448 Advancing Military-Trained Laboratory Professionals Through ASCP Board of Certification (ASCP BOC) Credentialing to Improve Patient Care and Workforce Sustainability

Introduction/Objective Military-trained medical laboratory professionals are critical to diagnostic accuracy and patient readiness across military and civilian healthcare systems. Despite high levels of training and experience, these professionals often face barriers in translating military education into civilian-recognized credentials, which can limit career advancement. Methods/Case Report This study addresses the recognition gap for military-trained personnel through collaborations with military and federal stakeholders, mapping military training to ASCP BOC eligibility, promoting access to Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) funding, analyzing 2023 ASCP Wage Survey data, and incorporating advocacy outcomes—such as the 2024 CLIA rule updates recognizing military training for high-complexity testing. Results Findings from the 2023 ASCP Wage Survey indicate that over 50% of military-trained laboratory professionals hold staff-level roles, suggesting credentialing can drive upward mobility. Advocacy efforts led to policy changes that expand degree equivalency, clarify training requirements, and reinforce the value of ASCP BOC credentials for military personnel. Conclusion These outcomes demonstrate that ASCP BOC credentialing may support career progression, workforce sustainability, and continuity of diagnostic care across military and civilian systems. Continued collaboration and access to credentialing remain essential for strengthening the laboratory workforce.