Joe,  Once you finish your OJT requirements, take the certification exam
and become a PA you will see that the OJT vs Program trained debate is
alive and well within the PA ranks.  I think many people within the AAPA
and also on histonet fail to realize that OJT stands for On The Job
TRAINING.  It is simply another tool to teach a profession.  The problem
is that where NAACLS approved programs are all very similar in the
content and level of instruction, OJT programs are not regulated and can
differ greatly.  This is where certification helps to level the playing
field.  Everyone, program trained or OJT must be able to prove a certain
knowledge base.  Even in a very hands on profession as Histology the
required knowledge base of twenty years ago is hardly adequate today.
For the PA exam- Study, study and re-study your Robbins.  The knowledge
base is vast and all areas are covered in the exam.  I have heard people
complain that they are not good test takers.  Well, in my experience,
most people that fail tests just aren't prepared.  Degrees are great and
proper OJT is invaluable but even pathologists have to follow their med
school and residency with a very tough board exam.  I don't think I want
a pathologist, that failed his boards, reading my slide with the excuse:
"I'm a good pathologist but I failed my boards because I'm not a good
test taker."
I know you and your experience level Joe.  Trust me; you will make a
fine and professional (even if a bit vocal) PA.  Just remember,
ROBBINS-ROBBINS-ROBBINS.

Chuck    
  

-----Original Message-----
From: Joe Nocito [mailto:jnocito@satx.rr.com] 
Sent: Monday, April 04, 2005 8:32 PM
To: Charles.Embrey; Chung, Luong
Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: Re: Re: [Histonet] Re: ASCP - My 2 cents

Okay,
 this may be a little out range, but I'm trying to become a
Pathologists' 
Assistant doing the OJT route. Does that make me any less professional
that 
someone who completes an accredited program?

Joe Nocito BS, HT(ASCP)QIHC
Histology Manager
Pathology Reference Lab
San Antonio, TX
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Charles.Embrey" 
To: "Chung, Luong" 
Cc: 
Sent: Monday, April 04, 2005 1:07 PM
Subject: RE: Re: [Histonet] Re: ASCP - My 2 cents


Ok, someone right out of medical school has the M.D. after their name.
Now would you let them remove your gallbladder without assistance before
they do their (OJT)residency in surgery.  Sure the degree is about the
knowledge and theory but the OJT is about the practice.  I for one think
that a true professional has an ample helping of both.
Chuck

-----Original Message-----
From: Chung, Luong [mailto:lchung@ppmh.org]
Sent: Monday, April 04, 2005 1:00 PM
To: Charles.Embrey; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: Re: [Histonet] Re: ASCP - My 2 cents

He has an M.D. behind his name.

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces@lists.utsouthwestern.edu]On Behalf Of
Charles.Embrey
Sent: Monday, April 04, 2005 1:56 PM
To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: FW: Re: [Histonet] Re: ASCP - My 2 cents




-----Original Message-----
From: Charles.Embrey
Sent: Monday, April 04, 2005 12:56 PM
To: 'Chung, Luong'
Subject: RE: Re: [Histonet] Re: ASCP - My 2 cents

What do you think a doctor's residency is?

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Chung,
Luong
Sent: Monday, April 04, 2005 10:21 AM
To: Larry Woody; Histonet (E-mail)
Subject: RE: Re: [Histonet] Re: ASCP - My 2 cents

You wouldn't go to see an OJT Doctors or nurses would you?



-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces@lists.utsouthwestern.edu]On Behalf Of Larry
Woody
Sent: Monday, April 04, 2005 11:03 AM
To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: Fwd: Re: [Histonet] Re: ASCP - My 2 cents


Bravo Ian: The problem here in the US is that there are thousands upon
thousands of people working in histology labs that are not registered
and don't have the theory behind histology and probably never will, and
that is just the way some institutions and organizations want to keep
it. That is not to say that some of these people are not dedicated to
their jobs but if your in the field why not get the registry. Larry


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