RE: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree?
Here, Here! Try getting a job with a straight BS anyway... I had to go back to school to get a marketable job and was going to go for an MLT degree until I saw the Histology program in the tech school catalogue. This is what I have always wanted to do without knowing the name for it. Besides, the phlebotomy bit makes me a bit squeemish. I can deal with anything in the gross room or morgue with no problem though. :) I love the lifetime of learning bit, and so far I have been lucky to be able to indulge my curiosity and learn more. I essentially have 3 degrees (BS Biology w/ a major in English, and an AA in Histotechnology) for my HTL, which I took because who knows what the future may hold. Besides, why pay to take both exams? Not interested in managerial stuff though, just like to rat around in the lab. I have to order supplies and keep up the paperwork. That is plenty for me thanks. I like to get my hands dirty. (darn Schiffs) I have actually known a few people who have worked as histologists while waiting to get into med school. Doesn't sound dead-end to me. There are many ways histology can be used as a starting place for other jobs with more ceiling space. Creativity and ambition are the keys. (and a bit more hard work) Nothing worthwhile is ever easy. Claire P.S. Anyone about to nit-pic my grammar, I have a English Major with an emphasis in Literature. Never could diagram sentences. From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu on behalf of Wahlberg, Nikki Sent: Tue 7/14/2009 6:02 PM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? I would just like to add that in my opinion it is people who make statements like the one below that are holding our field back from being seen as a career. The hospitals as well as the doctors are also to blame. I am very proud to have a B.S. and A.S.S. degree and an HTL certification. I would really like to see a monkey do my job and still achieve the high GLP standards and high quality of work that is required to get medical devices approved for human use. It makes me sad to hear people say that this is just a job not a career. I do not believe that anyone should be allowed to just come off the street and do our job. It up to us as a community to demand that institutions require certification and recognize our educations. I don't know about anyone else out there but my education cost me a lot of money and will keep me in debt for many years. I didn't waste all that money on just a job this is my career and I am very proud of the work I do. Nikki ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree?
The histology world doesn't look for well qualified workers they look for cheap labor (SIC). I have heard more than one pathologist state that a monkey can do our job. See my other post. The retort ought to be that a Histology BMS/ Histotech can do yours!! A honest Pathologist once told me that a good Histotech could report 80% of what he did, you needed some medical knowledge to maybe report the next 15% or so, Pathologists with a speciality probably reported the next 2% or 3% and it took an expert to deal with the top few percent. He taught me Pathology of the skin and I was good at it; I naturally then became a Cytologist as there's no way, without a MRCPath, that I could ever report skin biopsies. A Gynaecologist friend of mine once told that the Pathologist/ Histotech (BMS) relationship was perceived by many of his colleagues to be the last bastion of prostitution. I never figured out who was the pimp!! -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Michael Bradley Sent: 14 July 2009 21:50 To: Weems, Joyce Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: Re: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? HI all I am a rarity. I am an HTL with a Bachelors Degree. I got my HTL in the early 90s and I guess I was misguided because I thought it would open more doors for me than just an HT. I was sadly mistaken. After I passed my test I waited 9 months for a raise and promotion (which was just a greater title) and when I got my raise so did 2 other employees that didn't even have or try for their certification. I spent many nights and weekends studying and doing my stains for the test. I am proud of my accomplishments. It is a shame that our industry does not reconize the difference between HT and HTL. A few years back I was working as a traveling histotech and when I tried to get a permanent position no one wanted to hire me because I was over qualified by having over 15 years experience and a HTL certification. I worked hard to no avail. The histology world doesn't look for well qualified workers they look for cheap labor. I have heard more than one pathologist state that a monkey can do our job. I have also worked in a lab where they would hire someone with a GED to cut slides. A career in histology is for the most part a dead end and there is no future. As long as our industry doesn't respect education and experience there will be less and less histotechs and the quality of the slides will suffer which in turn will bring down patient care. Just my 2 cents. MB proud HTL On Tue, Jul 14, 2009 at 3:37 PM, Weems, Joyce jwe...@sjha.org wrote: Honey... You are a mere child! There are some of us that have been in the business for 40+ years. I missed the grandfather approach by 7 mo - time that I didn't work moving from place to place with my military ex-husband. But I did finally get the degree and do the exam. But we're still around. And I'll probably be working till I'm 100!!! J:) -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Thomas Jasper Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 15:16 To: Feher, Stephen Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? Hi Steve, I've got no statistics to offer you...just an observation. I would say that finding an HTL, without a Bachelor's degree is akin to the proverbial needle in a haystack. Anyone that obtained their HTL, if/when they could be grandfathered in, is likely to be retired or close to it. First of all, most folks that went the OJT route for certification were eligible to sit for the HT only (to my knowledge). I've never met anyone with an HTL that did not have a Bachelor's as a pre-requisite. I've been doing histology for ~25 years. I've met people from all over the country and various parts of the world. Truth is there isn't an abundance of HTLs out there. Unlike the Medical Lab world, with the basic differences between MTs and MLTs, anatomic path does not exactly mirror that with the HTL and HT. It's true the MT and HTL both require a Bachelor's, but responsibilities in most labs, etc., generally do not hinge on someone being an HT vs. an HTL. A person like myself is probably more common (Bachelor's and an HT). Unless you know of someone in particular; that you want to hire, with an HTL without a Bachelor's, I wouldn't waste time trying to justify it. I guess the bottom line is if you want an HTL, that person will almost assuredly have a Bachelor's. If you want to hire someone without a Bachelor's that is certified (HT) you'll have better luck. I think having an HTL is a great thing. I honestly have never pursued it (though eligible) as the circumstances of my career would not have rewarded me for doing so. As
Re: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree?
