to view the 2014 CCI Annual Report

2014 ANNUAL REPORT

Cardiovascular Credentialing International

Cardiovascular Credentialing International 1

Table of ContentsFrom the President 2

Credentials 4

Leadership 5

Examination Committee Members 6

2014 Total Examinations Administered and Pass Rates 8

Total Exams Sold by Year 8

Total Registrants by Credential 9

ANSI Accreditation 9

Professional Testing, Inc. 9

Pearson VUE 9

Cardiovascular Educators’ Forum 10

Cardiac and Vascular Sonography Educators’ Luncheon 11

Conferences Where CCI Exhibited in 2014 11

Credential Recognition 12

2 Cardiovascular Credentialing International

From the PresidentJames “Jay” Shafer, BS, RCS, RVS, RVT, President, Board of Trustees

First, let me say that it has been my privilege and honor to serve as the president of CCI. Over the past two years, there have been many new and exciting developments. The purpose of this document is to keep all interested parties aware of CCI’s activities and initiatives that have occurred over the past year. All of our activities have a common focus: to support our mission and vision statements.

Vision Statement To be the recognized credentialing organization for Cardiovascular Technology and emerging medical professionals.

Mission Statement To be an innovative, cost-effective organization, driven by professional ethics and integrity, through the representation of the profession(s) in providing recognized, high-quality, competency-based examinations.

In 2014, hard work and perseverance brought many proj-ects to fruition that contributed to the growth and develop-ment of credentialing in the cardiovascular profession and the long-term protection of the public.

At the forefront of CCI’s efforts is the ongoing work to ensure that CCI will be the first choice for credentialing of cardiovascular professionals. In an effort to enhance the practice of cardiovascular diagnostics globally, we have first partnered with and ultimately brought together a task force of subject matter experts who have had experience practicing and/or providing cardiac ultrasound training outside of North America. This has culminated in the development of the basic echocardiography certification. The focus of the examination is to measure competency in basic echocardiography principles. The examination covers the basic technical aspects of performing cardiac ultrasound procedures and is consistent with how echo-cardiography is used in many parts of the world. Over the past year, CCI also began the development of the Advanced Cardiac Sonographer (ACS) certification. This exam is being developed in response to the need to create a career track for sonographers who practice at an advanced level in the echocardiography laboratory. Lastly, and with an eye towards the future, consideration is being given to the de-velopment of a pediatric cath lab examination. This comes as a result of successful strides in managing patients with congenital heart disease into their adult years when diag-nostic tests and even interventions may become necessary.

As is evident by continued ANSI/ISO 17024 accreditation, CCI continues to develop and administer psychometrically sound examinations. This past year was no exception with


the initial phases of important enhancements, including the development of innovative items for CCI’s examination programs. Innovative question types go beyond the tradi-tional multiple choice format by doing the following:

• Measuring a broader range of skills

• Measuring knowledge at higher cognitive levels

• Providing opportunities for broader content coverage

• Providing a more realistic simulation of practice in the field

These innovative items will be incorporated into CCI exams beginning in June 2015. More information will be posted on CCI’s website in the near future.

Lastly, through its philanthropic initiatives, CCI continues to support efforts that advance and impact the cardiovas-cular field. These accomplishments include the following:

1. CCI held the 3rd Annual Cardiovascular Educators’ Fo-rum on April 11-12 in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can read more about this on page 10.

2. CCI was a sponsor of The American Society of Echocardi-ography (ASE) Education and Research Foundation’s first Value-Based Healthcare: Summit held on September 12 in Washington, DC. It drew a large audience and succeeded in engaging the audience of thought leaders to talk about echo’s value in a new value-based healthcare system.

3. As a member of the One Heart Global Cardiovascular Alliance, CCI participated in and supported Heart-beat International (www.heartbeatsaveslives.org) in celebrating their 30th anniversary. Heartbeat Interna-tional’s mission is “To save lives globally by providing cardiovascular implantable devices and treatment to the needy people of the world.”

