Re: [Histonet] Unregistered techs

2012-05-30 Thread Kim Donadio
You've misunderstood. No one has said anything about test at a school. At least 
I haven't
 My response at least was referring to those who sat for state exams and then a 
comparison to the now ASCP exam route. There's a huge difference in what older 
techs got than what newer ones are getting and anyone who says different. Well 
I just don't buy it
This whole conversation was about why are we not raising the bar. My point was 
the way it is now has not raised the bar. There is no way to address this topic 
here without offending some. Which was never my intentions. I tried my best to 
explain the routes techs take these days compared to the routes way back. And 
if everyone here thinks that having a bunch of Internet programs where you 
don't have the other courses and no face time and the focus is to pass a exam 
then don't get upset. When respect isn't given. I think I've said more than my 
fairshare on this. I'll just spend the rest of my day pulling the knives from 
my back. Good luck to all. 

Sent from my iPhone

On May 29, 2012, at 8:08 PM, "Fimbres, Amber"  wrote:

> I hope I've misunderstood but I want to clarify that the ASCP computer exam 
> for technicians and technologists is NOT inferior to those that "sat" for an 
> exam at their local medical school.
> 
> "Chances for cheating were eliminated at every turn."  This still holds true 
> for the ASCP computer exam as well.  I'm not sure if you're familiar with the 
> process, but one has to bring a state issued picture ID (or equivalent) which 
> has to match the name exactly to the exam application (no ifs, ands, or 
> buts).  Then, they ask you to turn out all your pockets and if you have 
> anything on you (including keys) it goes into a locker.  Then they 
> fingerprint you and tell you that as you are taking the exam, you will be 
> videotaped AND recorded while you sit there.  If you leave to use the 
> restroom, that whole procedure is repeated.
> 
> Please do not assume that sitting for the exam back in the day is somehow 
> superior to those that take the computer exams nowadays.  We ALL worked hard 
> studying for those exams and we should be united in our stance that HT/HTL 
> certification is important to all of us.
> 
> Stepping off the soap box now,
> 
> Amber M. Fimbres, MHA CT(ASCP)HTL
> Proudly took her HT, HTL, and CT using the ASCP BOR computer exam
> 
> 
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: Dorothy Ragland-Glass [mailto:techman...@yahoo.com]
> Sent: Monday, May 28, 2012 10:15 PM
> To: David Kemler; Fellow HistoNetters
> Subject: Re: [Histonet] Unregistered techs
> 
> Dorothy R. Glass, BS,HTL(ASCP),IHC
>   You are so right about  the good old days when you would prove who you were 
> and sit for a paper not computer exam at a medical school close to you. I sat 
> for the HTL in 1988. I was so proud to call myself a Histologist after being 
> trained at a School of Histotechnology and being ASCP certified. NOW you have 
> people on the job trained just referring to themselves casually as 
> histotects. Not histo trainees. Unfortunate for us older techs, it is very 
> offensive considering what we went through in establishing a career not just 
> a job. Some reference labs is focusing on hiring aids to later, after a few 
> months train them and refer to them as histotechs. I hate it when the term is 
> used so freely.
> Sinserely, frustrated HTL
> 
> 
> David Kemler  wrote:
> 
>> Good stuff. In the "old" days, 36 years ago for me, taking the HT(ASCP) exam 
>> it was said that you were "registered" by the ASCP, because the designation 
>> HT is given by the Board of Registry of the ASCP. Many of the NEW folks use 
>> the word "certified". After a total of 39 years (3 years was training before 
>> you were eligible) I still only use registered by the ASCP / Licensed by the 
>> State of Florida and call myself a "histologist".
>> 
>> In those days ( long before the Internet), you took your ASCP exam
>> (HT's, MT's, CT's, BT's, MLT's) at specially selected medical schools across 
>> the US. You chose the one giving the exam which was closest to where you 
>> lived. If you needed to drive 100 miles or further to get to the examining 
>> college on March 15 OR August 15th, (the only dates it was given) that's 
>> what you did. Getting into the exam auditorium before you were allowed to 
>> "sit" (that's what it was called) for the exam, was a challenge. You had to 
>> prove that you were who you said you were or you were not getting in. Once 
>> those guarded doors were closed - they were CLOSED! I saw several folks 
>

RE: [Histonet] Unregistered techs

2012-05-29 Thread Patsy Ruegg
I am sorry but I must be living in dream world, in the last 9 years I have 
trained at least 4 people in histology who passed the Ht or the HTL exam and I 
would put them up against any histotech for knowing what stains the nucleus, 
special stains, as well as being really well trained (not just to chose the 
right bar code) in IHC, to do IHC manually and trouble shoot problems that do 
go wrong with autostainers .  in my community ASCP certification and even more 
than that who trained you and how you were trained matters.

 

Regards,

Patsy

 

Patsy Ruegg, HT(ASCP)QIHC

IHCtech

12635 Montview Blvd. Ste.215

Aurora, CO 80045

720-859-4060

fax 720-859-4110

www.ihctech.net 

www.ihcrg.org

 

  _  

From: Kim Donadio [mailto:one_angel_sec...@yahoo.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2012 12:59 PM
To: pru...@ihctech.net; Dorothy Ragland-Glass; David Kemler; Fellow HistoNetters
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Unregistered techs

 

Lets just get to the crux of all this shall we. 

 

In some states where license rules. It goes like this. 

 

I'll use Florida because thats where I am. 

 

Back in the day the state offered their own test. 3 of them to be specific, 
technician, technologist and general lab. 

 

The state decided to stop giving test so they went and allowed the ASCP to 
offer the way to becoming a histotech. 

 

Now dont get me wrong, I have a great deal of respect for ASCP, although I do 
feel they lowered the standards when they got rid of the technical test 
portion. 

 

I know many histotechs that went through a internet AS degreed program, such as 
Florida State College. a Great program by the way. They still require students 
to go to campus occasionally and a long technical practicum somehwere. These 
students get QUALITATIVE CHEMISTRY and microbiology. plus a very intensive 
practicum. You used to have to take immunology, hematology, phlebotomy and some 
other stuff I cant remember. Never the less still one of the best colleges to 
seek good techs from. < yes, Im biased. 

 

But here's what I'm seeing. Many of these out of state programs take in 
students they NEVER lay an eye on. These people pass a test and they are 
histotechs. And guess what, many of these students all they care about is 
passing that test and getting that title and fat paycheck much like all I care 
about taxes is that Ive filled it out and now send me a return (hopefully). 

 

I'm going to catch a bunch of stuff for this. But if none of you want to 
address it, then I have no choice. Because I'm just stuborn that way and I 
really care about this profession and by god Im getting older and desire for 
people coming into this profession to have enough knowledge to solve problems. 
Why? because patient care really is still driving me after all these years. 

 

So back to license or requiring ASCP. No, you dont have to have ASCP if youve 
went though all this other stuff Ive talked about in Florida. You are lisensed. 
But if you are new, yes you have to get ASCP to get one. 

 

But even if you go through a online internet program and DO NOT have a higher 
education, Florida will still only reconize to license you as a technician. You 
will need to have some years under your belt as a technician to take the route 
to become technologist, then more years to become supervisor. 

 

There is no real OJT in Florida, you would have to be registered with the state 
and given a temporary license and you would have to show where you are studying 
in a approved course to get it. 

 

Who knows, maybe you even had your husband do the program for you while you 
were at work or making dinner. But you still have to pass that test so maybe 
you are a good test taker. Who knows. 

 

Now, if anyone wants to bash me up, go ahead. Because I have had at least 8 
people in the last 2 years who couldnt even tell me what stain stains a nucleus 
who has graduated from a online course. 

 

If you want respect, raise the bar. If you raise it so high that I have even 
half to jump through more hoops , so be it. But dont just ignore where we ALL 
know the problem is. We are NOT politicians. 

 

I care for this place and all of you as professionals and I am sorry for being 
so blunt because I know this is going to hurt me. 

 

 

Good Day. 

 

Kim D

 

 


 

From: "pru...@ihctech.net" 
To: Dorothy Ragland-Glass ; David Kemler 
; Fellow HistoNetters  
Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2012 1:18 PM
Subject: RE: [Histonet] Unregistered techs



  There is nothing volunteer about being ASCP certified as an HT or= HTL
  where  I have worked for the last 35 years, all those employed as HT's
  =  at  the  U of Colorado must be ASCP certified and I believe this is
  the case = for most other places doing hospital based Histology, work,
  right

  





  
--= -- Original Message 
  
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Unregistered tec= hs
  
From: Dorothy Ragland-Glass <[1]techman...@yahoo.com>
  

RE: [Histonet] Unregistered techs

2012-05-29 Thread Fimbres, Amber
I hope I've misunderstood but I want to clarify that the ASCP computer exam for 
technicians and technologists is NOT inferior to those that "sat" for an exam 
at their local medical school.

"Chances for cheating were eliminated at every turn."  This still holds true 
for the ASCP computer exam as well.  I'm not sure if you're familiar with the 
process, but one has to bring a state issued picture ID (or equivalent) which 
has to match the name exactly to the exam application (no ifs, ands, or buts).  
Then, they ask you to turn out all your pockets and if you have anything on you 
(including keys) it goes into a locker.  Then they fingerprint you and tell you 
that as you are taking the exam, you will be videotaped AND recorded while you 
sit there.  If you leave to use the restroom, that whole procedure is repeated.

Please do not assume that sitting for the exam back in the day is somehow 
superior to those that take the computer exams nowadays.  We ALL worked hard 
studying for those exams and we should be united in our stance that HT/HTL 
certification is important to all of us.