Kemlo, You may not know who the pimp is, but you know who got screwed. Victor Victor Tobias Clinical Applications Analyst University of Washington Medical Center Dept of Pathology Room BB220 1959 NE Pacific Seattle, WA 98195 vic...@pathology.washington.edu 206-598-2792 206-598-7659 Fax = Privileged, confidential or patient identifiable information may be contained in this message. This information is meant only for the use of the intended recipients. If you are not the intended recipient, or if the message has been addressed to you in error, do not read, disclose, reproduce, distribute, disseminate or otherwise use this transmission. Instead, please notify the sender by reply e-mail, and then destroy all copies of the message and any attachments. Kemlo Rogerson wrote: The histology world doesn't look for well qualified workers they look for cheap labor (SIC). I have heard more than one pathologist state that a monkey can do our job. See my other post. The retort ought to be that a Histology BMS/ Histotech can do yours!! A honest Pathologist once told me that a good Histotech could report 80% of what he did, you needed some medical knowledge to maybe report the next 15% or so, Pathologists with a speciality probably reported the next 2% or 3% and it took an expert to deal with the top few percent. He taught me Pathology of the skin and I was good at it; I naturally then became a Cytologist as there's no way, without a MRCPath, that I could ever report skin biopsies. A Gynaecologist friend of mine once told that the Pathologist/ Histotech (BMS) relationship was perceived by many of his colleagues to be the last bastion of prostitution. I never figured out who was the pimp!! -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Michael Bradley Sent: 14 July 2009 21:50 To: Weems, Joyce Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: Re: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? HI all I am a rarity. I am an HTL with a Bachelors Degree. I got my HTL in the early 90s and I guess I was misguided because I thought it would open more doors for me than just an HT. I was sadly mistaken. After I passed my test I waited 9 months for a raise and promotion (which was just a greater title) and when I got my raise so did 2 other employees that didn't even have or try for their certification. I spent many nights and weekends studying and doing my stains for the test. I am proud of my accomplishments. It is a shame that our industry does not reconize the difference between HT and HTL. A few years back I was working as a traveling histotech and when I tried to get a permanent position no one wanted to hire me because I was over qualified by having over 15 years experience and a HTL certification. I worked hard to no avail. The histology world doesn't look for well qualified workers they look for cheap labor. I have heard more than one pathologist state that a monkey can do our job. I have also worked in a lab where they would hire someone with a GED to cut slides. A career in histology is for the most part a dead end and there is no future. As long as our industry doesn't respect education and experience there will be less and less histotechs and the quality of the slides will suffer which in turn will bring down patient care. Just my 2 cents. MB proud HTL On Tue, Jul 14, 2009 at 3:37 PM, Weems, Joyce jwe...@sjha.org wrote: Honey... You are a mere child! There are some of us that have been in the business for 40+ years. I missed the grandfather approach by 7 mo - time that I didn't work moving from place to place with my military ex-husband. But I did finally get the degree and do the exam. But we're still around. And I'll probably be working till I'm 100!!! J:) -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Thomas Jasper Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 15:16 To: Feher, Stephen Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? Hi Steve, I've got no statistics to offer you...just an observation. I would say that finding an HTL, without a Bachelor's degree is akin to the proverbial needle in a haystack. Anyone that obtained their HTL, if/when they could be grandfathered in, is likely to be retired or close to it. First of all, most folks that went the OJT route for certification were eligible to sit for the HT only (to my knowledge). I've never met anyone with an HTL that did not have a Bachelor's as a pre-requisite. I've been doing histology for ~25 years. I've met people from all over the country and various parts of the world. Truth is there isn't an abundance of HTLs out there. Unlike the Medical Lab world, with the basic differences between MTs and MLTs,
RE: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree?
Hi Steve, I've got no statistics to offer you...just an observation. I would say that finding an HTL, without a Bachelor's degree is akin to the proverbial needle in a haystack. Anyone that obtained their HTL, if/when they could be grandfathered in, is likely to be retired or close to it. First of all, most folks that went the OJT route for certification were eligible to sit for the HT only (to my knowledge). I've never met anyone with an HTL that did not have a Bachelor's as a pre-requisite. I've been doing histology for ~25 years. I've met people from all over the country and various parts of the world. Truth is there isn't an abundance of HTLs out there. Unlike the Medical Lab world, with the basic differences between MTs and MLTs, anatomic path does not exactly mirror that with the HTL and HT. It's true the MT and HTL both require a Bachelor's, but responsibilities in most labs, etc., generally do not hinge on someone being an HT vs. an HTL. A person like myself is probably more common (Bachelor's and an HT). Unless you know of someone in particular; that you want to hire, with an HTL without a Bachelor's, I wouldn't waste time trying to justify it. I guess the bottom line is if you want an HTL, that person will almost assuredly have a Bachelor's. If you want to hire someone without a Bachelor's that is certified (HT) you'll have better luck. I think having an HTL is a great thing. I honestly have never pursued it (though eligible) as the circumstances of my career would not have rewarded me for doing so. As a matter of fact some employers may look at it as an over-qualification, or at least no justification for better pay, perks or responsibility. Again, no slam to HTLs just the way things are, at least in my experience. If you want to hire people without a Bachelor's I would definitely pursue HTs. HTs have been doing a great deal of very good work for years in this field. And it sounds like you're viewing the Bachelor's thing as limiting factor more than the HTL itself. Good luck, Tom Jasper Thomas Jasper HT (ASCP) BAS Histology Supervisor Central Oregon Regional Pathology Services Bend, Oregon 97701 541/693-2677 tjas...@copc.net -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Feher, Stephen Sent: Monday, July 13, 2009 9:12 AM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? I'm trying to find some solid statistics to justify being able to hire HTL (ASCP) candidates who do not have a Bachelor's degree. I am contending that requiring the candidate to have a Bachelor's degree will eliminate a substantial number of very qualified people. Does anyone have any solid references to support my position. Thanks, Steve Stephen A. Feher, MS, SCT (ASCP) Pathology Supervisor Catholic Medical Center 100 McGregor Street Manchester, NH 03102 603-663-6707 sfe...@cmc-nh.org mailto:sfe...@cmc-nh.org ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree?
