Fall 2011 Issue of The Pulse - Cardiovascular Credentialing

A Publication of
Cardiovascular Credentialing International
Fall 2011
the
Pulse
Things that CCI’s Boards are talking about …
By Douglas L. Passey, RCES, RCIS, FSICP
Many times throughout the year my colleagues, including CCI registrants, ask me, “What topics are the CCI Board of Trustees talking about
these days?” That is a very good question, and a question to which the
answer changes not only year to year, but also month to month.
There are four over-arching topics of discussion currently on our active
agenda, which happen to involve both the Board of Trustees and the
Board of Advisors:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Before beginning to list some of the topics currently being discussed by
the Board of Trustees, I must first speak about the newly formed Board of
Advisors. This past February was the inaugural meeting of the CCI Board
of Advisors. The Board of Advisors is composed of individuals, both physician and non-physician, representing the specific cardiovascular fields
of practice represented by the six registry-level credentials administered
by CCI. The following organizations nominate individuals to the Board of
Advisors: the American College of Cardiology (ACC), American College of
Phlebology (ACP), American Society of Echocardiography (ASE), Heart
Rhythm Society (HRS) (members still TBD), Society for Cardiovascular
Angiography and Interventions (SCAI), Society of Diagnostic Medical
Sonography (SDMS), Society of Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals
(SICP), and Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU). What is the role of
the newly formed CCI Board of Advisors, you may ask? Their role is that
of a body of subject matter experts who work as ambassadors of the
cardiovascular field of practice and bring information concerning topics
relevant to CCI as a credentialing body. While these individuals do not
represent the specific professional society by which they were nominated,
they do act as liaisons between CCI and those professional societies.
Revisions to qualification pathways for CCI’s credentialing programs
State level and federal level credential recognition and licensure
Recertification methods for CCI credentials
Expansion of credentials in non-North American countries
Our field is evolving and thus so should the qualification pathways for
credentialing examinations. The number of individuals who have been
trained on the job is decreasing while the number of educational programs specific to cardiovascular technology specialties is increasing. We
feel that this is a positive sign that our sub-specialties are growing, as is
the profession as a whole.
The field of non-invasive cardiovascular technology, encompassing both
cardiac and vascular ultrasound, has seen growth in the number of educational programs over the past five years. The vast majority of these programs have not gained programmatic accreditation, and many of these
programs have curriculums that include both echocardiography and vascular studies. In a number of cases these programs also include abdominal and ob/gyn classes and instruction. Programmatic accreditation for
cardiovascular technology programs refers to the process of third-party
review of the educational program’s curriculum as well as its organizational infrastructure. While CCI applauds the development of new educational programs that been organized to meet the growing demand for
qualified sonographers, we as an organization supporting programmatic
accreditation will continue to review our qualification pathways to assure
to the best of our abilities that graduates of these programs are prepared
for not only the credentialing process but also the field in which they
are entering. Can a program thoroughly provide proper education in 12
months to a student in both echocardiography and vascular ultrasound?
This definition of the role of the CCI Board of Advisors is meant to
provide background information when defining the role of CCI’s Board
of Trustees. While the CCI Board of Advisors acts as a liaison body to
the cardiovascular field of practice, the CCI Board of Trustees is the
governing body for all operational functions of CCI as a corporation. The
CCI Board of Trustees, which is composed of the officers of the corporation, the chairs of each examination committee, and a public member, is
entrusted with the responsibility of the development and administration
of valid, legally defensible credentialing programs.
continued on page 9
1
CCI Board of Trustees & Senior Staff
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
President
Douglas L. Passey, RCES, RCIS, FSICP
President Elect / Executive Exam Committee Chair
James J. Shafer, BS, RCS, RVS, RVT
Treasurer
Ken Horton, RCIS, RCS, RDCS, FASE
Secretary
Marsha Roberts, RCS, RDCS, FASE
Immediate Past President
Christopher M. Nelson, RN, RCIS, FSICP
Non-Invasive Echo Exam Committee Chair
Marsha Roberts, RCS, RDCS, FASE
Invasive Exam Committee Chair
Erik W. Hushelpeck, RCES, RCIS, FSICP
Electrophysiology Exam Committee Chair
Letitia P. Esbenshade-Smith, RCES, RCIS
Vascular Exam Committee Chair
Sharon R Whitcraft, RCS, RVS, RVT
Phlebology Exam Committee Chair
Jeannie White, RPhS, RVT
Cardiac Congenital Exam Committee Chair
Elaine A Shea, RCCS, RCIS, RCS, FASE
Certificate Level Exams Committee Chair
Sally Elliott, CCT, CRAT, RCIS
Public Member
Philip M. (Mel) Snyder, IV
BOARD OF ADVISORS
The following organizations nominate a representative of their
cardiovascular specialty field to sit on the CCI Board of Advisors.