Stepping off the soap box now,

Amber M. Fimbres, MHA CT(ASCP)HTL
Proudly took her HT, HTL, and CT using the ASCP BOR computer exam



-Original Message-
From: Dorothy Ragland-Glass [mailto:techman...@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, May 28, 2012 10:15 PM
To: David Kemler; Fellow HistoNetters
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Unregistered techs

Dorothy R. Glass, BS,HTL(ASCP),IHC
   You are so right about  the good old days when you would prove who you were 
and sit for a paper not computer exam at a medical school close to you. I sat 
for the HTL in 1988. I was so proud to call myself a Histologist after being 
trained at a School of Histotechnology and being ASCP certified. NOW you have 
people on the job trained just referring to themselves casually as histotects. 
Not histo trainees. Unfortunate for us older techs, it is very offensive 
considering what we went through in establishing a career not just a job. Some 
reference labs is focusing on hiring aids to later, after a few months train 
them and refer to them as histotechs. I hate it when the term is used so freely.
Sinserely, frustrated HTL


David Kemler  wrote:

>Good stuff. In the "old" days, 36 years ago for me, taking the HT(ASCP) exam 
>it was said that you were "registered" by the ASCP, because the designation HT 
>is given by the Board of Registry of the ASCP. Many of the NEW folks use the 
>word "certified". After a total of 39 years (3 years was training before you 
>were eligible) I still only use registered by the ASCP / Licensed by the State 
>of Florida and call myself a "histologist".
>
>In those days ( long before the Internet), you took your ASCP exam
>(HT's, MT's, CT's, BT's, MLT's) at specially selected medical schools across 
>the US. You chose the one giving the exam which was closest to where you 
>lived. If you needed to drive 100 miles or further to get to the examining 
>college on March 15 OR August 15th, (the only dates it was given) that's what 
>you did. Getting into the exam auditorium before you were allowed to "sit" 
>(that's what it was called) for the exam, was a challenge. You had to prove 
>that you were who you said you were or you were not getting in. Once those 
>guarded doors were closed - they were CLOSED! I saw several folks crying 
>outside the auditorium that day n 1975. Chances for cheating were eliminated 
>at every turn. Unfortunately, not so today. So you can see why for us older 
>techs, if you were HT(ASCP) it really meant something. Unfortunately, not so 
>today.
>
>Yours,
>Dave
>Histonetters,
>
>I see this subject tends to illicit strong sentiments from
>professionals who are impacted or have an impact on HT/HTL's (sort of
>everyone on the net)?.
>
>I am still in school, but I want to fully understand how training,
>certification, and registration work for HT/HTL's.  I realize that ASCP
>certification is voluntary, and that some States require some sort of
>license or certification, but I've never heard of a "Registry"
>for HT/HTL's.
>
>-The way I understand through what I've been taught at school is that
>Histology is the study of tissue, And that...
>
>-To study tissue there is another science that prepares specimens so
>they can be studied. And that...
>
>-There is a final sequence "Quality Control" that verifies the science
>that prpares specimens is properly done so the tissue can be studied.
>And that...
>
>In order for this all to happen successfully and consistently, the
>HT/HTL's make sure that during the whole preparation process, safety is
>observed, proper adherence to federal and state regulations ma

Re: [Histonet] Unregistered techs

2012-05-29 Thread Kim Donadio
Lets just get to the crux of all this shall we. 
 
In some states where license rules. It goes like this. 
 
I'll use Florida because thats where I am. 
 
Back in the day the state offered their own test. 3 of them to be specific, 
technician, technologist and general lab. 
 
The state decided to stop giving test so they went and allowed the ASCP to 
offer the way to becoming a histotech. 
 
Now dont get me wrong, I have a great deal of respect for ASCP, although I do 
feel they lowered the standards when they got rid of the technical test 
portion. 
 
I know many histotechs that went through a internet AS degreed program, such as 
Florida State College. a Great program by the way. They still require students 
to go to campus occasionally and a long technical practicum somehwere. These 
students get QUALITATIVE CHEMISTRY and microbiology. plus a very intensive 
practicum. You used to have to take immunology, hematology, phlebotomy and some 
other stuff I cant remember. Never the less still one of the best colleges to 
seek good techs from. < yes, Im biased. 
 
But here's what I'm seeing. Many of these out of state programs take in 
students they NEVER lay an eye on. These people pass a test and they are 
histotechs. And guess what, many of these students all they care about is 
passing that test and getting that title and fat paycheck much like all I care 
about taxes is that Ive filled it out and now send me a return (hopefully). 
 
I'm going to catch a bunch of stuff for this. But if none of you want to 
address it, then I have no choice. Because I'm just stuborn that way and I 
really care about this profession and by god Im getting older and desire for 
people coming into this profession to have enough knowledge to solve problems. 
Why? because patient care really is still driving me after all these years. 
 
So back to license or requiring ASCP. No, you dont have to have ASCP if youve 
went though all this other stuff Ive talked about in Florida. You are lisensed. 
But if you are new, yes you have to get ASCP to get one. 
 
But even if you go through a online internet program and DO NOT have a higher 
education, Florida will still only reconize to license you as a technician. You 
will need to have some years under your belt as a technician to take the route 
to become technologist, then more years to become supervisor. 
 
There is no real OJT in Florida, you would have to be registered with the state 
and given a temporary license and you would have to show where you are studying 
in a approved course to get it. 
 
Who knows, maybe you even had your husband do the program for you while you 
were at work or making dinner. But you still have to pass that test so maybe 
you are a good test taker. Who knows. 
 
Now, if anyone wants to bash me up, go ahead. Because I have had at least 8 
people in the last 2 years who couldnt even tell me what stain stains a nucleus 
who has graduated from a online course. 
 
If you want respect, raise the bar. If you raise it so high that I have even 
half to jump through more hoops , so be it. But dont just ignore where we ALL 
know the problem is. We are NOT politicians. 
 
I care for this place and all of you as professionals and I am sorry for being 
so blunt because I know this is going to hurt me. 
 
 
Good Day. 
 
Kim D
 
 

  


 From: "pru...@ihctech.net" 
To: Dorothy Ragland-Glass ; David Kemler 
; Fellow HistoNetters  
Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2012 1:18 PM
Subject: RE: [Histonet] Unregistered techs
  

   There is nothing volunteer about being ASCP certified as an HT or= HTL
   where  I have worked for the last 35 years, all those employed as HT's
   =  at  the  U of Colorado must be ASCP certified and I believe this is
   the case = for most other places doing hospital based Histology, work,
   right

  


    


  
--= -- Original Message 
  
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Unregistered tec= hs
  
From: Dorothy Ragland-Glass <[1]techman...@yahoo.com>
  
Date: Mon, May 28, 2012 10:14 pm
To: David Kemler <[2]histotalk@   yahoo.com>, Fellow HistoNetters
  
<[3]Histonet@Lists.UTSouthwestern.edu>
  
  
Dorothy R. Glass, BS,HTL(ASCP),IHC
  
  You  are  so right about = the good old days when you would prove
   who  you  were  and  sit  for  a paper not= computer exam at a medical
   school  close  to  you.  I sat for the HTL in 1988.= I was so proud to
   call  myself  a  Histologist  after  being  trained  at  a Schoo= l of
   Histotechnology  and  being ASCP certified. NOW you have people on the
   j= ob trained just referring to themselves casually as histotects. Not
   histo t= rainees. Unfortunate for us older techs, it is very offensive
   considering w= hat we went through in establishing a career not just a
   job. Some reference= labs is focusing on hiring aids to later, after a
   few  months  train  them  an= d refer to them as histotechs. I hate it

RE: [Histonet] Unregistered techs

2012-05-29 Thread joelle weaver

I thought so too, and that was the case where I am originally from- but no, not 
really it seems to vary by geographic location. 




Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC
 > From: pru...@ihctech.net
> To: techman...@yahoo.com; histot...@yahoo.com; 
> Histonet@Lists.UTSouthwestern.edu
> Date: Tue, 29 May 2012 10:18:29 -0700
> Subject: RE: [Histonet] Unregistered techs
> CC: 
> 
> 
>There is nothing volunteer about being ASCP certified as an HT or=L
>where  I have worked for the last 35 years, all those employed as HT's
>=  the  U of Colorado must be ASCP certified and I believe this is
>the case =r most other places doing hospital based Histology, work,
>right
>
>
> 
> 
>  
> 
> 
>
> --= Original Message 
>
> Subject: Re: [Histonet] Unregistered tec=
>
> From: Dorothy Ragland-Glass <[1]techman...@yahoo.com>
>
> Date: Mon, May 28, 2012 10:14 pm
> To: David Kemler <[2]histotalk@   yahoo.com>, Fellow HistoNetters
>
> <[3]Histonet@Lists.UTSouthwestern.edu>
>
>
> Dorothy R. Glass, BS,HTL(ASCP),IHC
>
>   You  are  so right about =e good old days when you would prove
>who  you  were  and  sit  for  a paper not=mputer exam at a medical
>school  close  to  you.  I sat for the HTL in 1988.=as so proud to
>call  myself  a  Histologist  after  being  trained  at  a Schoo=f
>Histotechnology  and  being ASCP certified. NOW you have people on the
>j= trained just referring to themselves casually as histotects. Not
>histo t=inees. Unfortunate for us older techs, it is very offensive
>considering w=t we went through in establishing a career not just a
>job. Some reference=bs is focusing on hiring aids to later, after a
>few  months  train  them  an=efer to them as histotechs. I hate it
>when the term is used so freely.
> Sinserely, frustrated HTL
>
> 
>
> 
>
> David Kemler <[4]histot...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> 
> >Good  stuff. In the "old" days, 36 years ago for me, taking th   e  HT(ASCP) 
> >exam it was said that you were "registered" by the ASC=
>because  the  designation HT is given by the Board of Registry of the   
> ASCP. Many of the NEW folks use the word "certified". After a total o   f 39  
> years  (3  years was training before you were eligible) I=ill
>only  use registered by the ASCP / Licensed by the State of Florida&n   
> bsp;and call myself a "histologist".
>
> >
>
> >In  those  d=s ( long before the Internet), you took your ASCP
>exam  (HT's,  MT's,  CT's,='s, MLT's) at specially selected medical
>schools  across  the  US. You=ose the one giving the exam which was
>closest  to  where  you  lived.  If you=eded to drive 100 miles or
>further to  get to the examinin=ollege on March 15 OR August 15th,
>(the only dates it was given)&nb=;that's what you did. Getting into
>the exam auditorium before y= were allowed to "sit" (that's what it
>was  called) for the exam, was�hallenge. You had to prove that you
>were  who  you  said  you were or you&n=p;were not getting in. Once
>those  guarded  doors  were closed - t=y were CLOSED! I saw several
>folks  crying  outside the  auditorium  tha=ay n 1975. Chances for
>cheating were eliminated at every turn. Unfortuna=ly, not so today.
>So  you can  see  why  for  us older  techs, i=ou were HT(ASCP) it
>really meant something. Unfortunately, not so t=ay.
>
> >
>
> >Yours,
>
> >Dave
>
> >Hist=etters,
>
> >
>
> >I see this subject tends to illicit strong s=timents from
>
> >professionals  who  are  impacted  or have an impact o=T/HTL's
>(sort of
>
> >everyone on the net)?.
>
> >
>
> >I=  still  in  school,  but  I  want  to  fully understand how
>training,
>
> >=ertification,  and registration work for HT/HTL’s.  I
>realize=at
>
> >ASCP  certification  is  voluntary, and that some States requi=
>some
>
> >sort  of  license or certification, but I’ve never =ard
>of a “Registry”
>
> >for HT/HTL’s.
>=A>
>
> >-The  way  I understand through what I’ve been taug= at
>school is that
>
> >Histology is the study of tissue, And that..=
>
> >
>
> >-To  study  tissue  there  is  another  science  that  prepa=s
>specimens so
>
> >they can be studied. And that...
>
> >
>=A>-There  is  a