Honey... You are a mere child! There are some of us that have been in the business for 40+ years. I missed the grandfather approach by 7 mo - time that I didn't work moving from place to place with my military ex-husband. But I did finally get the degree and do the exam. But we're still around. And I'll probably be working till I'm 100!!! J:) -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Thomas Jasper Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 15:16 To: Feher, Stephen Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? Hi Steve, I've got no statistics to offer you...just an observation. I would say that finding an HTL, without a Bachelor's degree is akin to the proverbial needle in a haystack. Anyone that obtained their HTL, if/when they could be grandfathered in, is likely to be retired or close to it. First of all, most folks that went the OJT route for certification were eligible to sit for the HT only (to my knowledge). I've never met anyone with an HTL that did not have a Bachelor's as a pre-requisite. I've been doing histology for ~25 years. I've met people from all over the country and various parts of the world. Truth is there isn't an abundance of HTLs out there. Unlike the Medical Lab world, with the basic differences between MTs and MLTs, anatomic path does not exactly mirror that with the HTL and HT. It's true the MT and HTL both require a Bachelor's, but responsibilities in most labs, etc., generally do not hinge on someone being an HT vs. an HTL. A person like myself is probably more common (Bachelor's and an HT). Unless you know of someone in particular; that you want to hire, with an HTL without a Bachelor's, I wouldn't waste time trying to justify it. I guess the bottom line is if you want an HTL, that person will almost assuredly have a Bachelor's. If you want to hire someone without a Bachelor's that is certified (HT) you'll have better luck. I think having an HTL is a great thing. I honestly have never pursued it (though eligible) as the circumstances of my career would not have rewarded me for doing so. As a matter of fact some employers may look at it as an over-qualification, or at least no justification for better pay, perks or responsibility. Again, no slam to HTLs just the way things are, at least in my experience. If you want to hire people without a Bachelor's I would definitely pursue HTs. HTs have been doing a great deal of very good work for years in this field. And it sounds like you're viewing the Bachelor's thing as limiting factor more than the HTL itself. Good luck, Tom Jasper Thomas Jasper HT (ASCP) BAS Histology Supervisor Central Oregon Regional Pathology Services Bend, Oregon 97701 541/693-2677 tjas...@copc.net -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Feher, Stephen Sent: Monday, July 13, 2009 9:12 AM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? I'm trying to find some solid statistics to justify being able to hire HTL (ASCP) candidates who do not have a Bachelor's degree. I am contending that requiring the candidate to have a Bachelor's degree will eliminate a substantial number of very qualified people. Does anyone have any solid references to support my position. Thanks, Steve Stephen A. Feher, MS, SCT (ASCP) Pathology Supervisor Catholic Medical Center 100 McGregor Street Manchester, NH 03102 603-663-6707 sfe...@cmc-nh.org mailto:sfe...@cmc-nh.org ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet Confidentiality Notice: This email, including any attachments is the property of Catholic Health East and is intended for the sole use of the intended recipient(s). It may contain information that is privileged and confidential. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please reply to the sender that you have received the message in error, then delete this message. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree?
Tom, I missed being grandfathered in by a matter of months and am about 10 years away from retirement. I personally know of several HTLs that don't have Bachelor degrees that are around my same age. So in my part of the Universe, non-degreed HTLs are slightly more prevalent than a needle in a haystack but not much. Been at it going on 35 years, Linda A. Sebree University of Wisconsin Hospital Clinics IHC/ISH Laboratory DB1-223 VAH 600 Highland Ave. Madison, WI 53792 (608)265-6596 -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Thomas Jasper Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 2:16 PM To: Feher, Stephen Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? Hi Steve, I've got no statistics to offer you...just an observation. I would say that finding an HTL, without a Bachelor's degree is akin to the proverbial needle in a haystack. Anyone that obtained their HTL, if/when they could be grandfathered in, is likely to be retired or close to it. First of all, most folks that went the OJT route for certification were eligible to sit for the HT only (to my knowledge). I've never met anyone with an HTL that did not have a Bachelor's as a pre-requisite. I've been doing histology for ~25 years. I've met people from all over the country and various parts of the world. Truth is there isn't an abundance of HTLs out there. Unlike the Medical Lab world, with the basic differences between MTs and MLTs, anatomic path does not exactly mirror that with the HTL and HT. It's true the MT and HTL both require a Bachelor's, but responsibilities in most labs, etc., generally do not hinge on someone being an HT vs. an HTL. A person like myself is probably more common (Bachelor's and an HT). Unless you know of someone in particular; that you want to hire, with an HTL without a Bachelor's, I wouldn't waste time trying to justify it. I guess the bottom line is if you want an HTL, that person will almost assuredly have a Bachelor's. If you want to hire someone without a Bachelor's that is certified (HT) you'll have better luck. I think having an HTL is a great thing. I honestly have never pursued it (though eligible) as the circumstances of my career would not have rewarded me for doing so. As a matter of fact some employers may look at it as an over-qualification, or at least no justification for better pay, perks or responsibility. Again, no slam to HTLs just the way things are, at least in my experience. If you want to hire people without a Bachelor's I would definitely pursue HTs. HTs have been doing a great deal of very good work for years in this field. And it sounds like you're viewing the Bachelor's thing as limiting factor more than the HTL itself. Good luck, Tom Jasper Thomas Jasper HT (ASCP) BAS Histology Supervisor Central Oregon Regional Pathology Services Bend, Oregon 97701 541/693-2677 tjas...@copc.net -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Feher, Stephen Sent: Monday, July 13, 2009 9:12 AM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? I'm trying to find some solid statistics to justify being able to hire HTL (ASCP) candidates who do not have a Bachelor's degree. I am contending that requiring the candidate to have a Bachelor's degree will eliminate a substantial number of very qualified people. Does anyone have any solid references to support my position. Thanks, Steve Stephen A. Feher, MS, SCT (ASCP) Pathology Supervisor Catholic Medical Center 100 McGregor Street Manchester, NH 03102 603-663-6707 sfe...@cmc-nh.org mailto:sfe...@cmc-nh.org ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
Re: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree?
HI all I am a rarity. I am an HTL with a Bachelors Degree. I got my HTL in the early 90s and I guess I was misguided because I thought it would open more doors for me than just an HT. I was sadly mistaken. After I passed my test I waited 9 months for a raise and promotion (which was just a greater title) and when I got my raise so did 2 other employees that didn't even have or try for their certification. I spent many nights and weekends studying and doing my stains for the test. I am proud of my accomplishments. It is a shame that our industry does not reconize the difference between HT and HTL. A few years back I was working as a traveling histotech and when I tried to get a permanent position no one wanted to hire me because I was over qualified by having over 15 years experience and a HTL certification. I worked hard to no avail. The histology world doesn't look for well qualified workers they look for cheap labor. I have heard more than one pathologist state that a monkey can do our job. I have also worked in a lab where they would hire someone with a GED to cut slides. A career in histology is for the most part a dead end and there is no future. As long as our industry doesn't respect education and experience there will be less and less histotechs and the quality of the slides will suffer which in turn will bring down patient care. Just my 2 cents. MB proud HTL On Tue, Jul 14, 2009 at 3:37 PM, Weems, Joyce jwe...@sjha.org wrote: Honey... You are a mere child! There are some of us that have been in the business for 40+ years. I missed the grandfather approach by 7 mo - time that I didn't work moving from place to place with my military ex-husband. But I did finally get the degree and do the exam. But we're still around. And I'll probably be working till I'm 100!!! J:) -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Thomas Jasper Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 15:16 To: Feher, Stephen Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? Hi Steve, I've got no statistics to offer you...just an observation. I would say that finding an HTL, without a Bachelor's degree is akin to the proverbial needle in a haystack. Anyone that obtained their HTL, if/when they could be grandfathered in, is likely to be retired or close to it. First of all, most folks that went the OJT route for certification were eligible to sit for the HT only (to my knowledge). I've never met anyone with an HTL that did not have a Bachelor's as a pre-requisite. I've been doing histology for ~25 years. I've met people from all over the country and various parts of the world. Truth is there isn't an abundance of HTLs out there. Unlike the Medical Lab world, with the basic differences between MTs and MLTs, anatomic path does not exactly mirror that with the HTL and HT. It's true the MT and HTL both require a Bachelor's, but responsibilities in most labs, etc., generally do not hinge on someone being an HT vs. an HTL. A person like myself is probably more common (Bachelor's and an HT). Unless you know of someone in particular; that you want to hire, with an HTL without a Bachelor's, I wouldn't waste time trying to justify it. I guess the bottom line is if you want an HTL, that person will almost assuredly have a Bachelor's. If you want to hire someone without a Bachelor's that is certified (HT) you'll have better luck. I think having an HTL is a great thing. I honestly have never pursued it (though eligible) as the circumstances of my career would not have rewarded me for doing so. As a matter of fact some employers may look at it as an over-qualification, or at least no justification for better pay, perks or responsibility. Again, no slam to HTLs just the way things are, at least in my experience. If you want to hire people without a Bachelor's I would definitely pursue HTs. HTs have been doing a great deal of very good work for years in this field. And it sounds like you're viewing the Bachelor's thing as limiting factor more than the HTL itself. Good luck, Tom Jasper Thomas Jasper HT (ASCP) BAS Histology Supervisor Central Oregon Regional Pathology Services Bend, Oregon 97701 541/693-2677 tjas...@copc.net -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Feher, Stephen Sent: Monday, July 13, 2009 9:12 AM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? I'm trying to find some solid statistics to justify being able to hire HTL (ASCP) candidates who do not have a Bachelor's degree. I am contending that requiring the candidate to have a Bachelor's degree will eliminate a substantial number of very qualified people. Does anyone have any solid
RE: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree?