American College of Cardiology (ACC)
Joseph Messer, MD, MACC
American College of Phlebology (ACP)
Nick Morrison, MD, FACS, FACPh, RPhS
Joe Zygmunt, RPhS, RVT
American Society of Echocardiography (ASE)
Allan L. Klein, MD, FRCP(c), FACC, FAHA, FASE
Richie Palma, RCS, RDCS, FASE
Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI)
Joseph Babb, MD, FCCC, FACC, FSCAI
Society of Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals (SICP)
Tracy Simpson, RCIS, FSICP
Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU)
Gail Size, BS, RPhS, RVS, RVT, FSVU
Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS)
David Adams, RCS, RDCS, FASE
CCI Credential Renewal –
September 30, 2011 – Past Due
The expiration date for CCI credentials by September 30, 2011 is past due!
If you have not completed your renewal requirements, you have a grace period until December 31,
2011 to submit CEUs, signed Code of Ethics and renewal payment. A copy of the CCI Code of Ethics
was included with your renewal invoice or can be downloaded from our website by clicking on
Registrants, Code of Ethics. The 90-day grace period is extended time to submit renewal paperwork.
A late fee of $50.00 will be assessed to all registrants who submit their renewals during the grace
period.
Please be aware that CEUs must have been earned during the triennial cycle. CEUs earned during the grace period will not be accepted but will be credited towards your next triennial cycle.
New Registrants credentialed between October 1 and December 31, 2010 are not required to submit
CEUs. Submit only a signed copy of CCI’s Code of Ethics with payment of renewal fees.
If renewal requirements are not completed by December 31, 2011, registrants’ status will become
inactive and registrants will be required to retest to regain an active status. Effective January 1, 2011,
all inactive registrants are required to pass the one-part registry exam.
Submitting CEUs from an approved site does not mean that they are automatically accepted.
Registrants who hold Registry credentials need to submit 36 CEUs, 30 of which must be
cardiovascular related CEUs to complete the renewal process. Certificate level registrants are
required to submit 16 CEUs. Please refer to our website www.cci-online.org and click on Links and
Resources, CEU Providers.
Registrants may retake the Registry exam at any time during their triennial, with no penalty at a
reduced cost, to satisfy their CEU requirement. Exam must be completed and passed before end of
triennial cycle.
We urge our registrants who have not submitted the required CEUs, signed Code of Ethics
form and renewal payment to do so prior to December 31, 2011 to avoid retesting. ♥
CCI is on Facebook!
Thank you to the over 1,300 people who “like” CCI on
Facebook. Like us at www.facebook.com/ccionline.org
Member At Large
Theodore C. Christman, RCIS, RCS, RDCS, RVS, RVT
Honorary Board Member - Historian
Dennis K. Carney, RCIS, RCS, FASE
SENIOR STAFF
Executive Director
Aaron S. White
Associate Executive Director and Examination Coordinator
Jerel Noel
The Pulse and CCI are trade names of CCI. The Pulse is copyrighted by CCI and authorization to photocopy items for
internal or personal use is granted by CCI. Opinions expressed in The Pulse are not necessarily those of the
CCI Board of Trustees, its agents, editors, advertisers or anyone connected with the publication. CCI assumes
no liability or responsibility for any claims, actions or damages resulting from publication of any article.
CCI does not endorse nor recommend any review course or review material.
Cardiovascular Credentialing International
1500 Sunday Drive, Suite 102, Raleigh, NC 27607
phone: 800-326-0268; fax: (919) 787-4916
www.cci-online.org
Director of Communications and Editor of The Pulse
Christine Johnson
Director of Operations
Katesha Phillips
Executive Assistant
Valerie Hunter
©2011. Cardiovascular Credentialing International. All rights reserved.
2
Advocacy Corner
Getting Involved With Advocacy
By Ken Horton RCIS, RCS, RDCS, FASE
Gail Size, RPhS, RVS, RVT, FSVU and Ken Horton, RCIS, RCS, RDCS, FASE
are CCI’s advocacy representatives. Their role is to review legislation at the
state and national levels, ensure credentialing is the minimum standards
for invasive and non-invasive medical imaging and to ensure CCI is identified as a credentialing body.
[email protected], or Christine Johnson, Director of Communications at [email protected].
4. Be proactive not reactive – You have heard this so many times in
your life but it is so important when it comes to advocacy. Do not sit
back and wait for someone to ask for your help. Step up and volunteer
to help. We need every one of you in every state to get involved. We may
ask you to attend a public hearing, speak to a representative, or sit on a
board developing legislation or putting passed legislation into effect.
When the word “advocacy” is seen in an article or publication it often
immediately causes the reader to turn the page or skip to the next article.
Ironically, as much as this information is breezed over or ignored, it will
probably have as big of an effect on our careers as any other article in
whichever journal you are reading. Last issue, in the Advocacy Corner,
Gail Size introduced the term “grassroots efforts”. This term is used to
indicate that every single one of us right down to the newest student
entering the field has to be a part of the advocacy efforts we see and hear
about. We all must ban together and either promote or oppose any piece
of legislation that affects the invasive or non-invasive communities.
5. Encourage and mentor - Encourage your fellow coworkers and
colleagues to become credentialed. Share the tremendous amount
of pride and self esteem you felt and continue to feel since earning
your credential. Give back to your profession - share your knowledge
- mentor a colleague. Remind the non-credentialed professional that
they need to be proactive and working towards credentialing as their
continued employment may depend upon it.
