[Histonet] Re: Is anybody hiring techs without a certification?

[Jon Krupp]

On May 9, 2011, at 8:58 AM, Grantham, Andrea L - (algranth) wrote:

> Pam,
> I can tell you that NSH is totally aware of this situation and one of our goals is to try to do something about it. These things are not done quickly however but little by little we are making some progress. We have partnered with other healthcare professionals like CLSI, NAACLS, CLMA, Health Professions Network, Assoc. of Pathology Chairs just to name a few (for a better list check out the NSH web site). All this in an effort to make histotechnology and histotechs known in the healthcare community. Programs like the Career Days and the Histotechnology Professionals Day were created for this purpose as well. These things don't happen by themselves either, we all have to take the responsibility of getting the word out. I know that you are doing what you can - I am too, speaking at local schools and service clubs. For HPD I had an article in our local newspaper. We just need more techs willing to do these things.
> 
> When techs can't travel to an educational venue there are teleconferences, the online learning center ( especially for your OJT's) and CEU's from the Journal just to name some alternatives.
> 
> We do need more schools but this is difficult. We had a very successful program here at our Community College but (and because of lack of understanding and some political stuff too) they discontinued it last year. 



This thread is interesting to me for several reasons.  I was considering adding a Histology training program here at Delta, and  I have run into the same problems as everyone else.

First, there is no money here to start new programs. Despite having most of the equipment available and an offer from a local supply house for assistance, our campus is broke and getting broker. No new programs on the horizon, some existing programs are being cut or eliminated. We could probably swing it, except for the instructor costs. Unless someone is willing to teach the classes for free, I don't think we would have the $$ to pay them.

Next, we have no place to send students for their internships. Most of the path labs around here are small and we might be able to place, maybe, 3 students a semester. The local folks are very supportive and if 3 students a year would sustain a program here we would go for it. I also lack much in the way of contacts with the local healthcare professionals. Until we found the local vendor, I was lost in getting professionals for the advisory board, evaluation process, and review committees. Our local vendor stepped right up and offered to make contacts with labs and pathologists who could sign on and sign off where needed, but that will still not allow a programs to get started here.

Bottom line is that the bean counters now require at least 20 - 25 students per class to cover expenses. Because of the way we are funded, students enrolled are worth so much, it takes at least 20 students to break even. Even if we could enroll 20 students every time the class was offered, where would I send them for internships around here? Our nursing program is in a similar boat. They can fill the classes, they have long waiting lists and had to go to a lottery to select students. But, they are limited by locations for students to get their clinical work. 

Wishing it were different,

Jon

Jonathan Krupp
Delta College
5151Pacific Ave.
Stockton, CA  95207
209-954-5284
jkrupp <@t> deltacollege.edu