MB, I think your prediction, sadly, is true and that it is already happening. Linda A. Sebree University of Wisconsin Hospital Clinics IHC/ISH Laboratory DB1-223 VAH 600 Highland Ave. Madison, WI 53792 (608)265-6596 -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Michael Bradley Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:50 PM To: Weems, Joyce Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: Re: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? HI all I am a rarity. I am an HTL with a Bachelors Degree. I got my HTL in the early 90s and I guess I was misguided because I thought it would open more doors for me than just an HT. I was sadly mistaken. After I passed my test I waited 9 months for a raise and promotion (which was just a greater title) and when I got my raise so did 2 other employees that didn't even have or try for their certification. I spent many nights and weekends studying and doing my stains for the test. I am proud of my accomplishments. It is a shame that our industry does not reconize the difference between HT and HTL. A few years back I was working as a traveling histotech and when I tried to get a permanent position no one wanted to hire me because I was over qualified by having over 15 years experience and a HTL certification. I worked hard to no avail. The histology world doesn't look for well qualified workers they look for cheap labor. I have heard more than one pathologist state that a monkey can do our job. I have also worked in a lab where they would hire someone with a GED to cut slides. A career in histology is for the most part a dead end and there is no future. As long as our industry doesn't respect education and experience there will be less and less histotechs and the quality of the slides will suffer which in turn will bring down patient care. Just my 2 cents. MB proud HTL On Tue, Jul 14, 2009 at 3:37 PM, Weems, Joyce jwe...@sjha.org wrote: Honey... You are a mere child! There are some of us that have been in the business for 40+ years. I missed the grandfather approach by 7 mo - time that I didn't work moving from place to place with my military ex-husband. But I did finally get the degree and do the exam. But we're still around. And I'll probably be working till I'm 100!!! J:) -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Thomas Jasper Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 15:16 To: Feher, Stephen Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? Hi Steve, I've got no statistics to offer you...just an observation. I would say that finding an HTL, without a Bachelor's degree is akin to the proverbial needle in a haystack. Anyone that obtained their HTL, if/when they could be grandfathered in, is likely to be retired or close to it. First of all, most folks that went the OJT route for certification were eligible to sit for the HT only (to my knowledge). I've never met anyone with an HTL that did not have a Bachelor's as a pre-requisite. I've been doing histology for ~25 years. I've met people from all over the country and various parts of the world. Truth is there isn't an abundance of HTLs out there. Unlike the Medical Lab world, with the basic differences between MTs and MLTs, anatomic path does not exactly mirror that with the HTL and HT. It's true the MT and HTL both require a Bachelor's, but responsibilities in most labs, etc., generally do not hinge on someone being an HT vs. an HTL. A person like myself is probably more common (Bachelor's and an HT). Unless you know of someone in particular; that you want to hire, with an HTL without a Bachelor's, I wouldn't waste time trying to justify it. I guess the bottom line is if you want an HTL, that person will almost assuredly have a Bachelor's. If you want to hire someone without a Bachelor's that is certified (HT) you'll have better luck. I think having an HTL is a great thing. I honestly have never pursued it (though eligible) as the circumstances of my career would not have rewarded me for doing so. As a matter of fact some employers may look at it as an over-qualification, or at least no justification for better pay, perks or responsibility. Again, no slam to HTLs just the way things are, at least in my experience. If you want to hire people without a Bachelor's I would definitely pursue HTs. HTs have been doing a great deal of very good work for years in this field. And it sounds like you're viewing the Bachelor's thing as limiting factor more than the HTL itself. Good luck, Tom Jasper Thomas Jasper HT (ASCP) BAS Histology Supervisor Central Oregon Regional Pathology Services Bend, Oregon 97701 541/693-2677 tjas...@copc.net -Original Message-
RE: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree?