If you are wondering how you can keep stay current or keep in touch with
all the advocacy issues going on I have a couple suggestions:
Whatever the role the true meaning of grassroots is getting every single
one of us involved. We cannot hope our coworker is sending that email or
making that phone call. It is the responsibility of all of us to get involved
and try to make a difference. If we do not, changes will be made that can
adversely affect not only our careers but the patients that we take care of
every day.
1. Join your respective professional society – By being a member of
a professional society you are contributing financially to advocacy efforts. Each society takes a part of your membership dollars and allots
them to advocacy efforts. It may be something as small as dedicating
a portion of their website to advocacy or as large as hiring Capitol
Hill lobbyists to monitor and address new or changing legislation.
Get involved with your association by volunteering to help work on
advocacy issues. To be quite frank, people are not busting down doors
to get on advocacy committees and we really need people willing to
step up and take on the challenges associated with advocacy efforts.
Care Bill Update
As Gail mentioned last issue, the CARE Bill was introduced in the House
on June 2, 2011. When the Bill was introduced it had 19 cosponsors.
Sponsorship of the Bill has grown to 46 cosponsors. Once it was introduced in the House it was referred to subcommittee for review. There has
been no further progress beyond that. Please keep a look out for e-Alerts
with regard to this very important legislation. For up to date information
on the progress of the CARE Bill visit https://www.asrt.org/content/GovernmentRelations/_legislativeregulatory.aspx. ♥
2. Don’t shy away from the term Advocacy - If you see any mention
in an article that refers to advocacy – Read it. Read it thoroughly and
try to understand it. Once you read it pass that information on to your
co-workers and have them read it. Look for action items in the article
and act on them. If it asks you to contact a representative then contact
them. Phone, fax, email or even visit your representatives and let them
know how you feel about the impending legislation. Please don’t assume someone else is taking care of it.
Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
3. Notify someone if you see something – If you happen to be thumbing through your local paper and notice an article about changes
to health care in your state that may affect your profession, notify
someone. Again, each professional society has advocacy representatives that can either start to deal with the problem themselves or they
will at least know who to notify so action can start. Too many pieces
of legislation go unnoticed until they are being debated or about to be
introduced. The earlier we hear about them the earlier we can review
them and ensure they protect the best interests of ourselves and our
patients. You may contact Ken at [email protected], Gail at
Do you have job postings for CCI registrants?
Send the details to Katesha Phillips at [email protected] for
posting on the CCI website. They will remain posted for up to 90 days
unless you notify us the position has been filled. There is currently no
charge for job postings. Jobs must require at least one CCI credential.
Are you looking for a job?
Did you know CCI has job postings on our website? They are
updated frequently at www.cci-online.org/job-postings
3
Inaugural CCI Cardiovascular Educators’ Forum
Are you an Educator? Are you interested in having an opportunity to share
ideas, successes, and lessons learned with your peers? Then you want to
be at the CCI Cardiovascular Educators’ Forum! It will be held March 3031, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Today’s cardiovascular educators are faced with many demands such as
pressures to stay abreast of the latest technology while having reductions
in their continuing education budget. We hope that the profession can assist these educators by providing to them at little cost a venue where they
can learn from colleagues across the country, share successes and learn
from common challenges.
The goal of the CCI Cardiovascular Educators’ Forum
is to provide a venue for the educators to speak
openly about the future of the cardiovascular profession. CCI
seeks to become a resource
for educators by providing
a forum for peer interaction
and idea-sharing and to increase our relationship with
educational programs. These educators will be affecting the future generations of cardiovascular professionals, whether they
be cardiac sonographers, vascular sonographers
and specialists, cardiac catheterization lab professionals or cardiac electrophysiology professionals.
Our support of these professionals is crucial for the
success of our field.
Our goal is to host educators from programs all across the country in
this inaugural forum. The following are examples of topics that will be
discussed:
• teaching challenges (didactic, clinical, and distance),
• didactic and scan skills sets,
• admission qualifications,
• the future of cardiovascular testing,
• and CCI’s qualification pathways for CCI credentialing examinations.
Sponsorship Opportunities are available for this event. For more
information contact Christine Johnson at [email protected] or
1-800-326-0268. ♥
Acquire New Skills
Enhance Patient Outcomes
Learn the most current information and techniques in the treatment of venous and
lymphatic disease from nationally and internationally recognized vein care
professionals at the 2011 ACP Annual Congress in Los Angeles, November 3-6, 2011.
25th Annual Congress
November 3-6, 2011
JW Marriott at L.A. Live, Los Angeles, CA
Session Topics Include:
• Varicose and Spider Vein Treatment
• Diagnosis and Treatment of
Venous Ulcers
• Lymphedema and Compression
• Chronic Complications of DVT
• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
• Athletes & Venous Disease
Two-Day Special Interest
Sessions Include:
• New & Emerging Technologies
• Insurance, Reimbursement
and Appeals
• Marketing a Phlebology Practice
• Advanced Imaging: MR, CT and
Advanced US
The 2011 ACP Annual Congress is being held at the JW Marriott housed within the L.A. Live
entertainment complex, just steps from the Staples Center, The Grammy Museum, fashionable
restaurants and nightclubs, a bowling alley and ESPN’s West Coast broadcast headquarters.
