CLS advanced degrees and career enhancement. Part 2--A comparison of perceptions.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether recipients of clinical laboratory science (CLS) advanced degrees (MS) perceive greater career enhancement value related to earning an advanced degree than is perceived by their baccalaureate level (BS) colleagues.

DESIGN

Two questionnaires were used-one for certified or licensed CLS professionals who had earned MS CLS degrees; the other for matched BS CLS colleagues.

SETTING

Five academic programs that conduct both National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences accredited CLS education and CLS MS degree programs participated.

PARTICIPANTS

The number of survey respondents was 220 (117-MS; 103-BS level controls). The groups were matched for gender, residence region, and years of experience.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measurements were the perceived benefits of having a CLS MS degree, the reasons for and against obtaining a CLS MS degree, and the overall evaluation of CLS degree programs at both levels.

RESULTS

The highest perceived benefit of having a CLS MS degree was the same in both groups, "enhanced self esteem and confidence". The highest priority motivation of MS degree recipients for obtaining a CLS advanced degree was "personal satisfaction". The highest priority reason of the BS group for not obtaining a CLS advanced degree was "family obligation". In both levels of degree programs the subject most commonly cited as needing modification was laboratory management.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that CLS professionals who have CLS MS degrees perceive a greater career enhancement value of advanced CLS degrees than their BS level colleagues.