I am with you Joyce, still going strong for 47 years and with no plans to retire, actually working my day job and a part time. I may not make it to 100 like you, but they will roll me out feet first. There are more of us around than people know. Scary huh? Shirley -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Weems, Joyce Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:37 PM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? Honey... You are a mere child! There are some of us that have been in the business for 40+ years. I missed the grandfather approach by 7 mo - time that I didn't work moving from place to place with my military ex-husband. But I did finally get the degree and do the exam. But we're still around. And I'll probably be working till I'm 100!!! J:) -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Thomas Jasper Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 15:16 To: Feher, Stephen Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? Hi Steve, I've got no statistics to offer you...just an observation. I would say that finding an HTL, without a Bachelor's degree is akin to the proverbial needle in a haystack. Anyone that obtained their HTL, if/when they could be grandfathered in, is likely to be retired or close to it. First of all, most folks that went the OJT route for certification were eligible to sit for the HT only (to my knowledge). I've never met anyone with an HTL that did not have a Bachelor's as a pre-requisite. I've been doing histology for ~25 years. I've met people from all over the country and various parts of the world. Truth is there isn't an abundance of HTLs out there. Unlike the Medical Lab world, with the basic differences between MTs and MLTs, anatomic path does not exactly mirror that with the HTL and HT. It's true the MT and HTL both require a Bachelor's, but responsibilities in most labs, etc., generally do not hinge on someone being an HT vs. an HTL. A person like myself is probably more common (Bachelor's and an HT). Unless you know of someone in particular; that you want to hire, with an HTL without a Bachelor's, I wouldn't waste time trying to justify it. I guess the bottom line is if you want an HTL, that person will almost assuredly have a Bachelor's. If you want to hire someone without a Bachelor's that is certified (HT) you'll have better luck. I think having an HTL is a great thing. I honestly have never pursued it (though eligible) as the circumstances of my career would not have rewarded me for doing so. As a matter of fact some employers may look at it as an over-qualification, or at least no justification for better pay, perks or responsibility. Again, no slam to HTLs just the way things are, at least in my experience. If you want to hire people without a Bachelor's I would definitely pursue HTs. HTs have been doing a great deal of very good work for years in this field. And it sounds like you're viewing the Bachelor's thing as limiting factor more than the HTL itself. Good luck, Tom Jasper Thomas Jasper HT (ASCP) BAS Histology Supervisor Central Oregon Regional Pathology Services Bend, Oregon 97701 541/693-2677 tjas...@copc.net -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Feher, Stephen Sent: Monday, July 13, 2009 9:12 AM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? I'm trying to find some solid statistics to justify being able to hire HTL (ASCP) candidates who do not have a Bachelor's degree. I am contending that requiring the candidate to have a Bachelor's degree will eliminate a substantial number of very qualified people. Does anyone have any solid references to support my position. Thanks, Steve Stephen A. Feher, MS, SCT (ASCP) Pathology Supervisor Catholic Medical Center 100 McGregor Street Manchester, NH 03102 603-663-6707 sfe...@cmc-nh.org mailto:sfe...@cmc-nh.org ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet Confidentiality Notice: This email, including any attachments is the property of Catholic Health East and is intended for the sole use of the intended recipient(s). It may contain information that is privileged and confidential. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please reply to the sender that you have received the
Re: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree?
I wouldn't say that histology is a dead end job, I mean, I jumped to a PA and I know that I couldn't have passed that exam without my histology experience. The idea of adding an HTL category was initially a good one. Trying to bring us up to the MT and CT levels, but honestly, I think it fell short. Even after I received my BS, people asked me if I was going for my HTL. I told them no because I saw no benefit from it. At that time, I felt that if I couldn't get hired as a supervisor with a BS and 20 years experience, with 12 as a supervisor, I wasn't going to get the job any way. I'm not degrading HTLs by a long shot. I'm just saying for me, it wasn't worth it. After I retired from the Air Force, I was directly hired as a supervisor without the HTL. Just my three cents (inflation you know) JTT - Original Message - From: pathr...@comcast.net To: Michael Bradley jaustin1...@gmail.com Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:18 PM Subject: Re: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? Mike, I couldn't agree with you more. I'm in the same position as you. In the Boston, Mass. area people are taken right off the street and work for a year as a lab assistant then promoted to a tech in training. Most have a hs diploma, no ambition and expect good pay for bad work and poor work ethic. I have been in the histology field for 20 years and don't consider it a profession or a career, just a job. Ron Martin, BS, HTL (ASCP) - Original Message - From: Michael Bradley jaustin1...@gmail.com To: Joyce Weems jwe...@sjha.org Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:50:27 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? HI all I am a rarity. I am an HTL with a Bachelors Degree. I got my HTL in the early 90s and I guess I was misguided because I thought it would open more doors for me than just an HT. I was sadly mistaken. After I passed my test I waited 9 months for a raise and promotion (which was just a greater title) and when I got my raise so did 2 other employees that didn't even have or try for their certification. I spent many nights and weekends studying and doing my stains for the test. I am proud of my accomplishments. It is a shame that our industry does not reconize the difference between HT and HTL. A few years back I was working as a traveling histotech and when I tried to get a permanent position no one wanted to hire me because I was over qualified by having over 15 years experience and a HTL certification. I worked hard to no avail. The histology world doesn't look for well qualified workers they look for cheap labor. I have heard more than one pathologist state that a monkey can do our job. I have also worked in a lab where they would hire someone with a GED to cut slides. A career in histology is for the most part a dead end and there is no future. As long as our industry doesn't respect education and experience there will be less and less histotechs and the quality of the slides will suffer which in turn will bring down patient care. Just my 2 cents. MB proud HTL On Tue, Jul 14, 2009 at 3:37 PM, Weems, Joyce jwe...@sjha.org wrote: Honey... You are a mere child! There are some of us that have been in the business for 40+ years. I missed the grandfather approach by 7 mo - time that I didn't work moving from place to place with my military ex-husband. But I did finally get the degree and do the exam. But we're still around. And I'll probably be working till I'm 100!!! J:) -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Thomas Jasper Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 15:16 To: Feher, Stephen Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? Hi Steve, I've got no statistics to offer you...just an observation. I would say that finding an HTL, without a Bachelor's degree is akin to the proverbial needle in a haystack. Anyone that obtained their HTL, if/when they could be grandfathered in, is likely to be retired or close to it. First of all, most folks that went the OJT route for certification were eligible to sit for the HT only (to my knowledge). I've never met anyone with an HTL that did not have a Bachelor's as a pre-requisite. I've been doing histology for ~25 years. I've met people from all over the country and various parts of the world. Truth is there isn't an abundance of HTLs out there. Unlike the Medical Lab world, with the basic differences between MTs and MLTs, anatomic path does not exactly mirror that with the HTL and HT. It's true the MT and HTL both require a Bachelor's, but responsibilities in most labs, etc., generally do not hinge on someone being an HT vs. an HTL. A person like myself is probably more common (Bachelor's and an HT). Unless you know of someone in
RE: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree?
