RE: [Histonet] Uncertified Histotechs
I would look to the pharmaceutical industry, or industry in general, if they are hiring. I believe they are more willing to hire without certification than a hospital. Philip Manfre, B.A., HT (ASCP) Associate Principal Scientist Merck Research Laboratories WP45-251 PO Box 4 West Point, PA 19486 -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Jon Hannasch Sent: Thursday, August 22, 2013 7:43 PM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Uncertified Histotechs Is getting a job as an uncertified histotech a thing of the past? I have a friend who has been a very skilled histotech for many years and they have been looking for a job for about a year now. Is this due to bad interviewing or a lack of certification? I'm curious to see if this has happened to other people. They have applied at hospitals and bigger labs such as Caris. Im not asking for a job lead for them I'm just more curious if certification has become a prerequisite now. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet Notice: This e-mail message, together with any attachments, contains information of Merck Co., Inc. (One Merck Drive, Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, USA 08889), and/or its affiliates Direct contact information for affiliates is available at http://www.merck.com/contact/contacts.html) that may be confidential, proprietary copyrighted and/or legally privileged. It is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity named on this message. If you are not the intended recipient, and have received this message in error, please notify us immediately by reply e-mail and then delete it from your system. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] Uncertified Histotechs
If you have pharmaceutical, some veterinary and research areas in universities or even some private labs are not as strict. In the future we may all face the challenge of having a certification as a requirement and we should be ready it. We have seen the field change and my only issue is getting ASCP, CLIA and NSH to assist us in getting recognition for what we do and schools to educate the next generations. Pam Marcum UAMS -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Manfre, Philip Sent: Monday, August 26, 2013 6:50 AM To: Jon Hannasch; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] Uncertified Histotechs I would look to the pharmaceutical industry, or industry in general, if they are hiring. I believe they are more willing to hire without certification than a hospital. Philip Manfre, B.A., HT (ASCP) Associate Principal Scientist Merck Research Laboratories WP45-251 PO Box 4 West Point, PA 19486 -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Jon Hannasch Sent: Thursday, August 22, 2013 7:43 PM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Uncertified Histotechs Is getting a job as an uncertified histotech a thing of the past? I have a friend who has been a very skilled histotech for many years and they have been looking for a job for about a year now. Is this due to bad interviewing or a lack of certification? I'm curious to see if this has happened to other people. They have applied at hospitals and bigger labs such as Caris. Im not asking for a job lead for them I'm just more curious if certification has become a prerequisite now. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet Notice: This e-mail message, together with any attachments, contains information of Merck Co., Inc. (One Merck Drive, Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, USA 08889), and/or its affiliates Direct contact information for affiliates is available at http://www.merck.com/contact/contacts.html) that may be confidential, proprietary copyrighted and/or legally privileged. It is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity named on this message. If you are not the intended recipient, and have received this message in error, please notify us immediately by reply e-mail and then delete it from your system. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet -- Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] Uncertified Histotechs
It still seems to vary by market ( many factors including licensure in some states), and by organization based on my observations. But I believe that there is certainly a trend toward certification. At my organization they require certification for any consideration, and also education to meet CLIA. But you are likely to get many different opinions on your question. Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC From: jon2038...@maricopa.edu Date: Thu, 22 Aug 2013 16:43:10 -0700 To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Uncertified Histotechs Is getting a job as an uncertified histotech a thing of the past? I have a friend who has been a very skilled histotech for many years and they have been looking for a job for about a year now. Is this due to bad interviewing or a lack of certification? I'm curious to see if this has happened to other people. They have applied at hospitals and bigger labs such as Caris. Im not asking for a job lead for them I'm just more curious if certification has become a prerequisite now. ___ 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] Uncertified Histotechs