The American College of Phlebology is accredited by the Accreditation Council
for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for
physicians.
510.346.6800
www.acpcongress.org
www.phlebology.org
The American College of Phlebology designates this live activity for a maximum
of 23.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit
commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
4
The American College of Cardiology Welcomes
Cardiovascular Technologists to Membership
American College of Cardiology (JACC), JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging
and JACC: Cardiovascular Interventions. Additionally, members gain full
access to CardioSource.org, filled with up-to-date information in the field,
journal scans, guidelines and interactive online networking opportunities.
The website also includes an increasing number of recordings of FREE
educational live events, with slides synchronized to audio that will help
members stay up to date.
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is expanding! The ACC
recently welcomed a new membership category, and is now accepting
applications from cardiovascular technologists, including sonographers,
electrophysiology specialists, invasive specialists and vascular specialists.
Cardiovascular technologists will be welcomed into the ACC as part of its
new Partners in Care membership category. Applicants must be certified
by Cardiovascular Credentialing International and have two or more years
of experience in their field.
The benefits also include a monthly newsletter just for cardiovascular
technologist, nurse, pharmacist and physician assistant members of the
ACC, with both clinical and organizational content driven BY members
themselves. Members also have the opportunity to opt in to receive topiccentric newsletters on issues they find relevant to their specific clinical
interests.
The American College of Cardiology is an organization dedicated to
improving the quality of cardiovascular care, through research, education,
advocacy, science and quality and membership. The College unites members from various parts of the cardiac care team including physicians,
nurses, practice managers, pharmacists and physician assistants in efforts
toward this common goal.
Additionally, the ACC makes it easier for members to stay up-to-date
on items that don’t come free with membership, by offering significant
discounts on registration to the ACC’s Annual Scientific Session, discounts
on educational live events and self-assessment and Meeting on Demand™
programs.
Cardiovascular technologists are on the front lines every day, working
with physicians and cardiovascular care team members alike to make and
execute the best medical decisions possible with flawless precision. Keeping up-to-date on the latest pharmaceuticals, technology and guidelines
can be daunting. Membership in the ACC can help.
The ACC is now accepting applications for Partners in Care membership.
For more information on the membership category and to apply today,
visit www.CardioSource.org/PIC . Interested applicants may also contact
Partners in Care staff liaison, Kelli Bohannon, at [email protected] . ♥
As a member, cardiovascular technologists will have the opportunity to
network with colleagues from around the cardiac care team to advance
their career and specialty. Members can also advance their careers by taking advantage of opportunities to influence policy both within the College
and beyond by participating in and leading committees, working groups
and more.
October is Medical Ultrasound
Awareness Month!
In addition, the College’s educational benefits will help technologist members improve the care they give their patients and increase the depth and
breadth of their knowledge within their field. Partners in Care members
of the ACC will gain access to the JACC Journals online: the Journal of the
Visit www.cci-online.org/node/284
to order Catch the Wave items.
CCI Staff spotlight –
Stephanie Ricker
Stephanie Ricker joined CCI in December of 2010
as a Registrant Services Specialist. As a member
of the CCI Registrant Services Department, she
processes all CEUs for registrant renewals, processes CCI’s mail, sends out
Examination Application and Overview booklets and self assessments,
and assists registrants and applicants with phone and email inquiries.
Stephanie earned her Bachelor’s degree at Campbell University in 2009,
where she majored in English and minored in History. In her leisure time,
Stephanie goes on adventures and writes stories, sometimes simultaneously. She enjoys snow, reading classic literature, climbing trees, and using
sesquipedalian words. ♥
Contribute to The Pulse
Submit articles to [email protected]
Logos and photos must be high resolution.
5
Congratulations to the 2011 Fellowship of Society of
Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals!
Congratulations to Doug Passey and Stephanie Ranck on becoming the
most recent recipients of the FSICP designation!
4. The applicant must have made significant contributions to the SICP,
or to the field of invasive/diagnostic cardiology.
This last requirement may be fulfilled by publication in national journals,
authoring or coauthoring a book/chapter, serving on committees or
special projects for the society, or serving as an officer or committee
chairman in a recognized national organization which has an overlapping interest in cardiology. This requirement may also be met if the
applicant has been responsible for the organization of, or presentation
in, educational programs on the national or regional level with a course
curriculum relevant to cardiology. ♥
Fellowship in SICP requirements:
1. Have sat for, and passed, the Invasive Registry (RCIS) examination
administered by Cardiac Credentialing International (CCI).
2. Active status with CCI and the SICP.
3. Current staff position at a health care facility based in the cardiac
catheterization laboratory or associated with an invasive cardiovascular technology program.
Tracy Simpson presenting Doug Passey, RCES, RCIS, FSICP with fellowship.
Tracy Simpson presenting Stephanie Ranck, RCIS, FSICP with fellowship.