4. The Sonography Research Institute (SRI) was estab-lished to assist sonographers with acquiring the skills and expertise to conduct and publish original sono-graphic research. At this time the first cohort in the SRI program have completed their research projects. The first seven original research articles will be published in the January/February 2015 issue of the Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JDMS).The topics range from markers for predicting congenital heart defects to the value of echocardiography in predicting result of PDA closure in preterm neonates.

In conclusion and in moving forward to 2015, one of our biggest transitions has been that of welcoming a new Ex-ecutive Director. Aaron White, who served as CCI Executive Director for eleven years, has moved on to a new oppor-tunity. Jerel Noel, who has been with CCI since 2008, most recently functioning as the Associate Executive Director/Examinations Coordinator, has moved into the Executive Director’s role. This became effective November 1, 2014, and we are excited about his leadership of our future.


CredentialsCertificate LevelCCT – Certified Cardiographic TechnicianFor professionals working in the areas of ECG, Holter monitoring, and stress testing

CRAT – Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician For professionals who utilize specialized monitoring equipment to analyze cardiac rhythms

Registry LevelRCCS – Registered Congenital Cardiac SonographerFor professionals working in the area of pediatric and adult congenital cardiac ultrasound

RCES – Registered Cardiac Electrophysiology SpecialistFor professionals working in the area of electrophysiology

RCIS – Registered Cardiovascular Invasive SpecialistFor professionals working in the area of cardiac catheterization (invasive cardiovascular technology)

RCS – Registered Cardiac SonographerFor professionals working in the area of echocardiography

RPhS – Registered Phlebology Sonographer For professionals working in the area of phlebology ultrasound

RVS – Registered Vascular SpecialistFor professionals working in the area of vascular technology (vascular ultrasound)

Photos courtesy of Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, Compudiagnostics, Lancaster General Hospital, Morrison Vein Institute, Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, and Shands Teaching Hospital at the University of Florida.

CCT CRAT RCCS RCES

RCIS RCS RPhS RVS


Leadership Board of Trustees

PresidentJames Shafer, BS, RCS, RVS, RVT

President-Elect / Executive Examination ChairKenneth Horton, RCIS, RCS, FASE

TreasurerMarsha Roberts, BS, RCS, FASE

SecretaryGail Size, BS, RPhS, RVS, RVT, FSVU

Immediate Past PresidentDouglas L. Passey, RCES, RCIS, FSICP

Executive Director (Ex-Officio - Non-voting)Aaron White

Certificate Level Examinations ChairTom O’Brien, AS, CCT, CRAT, RMA

Congenital Registry Examination ChairElaine Shea, RCCS, RCS, RCIS, FASE

Echocardiography Registry Examination Chair

Brad Roberts, BS, RCS, FASE

Electrophysiology Registry Examination ChairDouglas L. Passey, RCES, RCIS, FSICP

Phlebology Registry Examination ChairJeannie White Melendez, RPhS, RVT, FSVU

Invasive Registry Examination ChairErik Hushelpeck, RCES, RCIS, FSICP

Vascular Registry Examination ChairLisa Cannon, RVS, RVT

Public MemberRick Hoffman, CPA/ABV

Board of AdvisorsMembers are nominated to represent their

cardiovascular specialty field from the listed professional societies.

American College of Cardiology RepresentativeJoseph V. Messer, MD, MACC, FACP, FAHA,

FCCP, FSCAI

American College of Phlebology Physician Representative

Nick Morrison, MD, FACS, FACPh, RPhS

American College of Phlebology Non-Physician Representative

Joseph Zygmunt, RPhS, RVT

American Society of Echocardiography Physician Representative

Allan Klein, MD, FRCP(C), FACC, FAHA, FASE

American Society of Echocardiography Non-Physician Representative

Richie Palma, BS, RCS, RDCS, APS, FASE

Heart Rhythm Society Physician Representative

Shoei K. Huang, MD, FACC, FAHA, FHRS, CCDS

Heart Rhythm Society Non-Physician Representative

Barbara Thomas, RN, FHRS

Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions Representative

Joseph Babb, MD, FAHA, FACC, FSCAI

Society for Vascular Ultrasound Representative

Anne Jones, RN, BSN, RVT, RDMS, FSVU

Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Representative

David Adams, RCS, RDCS, FASE

Society of Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals Representative

