Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

[Loralei Dewe]

Perhaps things have changed now. It was a few years ago that I explored the
HTL situation. At that time I had to have a pathologist that I worked under
for at least a year sign me off. Maybe things have changed. I'll look into
it!

Thanks everyone!!

Loralei

On Tue, May 19, 2015 at 11:00 AM, Coffey, Anna (NIH/NCI) [C] <
anna.cof...@nih.gov> wrote:

> Hi Loralei,
>
>
>
> Maybe I'm just misunderstanding, but I'm unclear why you would be
> ineligible to sit for the exam with your experience. I've always worked in
> a research lab on animal tissues and used that experience to qualify for
> the exam. There is no longer a practical portion of the exam (the entire
> thing is a multiple choice electronic exam) and none of the paperwork
> requires a pathologist to sign off as your supervisor (this is the form to
> verify experience:
> http://www.ascp.org/pdf/BOC-PDFs/Documentation-forms/DocumentationFormHTLRoute2.aspx).
> According to the ASCP site, experience counts as "one year full time
> acceptable experience in a histopathology (clinical, veterinary, industry
> or research) laboratory in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory*
> within the last ten years."
>
>
>
> It's my understanding that the exam requirements have changed over the
> last few years (before I got my certification) and maybe you now would be
> eligible for the certification?
>
> Anna Coffey, MS, HTL(ASCP)CM
> Histotechnologist
> Center for Advanced Preclinical Research
> Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research
> Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc.
> Bld 539, 224
> Frederick, Maryland 21702
> anna.cof...@nih.gov
> 301-846-1730
>
>
>
>
>
> Message: 3
>
> Date: Mon, 18 May 2015 11:59:59 -0700
>
> From: Loralei Dewe mailto:lld...@gmail.com>>
>
> To: Joelle Weaver  joellewea...@hotmail.com>>
>
> Cc: Jennifer MacDonald mailto:jmacdon...@mtsac.edu>>,
> "Mayer,  Toysha N"
>
>         mailto:tnma...@mdanderson.org>>, "
> histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu<mailto:histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> >"
>
>  histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu>>
>
> Subject: Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training
>
> Message-ID:
>
> <
> cagegmmdjumgob-rvd3mwv9ioqz9gpkw2l2ouzorhbyrpyhn...@mail.gmail.com cagegmmdjumgob-rvd3mwv9ioqz9gpkw2l2ouzorhbyrpyhn...@mail.gmail.com>>
>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
>
>
>
> I have a different perspective on this issue. I have been in histology
>
> for over 20 years. I worked at UC Davis in Vet. Histopath for several
>
> years. I was a histology Core facility manager and started up the facility
>
> from scratch at UC Davis Health system while running a Core Confocal
>
> microscope facility there. BUT I was in research, I wasn't in a "Pathology
>
> lab" and I don't qualify for the HT or HTL so I can't get work in the
>
> industry. Talk about a conundrum!
>
>
>
> Loralei
>
>
> ___
> Histonet mailing list
> Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
>
___
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet

Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

[Elizabeth Chlipala]

Experience may not be the issue she needs to have an associate's degree with 
the appropriate credit hours to sit for the HT.  It does not matter where you 
get your experience it does not need to be in a clinical lab.  I have had 
several techs sit for the HTL registry and IHC qualification with research 
experience and I myself signed for their experience.  I also needed to write a 
supplemental letter to the BOR explaining my position and that as a contract 
histology based CRO we did not have a medical director, etc.

Here is essentially what I wrote to the BOR this was back in 2004, this was for 
the IHC qualification but I had written a similar letter to the BOR for her HTL 
certification, I also wrote one for myself for the IHC qualification when I 
took that back in 2004 also.

I'm writing this letter to request a special consideration for the 
Immunohistochemistry Qualification for my employee Amy XX.  She has 
registered to take the Immunohistochemistry Qualification this spring.  She has 
already received the information packet.  I own a small contract histology 
laboratory called Premier Laboratory, LLC.  I have attached copies of our 
Articles of Incorporation, Colorado Division of Workers' Compensation, IRS 
Employer Identification Number, Colorado Business Registration and Application 
for Employer Identification Number.  We are a small lab, consisting of myself 
and Amy.  We do not have a PhD, MD, or DVM on staff to vouch for myself or 
Amy's level of experience performing immunohistochemical stains.  

Amy has been employed by Premier Laboratory since Feb 1, 2003.  Amy also worked 
for me at BolderPATH (another business that I was a part owner) from June 1, 
2002 to Jan 31, 2003.  During her employment at BolderPATH and Premier 
Laboratory  the majority of her time was spent developing immunohistochemical 
protocols and performing various immunohistochemical applications. Some of the 
antibodies that Amy has created protocols for and performed for clients at 
Premier Laboratory include:

BrdU, Ki-67, PCNA, cleaved caspase-3, GFAP, CD31, F4/80 (clone BM8), F4/80 
(clone A3-1), complement C3, Crry/p65, GAP-43, Luciferase, NOS2, PSA, 
synaptophysin, smooth muscle actin, S-100, LCA, CD20, UchL-1, CD11b, CD14, 
CD13, CD105, MMP-1, MMP-7, FLK-1,  plus several in-house antibodies for various 
applications.  I have performed these antibodies utilizing a variety of 
fixatives, processing methods and detection systems utilizing both frozen and 
paraffin embedded material.

I have attached to this letter the Immunohistochemistry (IHC) Qualification 
Reference, which I have filled out for Amy.

If you have any questions or require any additional information please give 
myself or Amy a call at 

Liz

Elizabeth A. Chlipala, BS, HTL(ASCP)QIHC
Premier Laboratory, LLC
PO Box 18592
Boulder, CO 80308
(303) 682-3949 office
(303) 682-9060 fax
(303) 881-0763 cell
l...@premierlab.com
www.premierlab.com

March 10, 2014 is Histotechnology Professionals Day

Ship to Address:

Premier Laboratory, LLC
1567 Skyway Drive, Unit E
Longmont, CO 80504


-Original Message-
From: Coffey, Anna (NIH/NCI) [C] [mailto:anna.cof...@nih.gov] 
Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2015 12:01 PM
To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

Hi Loralei,



Maybe I'm just misunderstanding, but I'm unclear why you would be ineligible to 
sit for the exam with your experience. I've always worked in a research lab on 
animal tissues and used that experience to qualify for the exam. There is no 
longer a practical portion of the exam (the entire thing is a multiple choice 
electronic exam) and none of the paperwork requires a pathologist to sign off 
as your supervisor (this is the form to verify experience: 
http://www.ascp.org/pdf/BOC-PDFs/Documentation-forms/DocumentationFormHTLRoute2.aspx).
 According to the ASCP site, experience counts as "one year full time 
acceptable experience in a histopathology (clinical, veterinary, industry or 
research) laboratory in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within 
the last ten years."



It's my understanding that the exam requirements have changed over the last few 
years (before I got my certification) and maybe you now would be eligible for 
the certification?

Anna Coffey, MS, HTL(ASCP)CM
Histotechnologist
Center for Advanced Preclinical Research Frederick National Laboratory for 
Cancer Research Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc.
Bld 539, 224
Frederick, Maryland 21702
anna.cof...@nih.gov
301-846-1730





Message: 3

Date: Mon, 18 May 2015 11:59:59 -0700

From: Loralei Dewe mailto:lld...@gmail.com>>

To: Joelle Weaver mailto:joellewea...@hotmail.com>>

Cc: Jennifer MacDonald mailto:jmacdon...@mtsac.edu>>, 
"Mayer,  Toysha N"

mailto:tnma...@mdanderson.org>>, 
"histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu<mailto:histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu

[Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

[Coffey, Anna (NIH/NCI) [C]]

Hi Loralei,



Maybe I'm just misunderstanding, but I'm unclear why you would be ineligible to 
sit for the exam with your experience. I've always worked in a research lab on 
animal tissues and used that experience to qualify for the exam. There is no 
longer a practical portion of the exam (the entire thing is a multiple choice 
electronic exam) and none of the paperwork requires a pathologist to sign off 
as your supervisor (this is the form to verify experience: 
http://www.ascp.org/pdf/BOC-PDFs/Documentation-forms/DocumentationFormHTLRoute2.aspx).
 According to the ASCP site, experience counts as "one year full time 
acceptable experience in a histopathology (clinical, veterinary, industry or 
research) laboratory in the U.S., Canada or an accredited laboratory* within 
the last ten years."



It's my understanding that the exam requirements have changed over the last few 
years (before I got my certification) and maybe you now would be eligible for 
the certification?

Anna Coffey, MS, HTL(ASCP)CM
Histotechnologist
Center for Advanced Preclinical Research
Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research
Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc.
Bld 539, 224
Frederick, Maryland 21702
anna.cof...@nih.gov
301-846-1730





Message: 3

Date: Mon, 18 May 2015 11:59:59 -0700

From: Loralei Dewe mailto:lld...@gmail.com>>

To: Joelle Weaver mailto:joellewea...@hotmail.com>>

Cc: Jennifer MacDonald mailto:jmacdon...@mtsac.edu>>, 
"Mayer,  Toysha N"

mailto:tnma...@mdanderson.org>>, 
"histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu<mailto:histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu>"

            
mailto:histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu>>

Subject: Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

Message-ID:


mailto:cagegmmdjumgob-rvd3mwv9ioqz9gpkw2l2ouzorhbyrpyhn...@mail.gmail.com>>

Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8



I have a different perspective on this issue. I have been in histology

for over 20 years. I worked at UC Davis in Vet. Histopath for several

years. I was a histology Core facility manager and started up the facility

from scratch at UC Davis Health system while running a Core Confocal

microscope facility there. BUT I was in research, I wasn't in a "Pathology

lab" and I don't qualify for the HT or HTL so I can't get work in the

industry. Talk about a conundrum!



Loralei


___
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet

Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

[Marcum, Pamela A]

I took my registry while I was doing neuroanatomical research on animals.  At 
the time I took it I was told do not use animal tissue or you will fail.  I had 
to find someone with a clinical Histology lab who would allow me to come in for 
my practical exam work.  I just had to prove myself when I wanted to get into 
clinical by working for a little less with the agreement that if I met the 
standard the pay and position would go up.  However; without the HT I would 
never have gotten through the door.  We have research people here at UAMS who 
are taking the exam because their PIs are willing to help them with a 
pathologist and have their work looked at for quality.  There are ways around 
the rules we sometimes have to bend a little.  

