Public Health Laboratory Studies
Using surveys, data analysis and dashboards, our public health laboratory studies generate insights about our workforce that can guide strategic decisions by identifying key factors that influence recruitment, retention and engagement across the public health laboratory workforce.
Contact the Quality Systems and Analytics team: [email protected]
About Public Health Laboratories Studies
At APHL, we conduct systematic inquiries to learn about our member laboratories, their staff and the environment in which they work; collectively, we refer to these as Public Health Laboratory Studies. By collecting data and documenting information—then analyzing the data using appropriate statistical methods—we can evaluate the validity of a hypothesis, assemble knowledge and findings to share them, and help generate questions and find answers to shape future decision-making.
Data from our Public Health Laboratory Studies generally focus on laboratory capacity, capability, training needs and workforce characterization, and are used to inform public policy and strategic direction.
Workforce Profiles
The Public Health Laboratory Workforce Profile Survey is fielded every other year to collect data on the characterization of the workforce at state, territorial and local public health laboratories. The survey explores a range of factors, including employment demographics, education, experience, recruitment and retention and satisfaction. It is an anonymous electronic survey distributed through convenience sampling, and all questions are optional.
Salary Comparison
Explore the Salary Comparison Dashboard to compare annual salary data across regions, staffing levels and more, based on responses to the 2022 and 2024 APHL Workforce Profiles Surveys. With interactive tables and maps, the dashboard provides essential benchmarking data for leaders and policymakers to advocate for equitable and competitive salaries, directly impacting laboratories' ability to recruit and retain essential personnel.
Explore our Public Health Laboratory Salary Comparison Dashboard
Training Needs Assessment
Training Needs Assessments are a systematic way to evaluate training and educational needs for public health laboratory employees and identify the best solutions. We use this information to tailor our training programs and resources to address specific gaps in knowledge, skills and competencies, and help us refine and share valuable existing resources that may have been missed. Ultimately, this contributes to enhanced performance, professional growth and a more resilient public health laboratory workforce.