JASE has created its first-ever author video
Dr. Allan Klein of the Cleveland Clinic, CCI Board of Advisors member, discusses his recent study, “Role of Transesophageal Echocardiography Compared to Computed Tomography in Evaluation of
Pulmonary Vein Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation (ROTEA Study)” in
a video posted on the JASE homepage. The article, published in the
September 2011 issue of JASE, “prospectively compare[s] findings
on TEE with those in CT” in a “single-blinded observational study
of patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF undergoing ablation.” Dr. Klein
is the first JASE-published author to
create a video cast of this kind. Both
his video and the abstract for his
article are available on
www.onlinejase.com. ♥
6
Defining Licensure, Certification, Credential,
and Registry
By Carol Mitchell PhD, RDMS, RDCS, RVT, RT(R), FASE, FSDMS
This article will define licensure, certification, credential, and registry. The
advantages and disadvantages to licensure will also be briefly discussed.
In the profession of sonography some examples
of professional certification / credentialing bodies include Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI), American Registry Radiologic
Technologists (ARRT) and the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical
Sonography (ARDMS).
Licensure, by definition, is the granting of permission by a government
agency to practice a specific occupation with evidence of competency
(Whitaker, 1992, Zeiss Dielman & Huber, 1972). The purpose of licensure
is to make it illegal for unlicensed persons to perform tasks specific to
the licensed occupation (Balasa, 2011 http://www.aama-ntl.org/resources/library/CMAandRMA.pdf accessed 9-6-2011). Licensure is designed
to define a scope of practice and to protect the public from those who
have not demonstrated minimum competence to practice in the licensed
occupation (Wilson & Wilson, 2009). Professionals are usually licensed
by state boards or state commissions. The boards are in charge of monitoring entrance into the occupation by creating entrance requirements.
Boards also review complaints about practitioners and administer disciplinary action (Wilson & Wilson, 2009, Dower et al, 1998).
The term “credentialed” refers to an individual who has passed a minimum competency exam. A credential represents something an individual
has earned. A credential can serve as an individual’s proof of being
qualified to perform the task. Examples of credentials that sonographers
can earn are RCS, RDCS, etc. Credentialing exams serve a purpose, in
that they are designed to ensure that the individuals practicing in this
occupation have met certain standards (Raymond, 2005). Therefore,
credentialing exams are developed to be job related and often utilize
practice analysis tools to develop their content (Raymond, 2005, AERA et
al., 1999).
The advantages to state licensure for sonography include the following:
1) Allows members of an occupation/profession to be recognized for the
scope of work they do (provides professional legitimacy)
2) Sets minimum competence standards to practice (for example,
requiring sonographer certification/credentialing to practice)
3) Protects the public from those who have not demonstrated minimum
competence from practicing (Wilson & Wilson, 2009, Berman, 1989).
4) Allows for an accurate number of practicing sonographers to be counted
5) Could result in an increased number of education programs
(Berman, 1989)
6) Provide data on practicing sonograpers (i.e. practice trends,
education level Berman, 1989)
7) Means to communicate with practicing sonographers (Berman, 1989)
The term “registry” refers an official record, listing an individual’s name,
and qualifications/credentials with a designated authority (Wilson &
Wilson, 2009 ASSE, 1999). Individuals can be registered with a private
organization/association or with a government agency (Wilson & Wilson,
2009 p. 91, ASSE, 1999 ). Registry lists can be used by the public to view
the qualifications/credentials of individuals.
In summary, licensure, certification, and registry each have their own
definition and play a role in how a profession can be recognized, and a
mechanism for setting minimum practice standards.
References
1. American Educational Research Association (AERA). American Psychological Psychological Association & National Council on Measurement in Education (1999). Standards for educational and psychological testing. Washington DC: American Educational
research Association.
2. American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) (1999). Professional Safety 44, 6.
3. Balasa , D.A. (Accessed 9-6-2011). American Association of Medical Assistants:
Chicago, IL. Certification and licensure: Facts you should know. Retrieved from http://
www.aama-ntl.org/resources/library/CMAandRMA.pdf .
4. Berman, M. (1989). Mandatory licensure of sonographers. Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography 4, 191.
5. Dower, C.M., Gragnol, C.M., & Finocchio, L.J. (1998). Changing nature of physician
licensure-Implicaitons for medical education in California. West J Med 168, 422-427.
6. Forni, P.R. (1973). Trends in licensure and certification. Journal of Nursing Administration 3, 17-23.
7. Milburn, D. (2003). Sonographer shortages: A day late and a dollar short? Journal of
Diagnostic Medical Sonography 19, 204.
8. Raymond, M.R. (2005). An NCME Instructional module on developing and administering practice analysis questionnaires. Educational Measurement Issues and Practice 24,
29-42.
9. Rosenbloom, J., Dempsey, A.L. , Gillam, L.D., et al (2001). Licensure of the cardiac
sonographer: an overview of issues and activities. Journal of the American Society of
Echocardiography 14, 1212-1219.
10. Whitaker , Y.N. (1992). What does ARDMS mean to John Doe? Journal of Diagnostic
Medical Sonography 8, 216.
