Hello Tom

I'm in Arizona and as far as I know there are no state regulations
regarding the certification of histotechs, nor does my facility have any
requirements in that regard although we give preference to those who are
certified in those situations when we have a certified and non-certified
applicant for an opening. Most labs where I have worked have non-certified
techs. At the lab that I currently manage we have two certified techs and
two non-certified techs. The non-certified techs are in the process of
getting their certification.

Most facilities in Phoenix would prefer that their techs are certified and
certified techs will usually be hired before non-certified ones. Since
there is no state requirement many non-certified techs in Arizona have
never felt it necessary to challenge the exam because in the long run it
has no effect on their pay or their ability to be hired. Our non-certified
techs receive the same pay that a certified tech would receive. I have
questioned this with our HR department and was told that wages are based on
the ability to do the job and not of certification. If and when my
non-certified techs become HT's they will not receive any additional pay
for being certified.

As long as non-certified techs have the ability to be hired and receive the
same wages as certified techs this situation is not like to change soon in
this area. I hope this helps to answer your questions.

Fred Fifield  BS, HT (ASCP)
Pathology Section Manager
Sun Health - Boswell Memorial Hospital
(623) 876-5338



Dear Fellow Histonetters,
     Two posts in one day ought to be a record for me, but as demand
dictates, I have returned with yet another question.
     This question may be directed more toward the Histology managers or
histologists who know a little about regulations in the group as I once
again as for your most valuable help.
     I am inquiring on behalf of a friend and fellow Histologist who at the
moment does not have access to a computer, so pardon me if this isn't very
clear as this is coming to me second hand.
     The question is: What are the individual state requirements for a
histology technician that is not certified? Is there such regulation that
exists within the states that would regulate hiring staff and what kind of
requirements would a person fall under in order to be able to be hired to
work in histology (non-certified). What does your state say about this
issue?
     I would be interested to see what different states (or facilities)
have
to say about the uncertified technician route as it got a little harder now
to get certified under ASCP.
     If anyone has any facility type documentation that gives you guidance
as to who you can hire to work in histology, what kind of qualifications do
you require? Does your state or facility eventually push for certification
(surely)? Are there cities out there that lay the groundwork for what
qualifications are necessary to work in our field?
   I do realize that this is a complex question that may not a simple
answer. If someone out there has the expertise in this could give me some
guidance on this topic it would be most appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Sincerely,

Tom Thweatt

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