RE: [Histonet] Unregistered techs

2012-05-29 Thread pruegg

   There is nothing volunteer about being ASCP certified as an HT or= HTL
   where  I have worked for the last 35 years, all those employed as HT's
   =  at  the  U of Colorado must be ASCP certified and I believe this is
   the case = for most other places doing hospital based Histology, work,
   right

   


 


   
--= -- Original Message 
   
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Unregistered tec= hs
   
From: Dorothy Ragland-Glass <[1]techman...@yahoo.com>
   
Date: Mon, May 28, 2012 10:14 pm
To: David Kemler <[2]histotalk@   yahoo.com>, Fellow HistoNetters
   
<[3]Histonet@Lists.UTSouthwestern.edu>
   
   
Dorothy R. Glass, BS,HTL(ASCP),IHC
   
  You  are  so right about = the good old days when you would prove
   who  you  were  and  sit  for  a paper not= computer exam at a medical
   school  close  to  you.  I sat for the HTL in 1988.= I was so proud to
   call  myself  a  Histologist  after  being  trained  at  a Schoo= l of
   Histotechnology  and  being ASCP certified. NOW you have people on the
   j= ob trained just referring to themselves casually as histotects. Not
   histo t= rainees. Unfortunate for us older techs, it is very offensive
   considering w= hat we went through in establishing a career not just a
   job. Some reference= labs is focusing on hiring aids to later, after a
   few  months  train  them  an= d refer to them as histotechs. I hate it
   when the term is used so freely.
Sinserely, frustrated HTL
   

   

   
David Kemler <[4]histot...@yahoo.com> wrote:
   

>Good  stuff. In the "old" days, 36 years ago for me, taking th   e  HT(ASCP) 
>exam it was said that you were "registered" by the ASC= P,
   because  the  designation HT is given by the Board of Registry of the   
ASCP. Many of the NEW folks use the word "certified". After a total o   f 39  
years  (3  years was training before you were eligible) I= still
   only  use registered by the ASCP / Licensed by the State of Florida&n   
bsp;and call myself a "histologist".
   
>
   
>In  those  d=  ays ( long before the Internet), you took your ASCP
   exam  (HT's,  MT's,  CT's,= BT's, MLT's) at specially selected medical
   schools  across  the  US. You= chose the one giving the exam which was
   closest  to  where  you  lived.  If you=  needed to drive 100 miles or
   further to  get to the examinin= g college on March 15 OR August 15th,
   (the only dates it was given)&nb= sp;that's what you did. Getting into
   the exam auditorium before y= ou were allowed to "sit" (that's what it
   was  called) for the exam, was= a challenge. You had to prove that you
   were  who  you  said  you were or you&n= bsp;were not getting in. Once
   those  guarded  doors  were closed - t= hey were CLOSED! I saw several
   folks  crying  outside the  auditorium  tha= t day n 1975. Chances for
   cheating were eliminated at every turn. Unfortuna= tely, not so today.
   So  you can  see  why  for  us older  techs, i= f you were HT(ASCP) it
   really meant something. Unfortunately, not so t= oday.
   
>
   
>Yours,
   
>Dave
   
>Hist= onetters,
   
>
   
>I see this subject tends to illicit strong s= entiments from
   
>professionals  who  are  impacted  or have an impact o= n HT/HTL's
   (sort of
   
>everyone on the net)?.
   
>
   
>I=  am  still  in  school,  but  I  want  to  fully understand how
   training,
   
>=  ;certification,  and registration work for HT/HTL’s.  I
   realize= that
   
>ASCP  certification  is  voluntary, and that some States requi= re
   some
   
>sort  of  license or certification, but I’ve never = heard
   of a “Registry”
   
>for HT/HTL’s.
   = 
>
   
>-The  way  I understand through what I’ve been taug= ht at
   school is that
   
>Histology is the study of tissue, And that..= .
   
>
   
>-To  study  tissue  there  is  another  science  that  prepa=  res
   specimens so
   
>they can be studied. And that...
   
>
   =  
>-There  is  a  final sequence “Quality Control”
   that ve= rifies the science
   
>that  prpares  specimens  is  properly  done so the= tissue can be
   studied.
   
>And that…
   
>
   
>In=  order  for  this all to happen successfully and consistently,
   the
   
>=  HT/HTL's  make  sure that during the whole preparation process,
   safety
   
= >is observed, proper adherence to federal and state regulations
   
&g=  t;maintained, plus train other technicians to do the same, and
   much
   
&= gt;more.
   
>
   
>If  I  understood  it  all  correctly  I  can��= �t help but
   wonder:
   
>
   
>If HT/HTL's do all of this cruci= al preparation work to make sure
   
>specimens  are acceptable for pre= cise microscopic identification
   of
   
>cells, tissue type, diagnosis = of disease, and other needs:
   
>
   
>"Why wouldn't we want to = have some method that can gage a set of
   basic
   
>skills to indicate = a level of competency that HT/HTL's should
   
>initially  have,  in  ord=  er to enter the field of work that can
   effect so
   
>many people eith= er directly or indire

RE: [Histonet] Unregistered techs

2012-05-29 Thread Bernice Frederick
All,
My point exactly. It belittles what we do (our education and training) and went 
through to get certified. As I voiced to a an MD the other day, it would be 
like him calling himself an MD without being licensed.
Bernice

Bernice Frederick HTL (ASCP)
Senior Research Tech
Pathology Core Facility
ECOGPCO-RL
Robert. H. Lurie Cancer Center
Northwestern University
710 N Fairbanks Court
Olson 8-421
Chicago,IL 60611
312-503-3723
b-freder...@northwestern.edu

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Dorothy 
Ragland-Glass
Sent: Tuesday, May 29, 2012 12:15 AM
To: David Kemler; Fellow HistoNetters
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Unregistered techs

Dorothy R. Glass, BS,HTL(ASCP),IHC
   You are so right about  the good old days when you would prove who you were 
and sit for a paper not computer exam at a medical school close to you. I sat 
for the HTL in 1988. I was so proud to call myself a Histologist after being 
trained at a School of Histotechnology and being ASCP certified. NOW you have 
people on the job trained just referring to themselves casually as histotects. 
Not histo trainees. Unfortunate for us older techs, it is very offensive 
considering what we went through in establishing a career not just a job. Some 
reference labs is focusing on hiring aids to later, after a few months train 
them and refer to them as histotechs. I hate it when the term is used so freely.
Sinserely, frustrated HTL


David Kemler  wrote:

>Good stuff. In the "old" days, 36 years ago for me, taking the HT(ASCP) 
>exam it was said that you were "registered" by the ASCP, because the 
>designation HT is given by the Board of Registry of the ASCP. Many of the NEW 
>folks use the word "certified". After a total of 39 years (3 years was 
>training before you were eligible) I still only use registered by the ASCP / 
>Licensed by the State of Florida and call myself a "histologist". 
> 
>In those days ( long before the Internet), you took your ASCP exam 
>(HT's, MT's, CT's, BT's, MLT's) at specially selected medical schools across 
>the US. You chose the one giving the exam which was closest to where you 
>lived. If you needed to drive 100 miles or further to get to the examining 
>college on March 15 OR August 15th, (the only dates it was given) that's what 
>you did. Getting into the exam auditorium before you were allowed to "sit" 
>(that's what it was called) for the exam, was a challenge. You had to prove 
>that you were who you said you were or you were not getting in. Once those 
>guarded doors were closed - they were CLOSED! I saw several folks crying 
>outside the auditorium that day n 1975. Chances for cheating were eliminated 
>at every turn. Unfortunately, not so today. So you can see why for us older 
>techs, if you were HT(ASCP) it really meant something. Unfortunately, not so 
>today.
> 
>Yours,
>Dave
>Histonetters,
>
>I see this subject tends to illicit strong sentiments from 
>professionals who are impacted or have an impact on HT/HTL's (sort of 
>everyone on the net)?.
>
>I am still in school, but I want to fully understand how training, 
>certification, and registration work for HT/HTL’s.  I realize that ASCP 
>certification is voluntary, and that some States require some sort of 
>license or certification, but I’ve never heard of a “Registry”
>for HT/HTL’s.
>
>-The way I understand through what I’ve been taught at school is that 
>Histology is the study of tissue, And that...
>
>-To study tissue there is another science that prepares specimens so 
>they can be studied. And that...
>
>-There is a final sequence “Quality Control” that verifies the science 
>that prpares specimens is properly done so the tissue can be studied.
>And that…
>
>In order for this all to happen successfully and consistently, the 
>HT/HTL's make sure that during the whole preparation process, safety is 
>observed, proper adherence to federal and state regulations maintained, 
>plus train other technicians to do the same, and much more.
>
>If I understood it all correctly I can’t help but wonder:
>
>If HT/HTL's do all of this crucial preparation work to make sure 
>specimens are acceptable for precise microscopic identification of 
>cells, tissue type, diagnosis of disease, and other needs:
>
>"Why wouldn't we want to have some method that can gage a set of basic 
>skills to indicate a level of competency that HT/HTL's should initially 
>have, in order to enter the field of work that can effect so many 
>people either directly or indirectly?"
>
>And also... "Wouldn’t having NAACLS accredited training and ASCP 
>Certifications serve to ga

Re: [Histonet] Unregistered techs

2012-05-28 Thread Dorothy Ragland-Glass
Dorothy R. Glass, BS,HTL(ASCP),IHC
   You are so right about  the good old days when you would prove who you were 
and sit for a paper not computer exam at a medical school close to you. I sat 
for the HTL in 1988. I was so proud to call myself a Histologist after being 
trained at a School of Histotechnology and being ASCP certified. NOW you have 
people on the job trained just referring to themselves casually as histotects. 
Not histo trainees. Unfortunate for us older techs, it is very offensive 
considering what we went through in establishing a career not just a job. Some 
reference labs is focusing on hiring aids to later, after a few months train 
them and refer to them as histotechs. I hate it when the term is used so freely.
Sinserely, frustrated HTL


David Kemler  wrote:

>Good stuff. In the "old" days, 36 years ago for me, taking the HT(ASCP) 
>exam it was said that you were "registered" by the ASCP, because the 
>designation HT is given by the Board of Registry of the ASCP. Many of the NEW 
>folks use the word "certified". After a total of 39 years (3 years was 
>training before you were eligible) I still only use registered by the ASCP / 
>Licensed by the State of Florida and call myself a "histologist". 
> 
>In those days ( long before the Internet), you took your ASCP exam (HT's, 
>MT's, CT's, BT's, MLT's) at specially selected medical schools across the US. 
>You chose the one giving the exam which was closest to where you lived. If 
>you needed to drive 100 miles or further to get to the examining college on 
>March 15 OR August 15th, (the only dates it was given) that's what you 
>did. Getting into the exam auditorium before you were allowed to "sit" (that's 
>what it was called) for the exam, was a challenge. You had to prove that you 
>were who you said you were or you were not getting in. Once those guarded 
>doors were closed - they were CLOSED! I saw several folks crying outside the 
>auditorium that day n 1975. Chances for cheating were eliminated at every 
>turn. Unfortunately, not so today. So you can see why for us older techs, if 
>you were HT(ASCP) it really meant something. Unfortunately, not so today. 
> 
>Yours,
>Dave
>Histonetters,
>
>I see this subject tends to illicit strong sentiments from
>professionals who are impacted or have an impact on HT/HTL's (sort of
>everyone on the net)?.
>
>I am still in school, but I want to fully understand how training,
>certification, and registration work for HT/HTL’s.  I realize that
>ASCP certification is voluntary, and that some States require some
>sort of license or certification, but I’ve never heard of a “Registry”
>for HT/HTL’s.
>
>-The way I understand through what I’ve been taught at school is that
>Histology is the study of tissue, And that...
>
>-To study tissue there is another science that prepares specimens so
>they can be studied. And that...
>
>-There is a final sequence “Quality Control” that verifies the science
>that prpares specimens is properly done so the tissue can be studied.
>And that…
>
>In order for this all to happen successfully and consistently, the
>HT/HTL's make sure that during the whole preparation process, safety
>is observed, proper adherence to federal and state regulations
>maintained, plus train other technicians to do the same, and much
>more.
>
>If I understood it all correctly I can’t help but wonder:
>
>If HT/HTL's do all of this crucial preparation work to make sure
>specimens are acceptable for precise microscopic identification of
>cells, tissue type, diagnosis of disease, and other needs:
>
>"Why wouldn't we want to have some method that can gage a set of basic
>skills to indicate a level of competency that HT/HTL's should
>initially have, in order to enter the field of work that can effect so
>many people either directly or indirectly?"
>
>And also... "Wouldn’t having NAACLS accredited training and ASCP
>Certifications serve to gage those basic skills?"
>
>And also… "Would gaging basic skills have a positive impact on the
>quality of patient care and the efficiency of the HT/HTL’s impact on
>labs?”
>
>I'm not sure but...this fall… when I complete my NAACLS accredited
>degree program, and voluntarily take the ASCP HTL certification exam,
>my future employer will be able to expect a certain level of
>competency that I hope to have established through training and
>certification.
>
>Rick T.
>
>___
>Histonet mailing list
>Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
>http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
>
>
>
>
>

RE: [Histonet] Unregistered techs

2012-05-28 Thread pruegg

   Well said Will.

   




   


 


    Original Message 
   Subject: Re: [Histonet] Unregistered techs
   From: William Chappell <<= a
   href="mailto:cha...@yahoo.com";>cha...@yahoo.com>
   Date: Thu, M= ay 24, 2012 4:02 pm
   To: Davide Costanzo <[1]pathloc...@gmail.com>
   Cc: histonet <[2]histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
   I  have  respected  Jay's  input  in  the  past, but I too must say s   
omething.
   Without realizing it, and by stating his opinion in a horr= ibly crass
   way,  Jay  has touched upon an important truism. There are two typ= es
   of  histologists, those that have a job that pays the bills, and those
   wh=  o have a career in which they thrive. Neither are better than the
   other,  bo=  th  are  needed. I suspect, however, that the majority of
   Histonetters  --  esp=  ecially  avid  contributors  are in the latter
   group. I know I am.
   Hist=  otechs  who  approach  histology as a job, go into work, embed,
   cut,  stain  and=  go home. they are excellent techs, but are just not
   committed  to  expanding=  the  field  or doing more than is needed to
   provide  the  pathologist  with a p= erfect slide. Jay refers to these
   people  as  no better than trained monkeys.= That is a horrible insult
   with a small (very small) grain of truth. One da= y those histologists
   will  be  replaced  by  a  mechanical/robotic  process. The = march of
   progress is unstoppable.
   The  career  histologist  has  a  much  = longer life span however. We
   analyze  and  troubleshoot  problems.  We  understa= nd or endeavor to
   learn  the organic chemistry of stains. We know EXACTLY ho= w a Rabbit
   Monoclonal  antibody  is  made.  We  know more about the practice of
histology  than  ANY pathologist. We invent and develop antibodies and
   specia=  l  stains.  And  we conceptualize and perfect the instruments
   that will replac= e the first group in the future.
   Jay,  that  is  why  so  many  are offend= ed. We don't do this simply
   because  it  is  a good paycheck. We are histologi= sts because we are
   professionals  who  choose  this  career.  You may be going t= o a job
   cutting  slides  (which is great and necessary), but we are enjoyingour 
life.
   Will Chappell, HTL (ASCP), QIHC, MBA
   and histologist by= choice, not accident
   On May 24, 2012, at 6:48 PM, Davide Costan= zo wrote:
   >  I'm  sorry - I cannot let this rest. The comment: "we = are just as
   much
   > needed as pathologists, blah, blah,
   >  blah..= ." is so upsetting I cannot sit back and listen to that
   without
   >= saying something!
   >
   >  Everyone,  regardless  of their lot in li= fe, is a very worthwhile
   part of the
   >  whole.  Let  me  ask  you a questi= on, since you highly undervalue
   humans that
   > are not MD's - let's sa= y that you are a patient at Hospital X, and
   you go
   >  in  to have your = toenail removed. Who plays a more important role
   in your
   >  survival  -=  the Podiatrist or the hospital janitor? I would argue
   that the
   >  jan=  itor is more crucial in this instance, for if he/she fails to
   clean up
   &=  gt;  the MRSA from the last patient you could conceivably die. The
   doctor so= lved
   > your fungal problem, but the janitor prevented you from gettin= g a
   >  potentially  life-threatening  infection.  Think before you speaklike 
that -
   >  everyone  involved in your care is critical - and, yes, = sometimes
   the doctor
   > is not the most important person when it comes= to keeping you alive
   and
   > well!
   >
   >
   >
   >>
   >OnThu,May   24,   2012   at   2:01   PM,   Jay   Lundgren
   <[3]jaylundg...@gmail.com> wrote:
   &= gt;
   >> Scott Lyons [4]slnj07@yah= oo.com
   >>
   >>  Give  me  a  break,  HTs and HTLs do not ma= ke diagnoses or treat
   patients. I
   >>  am  a  registered  HT  and  a Flor= ida licensed HTL with 19 years
   experience,
   >>  I've  done  it  all  in = the lab. I believe the certification and
   licensure of
   >>  techs  is  = a scam to bleed more money from people. Honestly, you
   can train a
   >&g=  t;  monkey to do our job. And I don't want to hear from everyone
   saying it's= an
   >> art form, we are just as much needed as pathologists, blah,= blah,
   >>  blah...  I  work where they are hiring people from a m= asters
   degree
   >>  program  for  histology  with  certification, THEY KN= OW NOTHING.
   Experience it
   >> where it's at, whether certified or n= ot, get off your high horse.
   >>
   >>
   >>
   >= >
   >>
   >>
   >>
   >>
   >>
   &= gt;>
   >>
   >>
   >>
   >>
   >> >>
   >

Re: [Histonet] Unregistered techs

2012-05-28 Thread Kim Donadio
And you are a wonderful tech. And I'm so proud of you for continuing your 
education. Anyone who gets mentored by you will be very lucky. Hope your having 
a great day. Luv ya 

Sent from my iPhone

On May 25, 2012, at 12:35 PM, "Nicole Tatum"  wrote:

>> LOL, I dont have much to say about this one. Like you Kim I have a fl HTL
> license and an HT ASCP. I have two classes left before I complete my BSH
> and will be able to sit for my ASCP HTL. I have 12yrs of experience but
> that is not reconginized in the eyes of licensure for ASCP. I do believe
> my skill level should determine my licensure status not the degree I
> hold. Because I promise every class im taking rt now means nothing
> towards my field. The word histology has not even be written in any of
> the books im studying. I think OJT techs are just as qualified as any
> person who completed an online programs, if not more so. I completed an
> online histology program and learned my skills from other people in the
> bizz with alot of experience who were willing to train me and be patient.
> Never one time did I question their, experience, licensure, or training.
> The OJTs carried Histology through the transisition of licensure and
> passed the skills and knowlegde on to us young bucks to carry the torch.
> 
> That is all...lol
> Nicole Tatum HT ASCP   (hahaha soon to be HTL ASCP)  :)~~~
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> LOL, I was waiting for this thread to turn into a fist fight. I knew it
>> would.
>>  
>> A Fl Licensed HTL is someone who oviously had to take more test than a
>> ASCP certified tech if they got it from 19 years ago. How do I know, I'm
>> one of those who had to take all those test way back then. Florida is
>> pretty stringent who can do what with what. Not as much as they used to
>> be, because now the only route is through ASCP. You will not work in a
>> hospital as a histologist without a Fl License. Maybe in a exclusive
>> provider private office, but that is the only exception.
>>  
>> As far as Monkeys. Whew! I think that's whats wrong with our profession,
>> one thing anyway. Too many people veiw it that way.
>>  
>> Personally I wish the Histo programs would go back to teaching on campus
>> with using the MLT course comparison. Not to bash anyone who is either
>> involved or has been involved with the internet programs that have popped
>> up everywhere, but I'm not seeing the same level of technical skill or
>> knowledge come out of these programs. I'm sure there are many super
>> students who do get it, but many times they are pushed through on thier
>> short rotations and used as gophers etc and dont have the skills even
>> sometimes to cut a block. And forget about knowing what a good control for
>> a GMS is.
>>  
>> I'd like to see our profession go back to min AS degrees in Histology. The
>> certification only have hurt us and the pay scale is changing I feel
>> because of it.
>>  
>> Also, if you really want to promote our field and improve it, be
>> supportive of your state going to a license for our practice. ASCP
>> supports states requiring license.
>>  
>> Thats my 2cents for the day. Happy Friday! :)
>>  
>> Kim D
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> From: William Chappell 
>> To: Davide Costanzo 
>> Cc: histonet 
>> Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 7:02 PM
>> Subject: Re: [Histonet] Unregistered techs
>> 
>> I have respected Jay's input in the past, but I too must say something.
>> 
>> Without realizing it, and by stating his opinion in a horribly crass way,
>> Jay has touched upon an important truism.  There are two types of
>> histologists, those that have a job that pays the bills, and those who
>> have a career in which they thrive.  Neither are better than the other,
>> both are needed.  I suspect, however, that the majority of Histonetters --
>> especially avid contributors are in the latter group.  I know I am.
>> 
>> Histotechs who approach histology as a job, go into work, embed, cut,
>> stain and go home.  they are excellent techs, but are just not committed
>> to expanding the field or doing more than is needed to provide the
>> pathologist with a perfect slide.  Jay refers to these people as no better
>> than trained monkeys.  That is a horrible insult with a small (very small)
>> grain of truth.  One day those histologists will be replaced by a
>> mechanical/robotic process.  The march of progress is unstoppable.
>> 
>> The career histologist has a much longer life span however.  We analyze
>> and troubleshoot problem

Re: [Histonet] Unregistered techs

2012-05-28 Thread Pam Marcum


You forgot one thing.  We had to pass a practical examination of stains they 
told you to do and pass before we could sit for the written!  That went away 
with all the automated equipment and many who OJT now and even some schools 
don't do a hand staining specal stain sequence from scratch.  Or what all the 
ex tras ones we did by hand are as the list is s o extensive.  IHC is taking 
some of the old stains away and is a better method for some disease processes.  
However ; we still have some older patholgoist wh o want to see stains we don't 
do or can't due to mercury or other components we are not allowed to dispose of 
without a permit or extra expense to get r id of.  We have automated and hand 
staining with some of us older histologist still enjoying the occassional hand 
stain technique. 



