Quality in diagnostics is no longer a luxury, it’s a requirement. Accreditation bodies such as ISO 15189 and local regulatory agencies demand that labs implement robust quality systems to ensure accurate, reliable, and timely results.

However, many laboratories, especially small to mid-sized ones, often lack the internal capacity to design and implement these systems effectively. That’s where independent QMS consultants come in, providing:

• Gap assessments
• Document control systems
• Staff training and audits
• Guidance through accreditation processes
• Continuous quality improvement frameworks

Their contribution is not a one-off service; it’s a long-term partnership that drives operational excellence.

Why Diagnostic Professionals Are Perfect for This Role

If you’ve worked at the bench, you’re already halfway there. Diagnostic professionals bring several strengths to the table:

• Deep knowledge of laboratory processes and workflows
• Familiarity with common diagnostic equipment and sample management
• Understanding of the challenges labs face from within
• Technical expertise that builds credibility with lab staff
• Problem-solving skills honed from years of hands-on work

What you need to add is quality systems knowledge, which can be gained through certifications (like ISO 15189 implementation, internal auditing, or QMS Lead Auditor courses), mentorship, and structured exposure to QMS implementation projects.

Benefits of Transitioning into a QMS Role

1. Greater Impact: You move from processing samples to shaping entire systems that improve patient outcomes.
2. Professional Growth: QMS specialists are seen as strategic partners by lab owners, hospital executives, and accreditation bodies.
3. Increased Flexibility: Many QMS roles are project-based or consulting gigs, giving you flexibility in work-life balance, location, and even income streams.
4. Higher Earning Potential: As a consultant or in-house QMS lead, your earning potential grows significantly, especially when managing multiple labs or scaling your services.
5. Global Relevance: QMS knowledge is transferable across countries and health systems, making it an excellent path for those seeking international opportunities.

Getting Started: Steps to Make the Shift

If you’re considering pivoting from the bench to quality management, here’s a suggested pathway:

1. Get trained – Enroll in reputable QMS or ISO 15189 courses.
2. Find a mentor – Learn from experienced QMS consultants or accreditation assessors.
3. Start small – Volunteer to help with internal audits or document development in your current lab.
4. Build a portfolio – Document every project or task you’ve contributed to, labs value proven experience.
5. Join communities – Become part of professional networks like ASLM, IFCC, or even local lab science associations.
6. Position yourself – Create visibility through LinkedIn, blogs, webinars, or workshops as a QMS-driven professional.

The laboratory landscape is changing, and diagnostic professionals are no longer confined to pipettes and centrifuges. The demand for quality and compliance is creating a new frontier of opportunities, and those with a passion for excellence are perfectly positioned to lead it.

Becoming a Quality Management System specialist isn’t just a career move; it’s a calling to uphold standards, empower laboratories, and ensure that every result that leaves the lab can be trusted.

So if you’ve been wondering what’s next beyond benchwork, maybe the answer lies in quality. Because when you pivot to QMS, you’re not just changing your path, you’re shaping the future of diagnostics in Africa.

Nancy