Too bad someone doesn't do a 'survey' on this site where the question can be answered with real data... MK -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Joe Nocito Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 2:37 PM To: pathr...@comcast.net; Michael Bradley Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: Re: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? I wouldn't say that histology is a dead end job, I mean, I jumped to a PA and I know that I couldn't have passed that exam without my histology experience. The idea of adding an HTL category was initially a good one. Trying to bring us up to the MT and CT levels, but honestly, I think it fell short. Even after I received my BS, people asked me if I was going for my HTL. I told them no because I saw no benefit from it. At that time, I felt that if I couldn't get hired as a supervisor with a BS and 20 years experience, with 12 as a supervisor, I wasn't going to get the job any way. I'm not degrading HTLs by a long shot. I'm just saying for me, it wasn't worth it. After I retired from the Air Force, I was directly hired as a supervisor without the HTL. Just my three cents (inflation you know) JTT - Original Message - From: pathr...@comcast.net To: Michael Bradley jaustin1...@gmail.com Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:18 PM Subject: Re: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? Mike, I couldn't agree with you more. I'm in the same position as you. In the Boston, Mass. area people are taken right off the street and work for a year as a lab assistant then promoted to a tech in training. Most have a hs diploma, no ambition and expect good pay for bad work and poor work ethic. I have been in the histology field for 20 years and don't consider it a profession or a career, just a job. Ron Martin, BS, HTL (ASCP) - Original Message - From: Michael Bradley jaustin1...@gmail.com To: Joyce Weems jwe...@sjha.org Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:50:27 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? HI all I am a rarity. I am an HTL with a Bachelors Degree. I got my HTL in the early 90s and I guess I was misguided because I thought it would open more doors for me than just an HT. I was sadly mistaken. After I passed my test I waited 9 months for a raise and promotion (which was just a greater title) and when I got my raise so did 2 other employees that didn't even have or try for their certification. I spent many nights and weekends studying and doing my stains for the test. I am proud of my accomplishments. It is a shame that our industry does not reconize the difference between HT and HTL. A few years back I was working as a traveling histotech and when I tried to get a permanent position no one wanted to hire me because I was over qualified by having over 15 years experience and a HTL certification. I worked hard to no avail. The histology world doesn't look for well qualified workers they look for cheap labor. I have heard more than one pathologist state that a monkey can do our job. I have also worked in a lab where they would hire someone with a GED to cut slides. A career in histology is for the most part a dead end and there is no future. As long as our industry doesn't respect education and experience there will be less and less histotechs and the quality of the slides will suffer which in turn will bring down patient care. Just my 2 cents. MB proud HTL On Tue, Jul 14, 2009 at 3:37 PM, Weems, Joyce jwe...@sjha.org wrote: Honey... You are a mere child! There are some of us that have been in the business for 40+ years. I missed the grandfather approach by 7 mo - time that I didn't work moving from place to place with my military ex-husband. But I did finally get the degree and do the exam. But we're still around. And I'll probably be working till I'm 100!!! J:) -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Thomas Jasper Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 15:16 To: Feher, Stephen Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? Hi Steve, I've got no statistics to offer you...just an observation. I would say that finding an HTL, without a Bachelor's degree is akin to the proverbial needle in a haystack. Anyone that obtained their HTL, if/when they could be grandfathered in, is likely to be retired or close to it. First of all, most folks that went the OJT route for certification were eligible to sit for the HT only (to my knowledge). I've never met anyone with an HTL that did not have a Bachelor's as a pre-requisite. I've been doing histology for ~25 years. I've met people from all over the country and various parts of the world.
RE: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree?
I would just like to add that in my opinion it is people who make statements like the one below that are holding our field back from being seen as a career. The hospitals as well as the doctors are also to blame. I am very proud to have a B.S. and A.S.S. degree and an HTL certification. I would really like to see a monkey do my job and still achieve the high GLP standards and high quality of work that is required to get medical devices approved for human use. It makes me sad to hear people say that this is just a job not a career. I do not believe that anyone should be allowed to just come off the street and do our job. It up to us as a community to demand that institutions require certification and recognize our educations. I don't know about anyone else out there but my education cost me a lot of money and will keep me in debt for many years. I didn't waste all that money on just a job this is my career and I am very proud of the work I do. Nikki -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of pathr...@comcast.net Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:18 PM To: Michael Bradley Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: Re: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? Mike, I couldn't agree with you more. I'm in the same position as you. In the Boston, Mass. area people are taken right off the street and work for a year as a lab assistant then promoted to a tech in training. Most have a hs diploma, no ambition and expect good pay for bad work and poor work ethic. I have been in the histology field for 20 years and don't consider it a profession or a career, just a job. Ron Martin, BS, HTL (ASCP) - Original Message - From: Michael Bradley jaustin1...@gmail.com To: Joyce Weems jwe...@sjha.org Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:50:27 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? HI all I am a rarity. I am an HTL with a Bachelors Degree. I got my HTL in the early 90s and I guess I was misguided because I thought it would open more doors for me than just an HT. I was sadly mistaken. After I passed my test I waited 9 months for a raise and promotion (which was just a greater title) and when I got my raise so did 2 other employees that didn't even have or try for their certification. I spent many nights and weekends studying and doing my stains for the test. I am proud of my accomplishments. It is a shame that our industry does not reconize the difference between HT and HTL. A few years back I was working as a traveling histotech and when I tried to get a permanent position no one wanted to hire me because I was over qualified by having over 15 years experience and a HTL certification. I worked hard to no avail. The histology world doesn't look for well qualified workers they look for cheap labor. I have heard more than one pathologist state that a monkey can do our job. I have also worked in a lab where they would hire someone with a GED to cut slides. A career in histology is for the most part a dead end and there is no future. As long as our industry doesn't respect education and experience there will be less and less histotechs and the quality of the slides will suffer which in turn will bring down patient care. Just my 2 cents. MB proud HTL On Tue, Jul 14, 2009 at 3:37 PM, Weems, Joyce jwe...@sjha.org wrote: Honey... You are a mere child! There are some of us that have been in the business for 40+ years. I missed the grandfather approach by 7 mo - time that I didn't work moving from place to place with my military ex-husband. But I did finally get the degree and do the exam. But we're still around. And I'll probably be working till I'm 100!!! J:) -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Thomas Jasper Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 15:16 To: Feher, Stephen Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? Hi Steve, I've got no statistics to offer you...just an observation. I would say that finding an HTL, without a Bachelor's degree is akin to the proverbial needle in a haystack. Anyone that obtained their HTL, if/when they could be grandfathered in, is likely to be retired or close to it. First of all, most folks that went the OJT route for certification were eligible to sit for the HT only (to my knowledge). I've never met anyone with an HTL that did not have a Bachelor's as a pre-requisite. I've been doing histology for ~25 years. I've met people from all over the country and various parts of the world. Truth is there isn't an abundance of HTLs out there. Unlike the Medical Lab world, with the basic differences
Re: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree?