Tracy Simpson, ARNP, MS, RCIS, FSICP

Honorary Board Member - HistorianDennis Carney, RCIS, RCS, FASE

StaffExecutive Director

Aaron White

Associate Executive Director & Examination Coordinator

Jerel Noel

Director of FinanceEllen Gioielli

Director of CommunicationsChristine Johnson

Director of OperationsStephanie Brown

Assistant Director of OperationsKatesha Phillips

Executive AssistantValerie Hunter

Operations AssistantPamela Cunningham

Applicant Services SpecialistKrista Russell

Applicant Services SpecialistVirginia Satterwhite

Registrant Services SpecialistEdward Ingram

Registrant Services SpecialistPamela Anderson


Examination Committee Members Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) Tom O’Brien, CCT, CRAT - Chair Mike Maloney, AAS, CCT, RCIS Andrew Pellett, PhD, RDCS, FASE Sam Soleyman, RDCS Diane Terrell, CCT, CRAT

Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician (CRAT) Tom O’Brien, CCT, CRAT - Chair Jill Culp, CCT, CRATKimberly Firch Jess Fitzsimons, CCT, CRATAmy Leiserowitz, RN, CCDS

Registered Congenital Cardiac Sonographer (RCCS) Elaine Shea, RCCS, RCIS, RCS, FASE - Chair Patrick Coon, RCCS, RDCS, FASEShawn Cupp RCS, RCCS Nicole Duncan, RCCS, RDCS Lyna El-Khoury Rumbarger, BS, RDCS, RCCS,

FASEJoseph Kreeger, RCCS, RDCS, FASE Stephanie Nay, RCCS, RDCS, FASE

Registered Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist (RCES) Douglas Passey, RCES, RCIS, FSICP - ChairJacqueline Bruhn, CEPS, RCES Susan Deck, MBA, RN, CCDS, CEPS, RCES, RCIS Letitia Esbenshade-Smith, RCES, RCIS Rebecca Frey, RCES Joe Giron RCES, RN, RT, CEPSCraig Klebsch, RCES, RCIS John Minnich, RCES, RCIS Scott Neal, RCES Scott Sass, RCES, RCIS Robert L. Thompson, RCES, RCIS

Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) Erik Hushelpeck, RCES, RCIS, FSICP - Chair Lee Ann Johnson, BS, RCIS James Lincoln, RCIS Allan Mirehouse, RCIS Travis Nay, RCIS Christopher Nelson, RN, RCIS, FSICP Douglas L. Passey, RCES, RCIS, FSICPTracy Simpson, ARNP, BSN, RCIS, FSICP

Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) Brad Roberts, BS, RCS, FASE - Chair Todd Belcik, BS, RCS, RDCS, FASE Karen Chin, RCS Kenneth Horton, RCIS, RCS, FASE Elizabeth McIlwain, RCS, RDCS, FASE Andrew Pellett, PhD, RCS, RDCS, FASE Marsha Roberts, RCS, FASE

Registered Phlebology Sonographer (RPhS) Jeannie White Melendez, RPhS, RVT, FSVU - Chair Stephen Daugherty, MD, RPhS, RVT Tracie Dauplaise, RPhS, RVT Karl Hubach, MD, RPhS, RVTNick Morrison, MD, RPhS Diana Neuhardt, RPhS, RVT Barbara Pohle-Schulze, RDMS, RDCS, RPhS, RVT William B. Schroedter, BS, RVT, RPhS, FSVU Michael Traurig, MD, RPhS, RVT Joseph Zygmunt, RPhS, RVT

Registered Vascular Specialist (RVS) Lisa Cannon, RVS, RVT - Chair Matthew Allen, RVS Troy Russo, RVS, RVT James Shafer, BS, RCS, RVS, RVT Gail Size, BS, RPhS, RVS, RVT, FSVUSharon Whitcraft, BS, RCS, RVS, RVT



Total Exams Sold by Year (2003 to 2014)

*2003 only includes data from March through December since CCI moved to computer based testing in March of 2003. **2003 to 2010 data includes the Cardiovascular Science examination, which was no longer offered after Dec. 31, 2010. 2011 and on are only one part exams.

