Professional Development Framework for Medical Laboratory Scientists in Biochemistry Practice in North West Nigeria

Continuing professional development of medical laboratory scientists specializing in clinical biochemistry is essential for maintaining technical competence amid rapid advances in diagnostic technology, yet structured professional development pathways in the North West geopolitical zone are underdeveloped relative to national professional standards. This study develops a professional development framework for medical laboratory scientists in biochemistry practice across the North West zone, covering Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Jigawa, and Kaduna states. The framework was developed through a sequential process: a training needs assessment survey administered to three hundred and fifty medical laboratory scientists across the zone, a structured review of current continuing professional development activities organized by the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria zonal chapter, analysis of competency gaps identified by laboratory quality audits at twelve selected facilities, and expert panel input from eight senior laboratory science educators. The needs assessment identified advanced analytical techniques, laboratory information systems management, molecular diagnostics fundamentals, and quality management system implementation as the highest-priority development domains. The developed framework specifies a tiered professional development curriculum with foundation, intermediate, and advanced levels, a mentorship scheme linking junior scientists with senior practitioners, an annual zonal technical symposium format, and mechanisms for recognition of learning through the MLSCN continuing professional development point system. Cost and resource analyses indicate that the framework is implementable within existing professional association infrastructure with modest additional funding from State Ministries of Health. Keywords: professional development, medical laboratory scientists, biochemistry practice, North West Nigeria, competency.