4 answers
Elizabeth
Student
Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
4
Questions
Asked
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How is the job market for Medical Laboratory Scientists in Northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula in Michigan?
After completing my Medical Laboratory Science program I want to move to Northern WI or the UP but I'm not sure what the job market for an MLS there would be or how being in a rural area would affect my salary. If anyone could offer some advice that would be great. Thanks again!
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4 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1334
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hi Elizabeth, thanks for your question! 🤗While I don’t have exact numbers for every region, here’s what I’ve learned about the job market for Medical Laboratory Scientists in more rural areas like Northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula:🤔 hope it helps.
• Demand vs. Volume:
Rural areas may have fewer healthcare facilities overall, which can mean fewer job openings compared to big cities. However, those facilities—hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic labs—often have a strong need for skilled professionals, so demand remains high.
• Competitive Incentives:
Many rural hospitals and clinics understand the challenge of attracting talent and might offer competitive salaries, signing bonuses, or additional benefits to fill these roles. Even if the base salary is slightly lower than in urban centers, the overall package can be attractive, especially when you consider the lower cost of living.
• Broader Responsibilities:
In smaller settings, you might find that your role is a bit more varied. This can be a great opportunity to build a diverse set of skills and gain experience that could be valuable down the road.
• Networking & Research:
I recommend reaching out directly to local healthcare providers and checking regional job boards. Networking with current MLS professionals in these areas through professional associations or LinkedIn can give you up-to-date insights into what to expect.
• Lifestyle Considerations:
Remember, moving to a rural area often comes with lifestyle benefits—closer-knit communities, a slower pace, and sometimes a better work-life balance. All these factors can make the transition worthwhile even if the numbers aren’t as high as in urban settings.
Ultimately, it’s a good idea to weigh both the professional and personal aspects of your move. Best of luck as you plan your next steps, and feel free to reach out if you have more questions along the way! 😎
• Demand vs. Volume:
Rural areas may have fewer healthcare facilities overall, which can mean fewer job openings compared to big cities. However, those facilities—hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic labs—often have a strong need for skilled professionals, so demand remains high.
• Competitive Incentives:
Many rural hospitals and clinics understand the challenge of attracting talent and might offer competitive salaries, signing bonuses, or additional benefits to fill these roles. Even if the base salary is slightly lower than in urban centers, the overall package can be attractive, especially when you consider the lower cost of living.
• Broader Responsibilities:
In smaller settings, you might find that your role is a bit more varied. This can be a great opportunity to build a diverse set of skills and gain experience that could be valuable down the road.
• Networking & Research:
I recommend reaching out directly to local healthcare providers and checking regional job boards. Networking with current MLS professionals in these areas through professional associations or LinkedIn can give you up-to-date insights into what to expect.
• Lifestyle Considerations:
Remember, moving to a rural area often comes with lifestyle benefits—closer-knit communities, a slower pace, and sometimes a better work-life balance. All these factors can make the transition worthwhile even if the numbers aren’t as high as in urban settings.
Ultimately, it’s a good idea to weigh both the professional and personal aspects of your move. Best of luck as you plan your next steps, and feel free to reach out if you have more questions along the way! 😎
Thank you for the advice!
Elizabeth
You are welcome Elizabeth just happy to help! Stay blessed.
Dr H
Ach Nix, the strength of ideas lies in how they inspire and challenge us. Your support is a reminder that every perspective adds to the bigger picture. Onward to more meaningful insights!
Dr H
Dr. Ashley, wisdom grows in the space where knowledge meets curiosity. Your support fuels the pursuit of deeper understanding. Here’s to more shared learning and discovery!
✌️
Dr H
Candice Ann Guardino
Medical Technologist
1
Answer
Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Updated
Candice Ann’s Answer
Hi! The job market for Medical Laboratory Scientists in Northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan can vary based on demand, healthcare facility availability, and rural healthcare challenges. Here are some key factors to consider:
Job Market Outlook
1. High Demand in Rural Areas – Rural and remote areas often face staffing shortages, meaning there may be a strong demand for MLS professionals. Hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic labs in smaller communities may offer competitive job opportunities.
2. Major Employers – Look for positions in regional hospitals, independent laboratories, and healthcare systems like Aspirus, Marshfield Clinic, Bellin Health, and UP Health System.
3. Salary Expectations – Salaries may be slightly lower than in large metropolitan areas, but rural locations sometimes offer incentives like sign-on bonuses, relocation assistance, or loan repayment programs.
Rural Area Considerations
• Fewer Job Openings but Higher Need – While fewer facilities exist, those present may urgently need staff.
• Workload & Responsibilities – You may have broader responsibilities due to staffing shortages.
• Cost of Living – Generally lower in rural areas, which could balance out slightly lower salaries.
Job Market Outlook
1. High Demand in Rural Areas – Rural and remote areas often face staffing shortages, meaning there may be a strong demand for MLS professionals. Hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic labs in smaller communities may offer competitive job opportunities.
2. Major Employers – Look for positions in regional hospitals, independent laboratories, and healthcare systems like Aspirus, Marshfield Clinic, Bellin Health, and UP Health System.
3. Salary Expectations – Salaries may be slightly lower than in large metropolitan areas, but rural locations sometimes offer incentives like sign-on bonuses, relocation assistance, or loan repayment programs.
Rural Area Considerations
• Fewer Job Openings but Higher Need – While fewer facilities exist, those present may urgently need staff.
• Workload & Responsibilities – You may have broader responsibilities due to staffing shortages.
• Cost of Living – Generally lower in rural areas, which could balance out slightly lower salaries.
Kathleen Rezek
Laboratory and compliance
74
Answers
Stanwood, Michigan
Updated
Kathleen’s Answer
Elizabeth! Welcome to the challenging and rewarding field of medical laboratory science. And, as a Michigander (Northern lower), I applaud your location desires. Now there is a demand in the field as many programs shut down and many of us, myself included, have finally retired. I would suggest you explore hospitals, since many clinics and doctor's offices are more likely to hire those with lower degrees or HSDs, or have nursing perform all the labs. This is due to the test complexities as defined by CLIA and educational requirements for each complexity. So hospitals which have a broader spectrum of testing are the best bet when starting in the field. Do a little research in each geographic area to discover what the major Healthcare systems are. Their websites would then list career opportunities. I used to inspect labs in both those locations but it's been quite some time since I knew of the systems and laboratory managers. There have been many system mergers in the past ten plus years. You will most likely never lack for a job even if you move, and you will discover a wealth of challenging and rewarding opportunities within the field.
I loved my laboratory career!
Best to you,
Kathie
I loved my laboratory career!
Best to you,
Kathie
Thank you very much! It’s so nice to hear from someone who was in that field!
Elizabeth
You are.most welcome. As one of the oncologists I worked with always said, " Without the lab we're just guessing." It's of vital importance to accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Kathleen Rezek
Mohammed Usman
Laboratory Technologist
3
Answers
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Updated
Mohammed’s Answer
Medical Laboratory Science is always in demand, even in rural areas. It's more than just a job; it's a profession focused on helping and guiding patients correctly. This role is the backbone of the medical industry.
Thanks for the help.
Elizabeth