2014 Total Examinations Administered and Pass RatesExam Total Exams Administered Pass RateCertified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) 733 53.48%

Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician (CRAT) 430 73.49%

Registered Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist (RCES) 108 69.44%

Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS) 1,316 50.15%

Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) 865 52.02%

Registered Congenital Cardiac Sonographer (RCCS) 78 58.97%

Registered Phlebology Sonographer (RPhS) 64 68.75%

Registered Vascular Specialist (RVS) 699 44.06%

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Total Exams Sold by Year (2003 to 2014)

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Total Registrants by Credential

ANSI Accreditation Founded in 1918, American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredits developers of standards for a multitude of personnel certification programs and industries, both nationally and internationally. ANSI is the United States represen-tative of the International Organization of Standardization (ISO), which is the global developer of international standards dedicated to eliminating obstacles to international trade. ISO standards are established with worldwide consensus, pro-viding rigorous guidelines for products, services, and sound practice. CCI recognizes that accreditation through these bodies is vital to creating an international credentialing presence. Reciprocity is essential for international relationships and a shared vision that transcends geographic and socioeconomic borders. ISO standards encourage open exchange while providing the necessary regulation to ensure structure and mutual accountability. Credentials administered are accredited by ANSI based on the ISO/IEC 17024 Accreditation Standard.

For more information about ANSI, please visit: www.ansi.org.

CCT 4,815

CRAT 787

RCCS 197

RCES 556

RCIS 6,592

RCS 6,786

RPhS 223

RVS 2,865

Total Credentials 22,821

Total Active Registrants 20,043

*Note: A registrant may hold more than one credential.

Professional Testing, Inc. CCI’s Examination Committees consist of subject matter experts (SMEs) for each respective cardiovascular specialty. These SMEs compose the questions and answers with the guidance of profes-sional examination staff and PhD level psychometricians from Professional Testing, Inc. Professional Testing, Inc. works with CCI staff and SMEs to conduct job/task analyses, examination content/blue print updates, assist with item development, provide ongoing exam maintenance, and provide psychometric consulting.

For more information about Professional Testing, Inc., please visit www.proftesting.com.

Pearson VUECCI examinations are computer-based and are administered through Pearson VUE. As the world’s foremost provider of electronic testing, Pearson VUE conducts examinations for academic, govern-ment, and professional clients. Pearson VUE’s network operates over 4,400 Pearson VUE Authorized Test Centers in more than 162 coun-tries and also operates more than 230 Pearson Professional Centers.

For more information about Pearson VUE, please visit www.pearsonvue.com/cci.


Cardiovascular Educators’ ForumFollowing up on the success of the past two year’s forums, the board continues to allocate funds for the Educators’ Forum. The 2014 forum was held April 11-12 at the Westin Las Vegas. Selected partic-ipants were invited to attend at no cost. Fifty-seven people were in attendance, including the following: forty-eight educators, Profes-sional Testing, Inc. (PTI) representatives, Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRC-CVT) represen-tative, Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) representative, CCI board members, and CCI staff members.

This program included the following presentations and interactive workshops:

>> Transitioning from a Traditional Classroom to Blended or Online Learning

>> Technology in the Classroom: Live and Virtual Resources for Every Budget

• Tools for the Educators • Tools for the Students

>> Item Writing: Lessons from the Experts

>> Navigating ADA Requirements in Traditional, Blended and Online Environments

>> Item Writing Workshop

>> Accreditation: Who Needs It? And While We’re At It, What About Exam Qualifications?

>> CCI Town Hall Meeting

When 2014 attendees were asked what the strengths of the forum were, they responded:

>> “The ability to actively interact with a wide array of fellow educators. Hearing from knowledgeable fellow educators. The networking opportunities with all organization of the profes-sional triad.”

>> “All attendees offer help and support to each other. There is not a competitiveness among programs but instead a great environ-ment of networking for the betterment of all programs.”

The next Educators’ Forum will be held April 17-18, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada and will focus on Best Practices in Education. Planned sessions include topics such as:

>> Defining / Establishing Best Practices in: • Traditional Classroom Settings • Blended / Hybrid Learning Environments • Online Learning

>> Clinical Evaluations: Strategies to Ensure Consistency

>> Designing Instruction vs. Instructional Design

>> CCI Town Hall Meeting • Kickoff: Educators’ Advisory Committee • Strategic Planning & Next Steps

>> Hot Topics & Burning Issues

>> New Exam Qualifications & Program Outcomes: Did the SME’s get it right?

