A-169 Addressing Opportunities and Misconceptions of ASCP BOC International Credentials in the Philippines
Authors: Baker J B , Spiczka A , Gebhart C 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
The objective of this study is to identify the positive viewpoints while clarifying and mitigating misconceptions Filipino applicants have about the BOC’s international credential (ASCPi) and the credential maintenance program (CMP). With a total of 13 678 Medical Laboratory Scientist MLS (ASCPi) credential holders, the Philippines is the BOC’s highest volume MLS (ASCPi) credential market. However, despite the Philippines being the BOC’s largest international credential market, the BOC only certifies about a third of eligible Filipino graduates each year. Therefore, to encourage additional interest in achieving BOC credentials and to eliminate misunderstanding surrounding CMP, the BOC International Credentialing Committee (ICC) created and deployed a survey in December 2022. This survey was intended to reach ASCPi credential holders worldwide. One outcome of the survey was to gain insights about the MLS credential market in the Philippines, as well as determine what professional development opportunities Filipino‘s were afforded after they earned their credential. The resulting report (based on analysis of the survey results) showed there are several opportunities and issues affecting Filipino participation in the BOC’s credential and CMP offerings.

Methods
1460 individuals from 74 countries of education participated in the ICC-developed survey. This study is a focused summary of results from the 556 Filipino respondents (only).

Results
This study confirmed a number of assertions the BOC had about the Filipino credential market. The most important of these assertions is MLS (ASCPi) certification is appealing to Philippine-educated individuals due to its portability (i.e., work eligibility, emigration, etc.). The study also found that:—35% of respondents found employment outside of the Philippines—51% of those who found employment outside of the Philippines indicated their BOC credential was the reason they were hired—96% of respondents indicated BOC credentials are popular in the Philippines—30% of respondents indicated they do not participate in CMP—64% of respondents indicated when they attend a conference in-person it is primarily to earn additional CE—55% of respondents indicated the BOC Facebook page is what convinced them to apply for a BOC credential—518 out of 556 respondents use social media—91% use Facebook, 66% use Instagram, 60% use YouTube, 36% use LinkedIn, 20% use WhatsApp, 31% use Twitter, and 30% use TikTok.

Conclusion
The BOC should continue leaning into the portability of MLS (ASCPi) certification. However, the BOC needs to further promote other credentials for which Filipinos may be eligible. The BOC should also place greater emphasis on educating Filipinos regarding the importance of CMP and on what can be used for continuing education (CE) towards CMP. For example, our research provided insights that the BOC needs to create a social media outreach campaign that helps Filipino credential holders understand CE earned for their Professional Regulation Commission requirements, and other professional or skill-development courses, may also be used for CMP. Finally, considering the popularity of BOC credentials in the Philippines, the BOC should develop and optimize content that focuses on promoting the usefulness of pursing an advanced credential, the portability of credentials, and the overall demystification of CMP.