While I understand the need for certification and continuing education, because of regulations it is very hard to even have your OJT's sit for their certification. Recently I interviewed candidates for an open position at my facility. One candidate in particular looked very good on paper. I brought this person in for an interview. Candidate was certified by CAP as a Histo- Technician. I always test their microtomy skills. Imagine my dismay when after more than I hour this person had not produced one decent slide. Needless to say the interview was pretty much over. Lesson here is that letters after one's name does not make a good Histo-Tech. Beatrice Sullivan HT(ASCP)HTL CLSP(NCA) Corporate Histology Supervisor Virtua,Voorhees -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of joelle weaver Sent: Friday, August 23, 2013 8:00 AM To: Jon Hannasch; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] Uncertified Histotechs It still seems to vary by market ( many factors including licensure in some states), and by organization based on my observations. But I believe that there is certainly a trend toward certification. At my organization they require certification for any consideration, and also education to meet CLIA. But you are likely to get many different opinions on your question. Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC From: jon2038...@maricopa.edu Date: Thu, 22 Aug 2013 16:43:10 -0700 To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Uncertified Histotechs Is getting a job as an uncertified histotech a thing of the past? I have a friend who has been a very skilled histotech for many years and they have been looking for a job for about a year now. Is this due to bad interviewing or a lack of certification? I'm curious to see if this has happened to other people. They have applied at hospitals and bigger labs such as Caris. Im not asking for a job lead for them I'm just more curious if certification has become a prerequisite now. ___ 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 This message, and any included attachments, are from Virtua Health or its related affiliates and is intended only for the addressee(s). The information contained herein is privileged, proprietary or may include confidential information and/or protected patient health information. Any unauthorized review, forwarding, printing, copying, distributing, or otherwise disseminating or taking any action based on such information is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, or have reason to believe you are not authorized to receive it, please delete this message promptly and notify the sender by e-mail with a copy to issecur...@virtua.org. Thank you ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] Uncertified Histotechs
This will be difficult discussion for many of us who were OJT in the 60s to even into the 90s however; ASCP and states have now developed licensing regulations that require through CLIA that almost prohibit the this track for registration. The problem here is we have too few schools and hospitals willing to go that route. We are now training people only on automated equipment at many sites and the fact they pass a test does not mean they troubleshoot problems from processing, embedding, sectioning and staining. We are only looking at people who have an HT or HTL at this point and it can be very difficult. It is a decision based on the University and CLIA. Pam -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Sullivan, Beatrice Sent: Friday, August 23, 2013 7:29 AM To: joelle weaver; Jon Hannasch; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] Uncertified Histotechs While I understand the need for certification and continuing education, because of regulations it is very hard to even have your OJT's sit for their certification. Recently I interviewed candidates for an open position at my facility. One candidate in particular looked very good on paper. I brought this person in for an interview. Candidate was certified by CAP as a Histo- Technician. I always test their microtomy skills. Imagine my dismay when after more than I hour this person had not produced one decent slide. Needless to say the interview was pretty much over. Lesson here is that letters after one's name does not make a good Histo-Tech. Beatrice Sullivan HT(ASCP)HTL CLSP(NCA) Corporate Histology Supervisor Virtua,Voorhees -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of joelle weaver Sent: Friday, August 23, 2013 8:00 AM To: Jon Hannasch; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] Uncertified Histotechs It still seems to vary by market ( many factors including licensure in some states), and by organization based on my observations. But I believe that there is certainly a trend toward certification. At my organization they require certification for any consideration, and also education to meet CLIA. But you are likely to get many different opinions on your question. Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC From: jon2038...@maricopa.edu Date: Thu, 22 Aug 2013 16:43:10 -0700 To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Uncertified Histotechs Is getting a job as an uncertified histotech a thing of the past? I have a friend who has been a very skilled histotech for many years and they have been looking for a job for about a year now. Is this due to bad interviewing or a lack of certification? I'm curious to see if this has happened to other people. They have applied at hospitals and bigger labs such as Caris. Im not asking for a job lead for them I'm just more curious if certification has become a prerequisite now. ___ 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 This message, and any included attachments, are from Virtua Health or its related affiliates and is intended only for the addressee(s). The information contained herein is privileged, proprietary or may include confidential information and/or protected patient health information. Any unauthorized review, forwarding, printing, copying, distributing, or otherwise disseminating or taking any action based on such information is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, or have reason to believe you are not authorized to receive it, please delete this message promptly and notify the sender by e-mail with a copy to issecur...@virtua.org. Thank you ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet -- Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
Re: [Histonet] Uncertified Histotechs