Pam Marcum 




- Original Message -
From: "David Kemler"  
To: "Fellow HistoNetters"  
Sent: Sunday, May 27, 2012 9:46:42 AM 
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Unregistered techs 

Good stuff. In the "old" days, 36 years ago for me, taking the HT(ASCP) exam it 
was said that you were "registered" by the ASCP, because the designation HT is 
given by the Board of Registry of the ASCP. Many of the NEW folks use the word 
"certified". After a total of 39 years (3 years was training before you were 
eligible) I still only use registered by the ASCP / Licensed by the State of 
Florida and call myself a "histologist". 
  
In those days ( long before the Internet), you took your ASCP exam (HT's, MT's, 
CT's, BT's, MLT's) at specially selected medical schools across the US. You 
chose the one giving the exam which was closest to where you lived. If 
you needed to drive 100 miles or further to get to the examining college on 
March 15 OR August 15th, (the only dates it was given) that's what you 
did. Getting into the exam auditorium before you were allowed to "sit" (that's 
what it was called) for the exam, was a challenge. You had to prove that you 
were who you said you were or you were not getting in. Once those guarded doors 
were closed - they were CLOSED! I saw several folks crying outside the 
auditorium that day n 1975. Chances for cheating were eliminated at every turn. 
Unfortunately, not so today. So you can see why for us older techs, if you 
were HT(ASCP) it really meant something. Unfortunately, not so today.  
  
Yours, 
Dave 
Histonetters, 

I see this subject tends to illicit strong sentiments from 
professionals who are impacted or have an impact on HT/HTL's (sort of 
everyone on the net)?. 

I am still in school, but I want to fully understand how training, 
certification, and registration work for HT/HTL’s.  I realize that 
ASCP certification is voluntary, and that some States require some 
sort of license or certification, but I’ve never heard of a “Registry” 
for HT/HTL’s. 

-The way I understand through what I’ve been taught at school is that 
Histology is the study of tissue, And that... 

-To study tissue there is another science that prepares specimens so 
they can be studied. And that... 

-There is a final sequence “Quality Control” that verifies the science 
that prpares specimens is properly done so the tissue can be studied. 
And that… 

In order for this all to happen successfully and consistently, the 
HT/HTL's make sure that during the whole preparation process, safety 
is observed, proper adherence to federal and state regulations 
maintained, plus train other technicians to do the same, and much 
more. 

If I understood it all correctly I can’t help but wonder: 

If HT/HTL's do all of this crucial preparation work to make sure 
specimens are acceptable for precise microscopic identification of 
cells, tissue type, diagnosis of disease, and other needs: 

"Why wouldn't we want to have some method that can gage a set of basic 
skills to indicate a level of competency that HT/HTL's should 
initially have, in order to enter the field of work that can effect so 
many people either directly or indirectly?" 

And also... "Wouldn’t having NAACLS accredited training and ASCP 
Certifications serve to gage those basic skills?" 

And also… "Would gaging basic skills have a positive impact on the 
quality of patient care and the efficiency of the HT/HTL’s impact on 
labs?” 

I'm not sure but...this fall… when I complete my NAACLS accredited 
degree program, and voluntarily take the ASCP HTL certification exam, 
my future employer will be able to expect a certain level of 
competency that I hope to have established through training and 
certification. 

Rick T. 

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




 

From: Rick Tiefenauer  
To: histonet@lists.utsouthwe

Re: [Histonet] Unregistered techs

2012-05-27 Thread David Kemler
Good stuff. In the "old" days, 36 years ago for me, taking the HT(ASCP) exam it 
was said that you were "registered" by the ASCP, because the designation HT is 
given by the Board of Registry of the ASCP. Many of the NEW folks use the word 
"certified". After a total of 39 years (3 years was training before you were 
eligible) I still only use registered by the ASCP / Licensed by the State of 
Florida and call myself a "histologist". 
 
In those days ( long before the Internet), you took your ASCP exam (HT's, MT's, 
CT's, BT's, MLT's) at specially selected medical schools across the US. You 
chose the one giving the exam which was closest to where you lived. If 
you needed to drive 100 miles or further to get to the examining college on 
March 15 OR August 15th, (the only dates it was given) that's what you 
did. Getting into the exam auditorium before you were allowed to "sit" (that's 
what it was called) for the exam, was a challenge. You had to prove that you 
were who you said you were or you were not getting in. Once those guarded doors 
were closed - they were CLOSED! I saw several folks crying outside the 
auditorium that day n 1975. Chances for cheating were eliminated at every turn. 
Unfortunately, not so today. So you can see why for us older techs, if you 
were HT(ASCP) it really meant something. Unfortunately, not so today. 
 
Yours,
Dave
Histonetters,

I see this subject tends to illicit strong sentiments from
professionals who are impacted or have an impact on HT/HTL's (sort of
everyone on the net)?.

I am still in school, but I want to fully understand how training,
certification, and registration work for HT/HTL’s.  I realize that
ASCP certification is voluntary, and that some States require some
sort of license or certification, but I’ve never heard of a “Registry”
for HT/HTL’s.

-The way I understand through what I’ve been taught at school is that
Histology is the study of tissue, And that...

-To study tissue there is another science that prepares specimens so
they can be studied. And that...

-There is a final sequence “Quality Control” that verifies the science
that prpares specimens is properly done so the tissue can be studied.
And that…

In order for this all to happen successfully and consistently, the
HT/HTL's make sure that during the whole preparation process, safety
is observed, proper adherence to federal and state regulations
maintained, plus train other technicians to do the same, and much
more.

If I understood it all correctly I can’t help but wonder:

If HT/HTL's do all of this crucial preparation work to make sure
specimens are acceptable for precise microscopic identification of
cells, tissue type, diagnosis of disease, and other needs:

"Why wouldn't we want to have some method that can gage a set of basic
skills to indicate a level of competency that HT/HTL's should
initially have, in order to enter the field of work that can effect so
many people either directly or indirectly?"

And also... "Wouldn’t having NAACLS accredited training and ASCP
Certifications serve to gage those basic skills?"

And also… "Would gaging basic skills have a positive impact on the
quality of patient care and the efficiency of the HT/HTL’s impact on
labs?”

I'm not sure but...this fall… when I complete my NAACLS accredited
degree program, and voluntarily take the ASCP HTL certification exam,
my future employer will be able to expect a certain level of
competency that I hope to have established through training and
certification.

Rick T.

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____________

From: Rick Tiefenauer 
To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
Sent: Saturday, May 26, 2012 12:52 PM
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Unregistered techs

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RE: [Histonet] Unregistered techs

2012-05-26 Thread Davide Costanzo
Well said. Everyone should aim for certification. Those that don't will
offer myriad excuses, but it should be the standard. With any luck it
will be required one day (likely will). Whether OJT or college trained,
all should prove competency and the best way is through ASCP
certification.

Sent from my Windows Phone
From: Rick Tiefenauer
Sent: 5/26/2012 9:52 AM
To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Unregistered techs
Histonetters,

I see this subject tends to illicit strong sentiments from
professionals who are impacted or have an impact on HT/HTL's (sort of
everyone on the net)?.

I am still in school, but I want to fully understand how training,
certification, and registration work for HT/HTL’s.  I realize that
ASCP certification is voluntary, and that some States require some
sort of license or certification, but I’ve never heard of a “Registry”
for HT/HTL’s.

-The way I understand through what I’ve been taught at school is that
Histology is the study of tissue, And that...

-To study tissue there is another science that prepares specimens so
they can be studied. And that...

-There is a final sequence “Quality Control” that verifies the science
that prpares specimens is properly done so the tissue can be studied.
And that…

In order for this all to happen successfully and consistently, the
HT/HTL's make sure that during the whole preparation process, safety
is observed, proper adherence to federal and state regulations
maintained, plus train other technicians to do the same, and much
more.

If I understood it all correctly I can’t help but wonder:

If HT/HTL's do all of this crucial preparation work to make sure
specimens are acceptable for precise microscopic identification of
cells, tissue type, diagnosis of disease, and other needs:

"Why wouldn't we want to have some method that can gage a set of basic
skills to indicate a level of competency that HT/HTL's should
initially have, in order to enter the field of work that can effect so
many people either directly or indirectly?"

And also... "Wouldn’t having NAACLS accredited training and ASCP
Certifications serve to gage those basic skills?"

And also… "Would gaging basic skills have a positive impact on the
quality of patient care and the efficiency of the HT/HTL’s impact on
labs?”

I'm not sure but...this fall… when I complete my NAACLS accredited
degree program, and voluntarily take the ASCP HTL certification exam,
my future employer will be able to expect a certain level of
competency that I hope to have established through training and
certification.

Rick T.

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Re: [Histonet] Unregistered techs

2012-05-26 Thread Rick Tiefenauer
Histonetters,

I see this subject tends to illicit strong sentiments from
professionals who are impacted or have an impact on HT/HTL's (sort of
everyone on the net)?.

I am still in school, but I want to fully understand how training,
certification, and registration work for HT/HTL’s.  I realize that
ASCP certification is voluntary, and that some States require some
sort of license or certification, but I’ve never heard of a “Registry”
for HT/HTL’s.

-The way I understand through what I’ve been taught at school is that
Histology is the study of tissue, And that...

-To study tissue there is another science that prepares specimens so
they can be studied. And that...

-There is a final sequence “Quality Control” that verifies the science
that prpares specimens is properly done so the tissue can be studied.
And that…

In order for this all to happen successfully and consistently, the
HT/HTL's make sure that during the whole preparation process, safety
is observed, proper adherence to federal and state regulations
maintained, plus train other technicians to do the same, and much
more.

If I understood it all correctly I can’t help but wonder:

If HT/HTL's do all of this crucial preparation work to make sure
specimens are acceptable for precise microscopic identification of
cells, tissue type, diagnosis of disease, and other needs:

"Why wouldn't we want to have some method that can gage a set of basic
skills to indicate a level of competency that HT/HTL's should
initially have, in order to enter the field of work that can effect so
many people either directly or indirectly?"