Pam Marcum

-Original Message-
From: Loralei Dewe [mailto:lld...@gmail.com] 
Sent: Monday, May 18, 2015 2:00 PM
To: Joelle Weaver
Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu; Mayer, Toysha N
Subject: Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

I have a different perspective on this issue. I have been in histology for over 
20 years. I worked at UC Davis in Vet. Histopath for several years. I was a 
histology Core facility manager and started up the facility from scratch at UC 
Davis Health system while running a Core Confocal microscope facility there. 
BUT I was in research, I wasn't in a "Pathology lab" and I don't qualify for 
the HT or HTL so I can't get work in the industry. Talk about a conundrum!

Loralei

On Sun, May 17, 2015 at 3:38 AM, Joelle Weaver 
wrote:

> I will speak to my laboratory director about this. I know the 
> situation first hand from my previous experience!
>
>
> Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC
>
>
>
>
>
> > To: tnma...@mdanderson.org
> > From: jmacdon...@mtsac.edu
> > Date: Sat, 16 May 2015 20:02:34 -0700
> > Subject: Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training
> > CC: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> >
> > This is an issue with our program as well.  We have a difficult time 
> > finding clinical sites for our students.  Many people want to hire
> trained
> > individuals, but don't want to invest any time in the training.  Our 
> > students receive a great deal of hands-on time in the student 
> > laboratory, but need "real life" experience.
> > Jennifer MacDonald
> > Mt. San Antonio College
> >
> >
> >
> > From:   "Mayer,Toysha N" 
> > To: "'histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu'"
> > 
> > Date:   05/14/2015 01:48 PM
> > Subject:Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training
> >
> >
> >
> > One good way to find techs is to offer to become a clinical 
> > affiliate for a program.  Most programs struggle with attracting 
> > students and providing them with clinical affiliates to fine tune their 
> > skills.
> > It may not matter that the school is not located near you, the 
> > student
> may
> > have family nearby to stay with.
> > We are always looking for long distance affiliates, that way we can 
> > attract an out-of-state student and not saturate the local area.  I 
> > have students who want to relocate to different areas and just for a 
> > change
> and
> > this helps them do so.  We also get calls from applicants who don't 
> > mind moving to us for 9-10 months, as long as they can go home when 
> > they finish.
> > If the program is agreeable to this, the specifics can be worked 
> > out,
> such
> > as what skills are entry level and the length of the time the 
> > student is at your facility.
> > Ours is called an Internship and the student is at the facility for 
> > 12 weeks.  They come in knowing basic embedding, cutting, routine 
> > staining, specials, and have performed a minimum of three IHC 
> > stains.  Two are manual and one automated.
> > Some programs keep the students in house for some time before they 
> > leave for internship, while others leave the technical training to the 
> > clinics.
> > It all depends on what is available.
> > This would be a low cost way to see if you like a person, can train 
> > them and are willing to teach.
> > Some students are looking to relocate just before graduation, so a 
> > move for an internship is a consideration.
> > Many times it is the expectations of the trainer that are not 
> > aligned
> with
> > the skill level of entry-level techs and that can cause problems.  
> > This way the person can come in with an assessment of the skill 
> > level and the OJT phase can begin.  If the affiliate chooses to hire 
> > the student,
> great.
> >  If not, then no harm.  At least you get to say that you trie

Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

[Joelle Weaver]

Research is a different world than "clinical". That's not fun. Can you pursue 
your degree if you haven't already and then do a 1 year under a clinical 
pathologist? It took me awhile to my clinical hours since I working full time 
in pharmacy and in histology school fulltime, but it was worth it. 


Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC


  

 
Date: Mon, 18 May 2015 11:59:59 -0700
Subject: Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training
From: lld...@gmail.com
To: joellewea...@hotmail.com
CC: jmacdon...@mtsac.edu; tnma...@mdanderson.org; 
histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu

I have a different perspective on this issue. I have been in histology for over 
20 years. I worked at UC Davis in Vet. Histopath for several years. I was a 
histology Core facility manager and started up the facility from scratch at UC 
Davis Health system while running a Core Confocal microscope facility there. 
BUT I was in research, I wasn't in a "Pathology lab" and I don't qualify for 
the HT or HTL so I can't get work in the industry. Talk about a conundrum!
Loralei
On Sun, May 17, 2015 at 3:38 AM, Joelle Weaver  wrote:
I will speak to my laboratory director about this. I know the situation first 
hand from my previous experience!





Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC











> To: tnma...@mdanderson.org

> From: jmacdon...@mtsac.edu

> Date: Sat, 16 May 2015 20:02:34 -0700

> Subject: Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

> CC: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu

>

> This is an issue with our program as well.  We have a difficult time

> finding clinical sites for our students.  Many people want to hire trained

> individuals, but don't want to invest any time in the training.  Our

> students receive a great deal of hands-on time in the student laboratory,

> but need "real life" experience.

> Jennifer MacDonald

> Mt. San Antonio College

>

>

>

> From:   "Mayer,Toysha N" 

> To:     "'histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu'"

> 

> Date:   05/14/2015 01:48 PM

> Subject:Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

>

>

>

> One good way to find techs is to offer to become a clinical affiliate for

> a program.  Most programs struggle with attracting students and providing

> them with clinical affiliates to fine tune their skills.

> It may not matter that the school is not located near you, the student may

> have family nearby to stay with.

> We are always looking for long distance affiliates, that way we can

> attract an out-of-state student and not saturate the local area.  I have

> students who want to relocate to different areas and just for a change and

> this helps them do so.  We also get calls from applicants who don't mind

> moving to us for 9-10 months, as long as they can go home when they

> finish.

> If the program is agreeable to this, the specifics can be worked out, such

> as what skills are entry level and the length of the time the student is

> at your facility.

> Ours is called an Internship and the student is at the facility for 12

> weeks.  They come in knowing basic embedding, cutting, routine staining,

> specials, and have performed a minimum of three IHC stains.  Two are

> manual and one automated.

> Some programs keep the students in house for some time before they leave

> for internship, while others leave the technical training to the clinics.

> It all depends on what is available.

> This would be a low cost way to see if you like a person, can train them

> and are willing to teach.

> Some students are looking to relocate just before graduation, so a move

> for an internship is a consideration.

> Many times it is the expectations of the trainer that are not aligned with

> the skill level of entry-level techs and that can cause problems.  This

> way the person can come in with an assessment of the skill level and the

> OJT phase can begin.  If the affiliate chooses to hire the student, great.

>  If not, then no harm.  At least you get to say that you tried and did not

> have to waste money doing so.  It is not a source of free labor, but a way

> of accurately assessing a person's fit for your needs.

> Many allied health programs (not just histo) are doing this and it helps

> to showcase different labs and programs.

>

> Just my two cents.

>

> Sincerely,

>

> Toysha N. Mayer, D.H.Sc., MBA, HT (ASCP)

> Instructor/Education Coordinator

> Program in Histotechnology

> School of Health Professions

> UT M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

> 713.563-3481

>

>

>

>

>

> Message: 1

> Date: Thu, 14 May 2015 17:07:06 +

> From: "Morken, Timothy" 

> To: Pam Marcum , Lisa Roy 

> Cc: Histonet , Michael Dessoye

> 

Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

[Loralei Dewe]

I have a different perspective on this issue. I have been in histology
for over 20 years. I worked at UC Davis in Vet. Histopath for several
years. I was a histology Core facility manager and started up the facility
from scratch at UC Davis Health system while running a Core Confocal
microscope facility there. BUT I was in research, I wasn't in a "Pathology
lab" and I don't qualify for the HT or HTL so I can't get work in the
industry. Talk about a conundrum!

Loralei

On Sun, May 17, 2015 at 3:38 AM, Joelle Weaver 
wrote:

> I will speak to my laboratory director about this. I know the situation
> first hand from my previous experience!
>
>
> Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC
>
>
>
>
>
> > To: tnma...@mdanderson.org
> > From: jmacdon...@mtsac.edu
> > Date: Sat, 16 May 2015 20:02:34 -0700
> > Subject: Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training
> > CC: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> >
> > This is an issue with our program as well.  We have a difficult time
> > finding clinical sites for our students.  Many people want to hire
> trained
> > individuals, but don't want to invest any time in the training.  Our
> > students receive a great deal of hands-on time in the student laboratory,
> > but need "real life" experience.
> > Jennifer MacDonald
> > Mt. San Antonio College
> >
> >
> >
> > From:   "Mayer,Toysha N" 
> > To: "'histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu'"
> > 
> > Date:   05/14/2015 01:48 PM
> > Subject:Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training
> >
> >
> >
> > One good way to find techs is to offer to become a clinical affiliate for
> > a program.  Most programs struggle with attracting students and providing
> > them with clinical affiliates to fine tune their skills.
> > It may not matter that the school is not located near you, the student
> may
> > have family nearby to stay with.
> > We are always looking for long distance affiliates, that way we can
> > attract an out-of-state student and not saturate the local area.  I have
> > students who want to relocate to different areas and just for a change
> and
> > this helps them do so.  We also get calls from applicants who don't mind
> > moving to us for 9-10 months, as long as they can go home when they
> > finish.
> > If the program is agreeable to this, the specifics can be worked out,
> such
> > as what skills are entry level and the length of the time the student is
> > at your facility.
> > Ours is called an Internship and the student is at the facility for 12
> > weeks.  They come in knowing basic embedding, cutting, routine staining,
> > specials, and have performed a minimum of three IHC stains.  Two are
> > manual and one automated.
> > Some programs keep the students in house for some time before they leave
> > for internship, while others leave the technical training to the clinics.
> > It all depends on what is available.
> > This would be a low cost way to see if you like a person, can train them
> > and are willing to teach.
> > Some students are looking to relocate just before graduation, so a move
> > for an internship is a consideration.
> > Many times it is the expectations of the trainer that are not aligned
> with
> > the skill level of entry-level techs and that can cause problems.  This
> > way the person can come in with an assessment of the skill level and the
> > OJT phase can begin.  If the affiliate chooses to hire the student,
> great.
> >  If not, then no harm.  At least you get to say that you tried and did
> not
> > have to waste money doing so.  It is not a source of free labor, but a
> way
> > of accurately assessing a person's fit for your needs.
> > Many allied health programs (not just histo) are doing this and it helps
> > to showcase different labs and programs.
> >
> > Just my two cents.
> >
> > Sincerely,
> >
> > Toysha N. Mayer, D.H.Sc., MBA, HT (ASCP)
> > Instructor/Education Coordinator
> > Program in Histotechnology
> > School of Health Professions
> > UT M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
> > 713.563-3481
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Message: 1
> > Date: Thu, 14 May 2015 17:07:06 +
> > From: "Morken, Timothy" 
> > To: Pam Marcum , Lisa Roy 
> > Cc: Histonet , Michael Dessoye
> >  
> > Subject: Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training
> > Message-ID:
> >  <761e2b5697f795489c8710bcc72141ff36831...@ex07.net.ucsf.edu>
> > Content-Type: text/plain

Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

[Joelle Weaver]

I will speak to my laboratory director about this. I know the situation first 
hand from my previous experience!


Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC


  

 
> To: tnma...@mdanderson.org
> From: jmacdon...@mtsac.edu
> Date: Sat, 16 May 2015 20:02:34 -0700
> Subject: Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training
> CC: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> 
> This is an issue with our program as well.  We have a difficult time 
> finding clinical sites for our students.  Many people want to hire trained 
> individuals, but don't want to invest any time in the training.  Our 
> students receive a great deal of hands-on time in the student laboratory, 
> but need "real life" experience. 
> Jennifer MacDonald
> Mt. San Antonio College
> 
> 
> 
> From:   "Mayer,Toysha N" 
> To: "'histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu'" 
> 
> Date:   05/14/2015 01:48 PM
> Subject:Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training
> 
> 
> 
> One good way to find techs is to offer to become a clinical affiliate for 
> a program.  Most programs struggle with attracting students and providing 
> them with clinical affiliates to fine tune their skills.
> It may not matter that the school is not located near you, the student may 
> have family nearby to stay with. 
> We are always looking for long distance affiliates, that way we can 
> attract an out-of-state student and not saturate the local area.  I have 
> students who want to relocate to different areas and just for a change and 
> this helps them do so.  We also get calls from applicants who don't mind 
> moving to us for 9-10 months, as long as they can go home when they 
> finish. 
> If the program is agreeable to this, the specifics can be worked out, such 
> as what skills are entry level and the length of the time the student is 
> at your facility.
> Ours is called an Internship and the student is at the facility for 12 
> weeks.  They come in knowing basic embedding, cutting, routine staining, 
> specials, and have performed a minimum of three IHC stains.  Two are 
> manual and one automated. 
> Some programs keep the students in house for some time before they leave 
> for internship, while others leave the technical training to the clinics. 
> It all depends on what is available. 
> This would be a low cost way to see if you like a person, can train them 
> and are willing to teach. 
> Some students are looking to relocate just before graduation, so a move 
> for an internship is a consideration. 
> Many times it is the expectations of the trainer that are not aligned with 
> the skill level of entry-level techs and that can cause problems.  This 
> way the person can come in with an assessment of the skill level and the 
> OJT phase can begin.  If the affiliate chooses to hire the student, great. 
>  If not, then no harm.  At least you get to say that you tried and did not 
> have to waste money doing so.  It is not a source of free labor, but a way 
> of accurately assessing a person's fit for your needs.
> Many allied health programs (not just histo) are doing this and it helps 
> to showcase different labs and programs.
> 
> Just my two cents.
> 
> Sincerely,
> 
> Toysha N. Mayer, D.H.Sc., MBA, HT (ASCP)
> Instructor/Education Coordinator
> Program in Histotechnology
> School of Health Professions
> UT M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
> 713.563-3481
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Message: 1
> Date: Thu, 14 May 2015 17:07:06 +
> From: "Morken, Timothy" 
> To: Pam Marcum , Lisa Roy 
> Cc: Histonet , Michael Dessoye
>  
> Subject: Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training
> Message-ID:
>  <761e2b5697f795489c8710bcc72141ff36831...@ex07.net.ucsf.edu>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"
> 
> I think there is some actor from the CSI series that has done some of this 
> work promoting lab techs...
> 
> Tim Morken
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: Pam Marcum [mailto:mucra...@comcast.net] 
> Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 9:18 AM
> To: Lisa Roy
> Cc: Histonet; Michael Dessoye
> Subject: Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training
> 
> I understand and agree with everything being said and feel we do need more 
> education in getting your registry, as Histology is changing and 
> growing.??We need to be prepared to grow with it, much as we did when IHC 
> first came into Histology and many thought it would go to the MTs.?? 
> ? 
> The one thing that has not changed in the 50 years I have done Histology 
> is the fact that no one outside of AP knows what a Histologist is or what 
> we do.? (I'm tried of being asked "Oh what kind of history is that?")? 
> Until we change 

Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

[Jennifer MacDonald]

This is an issue with our program as well.  We have a difficult time 
finding clinical sites for our students.  Many people want to hire trained 
individuals, but don't want to invest any time in the training.  Our 
students receive a great deal of hands-on time in the student laboratory, 
but need "real life" experience. 
Jennifer MacDonald
Mt. San Antonio College



From:   "Mayer,Toysha N" 
To: "'histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu'" 

Date:   05/14/2015 01:48 PM
Subject:    Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training



One good way to find techs is to offer to become a clinical affiliate for 
a program.  Most programs struggle with attracting students and providing 
them with clinical affiliates to fine tune their skills.
It may not matter that the school is not located near you, the student may 
have family nearby to stay with. 
We are always looking for long distance affiliates, that way we can 
attract an out-of-state student and not saturate the local area.  I have 
students who want to relocate to different areas and just for a change and 
this helps them do so.  We also get calls from applicants who don't mind 
moving to us for 9-10 months, as long as they can go home when they 
finish. 
If the program is agreeable to this, the specifics can be worked out, such 
as what skills are entry level and the length of the time the student is 
at your facility.
Ours is called an Internship and the student is at the facility for 12 
weeks.  They come in knowing basic embedding, cutting, routine staining, 
specials, and have performed a minimum of three IHC stains.  Two are 
manual and one automated. 
Some programs keep the students in house for some time before they leave 
for internship, while others leave the technical training to the clinics. 
It all depends on what is available. 
This would be a low cost way to see if you like a person, can train them 
and are willing to teach. 
Some students are looking to relocate just before graduation, so a move 
for an internship is a consideration. 
Many times it is the expectations of the trainer that are not aligned with 
the skill level of entry-level techs and that can cause problems.  This 
way the person can come in with an assessment of the skill level and the 
OJT phase can begin.  If the affiliate chooses to hire the student, great. 
 If not, then no harm.  At least you get to say that you tried and did not 
have to waste money doing so.  It is not a source of free labor, but a way 
of accurately assessing a person's fit for your needs.
Many allied health programs (not just histo) are doing this and it helps 
to showcase different labs and programs.

Just my two cents.

Sincerely,

Toysha N. Mayer, D.H.Sc., MBA, HT (ASCP)
Instructor/Education Coordinator
Program in Histotechnology
School of Health Professions
UT M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
713.563-3481





Message: 1
Date: Thu, 14 May 2015 17:07:06 +
From: "Morken, Timothy" 
To: Pam Marcum , Lisa Roy 
Cc: Histonet , Michael Dessoye
 
Subject: Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training
Message-ID:
 <761e2b5697f795489c8710bcc72141ff36831...@ex07.net.ucsf.edu>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"

I think there is some actor from the CSI series that has done some of this 
work promoting lab techs...

Tim Morken

-Original Message-
From: Pam Marcum [mailto:mucra...@comcast.net] 
Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 9:18 AM
To: Lisa Roy
Cc: Histonet; Michael Dessoye
Subject: Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

I understand and agree with everything being said and feel we do need more 
education in getting your registry, as Histology is changing and 
growing.??We need to be prepared to grow with it, much as we did when IHC 
first came into Histology and many thought it would go to the MTs.?? 
? 
The one thing that has not changed in the 50 years I have done Histology 
is the fact that no one outside of AP knows what a Histologist is or what 
we do.? (I'm tried of being asked "Oh what kind of history is that?")? 
Until we change that and get more information about the field and 
advantages we will still be in the straights we are in now.? No one 
joining because so few people even know what we do or that there is an 
opportunity here.? If you don't know what Histology is why would you even 
look at the field.? I know about and have done school visits, career days 
etc; and those are not enough.? 
? 
We need a spokesperson or celebrity?who has needed our services and not 
even known we, Histology, were the ones who did the slides their wonderful 
doctors used to save their lives.? This person or persons needs to speak 
loud and strong the way Robin Roberts has done on TV for her doctors 
and?help.?However; Histology was neven mentioned in those gratis 
moments.?I have only known one?person in NSH who suggested this and no one 
listened.? If?they can't see you or know you - you d

Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

[mucram11]

Hazel and I are both supervisors Little Rock. She has one opening I have 
two and I know of three other labs looking right now. We have a histlogy school 
here and they had three students so you can see the issue. I hired one and the 
other two were not looking in LR for jobs. We have a med tech school and they 
don't rotate through histology and in talking to a student from the program the 
other day she had no idea there was a shortage or that she could qualify to 
become one. So let's all realize this more than a local issue. Larger cities 
have more options and still have the same problem. I am attempting to get a 
rotation and it is not going to be easy.  
Sent from my Verizon 4G LTE Smartphone