I've noticed that a few jobs at UPMC for histotechs require experience, but not certification. You do have to be certified within a year of employment though. I'm thinking this is due to the lack of research jobs, so people like me (lab techs from research) are moving into hospital labs with enough skill, but not certification. This is something I'm looking into doing, as I can section like a pro, but I don't have the time or money to take classes right now. Beatrice, that one thing I'm worried about--I'm terrible at sectioning under pressure! Though an hour is a long time to not have one good slide... Emily By bitching and bitching and bitching, they could exhaust the drama of their own horror stories. Grow bored. Only then could they accept a new story for their lives. Move forward. -Chuck Palahniuk, Haunted On Thu, Aug 22, 2013 at 7:43 PM, Jon Hannasch jon2038...@maricopa.eduwrote: Is getting a job as an uncertified histotech a thing of the past? I have a friend who has been a very skilled histotech for many years and they have been looking for a job for about a year now. Is this due to bad interviewing or a lack of certification? I'm curious to see if this has happened to other people. They have applied at hospitals and bigger labs such as Caris. Im not asking for a job lead for them I'm just more curious if certification has become a prerequisite now. ___ 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
AW: [Histonet] Uncertified Histotechs
It's interesting to see the diference in aquisition of a person for histolab. Here in Austria only biomedical scientist have the legal right for working with clinical samples. Therefore one part of education deals also with histotechnology and they have a few practical hours on microtome. But I would never expect a newborn BMA to be able to cut from the very beginning. After a few weeks in the grossing room, new BMAs learn real cutting on clinical samples and they are given three to four weeks at least to learn the whole spectrum (from appendix to core-biopsies). It has some advantages to take the own hands on the new coworker. (Besides, as far as I remember, we never got a new histotech from another histolab in the last 20 years.) On the other hand new employees can be easily signed off in the first 6 months, if they don't reach the trainings-aims. So I think, skilled people learn cutting fast enough. More important, from my point of view, is, that they have already learned the theoretical background. Because theory-learning beside working (especially at home) is often assumed as impossible. Gudrun -Ursprüngliche Nachricht- Von: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] Im Auftrag von Sullivan, Beatrice Gesendet: Freitag, 23. August 2013 14:29 An: joelle weaver; Jon Hannasch; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Betreff: RE: [Histonet] Uncertified Histotechs While I understand the need for certification and continuing education, because of regulations it is very hard to even have your OJT's sit for their certification. Recently I interviewed candidates for an open position at my facility. One candidate in particular looked very good on paper. I brought this person in for an interview. Candidate was certified by CAP as a Histo- Technician. I always test their microtomy skills. Imagine my dismay when after more than I hour this person had not produced one decent slide. Needless to say the interview was pretty much over. Lesson here is that letters after one's name does not make a good Histo-Tech. Beatrice Sullivan HT(ASCP)HTL CLSP(NCA) Corporate Histology Supervisor Virtua,Voorhees -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of joelle weaver Sent: Friday, August 23, 2013 8:00 AM To: Jon Hannasch; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] Uncertified Histotechs It still seems to vary by market ( many factors including licensure in some states), and by organization based on my observations. But I believe that there is certainly a trend toward certification. At my organization they require certification for any consideration, and also education to meet CLIA. But you are likely to get many different opinions on your question. Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC From: jon2038...@maricopa.edu Date: Thu, 22 Aug 2013 16:43:10 -0700 To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Uncertified Histotechs Is getting a job as an uncertified histotech a thing of the past? I have a friend who has been a very skilled histotech for many years and they have been looking for a job for about a year now. Is this due to bad interviewing or a lack of certification? I'm curious to see if this has happened to other people. They have applied at hospitals and bigger labs such as Caris. Im not asking for a job lead for them I'm just more curious if certification has become a prerequisite now. ___ 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 This message, and any included attachments, are from Virtua Health or its related affiliates and is intended only for the addressee(s). The information contained herein is privileged, proprietary or may include confidential information and/or protected patient health information. Any unauthorized review, forwarding, printing, copying, distributing, or otherwise disseminating or taking any action based on such information is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, or have reason to believe you are not authorized to receive it, please delete this message promptly and notify the sender by e-mail with a copy to issecur...@virtua.org. Thank you ___ 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] Uncertified Histotechs
I also test any bench HT's practical ability whether they appear with credentials of certification, degrees or otherwise. They MUST have the practical technical abilities to do well on the bench, enough said. In an interview situation, what you have are some tools and bits of information in a very contrived situation to give you some insight into how the person will act and perform as an actual employee. If your market or your organization, allows you the freedom to make your own hiring criteria, then good for you. But if there are legislative or organizational policies where you live or work that create stipulations, then that is how it goes. This discussion has rarely gone anywhere in the posts before, and seems to make more people upset than anything else. I guess no one appreciates being placed into some category. Hey, if you want to become certified, go for it, if you don't that is fine too. The question was about whether this affecting hiring- and I do think it does, in some places very much, in others maybe less? There are always a multitude of factors. Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC From: bsulli...@virtua.org To: joellewea...@hotmail.com; jon2038...@maricopa.edu; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] Uncertified Histotechs Date: Fri, 23 Aug 2013 12:29:20 + While I understand the need for certification and continuing education, because of regulations it is very hard to even have your OJT's sit for their certification. Recently I interviewed candidates for an open position at my facility. One candidate in particular looked very good on paper. I brought this person in for an interview. Candidate was certified by CAP as a Histo- Technician. I always test their microtomy skills. Imagine my dismay when after more than I hour this person had not produced one decent slide. Needless to say the interview was pretty much over. Lesson here is that letters after one's name does not make a good Histo-Tech. Beatrice Sullivan HT(ASCP)HTL CLSP(NCA) Corporate Histology Supervisor Virtua,Voorhees -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of joelle weaver Sent: Friday, August 23, 2013 8:00 AM To: Jon Hannasch; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] Uncertified Histotechs It still seems to vary by market ( many factors including licensure in some states), and by organization based on my observations. But I believe that there is certainly a trend toward certification. At my organization they require certification for any consideration, and also education to meet CLIA. But you are likely to get many different opinions on your question. Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC From: jon2038...@maricopa.edu Date: Thu, 22 Aug 2013 16:43:10 -0700 To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Uncertified Histotechs Is getting a job as an uncertified histotech a thing of the past? I have a friend who has been a very skilled histotech for many years and they have been looking for a job for about a year now. Is this due to bad interviewing or a lack of certification? I'm curious to see if this has happened to other people. They have applied at hospitals and bigger labs such as Caris. Im not asking for a job lead for them I'm just more curious if certification has become a prerequisite now. ___ 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 This message, and any included attachments, are from Virtua Health or its related affiliates and is intended only for the addressee(s). The information contained herein is privileged, proprietary or may include confidential information and/or protected patient health information. Any unauthorized review, forwarding, printing, copying, distributing, or otherwise disseminating or taking any action based on such information is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, or have reason to believe you are not authorized to receive it, please delete this message promptly and notify the sender by e-mail with a copy to issecur...@virtua.org. Thank you ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
Re: [Histonet] Uncertified Histotechs
Well, my opinion is based on my own experience. I was hired as a histotech with no prior histology experience besides what I completed in the laboratory in college (This was only four years ago in Columbia, MO). I trained on the job, then moved to be a histotech in Cedar Rapids Iowa. I then decided that this was what I wanted to do. So, I bought the textbooks, read them, and sat for my HTL exam (the route 2 method). I graduated top of my class with a triple major in biology, life science and chemistry. Once I became an HTL, I decided to move along my career. Age 27, only in histology for three years, I am the anatomic pathology supervisor. I really think it varies on facility hiring. Some places you must have the certification. By doing the self study and learning on the job, I learned great skills from a handful of senior techs and I passed my exam on the first try. I have two friends that went through histo school and have each failed the test twice. My point? I feel it depends on the individual and where you are. Beth Brinegar HTL(ASCP) Anatomic Pathology Supervisor Mercy Medical Center Cedar Rapids, IA 52403 On Fri, Aug 23, 2013 at 9:17 AM, joelle weaver joellewea...@hotmail.comwrote: I also test any bench HT's practical ability whether they appear with credentials of certification, degrees or otherwise. They MUST have the practical technical abilities to do well on the bench, enough said. In an interview situation, what you have are some tools and bits of information in a very contrived situation to give you some insight into how the person will act and perform as an actual employee. If your market or your organization, allows you the freedom to make your own hiring criteria, then good for you. But if there are legislative or organizational policies where you live or work that create stipulations, then that is how it goes. This discussion has rarely gone anywhere in the posts before, and seems to make more people upset than anything else. I guess no one appreciates being placed into some category. Hey, if you want to become certified, go for it, if you don't that is fine too. The question was about whether this affecting hiring- and I do think it does, in some places very much, in others maybe less? There are always a multitude of factors. Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC From: bsulli...@virtua.org To: joellewea...@hotmail.com; jon2038...