And also... "Wouldn’t having NAACLS accredited training and ASCP
Certifications serve to gage those basic skills?"

And also… "Would gaging basic skills have a positive impact on the
quality of patient care and the efficiency of the HT/HTL’s impact on
labs?”

I'm not sure but...this fall… when I complete my NAACLS accredited
degree program, and voluntarily take the ASCP HTL certification exam,
my future employer will be able to expect a certain level of
competency that I hope to have established through training and
certification.

Rick T.

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Re: [Histonet] Unregistered techs

2012-05-25 Thread Jay Lundgren
Jay did not make the monkey comment.   Maybe I could have made that more
clear.  Scott Lyons made the monkey comment, not Jay.  Jay does not use the
m word to refer to friends and colleagues.

Sincerely,

Jay A. Lundgren M.S.,
HTL (ASCP)
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Re: [Histonet] Unregistered techs

2012-05-25 Thread Nicole Tatum
>LOL, I dont have much to say about this one. Like you Kim I have a fl HTL
license and an HT ASCP. I have two classes left before I complete my BSH
and will be able to sit for my ASCP HTL. I have 12yrs of experience but
that is not reconginized in the eyes of licensure for ASCP. I do believe
my skill level should determine my licensure status not the degree I
hold. Because I promise every class im taking rt now means nothing
towards my field. The word histology has not even be written in any of
the books im studying. I think OJT techs are just as qualified as any
person who completed an online programs, if not more so. I completed an
online histology program and learned my skills from other people in the
bizz with alot of experience who were willing to train me and be patient.
Never one time did I question their, experience, licensure, or training.
The OJTs carried Histology through the transisition of licensure and
passed the skills and knowlegde on to us young bucks to carry the torch.

That is all...lol
Nicole Tatum HT ASCP   (hahaha soon to be HTL ASCP)  :)~~~






 LOL, I was waiting for this thread to turn into a fist fight. I knew it
> would.
>  
> A Fl Licensed HTL is someone who oviously had to take more test than a
> ASCP certified tech if they got it from 19 years ago. How do I know, I'm
> one of those who had to take all those test way back then. Florida is
> pretty stringent who can do what with what. Not as much as they used to
> be, because now the only route is through ASCP. You will not work in a
> hospital as a histologist without a Fl License. Maybe in a exclusive
> provider private office, but that is the only exception.
>  
> As far as Monkeys. Whew! I think that's whats wrong with our profession,
> one thing anyway. Too many people veiw it that way.
>  
> Personally I wish the Histo programs would go back to teaching on campus
> with using the MLT course comparison. Not to bash anyone who is either
> involved or has been involved with the internet programs that have popped
> up everywhere, but I'm not seeing the same level of technical skill or
> knowledge come out of these programs. I'm sure there are many super
> students who do get it, but many times they are pushed through on thier
> short rotations and used as gophers etc and dont have the skills even
> sometimes to cut a block. And forget about knowing what a good control for
> a GMS is.
>  
> I'd like to see our profession go back to min AS degrees in Histology. The
> certification only have hurt us and the pay scale is changing I feel
> because of it.
>  
> Also, if you really want to promote our field and improve it, be
> supportive of your state going to a license for our practice. ASCP
> supports states requiring license.
>  
> Thats my 2cents for the day. Happy Friday! :)
>  
> Kim D
>
>
> ________
> From: William Chappell 
> To: Davide Costanzo 
> Cc: histonet 
> Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 7:02 PM
> Subject: Re: [Histonet] Unregistered techs
>
> I have respected Jay's input in the past, but I too must say something.
>
> Without realizing it, and by stating his opinion in a horribly crass way,
> Jay has touched upon an important truism.  There are two types of
> histologists, those that have a job that pays the bills, and those who
> have a career in which they thrive.  Neither are better than the other,
> both are needed.  I suspect, however, that the majority of Histonetters --
> especially avid contributors are in the latter group.  I know I am.
>
> Histotechs who approach histology as a job, go into work, embed, cut,
> stain and go home.  they are excellent techs, but are just not committed
> to expanding the field or doing more than is needed to provide the
> pathologist with a perfect slide.  Jay refers to these people as no better
> than trained monkeys.  That is a horrible insult with a small (very small)
> grain of truth.  One day those histologists will be replaced by a
> mechanical/robotic process.  The march of progress is unstoppable.
>
> The career histologist has a much longer life span however.  We analyze
> and troubleshoot problems.  We understand or endeavor to learn the organic
> chemistry of stains.  We know EXACTLY how a Rabbit Monoclonal antibody is
> made.  We know more about the practice of histology than ANY pathologist. 
> We invent and develop antibodies and special stains.  And we conceptualize
> and perfect the instruments that will replace the first group in the
> future.
>
> Jay, that is why so many are offended.  We don't do this simply because it
> is a good paycheck.  We are histologists because we are professionals who
> choose this career.  You may be going to a job cutting slides (which is
> great and nec

RE: [Histonet] Unregistered techs

2012-05-25 Thread Bernice Frederick
Than you Jackie. That was the point I was trying to make. I like my job and I 
hate it when researchers think "anyone can do histology", yet even though the 
MD has to have us tell him or his Post-docs what they need or do not need.
Bernce

Bernice Frederick HTL (ASCP)
Senior Research Tech
Pathology Core Facility
ECOGPCO-RL
Robert. H. Lurie Cancer Center
Northwestern University
710 N Fairbanks Court
Olson 8-421
Chicago,IL 60611
312-503-3723
b-freder...@northwestern.edu

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Jackie O'Connor
Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 8:09 PM
To: cha...@yahoo.com; pathloc...@gmail.com
Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Unregistered techs


I've personally tried to train monkeys to do this - they suck at it.  I've 
trained a lot of histotechs, and learned early on that not just any Joe Schmo 
can do this job (my apologies to any real Joe Schmo's out there).  There is a 
certain skill level and intelligence needed to perform good microtomy, optimize 
and antibody, or troubleshoot a special stain.  I've been in labs where people 
were just told 'this is a block, put it in the holder on that machine, crank 
the handle as fast as you can, and pick up what comes off".  LITERALLY.  This 
is a skill, and it requires talent.  To be good at it requires intelligence and 
good training.  To be great at it requires desire. You're really lucky if you 
love your job, and I do love this work.I can clicker train monkeys and 
dogs, but not histotechs.
Jackie O'   


-Original Message-
From: William Chappell 
To: Davide Costanzo 
Cc: histonet 
Sent: Thu, May 24, 2012 6:02 pm
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Unregistered techs


I have respected Jay's input in the past, but I too must say something.

Without realizing it, and by stating his opinion in a horribly crass way, Jay 
has touched upon an important truism.  There are two types of histologists, 
those that have a job that pays the bills, and those who have a career in which 
they thrive.  Neither are better than the other, both are needed.  I suspect, 
however, that the majority of Histonetters -- especially avid contributors are 
in the latter group.  I know I am.

Histotechs who approach histology as a job, go into work, embed, cut, stain and 
go home.  they are excellent techs, but are just not committed to expanding the 
field or doing more than is needed to provide the pathologist with a perfect 
slide.  Jay refers to these people as no better than trained monkeys.  That is 
a horrible insult with a small (very small) grain of truth.  One day those 
histologists will be replaced by a mechanical/robotic process.  The march of 
progress is unstoppable.

The career histologist has a much longer life span however.  We analyze and 
troubleshoot problems.  We understand or endeavor to learn the organic 
chemistry of stains.  We know EXACTLY how a Rabbit Monoclonal antibody is made. 
 We know more about the practice of histology than ANY pathologist.  We invent 
and develop antibodies and special stains.  And we conceptualize and perfect 
the instruments that will replace the first group in the future.

Jay, that is why so many are offended.  We don't do this simply because it is a 
good paycheck.  We are histologists because we are professionals who choose 
this career.  You may be going to a job cutting slides (which is great and 
necessary), but we are enjoying our life.

Will Chappell, HTL (ASCP), QIHC, MBA
and histologist by choice, not accident


On May 24, 2012, at 6:48 PM, Davide Costanzo wrote:

> I'm sorry - I cannot let this rest. The comment: "we are just as much 
> needed as pathologists, blah, blah, blah..." is so upsetting I 
> cannot sit back and listen to that without saying something!
> 
> Everyone, regardless of their lot in life, is a very worthwhile part 
> of the whole. Let me ask you a question, since you highly undervalue 
> humans that are not MD's - let's say that you are a patient at 
> Hospital X, and you go in to have your toenail removed. Who plays a 
> more important role in your survival - the Podiatrist or the hospital 
> janitor? I would argue that the janitor is more crucial in this 
> instance, for if he/she fails to clean up the MRSA from the last 
> patient you could conceivably die. The doctor solved your fungal 
> problem, but the janitor prevented you from getting a potentially 
> life-threatening infection. Think before you speak like that - 
> everyone involved in your care is critical - and, yes, sometimes the 
> doctor is not the most important person when it comes to keeping you alive 
> and well!
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On Thu, May 24, 2012 at 2:01 PM, Jay Lundgren  wrote:
> 
>> Scott Lyons sln...@yahoo.com
>

Re: [Histonet] Unregistered techs

2012-05-25 Thread Kim Donadio
LOL, I was waiting for this thread to turn into a fist fight. I knew it would. 
 
A Fl Licensed HTL is someone who oviously had to take more test than a ASCP 
certified tech if they got it from 19 years ago. How do I know, I'm one of 
those who had to take all those test way back then. Florida is pretty stringent 
who can do what with what. Not as much as they used to be, because now the only 
route is through ASCP. You will not work in a hospital as a histologist without 
a Fl License. Maybe in a exclusive provider private office, but that is the 
only exception. 
 
As far as Monkeys. Whew! I think that's whats wrong with our profession, one 
thing anyway. Too many people veiw it that way. 
 
Personally I wish the Histo programs would go back to teaching on campus with 
using the MLT course comparison. Not to bash anyone who is either involved or 
has been involved with the internet programs that have popped up everywhere, 
but I'm not seeing the same level of technical skill or knowledge come out of 
these programs. I'm sure there are many super students who do get it, but many 
times they are pushed through on thier short rotations and used as gophers etc 
and dont have the skills even sometimes to cut a block. And forget about 
knowing what a good control for a GMS is. 
 
I'd like to see our profession go back to min AS degrees in Histology. The 
certification only have hurt us and the pay scale is changing I feel because of 
it. 
 
Also, if you really want to promote our field and improve it, be supportive of 
your state going to a license for our practice. ASCP supports states requiring 
license. 
 