-- Original message--From: Heather MarlattDate: Thu, May 14, 2015 3:31 
PMTo: joelle weaver;Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu;Horn, Hazel 
V;Subject:Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training
I agree and would also like to "like" Pams response.On May 14, 2015 1:26 PM, 
"Joelle Weaver"  wrote:> I know it is hard Hazel.  I have a hard time finding 
well qualified people> myself. OJT only works now if you already have a degree. 
If we can't raise> the pay and the recognition we will  have some difficulty 
recruiting those> people too. I know the situation well, as I used to be the 
sole educator> person in an HT program. It closed due to lack of enrollment and 
funding. I> have trained people the best way that I knew how both formally and> 
informally. I have driven in my car to multiple states,written articles,> gone 
to conferences, schools, colleges and trade shows,  and did my> personal best 
to present topics and "sell' our profession. Admittedly,> sometimes it feels 
like it doesn't matter or change anything. But we have> to keep trying and 
pushing for our group, its best interests, its public> recognition, its 
compensation. There will be no budging from anyone else> I'm afraid. Change 
often moves like a glacier, but it does move!>>> Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) 
QIHC>>>>>> > From: hor...@archildrens.org> > To: joellewea...@hotmail.com; 
timothy.mor...@ucsf.edu;> histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu> > Date: Thu, 14 
May 2015 14:46:40 -0500> > Subject: RE: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training> >> 
> Joelle I agree with you.  But the problem is, no one knows we exist.> OJT is 
the only route for some/if not most positions to be filled.  We> would all love 
to have a choice of educated ASCP registered techs to choose> from.   I have an 
open position and no applicants.> >> > Hazel Horn, HTL/HT (ASCP)> > Supervisor 
of Histology/Autopsy/Transcription> > Anatomic Pathology> > Arkansas Children's 
Hospital> > 1 Children's Way | Slot 820| Little Rock, AR 72202> > 501.364.4240 
direct | 501.364.1241 fax> > hor...@archildrens.org> > archildrens.org> >> >> 
>> >> >> > -Original Message-> > From: Joelle Weaver 
[mailto:joellewea...@hotmail.com]> > Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 2:35 PM> > 
To: Morken, Timothy; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu> > Subject: Re: 
[Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training> >> > We have discussed this on the histonet 
many times...> >> > Most professions, and most if not all healthcare 
professions, require> degrees and/or certification for entry. This is how the 
public, other> medical professions ,and even HR-who do not know the technical- 
assess for> our capacity to provide care and judge the skill level needed of 
the> profession as they are "looking in". We all know that this isn't always> 
perhaps the best method to assess or measure some aspects of this> profession, 
but this is what they work from. There are good and bad> examples of both OJT 
and educated, formally trained histology> professionals. However, "education" 
is more than learning facts, it helps> develop many other facets of the person 
that are viewed as valuable to> organizations. That is why it is used as a 
screening tool.  Please try to> value the broader perspective.  Technical 
proficiency itself is probably> not going to be enough as the future unfolds. 
Though it may seem unfair if> you have worked for a very long time and learned 
a great deal through> experience, the bottom line is that for some employers, 
some environments> and outside groups- education, credentials and 
professionalism are the> primary criteria they use to evaluate, and they pay 
and recognize> accordingly.> >> > Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC> >> >> >> 
>> >> > > From: timothy.mor...@ucsf.edu> > > To: 
histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu> > > Date: Thu, 14 May

Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

[Mayer,Toysha N]

One good way to find techs is to offer to become a clinical affiliate for a 
program.  Most programs struggle with attracting students and providing them 
with clinical affiliates to fine tune their skills.
It may not matter that the school is not located near you, the student may have 
family nearby to stay with.  
We are always looking for long distance affiliates, that way we can attract an 
out-of-state student and not saturate the local area.  I have students who want 
to relocate to different areas and just for a change and this helps them do so. 
 We also get calls from applicants who don't mind moving to us for 9-10 months, 
as long as they can go home when they finish.  
If the program is agreeable to this, the specifics can be worked out, such as 
what skills are entry level and the length of the time the student is at your 
facility.
Ours is called an Internship and the student is at the facility for 12 weeks.  
They come in knowing basic embedding, cutting, routine staining, specials, and 
have performed a minimum of three IHC stains.  Two are manual and one 
automated.  
Some programs keep the students in house for some time before they leave for 
internship, while others leave the technical training to the clinics.  It all 
depends on what is available.  
This would be a low cost way to see if you like a person, can train them and 
are willing to teach.  
Some students are looking to relocate just before graduation, so a move for an 
internship is a consideration.  
Many times it is the expectations of the trainer that are not aligned with the 
skill level of entry-level techs and that can cause problems.  This way the 
person can come in with an assessment of the skill level and the OJT phase can 
begin.  If the affiliate chooses to hire the student, great.  If not, then no 
harm.  At least you get to say that you tried and did not have to waste money 
doing so.  It is not a source of free labor, but a way of accurately assessing 
a person's fit for your needs.
Many allied health programs (not just histo) are doing this and it helps to 
showcase different labs and programs.

Just my two cents.

Sincerely,

Toysha N. Mayer, D.H.Sc., MBA, HT (ASCP)
Instructor/Education Coordinator
Program in Histotechnology
School of Health Professions
UT M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
713.563-3481





Message: 1
Date: Thu, 14 May 2015 17:07:06 +
From: "Morken, Timothy" 
To: Pam Marcum , Lisa Roy 
Cc: Histonet , Michael Dessoye
    
Subject: Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training
Message-ID:
<761e2b5697f795489c8710bcc72141ff36831...@ex07.net.ucsf.edu>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"

I think there is some actor from the CSI series that has done some of this work 
promoting lab techs...

Tim Morken

-Original Message-
From: Pam Marcum [mailto:mucra...@comcast.net] 
Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 9:18 AM
To: Lisa Roy
Cc: Histonet; Michael Dessoye
Subject: Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

I understand and agree with everything being said and feel we do need more 
education in getting your registry, as Histology is changing and growing.??We 
need to be prepared to grow with it, much as we did when IHC first came into 
Histology and many thought it would go to the MTs.?? 
? 
The one thing that has not changed in the 50 years I have done Histology is the 
fact that no one outside of AP knows what a Histologist is or what we do.? (I'm 
tried of being asked "Oh what kind of history is that?")? Until we change that 
and get more information about the field and advantages we will still be in the 
straights we are in now.? No one joining because so few people even know what 
we do or that there is an opportunity here.? If you don't know what Histology 
is why would you even look at the field.? I know about and have done school 
visits, career days etc; and those are not enough.? 
? 
We need a spokesperson or celebrity?who has needed our services and not even 
known we, Histology, were the ones who did the slides their wonderful doctors 
used to save their lives.? This person or persons needs to speak loud and 
strong the way Robin Roberts has done on TV for her doctors and?help.?However; 
Histology was neven mentioned in those gratis moments.?I have only known 
one?person in NSH who suggested this and no one listened.? If?they can't see 
you or know you - you don't exist.??Can we all take off the blinders and?look 
at what we need in publicity and stop waiting for NSH and ASCP to do it.???Then 
we can offer these possible future HTs and HTLs something, like being 
recognized as full laboratory professionals and a higher level of lab aide. 
? 
Just my thoughts (for many years and spoken often) 
? 
Pam Marcum 

- Original Message -

From: "Lisa Roy"  
To: "Michael Dessoye" , "Histonet" 
 
Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 7:55:19 AM 
Subject: Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training 

I cu

Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

[Joelle Weaver]

Degree/college credit requirements since 2005 for OJT. If they have a degree, 
you would need to provide/document training under a direction of board 
certified pathologist. Programs often have a theory ( class room) and practical 
component that is completed on site at affiliate laboratories. Recommend 
becoming an affiliate site for program and accepting clinical students who are 
registry eligible when they complete both portions of the program. 


Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC


  

 
> From: mjdess...@commonwealthhealth.net
> To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> Date: Thu, 14 May 2015 11:43:53 +
> Subject: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training
> 
> Hello Histonet,
> 
> I'm curious how people are dealing with on-the-job-trained histotechs.  Many 
> people are seeing a shortage in techs, and in my opinion OJT will become more 
> common than it already is.  Does anyone have an 'official' training program?  
> Requirements to pass the exam?  Qualifications to be able to be trained 
> on-the-job?  I'd like to consider having some kind of plan in place when I 
> don't have an HT/HTL applicant but have folks who, if they get the 
> experience, are otherwise qualified to sit for the exam.  If anyone has a 
> similar situation or experience to share I would appreciate it!
> 
> Thanks,
> Mike
> 
> Michael J. Dessoye, M.S. | Histology/Toxicology/RIA Supervisor | Wilkes-Barre 
> General Hospital | An Affiliate of Commonwealth Health | 
> mjdess...@commonwealthhealth.net<mailto:mjdess...@commonwealthhealth.net> | 
> 575 N. River Street | Wilkes Barre, PA 18764 | Tel: 570-552-1432 | Fax: 
> 570-552-1486
> 
> 
> 
> --
> Disclaimer: This electronic message may contain information that is 
> Proprietary, Confidential, or legally privileged or protected. It is intended 
> only for the use of the individual(s) and entity named in the message. If you 
> are not an intended recipient of this message, please notify the sender 
> immediately and delete the material from your computer. Do not deliver, 
> distribute or copy this message and do not disclose its contents or take any 
> action in reliance on the information it contains.
> ___
> Histonet mailing list
> Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
  
___
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet

Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

[Heather Marlatt]

I agree and would also like to "like" Pams response.
On May 14, 2015 1:26 PM, "Joelle Weaver"  wrote:

> I know it is hard Hazel.  I have a hard time finding well qualified people
> myself. OJT only works now if you already have a degree. If we can't raise
> the pay and the recognition we will  have some difficulty recruiting those
> people too. I know the situation well, as I used to be the sole educator
> person in an HT program. It closed due to lack of enrollment and funding. I
> have trained people the best way that I knew how both formally and
> informally. I have driven in my car to multiple states,written articles,
> gone to conferences, schools, colleges and trade shows,  and did my
> personal best to present topics and "sell' our profession. Admittedly,
> sometimes it feels like it doesn't matter or change anything. But we have
> to keep trying and pushing for our group, its best interests, its public
> recognition, its compensation. There will be no budging from anyone else
> I'm afraid. Change often moves like a glacier, but it does move!
>
>
> Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC
>
>
>
>
>
> > From: hor...@archildrens.org
> > To: joellewea...@hotmail.com; timothy.mor...@ucsf.edu;
> histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> > Date: Thu, 14 May 2015 14:46:40 -0500
> > Subject: RE: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training
> >
> > Joelle I agree with you.  But the problem is, no one knows we exist.
> OJT is the only route for some/if not most positions to be filled.  We
> would all love to have a choice of educated ASCP registered techs to choose
> from.   I have an open position and no applicants.
> >
> > Hazel Horn, HTL/HT (ASCP)
> > Supervisor of Histology/Autopsy/Transcription
> > Anatomic Pathology
> > Arkansas Children's Hospital
> > 1 Children's Way | Slot 820| Little Rock, AR 72202
> > 501.364.4240 direct | 501.364.1241 fax
> > hor...@archildrens.org
> > archildrens.org
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > -Original Message-
> > From: Joelle Weaver [mailto:joellewea...@hotmail.com]
> > Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 2:35 PM
> > To: Morken, Timothy; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> > Subject: Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training
> >
> > We have discussed this on the histonet many times...
> >
> > Most professions, and most if not all healthcare professions, require
> degrees and/or certification for entry. This is how the public, other
> medical professions ,and even HR-who do not know the technical- assess for
> our capacity to provide care and judge the skill level needed of the
> profession as they are "looking in". We all know that this isn't always
> perhaps the best method to assess or measure some aspects of this
> profession, but this is what they work from. There are good and bad
> examples of both OJT and educated, formally trained histology
> professionals. However, "education" is more than learning facts, it helps
> develop many other facets of the person that are viewed as valuable to
> organizations. That is why it is used as a screening tool.  Please try to
> value the broader perspective.  Technical proficiency itself is probably
> not going to be enough as the future unfolds. Though it may seem unfair if
> you have worked for a very long time and learned a great deal through
> experience, the bottom line is that for some employers, some environments
> and outside groups- education, credentials and professionalism are the
> primary criteria they use to evaluate, and they pay and recognize
> accordingly.
> >
> > Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > > From: timothy.mor...@ucsf.edu
> > > To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> > > Date: Thu, 14 May 2015 17:28:15 +
> > > Subject: Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training
> > >
> > > Mike, yes, the vast majority of histotechs have been,  are, and will
> be OJT (me included). The people who take on training these people have a
> responsibility to do the best they can. Most techs end up learning whatever
> their lab does and so have limited knowledge. I studied a full year for the
> HT and passed fine, and later the HTL. In our small lab at the time we had
> a broad array of testing in histology (specials, muscle histochem,
> immunochem, electron microscopy), but I found out my true lack of knowledge
> when I went to Saudi Arabia and worked with techs from other countries
> where they had comprehensive bachelors-level programs required for ALL lab
> techs. Those from the US, all certificated, where vastly under-educated
> c

Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

[Joelle Weaver]

I know it is hard Hazel.  I have a hard time finding well qualified people 
myself. OJT only works now if you already have a degree. If we can't raise the 
pay and the recognition we will  have some difficulty recruiting those people 
too. I know the situation well, as I used to be the sole educator person in an 
HT program. It closed due to lack of enrollment and funding. I have trained 
people the best way that I knew how both formally and informally. I have driven 
in my car to multiple states,written articles, gone to conferences, schools, 
colleges and trade shows,  and did my personal best to present topics and 
"sell' our profession. Admittedly, sometimes it feels like it doesn't matter or 
change anything. But we have to keep trying and pushing for our group, its best 
interests, its public recognition, its compensation. There will be no budging 
from anyone else I'm afraid. Change often moves like a glacier, but it does 
move! 


Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC


  

 
> From: hor...@archildrens.org
> To: joellewea...@hotmail.com; timothy.mor...@ucsf.edu; 
> histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> Date: Thu, 14 May 2015 14:46:40 -0500
> Subject: RE: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training
> 
> Joelle I agree with you.  But the problem is, no one knows we exist.  OJT is 
> the only route for some/if not most positions to be filled.  We would all 
> love to have a choice of educated ASCP registered techs to choose from.   I 
> have an open position and no applicants.
> 
> Hazel Horn, HTL/HT (ASCP)
> Supervisor of Histology/Autopsy/Transcription
> Anatomic Pathology
> Arkansas Children's Hospital
> 1 Children's Way | Slot 820| Little Rock, AR 72202
> 501.364.4240 direct | 501.364.1241 fax
> hor...@archildrens.org
> archildrens.org
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: Joelle Weaver [mailto:joellewea...@hotmail.com] 
> Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 2:35 PM
> To: Morken, Timothy; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> Subject: Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training
> 
> We have discussed this on the histonet many times...
>  
> Most professions, and most if not all healthcare professions, require degrees 
> and/or certification for entry. This is how the public, other medical 
> professions ,and even HR-who do not know the technical- assess for our 
> capacity to provide care and judge the skill level needed of the profession 
> as they are "looking in". We all know that this isn't always perhaps the best 
> method to assess or measure some aspects of this profession, but this is what 
> they work from. There are good and bad examples of both OJT and educated, 
> formally trained histology professionals. However, "education" is more than 
> learning facts, it helps develop many other facets of the person that are 
> viewed as valuable to organizations. That is why it is used as a screening 
> tool.  Please try to value the broader perspective.  Technical proficiency 
> itself is probably not going to be enough as the future unfolds. Though it 
> may seem unfair if you have worked for a very long time and learned a great 
> deal through experie
 nce, the bottom line is that for some employers, some environments and outside 
groups- education, credentials and professionalism are the primary criteria 
they use to evaluate, and they pay and recognize accordingly. 
>  
> Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC
> 
> 
>   
> 
>  
> > From: timothy.mor...@ucsf.edu
> > To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> > Date: Thu, 14 May 2015 17:28:15 +
> > Subject: Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training
> > 
> > Mike, yes, the vast majority of histotechs have been,  are, and will be OJT 
> > (me included). The people who take on training these people have a 
> > responsibility to do the best they can. Most techs end up learning whatever 
> > their lab does and so have limited knowledge. I studied a full year for the 
> > HT and passed fine, and later the HTL. In our small lab at the time we had 
> > a broad array of testing in histology (specials, muscle histochem, 
> > immunochem, electron microscopy), but I found out my true lack of knowledge 
> > when I went to Saudi Arabia and worked with techs from other countries 
> > where they had comprehensive bachelors-level programs required for ALL lab 
> > techs. Those from the US, all certificated, where vastly under-educated 
> > compared to techs from other countries. It was a bit embarrassing!
> > 
> > Luckily we have online courses and degrees available now - not available in 
> > the 1980's when I started. That is a tremendous advantage to those who are 
> > willing to take advantage of it. Other than 

Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

[Horn, Hazel V]

Joelle I agree with you.  But the problem is, no one knows we exist.  OJT is 
the only route for some/if not most positions to be filled.  We would all love 
to have a choice of educated ASCP registered techs to choose from.   I have an 
open position and no applicants.

Hazel Horn, HTL/HT (ASCP)
Supervisor of Histology/Autopsy/Transcription
Anatomic Pathology
Arkansas Children's Hospital
1 Children's Way | Slot 820| Little Rock, AR 72202
501.364.4240 direct | 501.364.1241 fax
hor...@archildrens.org
archildrens.org





-Original Message-
From: Joelle Weaver [mailto:joellewea...@hotmail.com] 
Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 2:35 PM
To: Morken, Timothy; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

We have discussed this on the histonet many times...
 
Most professions, and most if not all healthcare professions, require degrees 
and/or certification for entry. This is how the public, other medical 
professions ,and even HR-who do not know the technical- assess for our capacity 
to provide care and judge the skill level needed of the profession as they are 
"looking in". We all know that this isn't always perhaps the best method to 
assess or measure some aspects of this profession, but this is what they work 
from. There are good and bad examples of both OJT and educated, formally 
trained histology professionals. However, "education" is more than learning 
facts, it helps develop many other facets of the person that are viewed as 
valuable to organizations. That is why it is used as a screening tool.  Please 
try to value the broader perspective.  Technical proficiency itself is probably 
not going to be enough as the future unfolds. Though it may seem unfair if you 
have worked for a very long time and learned a great deal through experienc
 e, the bottom line is that for some employers, some environments and outside 
groups- education, credentials and professionalism are the primary criteria 
they use to evaluate, and they pay and recognize accordingly. 
 
Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC


  

 
> From: timothy.mor...@ucsf.edu
> To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> Date: Thu, 14 May 2015 17:28:15 +0000
> Subject: Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training
> 
> Mike, yes, the vast majority of histotechs have been,  are, and will be OJT 
> (me included). The people who take on training these people have a 
> responsibility to do the best they can. Most techs end up learning whatever 
> their lab does and so have limited knowledge. I studied a full year for the 
> HT and passed fine, and later the HTL. In our small lab at the time we had a 
> broad array of testing in histology (specials, muscle histochem, immunochem, 
> electron microscopy), but I found out my true lack of knowledge when I went 
> to Saudi Arabia and worked with techs from other countries where they had 
> comprehensive bachelors-level programs required for ALL lab techs. Those from 
> the US, all certificated, where vastly under-educated compared to techs from 
> other countries. It was a bit embarrassing!
> 
> Luckily we have online courses and degrees available now - not available in 
> the 1980's when I started. That is a tremendous advantage to those who are 
> willing to take advantage of it. Other than that it will be up to the lab 
> management to be sure the OJT tech gets the basic instruction according to 
> the requirements of the ASCP exam. That is the bare bones knowledge necessary 
> to function. Even then the experience in the lab is key to whether the 
> knowledge is just regurgitated or practiced. Lab management has a 
> responsibility to be sure good lab practices are ingrained during training. 
> It is a big job.
> 
> As an aside, there are some people out there trying to break into histology  
> but do not work in a histo lab, or work in a lab that does not support their 
> desire to get certificated (which is practically criminal in my view). I 
> talked to a person recently who is working in a histo lab but is trying to 
> find a lab to do special stains they do not do in the lab they are working 
> in. Their lab will not buy them the reagents necessary and actually told this 
> person that they will not help them get certificated because they feel the 
> person will move on to get better pay elsewhere. 
> 
> I agree with another thought expressed that finding a person excited about 
> getting into histology can lead to a good tech. I had a person just show up 
> cold one day saying he really wanted to work in the histo lab - he had 
> learned some histology in a research lab and did not realize it could be a 
> full time profession until he stumbled on our lab one day. He had a good 
> background but we had no histo jobs open, but we happened to have a new 
> grossing lab aid job opening and he ma

Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

[Joelle Weaver]

We have discussed this on the histonet many times...
 
Most professions, and most if not all healthcare professions, require degrees 
and/or certification for entry. This is how the public, other medical 
professions ,and even HR-who do not know the technical- assess for our capacity 
to provide care and judge the skill level needed of the profession as they are 
"looking in". We all know that this isn't always perhaps the best method to 
assess or measure some aspects of this profession, but this is what they work 
from. There are good and bad examples of both OJT and educated, formally 
trained histology professionals. However, "education" is more than learning 
facts, it helps develop many other facets of the person that are viewed as 
valuable to organizations. That is why it is used as a screening tool.  Please 
try to value the broader perspective.  Technical proficiency itself is probably 
not going to be enough as the future unfolds. Though it may seem unfair if you 
have worked for a very long time and learned a great deal through experienc
 e, the bottom line is that for some employers, some environments and outside 
groups- education, credentials and professionalism are the primary criteria 
they use to evaluate, and they pay and recognize accordingly. 
 
Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC


  

 
> From: timothy.mor...@ucsf.edu
> To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> Date: Thu, 14 May 2015 17:28:15 +0000
> Subject: Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training
> 
> Mike, yes, the vast majority of histotechs have been,  are, and will be OJT 
> (me included). The people who take on training these people have a 
> responsibility to do the best they can. Most techs end up learning whatever 
> their lab does and so have limited knowledge. I studied a full year for the 
> HT and passed fine, and later the HTL. In our small lab at the time we had a 
> broad array of testing in histology (specials, muscle histochem, immunochem, 
> electron microscopy), but I found out my true lack of knowledge when I went 
> to Saudi Arabia and worked with techs from other countries where they had 
> comprehensive bachelors-level programs required for ALL lab techs. Those from 
> the US, all certificated, where vastly under-educated compared to techs from 
> other countries. It was a bit embarrassing!
> 
> Luckily we have online courses and degrees available now - not available in 
> the 1980's when I started. That is a tremendous advantage to those who are 
> willing to take advantage of it. Other than that it will be up to the lab 
> management to be sure the OJT tech gets the basic instruction according to 
> the requirements of the ASCP exam. That is the bare bones knowledge necessary 
> to function. Even then the experience in the lab is key to whether the 
> knowledge is just regurgitated or practiced. Lab management has a 
> responsibility to be sure good lab practices are ingrained during training. 
> It is a big job.
> 
> As an aside, there are some people out there trying to break into histology  
> but do not work in a histo lab, or work in a lab that does not support their 
> desire to get certificated (which is practically criminal in my view). I 
> talked to a person recently who is working in a histo lab but is trying to 
> find a lab to do special stains they do not do in the lab they are working 
> in. Their lab will not buy them the reagents necessary and actually told this 
> person that they will not help them get certificated because they feel the 
> person will move on to get better pay elsewhere. 
> 
> I agree with another thought expressed that finding a person excited about 
> getting into histology can lead to a good tech. I had a person just show up 
> cold one day saying he really wanted to work in the histo lab - he had 
> learned some histology in a research lab and did not realize it could be a 
> full time profession until he stumbled on our lab one day. He had a good 
> background but we had no histo jobs open, but we happened to have a new 
> grossing lab aid job opening and he managed to get that job. The expectation 
> is that he will eventually work his way into histology. He's happy to have 
> his foot in the door, and we are happy to have an enthusiastic person with a 
> plan for advancement. 
> 
> Tim Morken
> Pathology Site Manager, Parnassus 
> Supervisor, Electron Microscopy/Neuromuscular Special Studies
> Department of Pathology
> UC San Francisco Medical Center
> 
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: Dessoye, Michael [mailto:mjdess...@commonwealthhealth.net] 
> Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 4:44 AM
> To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> Subject: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training
> 
> Hello Histonet,
> 
> I'm curious how people are dealin

Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

[Morken, Timothy]

Mike, yes, the vast majority of histotechs have been,  are, and will be OJT (me 
included). The people who take on training these people have a responsibility 
to do the best they can. Most techs end up learning whatever their lab does and 
so have limited knowledge. I studied a full year for the HT and passed fine, 
and later the HTL. In our small lab at the time we had a broad array of testing 
in histology (specials, muscle histochem, immunochem, electron microscopy), but 
I found out my true lack of knowledge when I went to Saudi Arabia and worked 
with techs from other countries where they had comprehensive bachelors-level 
programs required for ALL lab techs. Those from the US, all certificated, where 
vastly under-educated compared to techs from other countries. It was a bit 
embarrassing!

Luckily we have online courses and degrees available now - not available in the 
1980's when I started. That is a tremendous advantage to those who are willing 
to take advantage of it. Other than that it will be up to the lab management to 
be sure the OJT tech gets the basic instruction according to the requirements 
of the ASCP exam. That is the bare bones knowledge necessary to function. Even 
then the experience in the lab is key to whether the knowledge is just 
regurgitated or practiced. Lab management has a responsibility to be sure good 
lab practices are ingrained during training. It is a big job.

As an aside, there are some people out there trying to break into histology  
but do not work in a histo lab, or work in a lab that does not support their 
desire to get certificated (which is practically criminal in my view). I talked 
to a person recently who is working in a histo lab but is trying to find a lab 
to do special stains they do not do in the lab they are working in. Their lab 
will not buy them the reagents necessary and actually told this person that 
they will not help them get certificated because they feel the person will move 
on to get better pay elsewhere. 

I agree with another thought expressed that finding a person excited about 
getting into histology can lead to a good tech. I had a person just show up 
cold one day saying he really wanted to work in the histo lab - he had learned 
some histology in a research lab and did not realize it could be a full time 
profession until he stumbled on our lab one day. He had a good background but 
we had no histo jobs open, but we happened to have a new grossing lab aid job 
opening and he managed to get that job. The expectation is that he will 
eventually work his way into histology. He's happy to have his foot in the 
door, and we are happy to have an enthusiastic person with a plan for 
advancement. 

Tim Morken
Pathology Site Manager, Parnassus 
Supervisor, Electron Microscopy/Neuromuscular Special Studies
Department of Pathology
UC San Francisco Medical Center


-Original Message-
From: Dessoye, Michael [mailto:mjdess...@commonwealthhealth.net] 
Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 4:44 AM
To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

Hello Histonet,

I'm curious how people are dealing with on-the-job-trained histotechs.  Many 
people are seeing a shortage in techs, and in my opinion OJT will become more 
common than it already is.  Does anyone have an 'official' training program?  
Requirements to pass the exam?  Qualifications to be able to be trained 
on-the-job?  I'd like to consider having some kind of plan in place when I 
don't have an HT/HTL applicant but have folks who, if they get the experience, 
are otherwise qualified to sit for the exam.  If anyone has a similar situation 
or experience to share I would appreciate it!

Thanks,
Mike

Michael J. Dessoye, M.S. | Histology/Toxicology/RIA Supervisor | Wilkes-Barre 
General Hospital | An Affiliate of Commonwealth Health | 
mjdess...@commonwealthhealth.net<mailto:mjdess...@commonwealthhealth.net> | 575 
N. River Street | Wilkes Barre, PA 18764 | Tel: 570-552-1432 | Fax: 570-552-1486



--
Disclaimer: This electronic message may contain information that is 
Proprietary, Confidential, or legally privileged or protected. It is intended 
only for the use of the individual(s) and entity named in the message. If you 
are not an intended recipient of this message, please notify the sender 
immediately and delete the material from your computer. Do not deliver, 
distribute or copy this message and do not disclose its contents or take any 
action in reliance on the information it contains.
___
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet

___
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet

Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

[Shirley A. Powell]

William Peterson?


-Original Message-
From: Morken, Timothy [mailto:timothy.mor...@ucsf.edu] 
Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 1:07 PM
To: Pam Marcum; Lisa Roy
Cc: Histonet; Michael Dessoye
Subject: Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

I think there is some actor from the CSI series that has done some of this work 
promoting lab techs...

Tim Morken

-Original Message-
From: Pam Marcum [mailto:mucra...@comcast.net] 
Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 9:18 AM
To: Lisa Roy
Cc: Histonet; Michael Dessoye
Subject: Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

I understand and agree with everything being said and feel we do need more 
education in getting your registry, as Histology is changing and growing.  We 
need to be prepared to grow with it, much as we did when IHC first came into 
Histology and many thought it would go to the MTs.   
  
The one thing that has not changed in the 50 years I have done Histology is the 
fact that no one outside of AP knows what a Histologist is or what we do.  (I'm 
tried of being asked "Oh what kind of history is that?")  Until we change that 
and get more information about the field and advantages we will still be in the 
straights we are in now.  No one joining because so few people even know what 
we do or that there is an opportunity here.  If you don't know what Histology 
is why would you even look at the field.  I know about and have done school 
visits, career days etc; and those are not enough.  
  
We need a spokesperson or celebrity who has needed our services and not even 
known we, Histology, were the ones who did the slides their wonderful doctors 
used to save their lives.  This person or persons needs to speak loud and 
strong the way Robin Roberts has done on TV for her doctors and help. However; 
Histology was neven mentioned in those gratis moments. I have only known one 
person in NSH who suggested this and no one listened.  If they can't see you or 
know you - you don't exist.  Can we all take off the blinders and look at what 
we need in publicity and stop waiting for NSH and ASCP to do it.   Then we can 
offer these possible future HTs and HTLs something, like being recognized as 
full laboratory professionals and a higher level of lab aide. 
  
Just my thoughts (for many years and spoken often) 
  
Pam Marcum 

- Original Message -

From: "Lisa Roy"  
To: "Michael Dessoye" , "Histonet" 
 
Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 7:55:19 AM 
Subject: Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training 

I currently have 3 open tech positions and don't have any qualified applicants 
applying for the job.  I have recently taken a lab aide that showed interest 
and aptitude and began OJT.  With less than 30 schools in the country actually 
teaching histology, this is one day going to be the way.  Already having a 
bachelors in biology, my aide qualifies to sit for the ASCP exam once he has 
completed one full year of tech work and has a pathologist willing to review 
his work and sign off on the ASCP paperwork.  Without going through a 
traditional program, one must have an associates or bachelor's degree with a  
certain amount of Chemistry and Science credits.  As far as the training, I 
started with embedding and moved on from there to cutting and then special 
staining.  All along way, working on troubleshooting and documenting 
EVERYTHING.  Some places will hire someone with only a high school diploma as 
long as they have previous HT experience.  I think the specifics of what each 
institution would deem a qualified trainee will vary from place to place.  
Smaller hospitals or labs may be okay training someone with aptitude that 
doesn't necessarily fit the ASCP exam qualifications, but large corporations 
might really insist that the trainee be certifiable at some point. 

Frankly, I think taking someone that shows an interest and has the knowledge to 
be a great tech is better than hiring someone that you may not know what you 
are getting.  Doing OJT ensures that you are teaching the candidate exactly how 
you want things done and not having to accept the bad habits of someone that 
has been doing it a long time and set in their own ways. 

