Opportunities for professional and academic development of medical laboratory technicians
Information for nursing staff, 2026, 58(1), 51-55.
V. Kozova1, M. Saleva2
1Department of Medical Diagnostics, Medical College, Medical University – Pleven
2Department of Healthcare Management, Medical Ethics and Information Technologies, Faculty of Public Health, Medical University – Pleven
Abstract. Medical laboratory technicians are an essential part of the healthcare system, and their contribution to the diagnosis and treatment of patients is undeniable. In the context of rapidly developing medicine and technology, the opportunities for professional and academic development of these specialists are becoming increasingly important. The challenges are related to the lack of access to funding and resources, limited opportunities for inclusion in research projects, as well as the need to raise awareness of the importance of their role in the scientific community. The aim of this review is to analyze the opportunities for professional and academic development of medical laboratory technicians. A documentary method was applied, covering regulatory documents, documents of higher medical schools, etc., which regulate the opportunities for professional realization. The analysis of the available information shows that a number of postgraduate training courses have been developed that build on and keep up-to-date the knowledge and skills of laboratory technicians in clinical practice. Another opportunity for them is academic career development related to research and teaching activities, participation in scientific projects.
Key words: medical laboratory technicians, professional development, academic development, postgraduate
Address for correspondence: Valentina Kozova, e-mail: vkozova@abv.bg