Thats my 2cents for the day. Happy Friday! :)
 
Kim D



From: William Chappell 
To: Davide Costanzo  
Cc: histonet  
Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 7:02 PM
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Unregistered techs

I have respected Jay's input in the past, but I too must say something.

Without realizing it, and by stating his opinion in a horribly crass way, Jay 
has touched upon an important truism.  There are two types of histologists, 
those that have a job that pays the bills, and those who have a career in which 
they thrive.  Neither are better than the other, both are needed.  I suspect, 
however, that the majority of Histonetters -- especially avid contributors are 
in the latter group.  I know I am.

Histotechs who approach histology as a job, go into work, embed, cut, stain and 
go home.  they are excellent techs, but are just not committed to expanding the 
field or doing more than is needed to provide the pathologist with a perfect 
slide.  Jay refers to these people as no better than trained monkeys.  That is 
a horrible insult with a small (very small) grain of truth.  One day those 
histologists will be replaced by a mechanical/robotic process.  The march of 
progress is unstoppable.

The career histologist has a much longer life span however.  We analyze and 
troubleshoot problems.  We understand or endeavor to learn the organic 
chemistry of stains.  We know EXACTLY how a Rabbit Monoclonal antibody is 
made.  We know more about the practice of histology than ANY pathologist.  We 
invent and develop antibodies and special stains.  And we conceptualize and 
perfect the instruments that will replace the first group in the future.

Jay, that is why so many are offended.  We don't do this simply because it is a 
good paycheck.  We are histologists because we are professionals who choose 
this career.  You may be going to a job cutting slides (which is great and 
necessary), but we are enjoying our life.

Will Chappell, HTL (ASCP), QIHC, MBA
and histologist by choice, not accident


On May 24, 2012, at 6:48 PM, Davide Costanzo wrote:

> I'm sorry - I cannot let this rest. The comment: "we are just as much
> needed as pathologists, blah, blah,
> blah..." is so upsetting I cannot sit back and listen to that without
> saying something!
> 
> Everyone, regardless of their lot in life, is a very worthwhile part of the
> whole. Let me ask you a question, since you highly undervalue humans that
> are not MD's - let's say that you are a patient at Hospital X, and you go
> in to have your toenail removed. Who plays a more important role in your
> survival - the Podiatrist or the hospital janitor? I would argue that the
> janitor is more crucial in this instance, for if he/she fails to clean up
> the MRSA from the last patient you could conceivably die. The doctor solved
> your fungal problem, but the janitor prevented you from getting a
> potentially life-threatening infection. Think before you speak like that -
> everyone involved in your care is critical - and, yes, sometimes the doctor
> is not the most important person when it comes to keeping you alive and
> well!
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On Thu, May 24, 2012 at 2:01 PM, Jay Lundgren  wrote:
> 
>>

Re: [Histonet] Unregistered techs

2012-05-24 Thread Jackie O'Connor

I've personally tried to train monkeys to do this - they suck at it.  I've 
trained a lot of histotechs, and learned early on that not just any Joe Schmo 
can do this job (my apologies to any real Joe Schmo's out there).  There is a 
certain skill level and intelligence needed to perform good microtomy, optimize 
and antibody, or troubleshoot a special stain.  I've been in labs where people 
were just told 'this is a block, put it in the holder on that machine, crank 
the handle as fast as you can, and pick up what comes off".  LITERALLY.  This 
is a skill, and it requires talent.  To be good at it requires intelligence and 
good training.  To be great at it requires desire. You're really lucky if you 
love your job, and I do love this work.I can clicker train monkeys and 
dogs, but not histotechs.
Jackie O'   


-Original Message-
From: William Chappell 
To: Davide Costanzo 
Cc: histonet 
Sent: Thu, May 24, 2012 6:02 pm
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Unregistered techs


I have respected Jay's input in the past, but I too must say something.

Without realizing it, and by stating his opinion in a horribly crass way, Jay 
has touched upon an important truism.  There are two types of histologists, 
those that have a job that pays the bills, and those who have a career in which 
they thrive.  Neither are better than the other, both are needed.  I suspect, 
however, that the majority of Histonetters -- especially avid contributors are 
in the latter group.  I know I am.

Histotechs who approach histology as a job, go into work, embed, cut, stain and 
go home.  they are excellent techs, but are just not committed to expanding the 
field or doing more than is needed to provide the pathologist with a perfect 
slide.  Jay refers to these people as no better than trained monkeys.  That is 
a 
horrible insult with a small (very small) grain of truth.  One day those 
histologists will be replaced by a mechanical/robotic process.  The march of 
progress is unstoppable.

The career histologist has a much longer life span however.  We analyze and 
troubleshoot problems.  We understand or endeavor to learn the organic 
chemistry 
of stains.  We know EXACTLY how a Rabbit Monoclonal antibody is made.  We know 
more about the practice of histology than ANY pathologist.  We invent and 
develop antibodies and special stains.  And we conceptualize and perfect the 
instruments that will replace the first group in the future.

Jay, that is why so many are offended.  We don't do this simply because it is a 
good paycheck.  We are histologists because we are professionals who choose 
this 
career.  You may be going to a job cutting slides (which is great and 
necessary), but we are enjoying our life.

Will Chappell, HTL (ASCP), QIHC, MBA
and histologist by choice, not accident


On May 24, 2012, at 6:48 PM, Davide Costanzo wrote:

> I'm sorry - I cannot let this rest. The comment: "we are just as much
> needed as pathologists, blah, blah,
> blah..." is so upsetting I cannot sit back and listen to that without
> saying something!
> 
> Everyone, regardless of their lot in life, is a very worthwhile part of the
> whole. Let me ask you a question, since you highly undervalue humans that
> are not MD's - let's say that you are a patient at Hospital X, and you go
> in to have your toenail removed. Who plays a more important role in your
> survival - the Podiatrist or the hospital janitor? I would argue that the
> janitor is more crucial in this instance, for if he/she fails to clean up
> the MRSA from the last patient you could conceivably die. The doctor solved
> your fungal problem, but the janitor prevented you from getting a
> potentially life-threatening infection. Think before you speak like that -
> everyone involved in your care is critical - and, yes, sometimes the doctor
> is not the most important person when it comes to keeping you alive and
> well!
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On Thu, May 24, 2012 at 2:01 PM, Jay Lundgren  wrote:
> 
>> Scott Lyons sln...@yahoo.com
>> 
>> Give me a break, HTs and HTLs do not make diagnoses or treat patients. I
>> am a registered HT and a Florida licensed HTL with 19 years experience,
>> I've done it all in the lab. I believe the certification and licensure of
>> techs is a scam to bleed more money from people. Honestly, you can train a
>> monkey to do our job. And I don't want to hear from everyone saying it's an
>> art form, we are just as much needed as pathologists, blah, blah,
>> blah... I work where they are hiring people from a masters degree
>> program for histology with certification, THEY KNOW NOTHING. Experience it
>> where it's at, whether certified or not, get off your high horse.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>

RE: [Histonet] Unregistered techs

2012-05-24 Thread Joe Nocito
Let me add more fuel to this fire. Will makes strong points. I have been in
this field over 35 years ( has it been that long) Any way. I have worked in
and have managed many labs. I have had registered and unregistered techs.
Some good, some not so good, some I told that their talents would be better
served in another career field. Some people in histology come for the pay,
others for a career. However, I have seen some clinicians, nurses and other
healthcare providers do the same. I went to a neurologist once (emphasis on
once). I was trying to explain to him my lengthy previous medical history,
which has been plagued by  heart problems for years. He was not interested
in that. He wanted to get me in and get me out within the 15 minute time
limit. 
My point is this: I don't care what job you do, there are going to be people
who look at it as a job, others look at as a career. My youngest sister had
some cognitive issues. She worked at minimum wage jobs all her life. One job
was at a laundry mat that had several large accounts. I met her for lunch
one day before I joined the Air Force.  I watched her fold sheets so tight
that they looked like you would cut your fingers on them if you ran them
across the creases. I asked her why she took so much care in folding the
sheets. She looked at me and said "Joey, I do it because anything you do,
you have to do it good. If you ain't gonna do it good, don't do it at all".
I still carry that notion and I hope I have passed that idea onto my
children. When I was in Basic Training, making my bunk, I would always think
of that day with my sister. Consider yourself lucky if you work with more
people who think Histology as a career rather than just a job. I always do. 
I'll get off my soap box now and return you to regular programing.

Joe Nocito

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of William
Chappell
Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 6:03 PM
To: Davide Costanzo
Cc: histonet
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Unregistered techs

I have respected Jay's input in the past, but I too must say something.

Without realizing it, and by stating his opinion in a horribly crass way,
Jay has touched upon an important truism.  There are two types of
histologists, those that have a job that pays the bills, and those who have
a career in which they thrive.  Neither are better than the other, both are
needed.  I suspect, however, that the majority of Histonetters -- especially
avid contributors are in the latter group.  I know I am.

Histotechs who approach histology as a job, go into work, embed, cut, stain
and go home.  they are excellent techs, but are just not committed to
expanding the field or doing more than is needed to provide the pathologist
with a perfect slide.  Jay refers to these people as no better than trained
monkeys.  That is a horrible insult with a small (very small) grain of
truth.  One day those histologists will be replaced by a mechanical/robotic
process.  The march of progress is unstoppable.

The career histologist has a much longer life span however.  We analyze and
troubleshoot problems.  We understand or endeavor to learn the organic
chemistry of stains.  We know EXACTLY how a Rabbit Monoclonal antibody is
made.  We know more about the practice of histology than ANY pathologist.
We invent and develop antibodies and special stains.  And we conceptualize
and perfect the instruments that will replace the first group in the future.

Jay, that is why so many are offended.  We don't do this simply because it
is a good paycheck.  We are histologists because we are professionals who
choose this career.  You may be going to a job cutting slides (which is
great and necessary), but we are enjoying our life.

Will Chappell, HTL (ASCP), QIHC, MBA
and histologist by choice, not accident


On May 24, 2012, at 6:48 PM, Davide Costanzo wrote:

> I'm sorry - I cannot let this rest. The comment: "we are just as much
> needed as pathologists, blah, blah,
> blah..." is so upsetting I cannot sit back and listen to that without
> saying something!
> 
> Everyone, regardless of their lot in life, is a very worthwhile part of
the
> whole. Let me ask you a question, since you highly undervalue humans that
> are not MD's - let's say that you are a patient at Hospital X, and you go
> in to have your toenail removed. Who plays a more important role in your
> survival - the Podiatrist or the hospital janitor? I would argue that the
> janitor is more crucial in this instance, for if he/she fails to clean up
> the MRSA from the last patient you could conceivably die. The doctor
solved
> your fungal problem, but the janitor prevented you from getting a
> potentially life-threatening infection. Think before you speak like that -
> everyone involved in your care is critical - and, yes, sometimes th

RE: [Histonet] Unregistered techs

2012-05-24 Thread Thomas Jasper
Holy buckets, that's a shot below the belt!  Must say, I'm quite
surprised to see a comment like that from someone with 19 years
experience.  By the by, I understand the registered HT thing, what is a
"Florida licensed HTL"?  Is that something new?  But I digress.

