The initiative includes a scholarship program, an awareness campaign, and a proposed fellows program to support the next generation of laboratory professionals.
Roche Diagnostics North America and Ivy Tech Community College have announced a collaboration to address critical workforce shortages in medical laboratory technology through a phased development initiative.
The partnership was established following discussions with healthcare customers and laboratory partners in Indiana who identified challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled medical laboratory professionals. According to the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, approximately 70% of healthcare decisions depend on laboratory results.
Despite this reliance, laboratories nationwide face staffing shortages. In Indiana, where Roche Diagnostics is headquartered in the US, 364 employers posted more than 1,635 openings for clinical laboratory professionals between January and May 2026. Additionally, more than 2,000 individuals currently working in the field are aged 55 or older. Industry leaders attribute the shortage to limited awareness of the profession, declining academic program availability, and increasing workforce demands, according to the press release.
“By listening to our customers and partners across Indiana, we heard clearly about the workforce challenges they face,” says Adria Harris, head of people and culture, Roche Diagnostics North America, in a release. “This partnership reflects Roche’s commitment to investing in the workforce infrastructure that ultimately supports better patient care and stronger healthcare systems.”
Phase 1: Awareness and Scholarships
The first phase of the partnership involves an awareness campaign funded by Roche through the end of 2026. The campaign aims to increase understanding of medical laboratory careers among prospective students.
Roche is also providing financial support through the Roche Diagnostics Corporation Scholarship. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, the program will award fifty $1,000 scholarships to students pursuing medical laboratory technology credentials at any Ivy Tech Community College campus.
“Ivy Tech is committed to delivering accessible, workforce-aligned education that meets the needs of Indiana employers and communities,” says Marty Pollio, Ivy Tech president, in a release. “This partnership creates new opportunities to prepare more skilled laboratory professionals while helping students connect their education to meaningful careers.”
Phase 2: Roche MedTech Fellows Program
The organizations are also developing the Roche MedTech Fellows Program, an earn-and-learn model designed to combine paid employment with Ivy Tech’s medical laboratory technology program.
The proposed program would allow participants to gain hands-on laboratory experience while completing required education and training. The initiative is intended for individuals with backgrounds in life sciences, such as recent graduates and students pursuing degrees in biology, chemistry, microbiology, and pre-medicine. Participants would build technical and diagnostic skills while earning income to help reduce financial barriers to education.
Roche is inviting other healthcare systems, hospitals, and laboratories to participate in shaping the fellows program by providing workplace learning opportunities. Organizations interested in the program may contact David Wright, executive director for grant implementation and management, workforce and careers, at Ivy Tech Community College.
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