Just my opinion Nikki. Sorry you don't agree but at least I respect your opinion. - Original Message - From: Nikki Wahlberg nikki.wahlb...@bsci.com To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 7:02:48 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: RE: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? I would just like to add that in my opinion it is people who make statements like the one below that are holding our field back from being seen as a career. The hospitals as well as the doctors are also to blame. I am very proud to have a B.S. and A.S.S. degree and an HTL certification. I would really like to see a monkey do my job and still achieve the high GLP standards and high quality of work that is required to get medical devices approved for human use. It makes me sad to hear people say that this is just a job not a career. I do not believe that anyone should be allowed to just come off the street and do our job. It up to us as a community to demand that institutions require certification and recognize our educations. I don't know about anyone else out there but my education cost me a lot of money and will keep me in debt for many years. I didn't waste all that money on just a job this is my career and I am very proud of the work I do. Nikki -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of pathr...@comcast.net Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:18 PM To: Michael Bradley Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: Re: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? Mike, I couldn't agree with you more. I'm in the same position as you. In the Boston, Mass. area people are taken right off the street and work for a year as a lab assistant then promoted to a tech in training. Most have a hs diploma, no ambition and expect good pay for bad work and poor work ethic. I have been in the histology field for 20 years and don't consider it a profession or a career, just a job. Ron Martin, BS, HTL (ASCP) - Original Message - From: Michael Bradley jaustin1...@gmail.com To: Joyce Weems jwe...@sjha.org Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:50:27 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? HI all I am a rarity. I am an HTL with a Bachelors Degree. I got my HTL in the early 90s and I guess I was misguided because I thought it would open more doors for me than just an HT. I was sadly mistaken. After I passed my test I waited 9 months for a raise and promotion (which was just a greater title) and when I got my raise so did 2 other employees that didn't even have or try for their certification. I spent many nights and weekends studying and doing my stains for the test. I am proud of my accomplishments. It is a shame that our industry does not reconize the difference between HT and HTL. A few years back I was working as a traveling histotech and when I tried to get a permanent position no one wanted to hire me because I was over qualified by having over 15 years experience and a HTL certification. I worked hard to no avail. The histology world doesn't look for well qualified workers they look for cheap labor. I have heard more than one pathologist state that a monkey can do our job. I have also worked in a lab where they would hire someone with a GED to cut slides. A career in histology is for the most part a dead end and there is no future. As long as our industry doesn't respect education and experience there will be less and less histotechs and the quality of the slides will suffer which in turn will bring down patient care. Just my 2 cents. MB proud HTL On Tue, Jul 14, 2009 at 3:37 PM, Weems, Joyce jwe...@sjha.org wrote: Honey... You are a mere child! There are some of us that have been in the business for 40+ years. I missed the grandfather approach by 7 mo - time that I didn't work moving from place to place with my military ex-husband. But I did finally get the degree and do the exam. But we're still around. And I'll probably be working till I'm 100!!! J:) -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Thomas Jasper Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 15:16 To: Feher, Stephen Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? Hi Steve, I've got no statistics to offer you...just an observation. I would say that finding an HTL, without a Bachelor's degree is akin to the proverbial needle in a haystack. Anyone that obtained their HTL, if/when they could be grandfathered in, is likely to be retired or close to it. First of all, most folks that went the OJT route for certification were
Re: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree?
To Ron Martinhistology IS BOTH A PROFESSION AND A CAREER! You need a new job! Colleen Forster HT(ASCP)QIHC Wahlberg, Nikki wrote: I would just like to add that in my opinion it is people who make statements like the one below that are holding our field back from being seen as a career. The hospitals as well as the doctors are also to blame. I am very proud to have a B.S. and A.S.S. degree and an HTL certification. I would really like to see a monkey do my job and still achieve the high GLP standards and high quality of work that is required to get medical devices approved for human use. It makes me sad to hear people say that this is just a job not a career. I do not believe that anyone should be allowed to just come off the street and do our job. It up to us as a community to demand that institutions require certification and recognize our educations. I don't know about anyone else out there but my education cost me a lot of money and will keep me in debt for many years. I didn't waste all that money on just a job this is my career and I am very proud of the work I do. Nikki -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of pathr...@comcast.net Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:18 PM To: Michael Bradley Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: Re: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? Mike, I couldn't agree with you more. I'm in the same position as you. In the Boston, Mass. area people are taken right off the street and work for a year as a lab assistant then promoted to a tech in training. Most have a hs diploma, no ambition and expect good pay for bad work and poor work ethic. I have been in the histology field for 20 years and don't consider it a profession or a career, just a job. Ron Martin, BS, HTL (ASCP) - Original Message - From: Michael Bradley jaustin1...@gmail.com To: Joyce Weems jwe...@sjha.org Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:50:27 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? HI all I am a rarity. I am an HTL with a Bachelors Degree. I got my HTL in the early 90s and I guess I was misguided because I thought it would open more doors for me than just an HT. I was sadly mistaken. After I passed my test I waited 9 months for a raise and promotion (which was just a greater title) and when I got my raise so did 2 other employees that didn't even have or try for their certification. I spent many nights and weekends studying and doing my stains for the test. I am proud of my accomplishments. It is a shame that our industry does not reconize the difference between HT and HTL. A few years back I was working as a traveling histotech and when I tried to get a permanent position no one wanted to hire me because I was over qualified by having over 15 years experience and a HTL certification. I worked hard to no avail. The histology world doesn't look for well qualified workers they look for cheap labor. I have heard more than one pathologist state that a monkey can do our job. I have also worked in a lab where they would hire someone with a GED to cut slides. A career in histology is for the most part a dead end and there is no future. As long as our industry doesn't respect education and experience there will be less and less histotechs and the quality of the slides will suffer which in turn will bring down patient care. Just my 2 cents. MB proud HTL On Tue, Jul 14, 2009 at 3:37 PM, Weems, Joyce jwe...@sjha.org wrote: Honey... You are a mere child! There are some of us that have been in the business for 40+ years. I missed the grandfather approach by 7 mo - time that I didn't work moving from place to place with my military ex-husband. But I did finally get the degree and do the exam. But we're still around. And I'll probably be working till I'm 100!!! J:) -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Thomas Jasper Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 15:16 To: Feher, Stephen Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? Hi Steve, I've got no statistics to offer you...just an observation. I would say that finding an HTL, without a Bachelor's degree is akin to the proverbial needle in a haystack. Anyone that obtained their HTL, if/when they could be grandfathered in, is likely to be retired or close to it. First of all, most folks that went the OJT route for certification were eligible to sit for the HT only (to my knowledge). I've never met anyone with an HTL that did not have a Bachelor's as a pre-requisite. I've been doing histology for ~25 years. I've met people from all over the country and various parts of the world. Truth is there
Re: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree?