Good luck 
Lisa     

-Original Message- 
From: Dessoye, Michael [mailto:mjdess...@commonwealthhealth.net] 
Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 7:44 AM 
To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
Subject: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training 

Hello Histonet, 

I'm curious how people are dealing with on-the-job-trained histotechs.  Many 
people are seeing a shortage in techs, and in my opinion OJT will become more 
common than it already is.  Does anyone have an 'official' training program?  
Requirements to pass the exam?  Qualifications to be able to be trained 
on-the-job?  I'd like to consider having some kind of plan in place when I 
don't have an HT/HTL applicant but have folks who, if they get the experience, 
are o

Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

[Kristi Langley]

I am currently an ASCP certified traveling home grown HT. lolI have to say, 
 that until the organizations recognize histo as a PROFESSION we are drowning. 
I have been placed in places where the pay was phenominal! My current placement 
pays barely above minimun wage for HT. To give you a better understanding, the 
phlebs that answer the tube system and deliver blood to the appropriate 
departments, make more than their histo techs. None of them in my department, 
including the supervisor are certified and they produce EXCELLENT work period. 
I have also worked w 4 yr degreed people that I seriously shake my head 
atlol.we all have the strugglejust my 2 cents

 
> From: powell...@mercer.edu
> To: mucra...@comcast.net; ro...@labcorp.com
> Date: Thu, 14 May 2015 12:59:37 -0400
> Subject: Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training
> CC: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu; mjdess...@commonwealthhealth.net
> 
> Oh where is the "LIKE" button Pam?  Thanks, and that is the reason NSH and 
> state societies were begun, to educate the public about our existence and 
> that we are very valuable to them.  
> 
> Shirley, soon to be 53 years in the shadows.  
> 
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: Pam Marcum [mailto:mucra...@comcast.net] 
> Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 12:18 PM
> To: Lisa Roy
> Cc: Histonet; Michael Dessoye
> Subject: Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training
> 
> I understand and agree with everything being said and feel we do need more 
> education in getting your registry, as Histology is changing and growing.  We 
> need to be prepared to grow with it, much as we did when IHC first came into 
> Histology and many thought it would go to the MTs.   
>   
> The one thing that has not changed in the 50 years I have done Histology is 
> the fact that no one outside of AP knows what a Histologist is or what we do. 
>  (I'm tried of being asked "Oh what kind of history is that?")  Until we 
> change that and get more information about the field and advantages we will 
> still be in the straights we are in now.  No one joining because so few 
> people even know what we do or that there is an opportunity here.  If you 
> don't know what Histology is why would you even look at the field.  I know 
> about and have done school visits, career days etc; and those are not enough. 
>  
>   
> We need a spokesperson or celebrity who has needed our services and not even 
> known we, Histology, were the ones who did the slides their wonderful doctors 
> used to save their lives.  This person or persons needs to speak loud and 
> strong the way Robin Roberts has done on TV for her doctors and help. 
> However; Histology was neven mentioned in those gratis moments. I have only 
> known one person in NSH who suggested this and no one listened.  If they 
> can't see you or know you - you don't exist.  Can we all take off the 
> blinders and look at what we need in publicity and stop waiting for NSH and 
> ASCP to do it.   Then we can offer these possible future HTs and HTLs 
> something, like being recognized as full laboratory professionals and a 
> higher level of lab aide. 
>   
> Just my thoughts (for many years and spoken often) 
>   
> Pam Marcum 
> 
> - Original Message -
> 
> From: "Lisa Roy"  
> To: "Michael Dessoye" , "Histonet" 
>  
> Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 7:55:19 AM 
> Subject: Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training 
> 
> I currently have 3 open tech positions and don't have any qualified 
> applicants applying for the job.  I have recently taken a lab aide that 
> showed interest and aptitude and began OJT.  With less than 30 schools in the 
> country actually teaching histology, this is one day going to be the way.  
> Already having a bachelors in biology, my aide qualifies to sit for the ASCP 
> exam once he has completed one full year of tech work and has a pathologist 
> willing to review his work and sign off on the ASCP paperwork.  Without going 
> through a traditional program, one must have an associates or bachelor's 
> degree with a  certain amount of Chemistry and Science credits.  As far as 
> the training, I started with embedding and moved on from there to cutting and 
> then special staining.  All along way, working on troubleshooting and 
> documenting EVERYTHING.  Some places will hire someone with only a high 
> school diploma as long as they have previous HT experience.  I think the 
> specifics of what each institut
 ion would deem a qualified trainee will vary from place to place.  Smaller 
hospitals or labs may be okay training someone with aptitude that doesn't 
necessarily fit the ASCP exam qualifications, but large corporations might 
really insist tha

Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

[Morken, Timothy]

I think there is some actor from the CSI series that has done some of this work 
promoting lab techs...

Tim Morken

-Original Message-
From: Pam Marcum [mailto:mucra...@comcast.net] 
Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 9:18 AM
To: Lisa Roy
Cc: Histonet; Michael Dessoye
Subject: Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

I understand and agree with everything being said and feel we do need more 
education in getting your registry, as Histology is changing and growing.  We 
need to be prepared to grow with it, much as we did when IHC first came into 
Histology and many thought it would go to the MTs.   
  
The one thing that has not changed in the 50 years I have done Histology is the 
fact that no one outside of AP knows what a Histologist is or what we do.  (I'm 
tried of being asked "Oh what kind of history is that?")  Until we change that 
and get more information about the field and advantages we will still be in the 
straights we are in now.  No one joining because so few people even know what 
we do or that there is an opportunity here.  If you don't know what Histology 
is why would you even look at the field.  I know about and have done school 
visits, career days etc; and those are not enough.  
  
We need a spokesperson or celebrity who has needed our services and not even 
known we, Histology, were the ones who did the slides their wonderful doctors 
used to save their lives.  This person or persons needs to speak loud and 
strong the way Robin Roberts has done on TV for her doctors and help. However; 
Histology was neven mentioned in those gratis moments. I have only known one 
person in NSH who suggested this and no one listened.  If they can't see you or 
know you - you don't exist.  Can we all take off the blinders and look at what 
we need in publicity and stop waiting for NSH and ASCP to do it.   Then we can 
offer these possible future HTs and HTLs something, like being recognized as 
full laboratory professionals and a higher level of lab aide. 
  
Just my thoughts (for many years and spoken often) 
  
Pam Marcum 

- Original Message -

From: "Lisa Roy"  
To: "Michael Dessoye" , "Histonet" 
 
Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 7:55:19 AM 
Subject: Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training 

I currently have 3 open tech positions and don't have any qualified applicants 
applying for the job.  I have recently taken a lab aide that showed interest 
and aptitude and began OJT.  With less than 30 schools in the country actually 
teaching histology, this is one day going to be the way.  Already having a 
bachelors in biology, my aide qualifies to sit for the ASCP exam once he has 
completed one full year of tech work and has a pathologist willing to review 
his work and sign off on the ASCP paperwork.  Without going through a 
traditional program, one must have an associates or bachelor's degree with a  
certain amount of Chemistry and Science credits.  As far as the training, I 
started with embedding and moved on from there to cutting and then special 
staining.  All along way, working on troubleshooting and documenting 
EVERYTHING.  Some places will hire someone with only a high school diploma as 
long as they have previous HT experience.  I think the specifics of what each 
institution would deem a qualified trainee will vary from place to place.  
Smaller hospitals or labs may be okay training someone with aptitude that 
doesn't necessarily fit the ASCP exam qualifications, but large corporations 
might really insist that the trainee be certifiable at some point. 

Frankly, I think taking someone that shows an interest and has the knowledge to 
be a great tech is better than hiring someone that you may not know what you 
are getting.  Doing OJT ensures that you are teaching the candidate exactly how 
you want things done and not having to accept the bad habits of someone that 
has been doing it a long time and set in their own ways. 

Good luck 
Lisa     

-Original Message- 
From: Dessoye, Michael [mailto:mjdess...@commonwealthhealth.net] 
Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 7:44 AM 
To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
Subject: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training 

Hello Histonet, 

I'm curious how people are dealing with on-the-job-trained histotechs.  Many 
people are seeing a shortage in techs, and in my opinion OJT will become more 
common than it already is.  Does anyone have an 'official' training program?  
Requirements to pass the exam?  Qualifications to be able to be trained 
on-the-job?  I'd like to consider having some kind of plan in place when I 
don't have an HT/HTL applicant but have folks who, if they get the experience, 
are otherwise qualified to sit for the exam.  If anyone has a similar situation 
or experience to share I would appreciate it! 

Thanks, 
Mike 

Michael J. Dessoye, M.S. | Histology/Toxicology/RIA Supervisor | Wilkes-Barre 
General Hospital | An Affiliat

Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

[Shirley A. Powell]

Oh where is the "LIKE" button Pam?  Thanks, and that is the reason NSH and 
state societies were begun, to educate the public about our existence and that 
we are very valuable to them.  

Shirley, soon to be 53 years in the shadows.  


-Original Message-
From: Pam Marcum [mailto:mucra...@comcast.net] 
Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 12:18 PM
To: Lisa Roy
Cc: Histonet; Michael Dessoye
Subject: Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

I understand and agree with everything being said and feel we do need more 
education in getting your registry, as Histology is changing and growing.  We 
need to be prepared to grow with it, much as we did when IHC first came into 
Histology and many thought it would go to the MTs.   
  
The one thing that has not changed in the 50 years I have done Histology is the 
fact that no one outside of AP knows what a Histologist is or what we do.  (I'm 
tried of being asked "Oh what kind of history is that?")  Until we change that 
and get more information about the field and advantages we will still be in the 
straights we are in now.  No one joining because so few people even know what 
we do or that there is an opportunity here.  If you don't know what Histology 
is why would you even look at the field.  I know about and have done school 
visits, career days etc; and those are not enough.  
  
We need a spokesperson or celebrity who has needed our services and not even 
known we, Histology, were the ones who did the slides their wonderful doctors 
used to save their lives.  This person or persons needs to speak loud and 
strong the way Robin Roberts has done on TV for her doctors and help. However; 
Histology was neven mentioned in those gratis moments. I have only known one 
person in NSH who suggested this and no one listened.  If they can't see you or 
know you - you don't exist.  Can we all take off the blinders and look at what 
we need in publicity and stop waiting for NSH and ASCP to do it.   Then we can 
offer these possible future HTs and HTLs something, like being recognized as 
full laboratory professionals and a higher level of lab aide. 
  
