[Histonet] Uncertified Histotechs

[Beth Brinegar]

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 <joelleweaver <@t> hotmail.com>wrote:

> 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: BSullivan <@t> virtua.org
> > To: joelleweaver <@t> hotmail.com; jon2038433 <@t> maricopa.edu;
> histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> > Subject: RE: [Histonet] Uncertified Histotechs
> > Date: Fri, 23 Aug 2013 12:29:20 +0000
> >
> > 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-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:
> histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of joelle weaver
> > Sent: Friday, August 23, 2013 8:00 AM
> > To: Jon Hannasch; histonet <@t> 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: jon2038433 <@t> maricopa.edu
> > > Date: Thu, 22 Aug 2013 16:43:10 -0700
> > > To: histonet <@t> 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.
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