Thanks for the pep talk, Ian. I have been interested in hearing opinions 
of people in your field. I don't work in a clinical lab, I'm just along 
for the histonet ride in case I need advice and expertise in histology. 
Truly, the advice I have received is phenominal and I consider the all 
histonetters experts when it comes to histology. I have 2 degrees and it 
suits me just fine. I worked very hard educating myself. Believe it or 
not, I'm a very well rounded scientist and very qualified. I work for 
big pharma and histology is a only small part of our work (even though I 
have been doing it for 10 years).  In addition, we perform studies that 
include all aspects of molecular biology, immunology, histology, 
toxicology, pharmacology, plus in vivo and in vitro analysis of multiple 
species. The list goes on and on... There is no better formal training 
than on-the-job.  Employers loves seeing formal training, but they 
really love seeing that you dipped your hand in everything and can (or 
have) master many fields. It's nice to continue your education 
throughout your career, but what about the people who have families and 
second jobs? Kids in college? Family members/parents that need support? 
They may not have time to get all of the formal qualifications and will 
rely on skills they learn the field.....and better themselves everyday 
by being inquisitive, demanding, and ambitious. This is the best kind of 
education.

Kelly

Ian Montgomery wrote:

>         Reading these and similar postings over the last few weeks I'm 
> truly staggered that a number of my colleagues in the US have an 
> apparent  disregard for academic qualifications. While OJT is 
> invaluable, without decent recognised qualifications they are as 
> nothing. How on earth do you think our jobs will be recognised as a 
> distinct specialised branch of science without formal qualifications. 
> Get a grip of yourselves, the more highly qualified we become the 
> greater our standing in the scientific community. Educationally, I 
> have a first and second degree but that is not enough to make me a 
> fully rounded scientist so I have started another degree course and 
> I'm in the twilight of my career. Please, education is there, grasp 
> it, it's a precious beautiful gift, don't let our branch of science 
> become some OJT training only job, we are career scientists, never 
> forget it.
>         Take home message from my rant, get qualified as soon as 
> possible. Any qualification in biological science, coupled with 
> suitable training makes you a more attractive proposition to a 
> prospective employer. You can demonstrate both technical ability and 
> that you have an open enquiring mind receptive to the ever changing 
> world of biological science.
> Ian.
>
>
>
>> But lets say I wanted to be a Histotechnologist (is that the term?), 
>> what kind of education would I need? What is the difference in 
>> education for a Pathology Assistant, Technologist, etc? Sorry for the 
>> simple question, I read everyone's emails about certification and I'm 
>> just curious. Very interesting....
>>
>> Kelly McQueeney
>>
>>
>> Robyn Vazquez wrote:
>>
>>> Kelly,
>>>
>>> I have been doing histology for going on 15 years (?) and never 
>>> certified as my own choice.  I do EXCELLENT QUALITY work.  I was 
>>> taught in the military as OTJ training.
>>>
>>> Robyn
>>>
>>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
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>> Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
>> http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
>
>
> Dr. Ian Montgomery,
> Histotechnology,
> Graham Kerr Building,
> Institute of Biomedical & Life Sciences,
> University of Glasgow,
> Glasgow,
> G12 8QQ.
> Tel: 0141 339 8855
> Office: 4652
> Lab: 6644.
> Pager: 07623 975451
> e-mail: ian.montgomery@bio.gla.ac.uk 
>
> _______________________________________________
> Histonet mailing list
> Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
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