Just my thoughts (for many years and spoken often) 
  
Pam Marcum 

- Original Message -

From: "Lisa Roy"  
To: "Michael Dessoye" , "Histonet" 
 
Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 7:55:19 AM 
Subject: Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training 

I currently have 3 open tech positions and don't have any qualified applicants 
applying for the job.  I have recently taken a lab aide that showed interest 
and aptitude and began OJT.  With less than 30 schools in the country actually 
teaching histology, this is one day going to be the way.  Already having a 
bachelors in biology, my aide qualifies to sit for the ASCP exam once he has 
completed one full year of tech work and has a pathologist willing to review 
his work and sign off on the ASCP paperwork.  Without going through a 
traditional program, one must have an associates or bachelor's degree with a  
certain amount of Chemistry and Science credits.  As far as the training, I 
started with embedding and moved on from there to cutting and then special 
staining.  All along way, working on troubleshooting and documenting 
EVERYTHING.  Some places will hire someone with only a high school diploma as 
long as they have previous HT experience.  I think the specifics of what each 
institution would deem a qualified trainee will vary from place to place.  
Smaller hospitals or labs may be okay training someone with aptitude that 
doesn't necessarily fit the ASCP exam qualifications, but large corporations 
might really insist that the trainee be certifiable at some point. 

Frankly, I think taking someone that shows an interest and has the knowledge to 
be a great tech is better than hiring someone that you may not know what you 
are getting.  Doing OJT ensures that you are teaching the candidate exactly how 
you want things done and not having to accept the bad habits of someone that 
has been doing it a long time and set in their own ways. 

Good luck 
Lisa     

-Original Message- 
From: Dessoye, Michael [mailto:mjdess...@commonwealthhealth.net] 
Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 7:44 AM 
To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
Subject: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training 

Hello Histonet, 

I'm curious how people are dealing with on-the-job-trained histotechs.  Many 
people are seeing a shortage in techs, and in my opinion OJT will become more 
common than it already is.  Does anyone have an 'official' training program?  
Requirements to pass the exam?  Qualifications to be able to be trained 
on-the-job?  I'd like to consider having some kind of plan in place when I 
don't have an HT/HTL applicant but have folks who, if they get the experience, 
are otherwise qualified to sit for the exam.  If anyone has a similar situation 
or experience to share I would appreciat

Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

[Pam Marcum]

I understand and agree with everything being said and feel we do need more 
education in getting your registry, as Histology is changing and growing.  We 
need to be prepared to grow with it, much as we did when IHC first came into 
Histology and many thought it would go to the MTs.   
  
The one thing that has not changed in the 50 years I have done Histology is the 
fact that no one outside of AP knows what a Histologist is or what we do.  (I'm 
tried of being asked "Oh what kind of history is that?")  Until we change that 
and get more information about the field and advantages we will still be in the 
straights we are in now.  No one joining because so few people even know what 
we do or that there is an opportunity here.  If you don't know what Histology 
is why would you even look at the field.  I know about and have done school 
visits, career days etc; and those are not enough.  
  
We need a spokesperson or celebrity who has needed our services and not even 
known we, Histology, were the ones who did the slides their wonderful doctors 
used to save their lives.  This person or persons needs to speak loud and 
strong the way Robin Roberts has done on TV for her doctors and help. However; 
Histology was neven mentioned in those gratis moments. I have only known one 
person in NSH who suggested this and no one listened.  If they can't see you or 
know you - you don't exist.  Can we all take off the blinders and look at what 
we need in publicity and stop waiting for NSH and ASCP to do it.   Then we can 
offer these possible future HTs and HTLs something, like being recognized as 
full laboratory professionals and a higher level of lab aide. 
  
Just my thoughts (for many years and spoken often) 
  
Pam Marcum 

- Original Message -

From: "Lisa Roy"  
To: "Michael Dessoye" , "Histonet" 
 
Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 7:55:19 AM 
Subject: Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training 

I currently have 3 open tech positions and don't have any qualified applicants 
applying for the job.  I have recently taken a lab aide that showed interest 
and aptitude and began OJT.  With less than 30 schools in the country actually 
teaching histology, this is one day going to be the way.  Already having a 
bachelors in biology, my aide qualifies to sit for the ASCP exam once he has 
completed one full year of tech work and has a pathologist willing to review 
his work and sign off on the ASCP paperwork.  Without going through a 
traditional program, one must have an associates or bachelor's degree with a  
certain amount of Chemistry and Science credits.  As far as the training, I 
started with embedding and moved on from there to cutting and then special 
staining.  All along way, working on troubleshooting and documenting 
EVERYTHING.  Some places will hire someone with only a high school diploma as 
long as they have previous HT experience.  I think the specifics of what each 
institution would deem a qualified trainee will vary from place to place.  
Smaller hospitals or labs may be okay training someone with aptitude that 
doesn't necessarily fit the ASCP exam qualifications, but large corporations 
might really insist that the trainee be certifiable at some point. 

Frankly, I think taking someone that shows an interest and has the knowledge to 
be a great tech is better than hiring someone that you may not know what you 
are getting.  Doing OJT ensures that you are teaching the candidate exactly how 
you want things done and not having to accept the bad habits of someone that 
has been doing it a long time and set in their own ways. 

Good luck 
Lisa     

-Original Message- 
From: Dessoye, Michael [mailto:mjdess...@commonwealthhealth.net] 
Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 7:44 AM 
To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
Subject: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training 

Hello Histonet, 

I'm curious how people are dealing with on-the-job-trained histotechs.  Many 
people are seeing a shortage in techs, and in my opinion OJT will become more 
common than it already is.  Does anyone have an 'official' training program?  
Requirements to pass the exam?  Qualifications to be able to be trained 
on-the-job?  I'd like to consider having some kind of plan in place when I 
don't have an HT/HTL applicant but have folks who, if they get the experience, 
are otherwise qualified to sit for the exam.  If anyone has a similar situation 
or experience to share I would appreciate it! 

Thanks, 
Mike 

Michael J. Dessoye, M.S. | Histology/Toxicology/RIA Supervisor | Wilkes-Barre 
General Hospital | An Affiliate of Commonwealth Health | 
mjdess...@commonwealthhealth.net<mailto:mjdess...@commonwealthhealth.net> | 575 
N. River Street | Wilkes Barre, PA 18764 | Tel: 570-552-1432 | Fax: 
570-552-1486 



-- 
Disclaimer: This electronic message may 

Re: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

[Roy, Lisa]

I currently have 3 open tech positions and don't have any qualified applicants 
applying for the job.  I have recently taken a lab aide that showed interest 
and aptitude and began OJT.  With less than 30 schools in the country actually 
teaching histology, this is one day going to be the way.  Already having a 
bachelors in biology, my aide qualifies to sit for the ASCP exam once he has 
completed one full year of tech work and has a pathologist willing to review 
his work and sign off on the ASCP paperwork.  Without going through a 
traditional program, one must have an associates or bachelor's degree with a  
certain amount of Chemistry and Science credits.  As far as the training, I 
started with embedding and moved on from there to cutting and then special 
staining.  All along way, working on troubleshooting and documenting 
EVERYTHING.  Some places will hire someone with only a high school diploma as 
long as they have previous HT experience.  I think the specifics of what each 
institutio
 n would deem a qualified trainee will vary from place to place.  Smaller 
hospitals or labs may be okay training someone with aptitude that doesn't 
necessarily fit the ASCP exam qualifications, but large corporations might 
really insist that the trainee be certifiable at some point.

Frankly, I think taking someone that shows an interest and has the knowledge to 
be a great tech is better than hiring someone that you may not know what you 
are getting.  Doing OJT ensures that you are teaching the candidate exactly how 
you want things done and not having to accept the bad habits of someone that 
has been doing it a long time and set in their own ways.

Good luck
Lisa

-Original Message-
From: Dessoye, Michael [mailto:mjdess...@commonwealthhealth.net] 
Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2015 7:44 AM
To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

Hello Histonet,

I'm curious how people are dealing with on-the-job-trained histotechs.  Many 
people are seeing a shortage in techs, and in my opinion OJT will become more 
common than it already is.  Does anyone have an 'official' training program?  
Requirements to pass the exam?  Qualifications to be able to be trained 
on-the-job?  I'd like to consider having some kind of plan in place when I 
don't have an HT/HTL applicant but have folks who, if they get the experience, 
are otherwise qualified to sit for the exam.  If anyone has a similar situation 
or experience to share I would appreciate it!

Thanks,
Mike

Michael J. Dessoye, M.S. | Histology/Toxicology/RIA Supervisor | Wilkes-Barre 
General Hospital | An Affiliate of Commonwealth Health | 
mjdess...@commonwealthhealth.net<mailto:mjdess...@commonwealthhealth.net> | 575 
N. River Street | Wilkes Barre, PA 18764 | Tel: 570-552-1432 | Fax: 570-552-1486



--
Disclaimer: This electronic message may contain information that is 
Proprietary, Confidential, or legally privileged or protected. It is intended 
only for the use of the individual(s) and entity named in the message. If you 
are not an intended recipient of this message, please notify the sender 
immediately and delete the material from your computer. Do not deliver, 
distribute or copy this message and do not disclose its contents or take any 
action in reliance on the information it contains.
___
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
-This e-mail and any attachments may contain CONFIDENTIAL information, 
including PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION. If you are not the intended recipient, 
any use or disclosure of this information is STRICTLY PROHIBITED; you are 
requested to delete this e-mail and any attachments, notify the sender 
immediately, and notify the LabCorp Privacy Officer at 
privacyoffi...@labcorp.com or call (877) 23-HIPAA / (877) 234-4722. 


___
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet

[Histonet] OJT Histotechs/Training

[Dessoye, Michael]

Hello Histonet,

I'm curious how people are dealing with on-the-job-trained histotechs.  Many 
people are seeing a shortage in techs, and in my opinion OJT will become more 
common than it already is.  Does anyone have an 'official' training program?  
Requirements to pass the exam?  Qualifications to be able to be trained 
on-the-job?  I'd like to consider having some kind of plan in place when I 
don't have an HT/HTL applicant but have folks who, if they get the experience, 
are otherwise qualified to sit for the exam.  If anyone has a similar situation 
or experience to share I would appreciate it!

Thanks,
Mike

Michael J. Dessoye, M.S. | Histology/Toxicology/RIA Supervisor | Wilkes-Barre 
General Hospital | An Affiliate of Commonwealth Health | 
mjdess...@commonwealthhealth.net | 575 
N. River Street | Wilkes Barre, PA 18764 | Tel: 570-552-1432 | Fax: 570-552-1486



--
Disclaimer: This electronic message may contain information that is 
Proprietary, Confidential, or legally privileged or protected. It is intended 
only for the use of the individual(s) and entity named in the message. If you 
are not an intended recipient of this message, please notify the sender 
immediately and delete the material from your computer. Do not deliver, 
distribute or copy this message and do not disclose its contents or take any 
action in reliance on the information it contains.
___
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet