AACC POC Certificates/Certification?

Good morning! I took the POC Specialist Certificate a few years back and found it a great help to my understanding of day to day functionalities of POC. I was new to that career path. Last year at the AACC meeting in Chicago, I attended the POC Bootcamp. I learned soooooo much and made some great connections in the POC field. Also last year, I was in the first class for the POC Professional Certification (CPP). The Specialist Certificate is a very different beast. What I learned from the CPP during the study groups I held was eye opening. This is way more in-depth and what you would expect for a Professional Certification as opposed to a Certificate. The CPP helped make connections across the US stronger. My leaders recognize the CPP and just thought the certificate was "a good idea". If your manager/leader does not have a good understanding of POC...the certificate is a good idea and would be enough for managers and directors that wanted a better understanding.

What was a direct result. Well, all of these contributed to a catapult of my career. I have networking capabilities that I did not have before. I have added participation in AACC Boards and Annual Meeting Planning groups that would not have been available to me. I have consultant opportunities too.

As a POC Professional, all three of these have added to the enrichment of my POC department.

To all, 

i think that the answer to whether or not the Certification/Certification is right for you depends on where you are both in your career and within your institutions.

For those of us that have been in the field for over 20 years, the items that Erica mentions, increased networking, access to professional committees, consulting and visibility within your own institutions, we “old folks” probably already have either “been there, done that” or have had decided that presenting and committees may “take too much (insert word here time, effort, hassle, time  away from work etc.)  Consulting opportunities are fewer and farther between for POCC because of some of the institutional strictures against it. My corporation absolutely forbids it. 

Also, within my corporation, I have the recognition as a subject matter expert without spending the money or the time. I would have to fund the money myself if I desired any of this training.

I will probably not avail myself of the Certificate or Certifications offered. BUT....for someone 2-10 years in to the field, with leadership support and possibly financing for the courses, if you can do it, do it.....knowledge can’t be taken from you once it is yours. 

Deanna Bogner

210-788-0121

Erika - I didn't know classes were offered for the BOC, that's awesome. Were these classes in person or online with AACC? Was there any other helpful material you used to study for the exam?

Thank you all so much for your replies. I am new to POC and will be reaching my 2nd year both as a CLS and in POC in November of this year so I think this should be something I should pursue . :)

I took the Exam as a personal professional choice.  I am an "old" Point of Care Coordinator and I just wanted to know if I really am the site 'Expert.'  There is only a two year POCC field requirement to sit for the exam - so how hard can it be, right?  I found though, that it did challenge my knowledge.  I do feel that the AACC has opportunity for improvement with their technology platform and test questions.

The most important part for me was that the syllabus forced me to dedicate time to study each aspect of point of care.  Studying brought it all together under one roof in my mind.  I discovered a number of resources that I didn't know existed.  I met new smart friends along the way.  My knowledge base certainly expanded and my new tools have already been useful in the real work world.  I have greater confidence in my abilities as a result of passing the exam.

With the shortage of Med Techs, I don't know if requirements for job applications will get stricter.  However, any certs or additional skill sets make one's resume stand out against the rest. 

This months CLN magazine did a very nice article on the exam.  

Penny Gooch, CPP 

I'm from the oldies but goodies group too, haha. I started my career in POC back in 2003ish, full time POC since 2006, and have been on the ride with some of the folks in this group all these years. I do feel like we may have the longest tenure as POC professionals, and I do think there is a lot to be said about that - most people involved in POC "know" us because we are regularly involved in national POC groups like this one and have been for many many years. We speak out on topics like critical care glucose testing - Deanna and I went and faced the FDA on that issue pretty recently, we sit on CLSI document committees and we educate constantly. 

I did do the POC Specialist course back when that first came out, and I then used those materials to create my training for all future POC Coordinators for my team. I found a lot of value in that, for just giving them a baseline to start with.

When the new POC Certificate came out, initially I wanted it - I feel I deserve that, I am a leader in POC and I should have the letters or certifications to prove I am legit. However, when I saw the cost, and realized that my employer would not pay for it, I decided that I don't really need it. My reputation is going to have to be enough :) I still love to teach and help, so I try to be as involved in this group, and the various Facebook groups, as possible - but I may be a cheapskate when it comes to ponying up the dough to pay to take a test just to say I have it. Those that know, know. Haha.

Erika - Oops! Yes I meant the CPP not BOC :) I actually took the Specialist Certificate last year, so I think the next best thing is to do the CPP. I'll definitely look into the POC Bootcamp, I really enjoy my work this early in Point of Care and I think I'll find value in both . Thanks so much for your input on the resources, will definitely look into all of them!

Penny - I will look at the article .Thank you :)

So to those of you that have taken the board exam, any tips/suggestions on how to prepare for the exam?

I found that you should find a small group of people taking the exam, maybe ask on this site. Form a small study group and divide up the topics on the study guide. Go over a few items each time you meet. Use the resources listed. I especially like the book by Luppee. Keep a good understanding that the exam must be a broad cover over all technical aspects, agencies and regulations. Good Luck!!