11. Wilson, M., Wilson, A. (2009). What does government regulation really mean? Journal
of Diagnostic Medical Sonography 25, 89-93.
12. Zeiss, R., Dielman, R., & Huber, S. (1972). Some thoughts concerning certificationregistry-licensure. Journal of Nuclear Medicine 13, 398-399.
The disadvantages to licensure include the following:
1) It now gives control to the government to determine what competence
is (versus a health care profession) (Whitaker, 1992 p. 216). Generally
licensure is at the state level, so if licensure were to pass in each state,
there is the potential for 50 different licensure laws (Wilson & Wilson,
2009, p. 89).
2) The minimum competency level is generally set to allow the greatest number of people to practice (Berman, 1989). Regulation process is generally
influenced by the cost of care, quality of care, health care access, accreditation, reimbursement, and malpractice (Wilson & Wilson, 2009 p. 89).
Certification, by definition, is the recognition of an individual by a specified non-government agency. In order to be certified, individuals need to
meet certain requirements (e.g., pass a test, complete a standard level of
education, etc.) (Whitaker, 1992, and Balasa, 2011 http://www.aama-ntl.
org/resources/library/CMAandRMA.pdf accessed 9-6-2011). Categories
for certification include professional organizations and state certifications (Wilson & Wilson, 2009 p. 90). With state certification, there will
be statutory language developed to protect a profession’s title, and only
those certified may use the title (Wilson & Wilson 2009 p. 90). Certification by professional organizations grants recognition to individuals who
have met the organization standards and is voluntary (Wilson & Wilson,
2009 p. 90 and Forni, 1973 p.18).
7
CCI Credential Renewal –
December 31, 2011
SVU 2011
Educational Courses
The expiration date for CCI credentials by December 31, 2011 is now due!
2011 Legislative, Regulatory &
Reimbursement Issues Course
If you have not completed your renewal requirements, you have a grace
period until March 31, 2012 to submit CEUs, signed Code of Ethics and
renewal payment. A copy of the CCI Code of Ethics was included with
your renewal invoice or can be downloaded from our website by
November 4-5, 2011
Hilton Crystal City Hotel
Crystal City, VA
clicking on Registrants, Code of Ethics. The 90-day grace period is extended time to submit renewal paperwork. A late fee of $50.00 will be assessed
to all registrants who submit their renewals during the grace period.
http://www.svunet.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3352
2012 SVU Meetings
Please be aware that CEUs must have been earned during the triennial cycle. CEUs earned during the grace period will not be accepted
but will be credited towards your next triennial cycle.
February 24-25, 2012
Spring RPVI Exam Review Course
The Westin Tampa Harbour Island
Tampa, FL
New Registrants credentialed between January 1 and March 31, 2011 are
not required to submit CEUs. Submit only a signed copy of CCI’s Code of
Ethics with payment of renewal fees.
June 7-9, 2012
2012 SVU Annual Conference
Gaylord Convention Center
National Harbor, MD (near Washington DC)
If renewal requirements are not completed by March 31, 2012, registrants’
status will become inactive and registrants will be required to retest to
regain an active status. Effective January 1, 2011, all inactive registrants
are required to pass the one-part registry exam.
http://www.svunet.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3285
September 7-8, 2012
Fall RPVI Exam Review Course
Omni Hotel
Dallas, TX
Submitting CEUs from an approved site does not mean that they are
automatically accepted. Registrants who hold Registry credentials need
to submit 36 CEUs, 30 of which must be cardiovascular related CEUs to
complete the renewal process. Certificate level registrants are required to
submit 16 CEUs. Please refer to our website www.cci-online.org and click
on Links and Resources, CEU Providers.
Visit the CCI booth at these
upcoming events:
Registrants may retake the Registry exam at any time during their triennial, with no penalty at a reduced cost, to satisfy their CEU requirement.
Exam must be completed and passed before end of triennial cycle.
We urge our registrants who have not submitted the required CEUs,
signed Code of Ethics form and renewal payment to do so prior to
March 31, 2012 to avoid retesting. ♥
North Carolina Ultrasound Society
Fall Symposium
October 22, 2011
Carolina Beach, NC
Look for CCI advertisements in
Cath Lab Digest, EP Lab Digest,
Vein Therapy News, and
VEIN magazine.
American College of Phlebology
November 3-6, 2011
Los Angeles, CA
8
15th Diastology and New Echo Technologies Summit:
Featuring Heart Valve and Contrast Echo Mini Symposium
Cleveland Clinic’s “15th Diastology and New Echo Technologies Summit:
Featuring Heart Valve and Contrast Echo Mini Symposium” provides a
unique opportunity for attendees to interact with key opinion leaders
and receive updates in Diastology, heart valve disease, new and emerging
echo technologies, and contrast echocardiography. The summit will be
held February 22-25, 2012, at the Harbor Beach Marriott Resort and Spa,
Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Approximately 200 attendees are expected.
strain, stress echo, cardiac resynchronization/LVAD treatments in heart
failure, and interventional echo.
