I have been a licensed technician for 14 years now, originally licensed in MD - now licensed in both MD and VA.  I am not in support of raising the hours from 6 to 8.  Many technicians are already extremely underpaid for the work they do and many of the CE's require taking off more work to attend.  Additionally, most CEs are in 6 hr increments, therefore to obtain 8 we would have to use up 12 working hours of time to get the 8.  I personally search for relevant CEs and many of those out there are simply not beneficial.  I learn WAY more in the clinic doing hands on work than I ever have in any CE.  

Maryland requires 24 over 3 years - not 8 per year, so for two years you can attend one 6 hr session, and one year you do two.  Even this is better than making 8 an annual requirement.

Sincerely,

Susan Biesecker