In the U.S. many programs cover all aspects of laboratory work, but some specialize. Most techs and labs specialize in C&B, removeables, or ortho after their training. I agree with you that the military trains great techs. How are things set-up in the UK? Our CDT designation allows a technician to achieve certification in one or more specialties. Technicians can open their own labs. I imagine that is the same in the UK. Are you guys regulated by the EU or do countries throughout Europe have different laws? I know this is wondering off the topic, but I am curious about how things work on your side of the pond.
Things have changed here. When I started the best training was found at a few teaching hospitals and the armed forces. Now there are only a few teaching hospitals available and a shortage of applicants for the positions. Of those applicants there is often a lack of suitability for the courses, so it's sometimes a case of putting asses on seats just to keep the courses open and to maintain budgets for the departments. The quality of training is ok and thorough - covering all aspects of the profession. My main complaint is that there's not enough time spent hands-on to raise the skill levels and to acquire good experience, and not enough scope to do work on 'real' cases.
It would help our industry here if training could be specialised IMO, as it's not really practical to try and do everything - not an economic use of time.
The most common form of training here is to employ a trainee full time and send them to a provincial college one day a week for classes. This was usually for 3 or 4 years depending on the college and it's training plan. Many years ago it was a 5 year plan, then it became 4, now it's 3. Some colleges i believe can do a 2 year course for 3days each week and 2 days in the lab. Main problem is the quality of teaching in the workplace, many lab owners in the past have used trainees as cheap labour and just cherry-picked the best.
Drop-out rates at the colleges are very high, but it's easy to walk into a job in a call-centre and get more money than a tech'! Shame.
There are differences across europe but most do the same thing. I've met with techs from all across europe and have first hand experience of their knowlege and abilities. I would say from my own experience that the german system has in the past shown to be a very thorough and high quality training, and recent evidence shows that eastern europeans have good training. Teachers make the difference IMO.
In the UK it's neccessary to be a registered tech to open a lab, and all work must be signed out by a registered tech. The work also has to have evidence of country of origin, traceability of all processes and materials, and comply with european directives (we have a european parliament too) with regard to the manufacture and supply of medical devices. This last bit is what's coming your way I think, and quite soon.
