Betsy,
            I think that most of us would agree that on the job training
by a skilled individual can be as good as some formal training programs
and often more relevant to the work on hand. I personally feel that both
are needed. OJT by its very nature and the individuals teaching it must
be somewhat limited in it's scope. No one person can be expert in all
related fields. Formal training CAN be very valuable if it is a well
designed program that is somewhat broad in it's scope.  One thing that
formal training does is to provide somewhat of a standardized training
and often by different instructors with different areas of expertise. If
all individuals have attended a particular formal course then you will
have a pretty good idea of scope of their training from that course.
Our problem in the states is that while there are many good formal
courses there is not a great deal of standardization. Many are geared
towards ASCP or similar certification and therefore of necessity of a
more limited scope than I feel is needed.
While there are pros and cons to obtaining a degree such as a BS first,
I feel that the pros outweigh the cons. this does not mean that they
will be a better technician but it does however give them a broad area
of knowledge. It may be argued that this may have nothing to do with
histology. While it may not be directly related, knowledge however
peripheral often gives the individual a different perspective or insight
into things that an individual with a limited OJT may not have and often
a better ability to solve problems. It may also be a great motivating
force for that individual.
The recent comments re size of NSH also applies to state societies for
histotechnology. If we want to have better training then it is up to us
to join these societies and be active in their running. While all these
societies including NSH may be small just  look at the amount of CEU
training that occurs at the meetings. I think that we all have to be
impressed by the accomplishments of all these groups.  However these
groups cannot run on thin air. If you are not a member of NSH or of a
state society for histotechnology then please consider joining. It will
improve our chances for more formal training programs and it  is only an
email away.
Barry

Betsy Krummrey wrote:

>  I believe the real issue for quality Histologic Technician training
> is the CURRICULUM/STANDARDS: what is learned and the effectiveness of
> delivery.
> The mode of delivery can be varied yet equally effective.  Some
> technicians who provide ON the JOB Training do a far superior job to
> some formal accredited programs and some accredited programs have a
> curriculum and teaching staff that is very effective and hard to match
> in an on the job setting.  Some Learners are very effective in
> searching out what is needed and developing strategies to practice and
> retain skills.
>
> I believe more emphasis should be placed on an effective way to
> demonstrate standards of excellence to receive certification, like the
> BOR EXAM written &practical (perhaps require an on the job observation
> by certified professionals if needed).
> Those techs who receive on the job training might be asked to submit
> evidence of  learning such as a written outline of their curriculum,
> resources used, a journal documenting hours spent in each area of
> histologic technique.  This process would need to be spelled out
> before a person began training so they know what to document and what
> to study, here by creating more consistency in technician outcome
> regardless of mode of education.
>
> Stop focusing on whether one mode of education is better then another
> this just limits the availability of avenues for learning.   Focus on
> whether that avenue is covering the necessary content effectively.
> The accreditation process for HT programs does not focus as much
> attention to occupational content as I thought it would when going
> through the process. More emphasis is placed on the building, at what
> kind of institution the curriculum is being delivered, the amount of
> money the program has to operate, the mechanics rather then the meat.
> Perhaps this is because I come from an educational background and in
> the State of Michigan you have to document everything you're doing a
> gazillon ways and show evidence that you can teach the same thing
> several different ways.  It is expected that educators continue with
> professional development.
>
> Betsy Krummrey
> Davenport College-Ingham Intermediate
> Histologic Technician Program
> 611 Hagadorn Rd
> Mason, Mi 48854
>
> Rupe, Amanda wrote:
>
>> I think the OJT training is okay depending on the circumstances.  I
>> work for
>> a large government lab and if we didn't train our own histotechs we
>> would
>> never have enough workers.  We set up classroom time for 3 months
>> followed
>> by hands-on in the lab.  We always encourage and support our techs
>> to get
>> their certification and occasionally we lose them after investing
>> time and
>> money.  When I started my training I was a young mother(19) and
>> wanted an
>> education, but I was not able to afford it at the time.  My job has
>> encouraged me and paid for me to further my education and now I am a
>>
>> Research Associate and my main responsibility is training of our new
>>
>> technicians.  I will agree that some don't understand the theory,
>> but there
>> are those of us who do and we don't want to be ruled out because we
>> were
>> trained on the job.  Sorry this is so lenghty.
>> > -----Original Message-----
>> > From: atbrooks [SMTP:atbrooks@snet.net]
>> > Sent: Wednesday, October 27, 1999 7:46 PM
>> > To:   histonet
>> > Subject:      job training ...last resort
>> >
>> >     I meant no offense with my statements about hiring
>> unregistered
>> > techs to save money it was merely intended to illustrate where
>> this
>> > trend could lead.
>> >     I feel very strongly that on the job training should be held
>> off as
>> > an ultimate last resort. We are after all dealing with peoples
>> lives. I
>> > would want the very best care for my own biopsies, and assume the
>> same
>> > for everyone else.
>> >     It should also be said that a few of the best techs I have
>> met  were
>> > trained on the job. They eventually saw the usefulness of the
>> > educational background and fulfilled this in time. But they agree
>> they
>> > received result oriented training, rather than quality oriented
>> job
>> > training.
>> >
>