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Ok folks....Let me elaborate...
Let me start by apologizing to Mr. Gunter for apparently misreading or
misinterpreting his original post. Also let me apologize for the length of
this post but there are several points I want to make.
As to Mr. Lipton's assertion that I was whining, I really
wasn't. I was simply voicing my opinion on a subject I feel strongly
about. If voicing an opinion on a subject is considered whining, then I
believe all individuals (myself included) who post on this list would have a
continuous trail of tears running down their faces.
Next, let me say I meant no disrespect to anyone holding a degree. I
applaud anyone fortunate enough to succeed in furthering their education.
Perhaps I was not clear in my original post. As far as the "worthless
piece of paper" comment, I was referring to my own personal situation. For
individuals who gained their basic health physics knowledge from getting their
BS, I can understand why they hold it in such high regard. I personally
did not gain my knowledge through that venue. I have been to college
(through the Thomas Edison program mentioned in one post) and only need 18-20
hrs to finish. No coursework that I have been required to take or any I
have left (with the exception of perhaps calculus) has or will increase my level
of knowledge of HP. I was given credit for those thanks to my Navy
training and my NRRPT. So for ME it is worthless (with the exception I
would then be "qualified" to sit for the CHP exam). Why did I not finish
you may ask? Because things like a mortgage, kids, a hectic career which
required large amounts of travel came along ( and no..I'm not whining...just
listing some reasons why I haven't finished). I have found other ways that
expand the mind, feeds the soul and broadens ones views and opinions.
These include experience, training courses provided by employers and the
personal desire to expand my knowledge of HP by taking the initiative to learn
on my own (at my age I don't need an instructor telling me what I need to
learn...I know my strengths, weaknesses and what I like). I am at a point
in my life now where completing my degree is possible. If nothing else, I
can then sit for the exam and perhaps work on my masters (there I'll learn
something!!).
I sat for Part 1 back in 1996 trying to grandfather in before the degree
requirements came into effect. Due to similar reasons cited above my one
weeks preparation for the exam proved fateful. I missed passing by 4
points (guess it was that Chem. 101 I never took that did me in!!).
Regardless, I feel confidant about my HP knowledge with the results of my exam
score and it was all done with no formal hp education other than that which I
mentioned previously. For those who assert that my "apparent" lack of
understanding of why I need a degree is a good indication that I do, I say
Hogwash. For me personally, the only reason I NEED a degree is to become a
CHP. Period!!
I still believe that having a BS does not necessarily a good CHP
make. It shows an individual has the ability to complete an ordered set or
sequence of steps but does not guarantee their knowledge (believe me I have
worked with too many BSHP grads who didn't even grasp the basics). IMHO,
the pinnacle success in our profession is obtaining the title of CHP. How
is that obtained? By sitting for and successfully completing an exam
deemed appropriate by the ABHP. If an individual has the necessary
experience requirement and can pass the exam, they should be certified.
Having a BS degree, again IMHO, in no way shape or form ensures that an
individual can pass. A few folks that responded to my post are of the
opinion that all things being equal (CHP w/degree vs. CHP w/o degree) that the
degree wins every time. I disagree strongly. More and more companies
these days (and I see this everyday) are saying in their posting requirements
that the want a degree but go on to say " or other combination of experience or
education". I think this is what the ABHP should do. Evaluate each
candidate on his/her OVERALL experience and education. Having a BS does
not make you a CHP...Passing the exam does!! As far as litigation support,
a CHP is THE quintessential representative of the HP profession. His/her
undergraduate history is irrelevant.
For those of you who have been able to obtain your BS, MS, Ph.D, JD, etc, I
applaud and congratulate you on a job well done. You and your friends and
family should be very proud. All I ask is that you don't blanket
discount those of us not yet (for whatever reason) fortunate enough to match
your accomplishment. Most of us are trying and we would make some damn
good CHP's in the interim (and no...I'm still not whining).
Respectfully,
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