laboratory departments surveyed reported increased retirements. Among surveyed departments adapting to artificial intelligence (AI) emerged as the most common operational challenge. Despite that, respondents also expressed optimism about AI’s potential to transform laboratory workflows.   

ASCP encourages all laboratories, professional societies, laboratory educators, and policymakers to review this survey. The results underscore continuing challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified laboratory professionals. The qualitative findings highlight the need for stronger advocacy for laboratory professionals, expansion of credentialing, and growth of training programs. Use these data to guide workforce planning, justify institutional investments in staffing, and support proposals for policy changes that address laboratory workforce sustainability. 

For more information on our workforce resources, please visit the ASCP workforce webpage.