The fourth part is Contrast Echocardiography, which will present a stateof-the-art mini symposium on the basic principles of contrast echo, rest
and stress LVO and EBD, myocardial perfusion and new research applications. There will also be a discussion of safety issues and clinical trials.
In addition, the summit will feature important controversies and Interactive Workshops for each of these topics. The Diastology and Heart Valve
Disease workshops will incorporate “Read-with-the-Experts” sessions
through case presentations and a Basic Sonographer tutorial. The New
Echo Technologies workshop will include 3-D echo, strain and CRT cases
as well as a Basic Sonographer tutorial. The Contrast Echocardiography
workshop will have a “Read-with-the-Experts” session on LVO, EBD and
myocardial perfusion.
The Summit is divided into four parts.
The first part is Diastology, which will present a state-of-the-art summit
on new advances in diastolic heart failure including new guidelines, epidemiology, clinical diagnostic approaches, specific diseases and effects
of therapy of diastolic heart failure, hemodynamic monitoring as well as
clinical trials.
The second part is Heart Valve Disease which will present a state-of-theart mini symposium on new advances in valvular heart disease including
epidemiology, clinical diagnostic approaches to mitral, tricuspid, and
aortic regurgitation and aortic stenosis as well as new approaches to valve
repair including robotics and percutaneous and transcatheter techniques.
An emphasis on our TAVI program at Cleveland Clinic will be discussed.
The summit is designed to address critical education needs identified
through an analysis of educational gaps evident in the areas of valvular
heart disease and diastology. It will also focus on the use of new echocardiographic technologies and contrast echocardiography.
To request more information as it comes available visit www.ccfcme.org/
echo12 ♥
The third part is New Echo Technologies, which will highlight new and
emerging applications in real time 3-D and 4-D echo, live 3-D TEE, 2-D
Things that CCI’s Boards are talking about …
and the influencing factors, such as credential recognition on formal
state and federal levels.
continued from page 1
Recently we have seen activity on the state level with regards to the
licensure of sonographers and the limited licensure status of the RCIS
credential. The states of Oregon, New Mexico, West Virginia, and New
Jersey all have, at some stage, licensure bill or regulatory language in
review or in the approval process. The state of Ohio recently updated the
recognition of the RCIS credential as a Limited License for imaging in
cardiac catheterization procedures.
We will be looking more closely at those programs who have not achieved
programmatic accreditation to determine if there is too much training
across multiple ultrasound specialties to the detriment of an individual
specialty, such as cardiac or vascular ultrasound.
The Board of Trustees approved this year that the RCIS1 (two years of
on the job training) qualification pathway for the RCIS credentialing
program will be removed as a viable option on July 1, 2013. This is the
first move for CCI with regards to eliminating purely on-the-job training
pathways and enforces the profession’s belief that formal education is
important for our profession as a whole. Please note that the elimination
of the two-year on-the-job pathway for the RCIS credentialing program
will not limit the qualification of healthcare professionals such as RNs
and RTs from earning the RCIS credential; in fact, the number of RNs
and RTs earning the RCIS credential is at a record high, as is the number
of formerly educated invasive CVTs.
CCI, through the work of our Board of Advisors, continues to monitor
and act in an advisory role with our related professional societies to gain
the appropriate recognition for not only CCI’s credentials, but also for the
cardiovascular profession as a whole.
Yes, the discussions regarding recertification assessment tools continue.
By mid 2012, CCI will have formalized its new recertification policies, which will include an assessment tool, whose format is still to be
determined, that will be required over a certain period of time, in order
to renew a CCI credential. CCI’s role as a credentialing body encompasses
more than just developing and administering credentialing examinations. An important part of any valid credentialing program is the oversight of maintenance of subject matter knowledge. In order to validate
Will the other registry-level credentialing programs remove the two-year
on-the-job training pathway? At this time there has been no decision
as to when, if ever, these pathways will be closed, but the CCI Board of
Trustees, with the input from the CCI Board of Advisors and the CCI
Examination Committees, will continue to evaluate the field of practice
continued on page 10
9
New Bachelor of Applied Science Cardiopulmonary Sciences
Degree offered at Edison State College
Edison State College, Fort Myers, Florida, is proud to introduce a new
Bachelor’s Degree Program in Cardiopulmonary Sciences. This new
program is a collaborative effort involving Edison’s existing Associate
in Science Degree Programs in Invasive Cardiovascular Technology
and Respiratory Care. Edison began the AS Degree program in Invasive
Cardiovascular Technology in 1989. The Bachelor of Applied Science in
Cardiopulmonary Sciences program is designed for Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialists, RCIS’s, and Registered Respiratory Therapists, RRT’s, holding AS degrees, who want to advance their education.
pathway for RCIS’s and RRT’s that would like to: enhance their knowledge
of cardiopulmonary diseases and treatments, and expand their careers
into education, management/supervision, research or industry.
The B.A.S. in Cardiopulmonary Sciences program includes courses in
professional issues, advanced pharmacology, diagnosis and intervention,
patient management, research, legal and ethical aspects of healthcare,
pathophysiology, leadership, and community health. Courses are offered
in an online or blend of online and traditional formats to accommodate
students’ various schedules and learning preferences. Students may select
from an array of electives to compliment their learning. Courses are offered for full and part-time students. The program also provides a basis
for continued education at the graduate level.
