Microscopy training has always been labor intensive. As the need grew for electron microscopists so did the need for methods of training to maintain quality while increasing the quantity of people trained. Various trends in scientific research needs, development of various types of microscopies, environmental concerns and increasing computer sophistication brought about significant changes in microscopy training and service facilities.

In the 1960's TEM research flourished. Many single user facilities appeared with scopes provided by grant funds, especially in biology. There was a great need for people trained in EM. In the mid 1960's, commercial SEMs became available, and SEM research flourished.