A survey of the medical technology profession in North Carolina was undertaken in 1981 by the North Carolina Area Health Education Center to promote statewide planning. One survey focus was institutional characteristics, including: current staff level, budget vacancies, qualifications to fill vacancies, number of resignations in the last year, and projected staff needs for 1986. Individual data included salary levels, years of experience, educational background, and personnel certification. Questionnaires were completed by 119 hospitals and 61 other major employers of medical laboratory personnel. The study included 3,528 laboratory personnel: staff technologists (39 percent), staff technicians (21 percent); laboratory/section supervisors (10 percent); laboratory assistants (9 percent); and administrative/educational or phlebotomist/other categories (21 percent). Findings revealed 173 vacancies, a future need of 635 personnel, and a resignation rate of 24.1 percent. Forty-five percent held bachelor's degrees, 65 percent were certified, and 31 percent had less than 3 years experience. The data indicate a low vacancy rate and high turnover, advancement limitations, and a sometimes negative relationship between years of experience and salary. (SW)