The program will provide cardiovascular professionals with a wellrounded general education in the arts and sciences as well as advanced
understanding in Cardiopulmonary Sciences. The Cardiopulmonary Sciences B.A.S. provides career advancement for entry-level health profession
practitioners. Students will develop management and leadership skills
and gain a broader-based knowledge of healthcare delivery skills. The
program offers a diverse population of students with innovative educational experiences and opportunities to meet the healthcare needs of the
community they serve. The program provides a career and educational
For additional information feel free to visit http://www.edison.edu/academics/bscardiopulmonary/index.php or call 239-985-8398.
For Program Specific Requirements, as listed in the Edison State College
Catalog, please visit: http://catalog.edison.edu/preview_program.php?cat
oid=4&poid=135&returnto=253 ♥
Things that CCI’s Boards are talking about …
continued from page 9
such oversight, CCI will begin to implement recertification assessment
tools, as will other credentialing bodies. CCI will continue to keep its
registrants apprised of the policies that will affect each of you at some
point in your professional career.
Last but certainly not least is the expansion of CCI’s credentials in countries outside of North America. In recent years the number of credentialing examinations administered in countries such as China, Saudi Arabia,
India, Pakistan, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates has grown. CCI
has received recent interest in improving the credentialing of professionals in certain African countries, and we will be exploring the best ways to
assist the professions in these countries with the appropriate credentialing programs.
STUDY
ULTRASOUND
ALL THE THEORY YOU NEED TO PRACTICE
VASCULAR TECHNOLOGY
AND
ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY
Of course these are not the only topics discussed among the CCI Board of
Trustees and the CCI Board of Advisors, but these are the “30-thousandfoot level” discussions that can take years and many man-hours on
which to make decisions. The CCI Boards understand the importance
of improving the cardiovascular profession and working with you, our
registrants, and our colleagues in leadership roles of related professional
societies to advance our field.
AND
BE SUCCESSFUL ON THE REGISTRY
*MOST COURSES ARE WORTH 30 CME/CEU CREDITS*
www.burwin.com
We hope that you will take the time to get involved with the professional
societies listed above, as those organizations nominate individuals to our
Board of Advisors. It is through these organizations that you can make a
significant difference in our chosen profession. ♥
1-800-322-0737 (Central Time)
1-877-625-5297 (Atlantic Time)
CCI does not endorse nor recommend any review course or review material.
10
SICP Update
SICP’s 2011 New England Symposium and
Annual Meeting is a Boston Success!
By Nicole Shore, SICP Executive Director
See photos at right from the SICP New England Symposium and Annual
Meeting! Held at the Boston Marriott Quincy from July 28 to 30, the
New England Symposium included an RCIS Review Course, a legislative update on issues facing the invasive cardiovascular professional, an
educators’ round-table, and a managers’ retreat for cath lab leadership.
Also featured were student case studies and abstracts as well as several
hands-on topics: structural heart repair, drug eluding stents, transradial
approach, a web lab, and a skills lab.
Nicole Shore, SICP
Executive Director
SICP is now scheduling RCIS and RCES Review Courses for 2012. Plan
ahead and Book today.
Upon the great participation and success of the Wet Lab held during the
New England Symposium, we are now offering this hands-on experience
as an add-on to any Review Course. Add this to your course today for an
additional fee at a discounted rate. Visit www.sicp.com to request more
information.
RCIS Mini Review Course at TCT
Monday, November 7, 2011 • 12:15 - 5:30pm
Moscone Center • San Francisco, California
For those who are considering sitting for the RCIS examination, breakout
sessions will be held covering the following topics:
• In-depth cardiovascular structure
• Coronary angiography through the eyes of the interventionalist
• Aortic stenosis in depth: pathology and associated hemodynamics
• Mitral regurgitation in
depth: pathology & associated hemodynamics
• Special Session: In coordination with CVPath,
Hands on Hearts will allow
the participant to take all
that was learned in the
prior session and touch
actual cadaver hearts with
the aortic stenosis, mitral
regurgitation, and coronary
artery disease.
Transcatheter
Cardiovascular
Therapeutics
November 7-11, 2011
The Moscone Center
San Francisco, CA
 www.tctconference.com
Register today at http://www.
tctconference.com/ ♥
11
PRSRT-STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
RALEIGH, NC
PERMIT #1854
Cardiovascular Credentialing International
1500 Sunday Drive, Suite 102
Raleigh, North Carolina 27607
www.cci-online.org
are your
Inside Echo and Inside Ultrasound WeAUDIT
Our Interim Tracking
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All laboratories
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MANDATORY audit
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ICAVL/ICAEL policy.
This makes it even more
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We are experienced
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Are you
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Completion and submission of
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For all your echo needs call:
801-913-8445
www.inside-echo.com
We’re here to help...
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embracing the future together.
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For all your vascular needs call:
520-642-1303
www.insideultrasound.com