Colleen, One of my points of frustration is that we have never been on the same level as MT's and MLT's. I feel that part of this is because of our level of education and requirements. After seeing little changes over the years it is frustrating. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way. Yes, I would like to find another area to utilize my education and background. My apologies if I offended anyone as that was not my intention. All opinions should be respected. Ron - Original Message - From: Colleen Forster cfors...@umn.edu To: Nikki Wahlberg nikki.wahlb...@bsci.com Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 7:32:06 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? To Ron Martinhistology IS BOTH A PROFESSION AND A CAREER! You need a new job! Colleen Forster HT(ASCP)QIHC Wahlberg, Nikki wrote: I would just like to add that in my opinion it is people who make statements like the one below that are holding our field back from being seen as a career. The hospitals as well as the doctors are also to blame. I am very proud to have a B.S. and A.S.S. degree and an HTL certification. I would really like to see a monkey do my job and still achieve the high GLP standards and high quality of work that is required to get medical devices approved for human use. It makes me sad to hear people say that this is just a job not a career. I do not believe that anyone should be allowed to just come off the street and do our job. It up to us as a community to demand that institutions require certification and recognize our educations. I don't know about anyone else out there but my education cost me a lot of money and will keep me in debt for many years. I didn't waste all that money on just a job this is my career and I am very proud of the work I do. Nikki -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of pathr...@comcast.net Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:18 PM To: Michael Bradley Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: Re: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? Mike, I couldn't agree with you more. I'm in the same position as you. In the Boston, Mass. area people are taken right off the street and work for a year as a lab assistant then promoted to a tech in training. Most have a hs diploma, no ambition and expect good pay for bad work and poor work ethic. I have been in the histology field for 20 years and don't consider it a profession or a career, just a job. Ron Martin, BS, HTL (ASCP) - Original Message - From: Michael Bradley jaustin1...@gmail.com To: Joyce Weems jwe...@sjha.org Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:50:27 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? HI all I am a rarity. I am an HTL with a Bachelors Degree. I got my HTL in the early 90s and I guess I was misguided because I thought it would open more doors for me than just an HT. I was sadly mistaken. After I passed my test I waited 9 months for a raise and promotion (which was just a greater title) and when I got my raise so did 2 other employees that didn't even have or try for their certification. I spent many nights and weekends studying and doing my stains for the test. I am proud of my accomplishments. It is a shame that our industry does not reconize the difference between HT and HTL. A few years back I was working as a traveling histotech and when I tried to get a permanent position no one wanted to hire me because I was over qualified by having over 15 years experience and a HTL certification. I worked hard to no avail. The histology world doesn't look for well qualified workers they look for cheap labor. I have heard more than one pathologist state that a monkey can do our job. I have also worked in a lab where they would hire someone with a GED to cut slides. A career in histology is for the most part a dead end and there is no future. As long as our industry doesn't respect education and experience there will be less and less histotechs and the quality of the slides will suffer which in turn will bring down patient care. Just my 2 cents. MB proud HTL On Tue, Jul 14, 2009 at 3:37 PM, Weems, Joyce jwe...@sjha.org wrote: Honey... You are a mere child! There are some of us that have been in the business for 40+ years. I missed the grandfather approach by 7 mo - time that I didn't work moving from place to place with my military ex-husband. But I did finally get the degree and do the exam. But we're still around. And I'll probably be working till I'm 100!!! J:) -Original Message- From:
Re: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree?
Hey everyone, I'm actually a early 20s histotech without a certification and run my own routine histo lab. *waits for young whiper snapper remark* But I am in the process of completing my education. In all seriousness though I have to agree many out there are looking for cheap labor - so I take it upon myself to get my cert through a local program and look for jobs that are more management based and less bench work (or high paying contract work) Honestly the only true advancement I see in my career is management or consulting, but take that with a grain of salt - and throw in some fiber while your at it :P. I've only been in the field for a year. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry -Original Message- From: pathr...@comcast.net Date: Tue, 14 Jul 2009 23:40:15 To: Colleen Forstercfors...@umn.edu Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: Re: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? Colleen, One of my points of frustration is that we have never been on the same level as MT's and MLT's. I feel that part of this is because of our level of education and requirements. After seeing little changes over the years it is frustrating. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way. Yes, I would like to find another area to utilize my education and background. My apologies if I offended anyone as that was not my intention. All opinions should be respected. Ron - Original Message - From: Colleen Forster cfors...@umn.edu To: Nikki Wahlberg nikki.wahlb...@bsci.com Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 7:32:06 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? To Ron Martinhistology IS BOTH A PROFESSION AND A CAREER! You need a new job! Colleen Forster HT(ASCP)QIHC Wahlberg, Nikki wrote: I would just like to add that in my opinion it is people who make statements like the one below that are holding our field back from being seen as a career. The hospitals as well as the doctors are also to blame. I am very proud to have a B.S. and A.S.S. degree and an HTL certification. I would really like to see a monkey do my job and still achieve the high GLP standards and high quality of work that is required to get medical devices approved for human use. It makes me sad to hear people say that this is just a job not a career. I do not believe that anyone should be allowed to just come off the street and do our job. It up to us as a community to demand that institutions require certification and recognize our educations. I don't know about anyone else out there but my education cost me a lot of money and will keep me in debt for many years. I didn't waste all that money on just a job this is my career and I am very proud of the work I do. Nikki -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of pathr...@comcast.net Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:18 PM To: Michael Bradley Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: Re: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? Mike, I couldn't agree with you more. I'm in the same position as you. In the Boston, Mass. area people are taken right off the street and work for a year as a lab assistant then promoted to a tech in training. Most have a hs diploma, no ambition and expect good pay for bad work and poor work ethic. I have been in the histology field for 20 years and don't consider it a profession or a career, just a job. Ron Martin, BS, HTL (ASCP) - Original Message - From: Michael Bradley jaustin1...@gmail.com To: Joyce Weems jwe...@sjha.org Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Sent: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 4:50:27 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [Histonet] What percent of HTL's do not have a BS degree? HI all I am a rarity. I am an HTL with a Bachelors Degree. I got my HTL in the early 90s and I guess I was misguided because I thought it would open more doors for me than just an HT. I was sadly mistaken. After I passed my test I waited 9 months for a raise and promotion (which was just a greater title) and when I got my raise so did 2 other employees that didn't even have or try for their certification. I spent many nights and weekends studying and doing my stains for the test. I am proud of my accomplishments. It is a shame that our industry does not reconize the difference between HT and HTL. A few years back I was working as a traveling histotech and when I tried to get a permanent position no one wanted to hire me because I was over qualified by having over 15 years experience and a HTL certification. I worked hard to no avail. The histology world doesn't look for well qualified workers they look for cheap labor. I have heard more
