Hi -

I'll try to answer your questions after each question. 

I'll forgo the "emotion" part. That would make it TOO long. 
If you want to talk with me about NAACLS-accredited programs,
and how they work now-a-days, why don't you call me and we'll 
chat - real-time.

Lynn Gardner wrote:
> 
> Dear All,
> 
> I have been following the discussion on the Associates Degree and have
> mixed emotions about the whole issue and some questions. First the questions:
> 
> 1. Will the high school route that you had to have X number of science and
> math credits prior to entering a one year CAHEA accredited school still be
> allowed?

Yes. 

Route 1 is successful completion of a NAACLS (used to be CAHEA)
accredited
program. There is no requirement from ASCP as to minimum level of
education.

NAACLS (National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences)
does
the accrediting of HT, HTL, MT and MLT programs. They accredit only
post-secondary (after high school graduation) programs. So the NAACLS
accredited HT programs can require as their minimum anything from a 
high school diploma through some college through an associate degree.

NAACLS also states that, before the person starts the practicum
(internship), they must have taken a minimum of one each - biology,
chemistry, and math. This could be in high school or college.

> 
> 2. Will Histologic Technicians that do not have their AS degree but do have
> their HT (ASCP) have to do anything special to maintain their classification?
> 
No. Once ASCP certified, Always ASCP certified, even if the application
requirements change.

> The
> Sincerely,
> Lynn Gardner, HT(ASCP)
> Supervisory Research Assistant III
> FC Blodi Eye Pathology Laboratory
> The University of Iowa

Peggy A. Wenk, HTL(ASCP)
William Beaumont Hospital
Royal Oak, MI 48073
W 248/551-9079