[Histonet] Salary / Temp positions

Fri Apr 11 23:47:54 CDT 2008

Not all college is as expensive as people might think.  We have an AS 
degree in Histotechnology.  We are a NAACLS accredited program.  The 
students are required to take about 70 units of classes to complete their 
degree.  This will vary with the math and English competencies that they 
come in with.  The cost is $20 per unit, plus books and fees.  There are 
also many scholarships available at our institution that will cover many 
of the students expenses.  Our graduates are starting with very decent 
salaries so the cost of college has not set them back financially, but 
provided them with many career opportunities.

 Jennifer MacDonald
Director, Histotechnician Training Program
Mt. San Antonio College
1100 N. Grand Ave.
Walnut, CA 91789
(909) 594-5611 ext. 4884
jmacdonald <@t> mtsac.edu

"Cory Collins" <cory.collins <@t> DHAT.com> 
Sent by: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
04/10/2008 12:57 PM

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Subject
[Histonet] Salary / Temp positions

Hey Cindy,

I think you have a valid point with the cost of 2-4 years worth of
schooling.  It is very expensive.  But we're not the only ones faced
with the problem of low pay out of college and student loans.  Teachers
get paid far less than what they deserve and they still do it and there
is a huge shortage of teachers, just like techs.  This is where we are
at in the profession and it's not going to change, this is the answer
that the powers that be have come up with. 

I think it's important for a tech to have a strong background in
science.  This will certainly help them to be able to troubleshoot
problems in the lab.  The histology world is getting much more complex
with the use of IHC, ISH, FISH, image analysis and whatever else is on
the horizon.  I'm not saying that a tech that doesn't have formal
training can't learn these things on the job, I've taught a few techs
these areas that didn't know squat about science before coming into the
lab and they've done great.  But to improve our pay over the next couple
of decades, I think ASCP is right on with the requirements.
Unfortunately that means a shortage of techs and it'll probably be that
way for the next several years. Our answer to ASCP's requirements is
getting the word out to anyone that will listen about histology as a
career, especially young people. 

I graduated almost 9 years ago and am still paying on my student loans,
I have a ways to go.  The good news is the lenders give you plenty of
time to do it and you can get on a payment program where the payments
start low and increase over time.  This allows you to make a living
right out of school and then pay more when you should be making more, a
few years after graduation. 

Just my two cents...I think a college degree is well worth the price of
admission.  The experience along with the long-term earning potential
makes it a good investment. 

Cory Collins, HT (ASCP) QIHC

Histology Lab Supervisor

Digestive Health Associates of Texas

7920 Elmbrook Dr, Suite 104

Dallas, TX 75247

P: (214)689-5960 x 311

F: (214)689-3804

www.DHAT.com

Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2008 10:12:54 -0700

From: "Cindy DuBois" <integrated.histo <@t> gmail.com>

Subject: [Histonet] Salary / Temp positions

To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu

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If we think about the cost of 2-4 years of college to obtain a degree in

order to qualify for the Histology test, most of us would be in debt
when

finished.  Then look at our salary and you can see how the requirements
just

aren't supported by the salary.  Most of the students will come out of

college owing on student loans.  The salaries they would receive as new

histotech would allow them to pay off their student loanswhile
maintaining a

decent living (at least here in CA).

With both my sons in college (using student loans) we had to take a
serious

look at the final amount they will owe when the graduate and compare it
to

what they would be earning.

I am not sure what the solution is.  Any ideas?

Cindy

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