I can see your point about the scam/bleed money thing, but that's
another discussion.  You think monkeys can be trained to do
histology...well, you're entitled to your opinion.  However, the
validity of an opinion depends on its basis.  In my opinion monkeys
cannot be trained to do our job.  I'm quite certain that everything I
did in the lab today (before returning to my office, reading this post
and writing my response) would be challenging for a lot of
folks...pathologists included...let alone a smart monkey.

I'm a bit confused seeing the name Scott Lyons in the post below, so I
don't want to direct my response to the wrong person.  If this is indeed
you, Jay, I've read many of your posts in the past.  In consideration of
that, I'm thinking maybe you're exaggerating to make a point, maybe
having/had a bad day or both.  I agree there is no substitute for
experience.  And I agree that many people with advanced degrees can be
all thumbs in a lab, or maybe have a hard time transitioning book
learning into hands on action.  Come to think of it monkeys are pretty
dexterous...so maybe we're taking this all wrong.

I'm not responding to "light someone up" or get into a war or words
with.  I'll just say that I hold those of us doing this work in high
regard, monkey or not.  And that includes you too Jay...I've not met you
personally, but honestly you're no monkey.

Regards,

Tom Jasper

Thomas Jasper HT (ASCP) BAS
Histology Supervisor
Central Oregon Regional Pathology Services
Bend, Oregon 97701

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Jay
Lundgren
Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2012 2:02 PM
To: Kim Tournear
Cc: histonet
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Unregistered techs

Scott Lyons sln...@yahoo.com

 Give me a break, HTs and HTLs do not make diagnoses or treat patients.
I
am a registered HT and a Florida licensed HTL with 19 years experience,
I've done it all in the lab. I believe the certification and licensure
of
techs is a scam to bleed more money from people. Honestly, you can train
a
monkey to do our job. And I don't want to hear from everyone saying it's
an
art form, we are just as much needed as pathologists, blah, blah,
blah... I work where they are hiring people from a masters degree
program for histology with certification, THEY KNOW NOTHING. Experience
it
where it's at, whether certified or not, get off your high horse.






















> Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
___
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Re: [Histonet] Unregistered techs

2012-05-24 Thread William Chappell
I have respected Jay's input in the past, but I too must say something.

Without realizing it, and by stating his opinion in a horribly crass way, Jay 
has touched upon an important truism.  There are two types of histologists, 
those that have a job that pays the bills, and those who have a career in which 
they thrive.  Neither are better than the other, both are needed.  I suspect, 
however, that the majority of Histonetters -- especially avid contributors are 
in the latter group.  I know I am.

Histotechs who approach histology as a job, go into work, embed, cut, stain and 
go home.  they are excellent techs, but are just not committed to expanding the 
field or doing more than is needed to provide the pathologist with a perfect 
slide.  Jay refers to these people as no better than trained monkeys.  That is 
a horrible insult with a small (very small) grain of truth.  One day those 
histologists will be replaced by a mechanical/robotic process.  The march of 
progress is unstoppable.

The career histologist has a much longer life span however.  We analyze and 
troubleshoot problems.  We understand or endeavor to learn the organic 
chemistry of stains.  We know EXACTLY how a Rabbit Monoclonal antibody is made. 
 We know more about the practice of histology than ANY pathologist.  We invent 
and develop antibodies and special stains.  And we conceptualize and perfect 
the instruments that will replace the first group in the future.

Jay, that is why so many are offended.  We don't do this simply because it is a 
good paycheck.  We are histologists because we are professionals who choose 
this career.  You may be going to a job cutting slides (which is great and 
necessary), but we are enjoying our life.

Will Chappell, HTL (ASCP), QIHC, MBA
and histologist by choice, not accident


On May 24, 2012, at 6:48 PM, Davide Costanzo wrote:

> I'm sorry - I cannot let this rest. The comment: "we are just as much
> needed as pathologists, blah, blah,
> blah..." is so upsetting I cannot sit back and listen to that without
> saying something!
> 
> Everyone, regardless of their lot in life, is a very worthwhile part of the
> whole. Let me ask you a question, since you highly undervalue humans that
> are not MD's - let's say that you are a patient at Hospital X, and you go
> in to have your toenail removed. Who plays a more important role in your
> survival - the Podiatrist or the hospital janitor? I would argue that the
> janitor is more crucial in this instance, for if he/she fails to clean up
> the MRSA from the last patient you could conceivably die. The doctor solved
> your fungal problem, but the janitor prevented you from getting a
> potentially life-threatening infection. Think before you speak like that -
> everyone involved in your care is critical - and, yes, sometimes the doctor
> is not the most important person when it comes to keeping you alive and
> well!
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On Thu, May 24, 2012 at 2:01 PM, Jay Lundgren  wrote:
> 
>> Scott Lyons sln...@yahoo.com
>> 
>> Give me a break, HTs and HTLs do not make diagnoses or treat patients. I
>> am a registered HT and a Florida licensed HTL with 19 years experience,
>> I've done it all in the lab. I believe the certification and licensure of
>> techs is a scam to bleed more money from people. Honestly, you can train a
>> monkey to do our job. And I don't want to hear from everyone saying it's an
>> art form, we are just as much needed as pathologists, blah, blah,
>> blah... I work where they are hiring people from a masters degree
>> program for histology with certification, THEY KNOW NOTHING. Experience it
>> where it's at, whether certified or not, get off your high horse.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>> 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
>> 
> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> *David Costanzo, MHS, PA (ASCP)*
> Project Manager
> *Blufrog Path Lab Solutions*
> 9401 Wilshire Blvd. Ste 650
> Beverly Hills, CA 90212
> ___
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Re: [Histonet] Unregistered techs

2012-05-24 Thread Davide Costanzo
I'm sorry - I cannot let this rest. The comment: "we are just as much
needed as pathologists, blah, blah,
blah..." is so upsetting I cannot sit back and listen to that without
saying something!

Everyone, regardless of their lot in life, is a very worthwhile part of the
whole. Let me ask you a question, since you highly undervalue humans that
are not MD's - let's say that you are a patient at Hospital X, and you go
in to have your toenail removed. Who plays a more important role in your
survival - the Podiatrist or the hospital janitor? I would argue that the
janitor is more crucial in this instance, for if he/she fails to clean up
the MRSA from the last patient you could conceivably die. The doctor solved
your fungal problem, but the janitor prevented you from getting a
potentially life-threatening infection. Think before you speak like that -
everyone involved in your care is critical - and, yes, sometimes the doctor
is not the most important person when it comes to keeping you alive and
well!





On Thu, May 24, 2012 at 2:01 PM, Jay Lundgren  wrote:

> Scott Lyons sln...@yahoo.com
>
>  Give me a break, HTs and HTLs do not make diagnoses or treat patients. I
> am a registered HT and a Florida licensed HTL with 19 years experience,
> I've done it all in the lab. I believe the certification and licensure of
> techs is a scam to bleed more money from people. Honestly, you can train a
> monkey to do our job. And I don't want to hear from everyone saying it's an
> art form, we are just as much needed as pathologists, blah, blah,
> blah... I work where they are hiring people from a masters degree
> program for histology with certification, THEY KNOW NOTHING. Experience it
> where it's at, whether certified or not, get off your high horse.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > 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
>



-- 
*David Costanzo, MHS, PA (ASCP)*
Project Manager
*Blufrog Path Lab Solutions*
9401 Wilshire Blvd. Ste 650
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
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RE: [Histonet] Unregistered techs

2012-05-24 Thread Davide Costanzo
Oh someone is going to get BLASTED and I'm so glad it's not me this
time!

But I have to say Shame shame for suggesting a monkey can do that
job. Doesn't speak well of your work, but most techs I know are very
talented. I can't do their work, and I like to think I am a little more
evolved than a monkey. At least an ape for crying out loud!


Sent from my Windows Phone
From: Jay Lundgren
Sent: 5/24/2012 2:02 PM
To: Kim Tournear
Cc: histonet
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Unregistered techs
Scott Lyons sln...@yahoo.com

 Give me a break, HTs and HTLs do not make diagnoses or treat patients. I
am a registered HT and a Florida licensed HTL with 19 years experience,
I've done it all in the lab. I believe the certification and licensure of
techs is a scam to bleed more money from people. Honestly, you can train a
monkey to do our job. And I don't want to hear from everyone saying it's an
art form, we are just as much needed as pathologists, blah, blah,
blah... I work where they are hiring people from a masters degree
program for histology with certification, THEY KNOW NOTHING. Experience it
where it's at, whether certified or not, get off your high horse.






















> Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
___
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Re: [Histonet] Unregistered techs

2012-05-24 Thread Jay Lundgren
Scott Lyons sln...@yahoo.com

 Give me a break, HTs and HTLs do not make diagnoses or treat patients. I
am a registered HT and a Florida licensed HTL with 19 years experience,
I've done it all in the lab. I believe the certification and licensure of
techs is a scam to bleed more money from people. Honestly, you can train a
monkey to do our job. And I don't want to hear from everyone saying it's an
art form, we are just as much needed as pathologists, blah, blah,
blah... I work where they are hiring people from a masters degree
program for histology with certification, THEY KNOW NOTHING. Experience it
where it's at, whether certified or not, get off your high horse.






















> Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
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Re: [Histonet] Unregistered techs

2012-05-24 Thread Kim Tournear
Ok. I have to chime in on this one. Jay, I see your point. I'm neutral on this 
subject. 

I work with an unregistered tech (30yrs on the bench) and her work is 
excellent. For whatever reason she missed the dead line for the change on the 
OJT route on entry. 

I have worked with registered techs out there that do crappy work. So what is 
the difference between registered vs unregistered when it comes to their skills?

Unregistered doesn't necessarily mean unqualified. 

Sent from the iPhone of Kim Tournear. 

On May 24, 2012, at 1:40 PM, Jay Lundgren  wrote:

> Question 1: Why do health care organizations NOT hire unlicensed Physicians?
> Answer: Because of the maelstrom of malpractice suits, civil and criminal
> laws they would be breaking, ruined careers, prison, orphaned children etc.
> 
> Question 2: Why do supervisors/lab managers hire "unregistered" (see
> previous posts) histotechs?
> 
> Answer: Because they can pay them $12/hr instead of $30/hr.
>  Many of them receive hefty bonuses for controlling costs.
>  They get away with it.
> 
> The most brilliant Pathologist in the world could NEVER EVEN SEE a
> malignancy that was rough cut away by an unqualified histotech.
> 
>  Jay A.
> Lundgren, M.S., HTL(ASCP)
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