The clinical laboratory workforce is a crucial component of patient care in the U.S., key to prevention, diagnosis and management of health and disease.

Laboratories are currently facing significant challenges from a variety of forces, ranging from a wave of older professionals retiring to increased demands on the workforce. These challenges have been further aggravated by disruptions and workforce shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper seeks to address those challenges and offer strategies laboratories can use to set themselves up for success by achieving and demonstrating key pillars of laboratory excellence.