@maricopa.edu; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] Uncertified Histotechs Date: Fri, 23 Aug 2013 12:29:20 + While I understand the need for certification and continuing education, because of regulations it is very hard to even have your OJT's sit for their certification. Recently I interviewed candidates for an open position at my facility. One candidate in particular looked very good on paper. I brought this person in for an interview. Candidate was certified by CAP as a Histo- Technician. I always test their microtomy skills. Imagine my dismay when after more than I hour this person had not produced one decent slide. Needless to say the interview was pretty much over. Lesson here is that letters after one's name does not make a good Histo-Tech. Beatrice Sullivan HT(ASCP)HTL CLSP(NCA) Corporate Histology Supervisor Virtua,Voorhees -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of joelle weaver Sent: Friday, August 23, 2013 8:00 AM To: Jon Hannasch; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] Uncertified Histotechs It still seems to vary by market ( many factors including licensure in some states), and by organization based on my observations. But I believe that there is certainly a trend toward certification. At my organization they require certification for any consideration, and also education to meet CLIA. But you are likely to get many different opinions on your question. Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC From: jon2038...@maricopa.edu Date: Thu, 22 Aug 2013 16:43:10 -0700 To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Uncertified Histotechs Is getting a job as an uncertified histotech a thing of the past? I have a friend who has been a very skilled histotech for many years and they have been looking for a job for about a year now. Is this due to bad interviewing or a lack of certification? I'm curious to see if this has happened to other people. They have applied at hospitals and bigger labs such as Caris. Im not asking for a job lead for them I'm just more curious if certification has become a prerequisite now. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet
RE: [Histonet] Uncertified Histotechs
Thank you everyone for your interest in this subject. I get an overwhelming feeling that being certified is practically necessary to apply for histotech jobs. It seems like if you lack certification then you will be lucky to find a place interested in you. Even if you have all the experience. It's too bad because I recently went through school for histology and got my HT certification. Once I applied for jobs I got hired relatively quick and I could barely make a decent slide. My friend who is uncertified with all the experience just can't seem to find. I guess certification is everything now. It doesn't make much sense but that's just the way it is. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] Uncertified Histotechs
Once I applied for jobs I got hired relatively quick and I could barely make a decent slide. Don't feel bad about that. That is what entry level is all about. It reminds me of my first week as an electron microscopy technologist (which is what I did before learning histotechnology). I went to school for EM (Delta College, Stockton, CA) and there I did maybe 5 specimens total for biological TEM. I got hired as an EM tech at a hospital and in the first week did 12 cases. It did not take long at all to become expert at cutting. That was the easy part. The harder part was learning the pathology so I could independently review cases and take meaningful photos. With my degree in cell biology I at least knew what normal cells looked like! Then it was just learning what the abnormal ones looked like. The school taught me the theoretical aspects of EM and biology. The skill was acquired on the job. That is pretty much how it has to happen. You simply can't do enough hands-on work in school to become truly skillful at manual work. But once you acquire the skill, what will carry you forward is your theoretical background and ability to do work beyond the routine. Tim Morken Supervisor, Electron Microscopy/Neuromuscular Special Studies Department of Pathology UC San Francisco Medical Center -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Jon Hannasch Sent: Friday, August 23, 2013 1:54 PM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] Uncertified Histotechs Thank you everyone for your interest in this subject. I get an overwhelming feeling that being certified is practically necessary to apply for histotech jobs. It seems like if you lack certification then you will be lucky to find a place interested in you. Even if you have all the experience. It's too bad because I recently went through school for histology and got my HT certification. Once I applied for jobs I got hired relatively quick and I could barely make a decent slide. My friend who is uncertified with all the experience just can't seem to find. I guess certification is everything now. It doesn't make much sense but that's just the way it is. ___ 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] Uncertified Histotechs
Is getting a job as an uncertified histotech a thing of the past? I have a friend who has been a very skilled histotech for many years and they have been looking for a job for about a year now. Is this due to bad interviewing or a lack of certification? I'm curious to see if this has happened to other people. They have applied at hospitals and bigger labs such as Caris. Im not asking for a job lead for them I'm just more curious if certification has become a prerequisite now. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] uncertified histotechs
wow! I've been sitting here reading these opinions and had to get my 35 years worth. I was a histotech long before I was a certified histotech. After 25 years of doing histology, I decided to get my certification for my own gratification, however in doing so it also made quit a difference in my pay scale but did not make me a better histotech as I feel my experience in the field was worth more than that piece of paper. I will put my slides up against anyone else, the ones before my certification and after. I have in the last 2 years had a cytotech who I have crosstrained in histology and she can put out a pretty good slide also. I do not know if she will take the certification or not, but she can work in my lab anytime. I have also in the last 2 years started doing IHC's. I hope to take my certification in IHC sometime in the next 25 years, however, my pathologists are quite pleased with my work. Cathy Boyd HT(ASCP) Beaufort County Medical Center Washington, NC ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