>> Item Writing Workshop: Innovative Items

To be added to CCI’s educators’ mailing list or to receive information on future forums please email Christine Johnson at [email protected].


Cardiac and Vascular Sonography Educators’ Luncheon Since 2011, CCI has been offered the opportunity to sponsor and host an educators’ luncheon at the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) Annual Conference. At the 2014 SDMS Annual Conference in Louisville, Kentucky we hosted a complimentary luncheon for sixty educators and gave them an overview of CCI, an Exam Committee update on new programs, a review of CCI’s ethics and appeals procedures, and showcased the new CCI Examination Application and Process video.

Conferences Where CCI Exhibited in 2014Conference LocationAmerican College of Cardiology Annual Scientific Session & Expo (ACC) Washington, DC

American College of Phlebology Annual Congress (ACP) Phoenix, AZ

American Society of Echocardiography Annual Scientific Sessions (ASE) Portland, OR

Heart Rhythm Society Annual Scientific Sessions (HRS) San Francisco, CA

International Foundation for Sonography Education and Research (IFSER) Columbia, MD

National Cardiovascular Data Registry Annual Meeting (NCDR) Washington, DC

North Carolina Ultrasound Society Fall Meeting (NCUS) Durham, NC and Concord, NC

Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) Las Vegas, NV

Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Annual Conference (SDMS) Louisville, KY

South Atlantic Society of Electrophysiology Allied Professionals Annual Workshop (SASEAP) Myrtle Beach, SC

Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU) Annual Conference Lake Buena Vista, FL

World Congress of Cardiology (WCC) Scientific Sessions Melbourne, Australia


Credential Recognition Updates below do not include licensure or recognition already in place; these are updates on activity in 2014.

California Department of Public Health and the RCISThe California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued two notices in the fall of 2014 that acknowledged the ability of a non-li-censed professional to perform fluoroscopic duties under the direct supervision of a licensed supervisor and/or operator.

Prior to the first notice, the interpretation of California Code Title 17 limited the RCIS’s and CVT’s scope of practice with regards to performing the scrub role due to not being able to move the patient, the image intensifier, or change the magnification on the fluorosco-py equipment while the equipment was energized.

On September 15, 2014, the first notice was issued from the CDPH clarifying fluoroscopy permit requirements following regulatory changes that became effective October 1, 2013. As a result of those changes, fluoroscopy is no longer defined in regulation as a radio-logic examination, but rather as a technique used to produce visible images.

A second notice came out on September 30, 2014 which was an exemption to California Code Title 17 issued by the Radiologic Health Branch (RHB). The exemption officially declared that RCIS credentialed staff and CVTs can perform within their scope of prac-tice while in the scrub role providing that the fluoroscopy equip-ment is on automatic exposure control (AEC) mode or automatic exposure rate control (AERC) mode, the professional is positioning the patient, and the equipment is under the direction of a permitted licentiate.

The RHB/CDPH rescinded the “Exemption” they put in effect on September 30th which allowed the RCIS and RCES to assist with fluoroscopy during cases. The Society of Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals (SICP) was informed by email on December 19th of the decision to rescind. SICP is still awaiting a response for the reasoning behind this decision.

Most of the opposition to the exemptions came from the California Radiologic Technologist organization. At the last California Radio-logic Technology Certification Committee (RTCC) meeting they forced a vote twice to rescind the exemption and both were defeated with votes tied at 5 to 5.

The rescission of the September 30, 2014 exemption has resulted in qualified cardiovascular professionals being prevented from performing within their scope of practice and denied employment in California.

OngoingWe continue to support CCI registrants by sending emails and letters on their behalf as they notify us that their credential is not being recognized by their employer, CMS provider, or a potential employer.


Cardiovascular Credentialing International1500 Sunday Drive, Suite 102, Raleigh, NC 27607

800-326-0268 • www.cci-online.org

Documents

to view the 2014 CCI Annual Report