The Often-Overlooked Applicant: The Medical Technologist as a Qualified Candidate for Novice Infection Prevention Positions

BACKGROUND: The current shortage of healthcare workers (HCW) across the country has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the role of infection preventionist (IP) is no exception. As a result, a shift to broaden the scope of HCWs entering IP has gained attention. This study sought to compare competency expectations between medical technologists (MT) and IPs to better understand the bridge between the two professions, with the intent of highlighting MTs as qualified candidates for novice IP positions. METHODS: This study evaluated available competency guidelines for MTs and compared them to the 2019 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) competency model for the IP. The primary source used for this study was the Competency Guidelines for Laboratory Professionals resource made available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Supplemental competency data was drawn from a research article focused on MTs with 3-5 years of experience. Domains within the CDC's model were determined to either be completely, partially, or not addressed within APIC's model. The 6 primary domains and 32 subdomains of the APIC model were then compared to the CDC model, both with and without the supplemental article data, and results evaluated. RESULTS: Results showed a 74% complete and partial match between the APIC 2019 competency model and domains within the CDC MT competency model, or 28 of 38 domains. When supplemental competency data was included for MTs with 3-5 years of experience with additional education, there was an 82% complete and partial match between sources, or 31 of 38 domains. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that MTs, particularly with 3-5 years of experience with additional education, possess a strong foundational knowledge set for novice IP positions. Hiring managers should strongly consider MT applicants for open IP positions moving forward.