[Histonet] RE: Re:peggy wenk comments on HT/HTL practical

[Tim Higgins]

I have to agree with the fact that students should not be released into the
workforce without any practical experience.  We team up with a local college
(St. Phillips College, San Antonio TX) that produces several students a year
and we along with other facilities help in the rotations for students to
deal with the practical experience they desperately need.

In my opinion, any program that produces students without the basic skill
set (embedding and microtomy) along with basics of fixation, special stains,
etc. should not be allowed to be a "Approved" program.  Again, this is just
my opinion.

I want to know who approves a program that would send a student into the
workforce without the basic skill set, that blows me away!!!  Producing
students that are not functional is taking the Histology field a step
backwards in getting the respect and pay over the years that we have worked
so hard to receive in the healthcare world.

Wow!!

Thanks,

Tim


-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, August 30, 2011 13:59
To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] Re:peggy wenk comments on HT/HTL practical - To stick a
Pin



I don't understand how a student of any program would have not a portion of
their program dedicated to these skills. We partner with Darton College and
their students to do a certain number of hours for their "Clinicals". They
know how to do those things, are trained by the clinical coordinator for the
program, and are graded on their work.

Are they prepared to go into a lab and work like they've done OJT for 1-2
years? Not at all, but they need to be hired with the understanding that
they will need time and patience to develop their speed and their skill.

My 2 cents...


Joyce Weems
Pathology Manager
Saint Joseph's Hospital
5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30342
678-843-7376 - Phone
678-843-7831 - Fax


-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Matthew
Lunetta
Sent: Tuesday, August 30, 2011 13:59
To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] Re:peggy wenk comments on HT/HTL practical - To stick a
Pin

Hey all,

I found Peggy's comments on why the practical was discontinued to be very
interesting. Of late I have had some experience with a new HT that graduated
from a program and passed the current HT exam.
So, as they say in Great Britain, to stick a pin in the ASCP reasons.

This new fresh and shiny HT has all the book knowledge we needed them to
have. What they did not have was any technical skills.
1) never used a microscope or centrifuge.
2) no special staining experience
3) no embedding experience
4) no cutting experience

When they cut or embed they are no were near the speed, accuracy or quality
that is needed in our industry. While they can answer any question you ask
them they just do not have the technical skills one would expect from a new
graduate.

I have learned several lessons from this experience.

1) I am so very glad I was one of the last HT's to have taken the practical
2) Any new HT's will be taking a practical if I am involved in the selection
process.
3) I will question they quality of any new HT from this particular program

While I am sure that there are many new HT's that do have the skills needed,
this one experience has caused me to be more cautious.

Respectfully,

Matt Lunetta
BS, HT (ASCP)