How Do I Get A RCIS Certification?
In cardiac catheterization laboratories, the Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) certificate is particularly for medical professionals who want to stand out.
RCIS certification may be needed by some institutions, but even if it’s not, you should think about getting it because it’s a crucial career booster and a professional certification.
This article provides all available and related information on how to get a RCIS certification.
About A RCIS Certification
Nurses who specialize in cardiac catheterization can get a RCIS certification (Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist).
These nurses support doctors as they perform minimally invasive procedures to identify and treat cardiac problems.
The cardiac catheterization lab nurse watches patients before and after the operation as well as moves around and scrubs while it is being done.
Cardiovascular Credentialing International RCIS certification, which is available to nurses working in cardiac catheterization labs, is required to provide care for complicated medical disorders in a procedural setting.
The RCIS test is given by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) and is intended for Cardiovascular catheterization specialists.
An allied health practitioner’s particular knowledge, expertise, and skills are all validated by the RCIS certification.
Requirements To Get A RCIS Certification
Through a computer-based exam run by Person Professional Centers, Cardiovascular Credentialing International offers the RCIS (Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist) certification.
Individuals must possess a high school diploma or GED certificate, present supporting documentation, and take and pass the RCIS examination before they’ll get a RCIS certification.
Aspiring credential holders must meet one of the qualification requirements as listed on the CCI website:
- Be a graduate with a health science degree, possess 600 cardiac diagnostic procedures in the form of clinical experience gained through a formal education program, and have at least one year of full-time job experience in invasive cardiovascular technology.
- Graduate from a non-programmatically accredited invasive cardiovascular technology program. A minimum of 800 clinical hours and one year of specialty training should be included in the curriculum.
- Possess a degree in invasive cardiovascular technology from an authorized program. The Canadian Medical Association, the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation must all accredit the program.
Proper documentations include a completion certificate or transcript, an employment verification letter, and a clinical experience letter.
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Exam Preparation To Get A RCIS Certification
1.Meet The Requirements
You have to find out if you meet the current qualifying requirements before you can get a RCIS certification.
Candidates must possess a high school diploma or an equivalent and meet one of the three requirements, with supporting proof.
2. How Is The RCIS Exam Setup?
The CCI RCIS exam includes both conventional and novel questions, unlike many professional certification exams that exclusively offer conventional multiple-choice questions.
There are three different categories of creative questions on the RCIS exam:
- Innovative drag-and-drop exercises that ask test-takers to drag a list of labels into the appropriate boxes or regions of an image.
- New hot spot questions ask test-takers to click on a certain region of an image to respond to the question.
- Innovative multiple-choice questions that require test-takers to provide two or three correct answers from four to six possible answers.
The RCIS exam consists of 170 questions, 20 of which are anonymous, ungraded, and dispersed at random to collect performance information.
After subtracting 10 minutes for the pre-exam instructional and post-exam survey, you have three hours to finish the exam and you need a scaled score of 650 or above to pass.
The RCIS examination application fee is $365 and a $100 non-refundable examination filing fee is included in all exam costs to cover the cost of the staff time needed to review and process applications.
3. Areas Covered On The RCIS Test
The three-hour certification exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions that cover the material covered in the RCIS Exam Overview.
A Job Task Analysis lists the duties and knowledge needed to carry out the duties that a Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist normally conducts at work.
Every five years, CCI completes a JTA to make sure the test is still current and every exam question makes a direct reference to a certain task.
Each task within each section is completely broken down in the comprehensive task list that CCI has provided.
An exhaustive Exam Matrix and Task List are provided in the CCI RCIS exam overview. The percentage of focus in RCIS exam includes:
- 10% Pre-Procedural Activities
- 42% Diagnostic Procedures
- 33% Interventional Procedures
- 6% Emergency Procedures and Protocols
- 9% Post-Procedural Activities
Tips To Get A RCIS Certification
1.Gather And Review Relevant Materials
To ensure you have all the necessary information based on the job task analysis list supplied, gather as much information as you can.
To assist you in getting ready for the RCIS exam, there are various study aids, reference books, practice exams, sample questions, flashcards, and other exam materials available online.
While many resources require a fee, some are free.
2. Question Previous Test-Takers
See allied health professionals who have already passed the RCIS exam, if they may offer any advice by speaking with them.
Inquire about how they felt about the test overall and whether they had any special study methods that worked well for them.
Some RCIS certificate holders assist online via free blogs and example questions, while others sell study materials and other products.
Materials based on the expertise and experience of experts who have actually passed the exam may be reliable.
3. Take A Review Course
Most of the material on the RCIS test is often covered in review courses, which may point out areas where you should focus your study efforts.
If you like to study for longer periods, think about enrolling in a self-paced or multi-week online RCIS review course.
Review courses offered both in-person and online that are administered by approved institutions or organizations may be used to fulfill continuing education requirements.
4. Find A Study Buddy Or Group
Some test takers study more effectively with others but if you prefer working alone, find a study partner among your friends who are taking the test.
If you prefer numerous research partners, get in touch with invasive cardiovascular organizations to check if any study groups are being conducted near you.
To find out if any study groups are running during the period you’ll be studying, and find out the requirements for joining.
5. Complete A Self-Assessment Exam
A self-assessment test provided by CCI may help identify your areas of weakness.
CCI does not advise using self-assessment tests as your only source of information or study manual.
They merely serve as a way to evaluate your performance before the credentialing exam and provide you with a better understanding of the framework of the test.
Online CCI RCIS self-assessment tests are available 24/7 for $55 and you have 72 hours to finish the exam after you start it.
The exam can only be taken once per purchase, and after it is finished, you cannot access it again.
Additionally, there are several free or paid practice exams available online and information on the questions you didn’t get on some of these tests is available.
Why Should I Get A RCIS Certification?
Cardiologists receive assistance from registered cardiovascular invasive specialists during cardiac catheterization procedures.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the sector of specialist cardiovascular technology, or RCIS, is quickly expanding.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2020 and 2030, the demand for cardiovascular technologists should increase by 8%.
And over the next ten years, the Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a combined average of 12,000 employment opportunities for medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists.
Renewal Process After You Get A RCIS Certification
After completing the CCI exam and passing, you’ll get a RCIS certificate which is valid for 9 to 12 months.
The following requirements must be satisfied to renew your RCIS certification:
First Renewal
After receiving the certification, you must pay a $165 charge before the start of the quarter of the following year.
For the first renewal, no Continuing Education Units are necessary and the RCIS certification is valid for three years.
Second Renewal
You must pay the $165 renewal fee, sign the CCI Code of Ethics, and complete 36 Continuing Education Units, 30 of which must be connected to cardiovascular health, once three years have passed since your first renewal.
What Cardiac Catherization Lab Nurses Should Know About RCIS Certification
Although allied health professionals tend to pursue the RCIS more frequently, some hospitals demand that registered nurses who work in the cardiac cath lab should also get a RCIS certification.
One of the qualifications to take the exam is satisfied by an RN’s nursing degree for those who are interested in earning an RCIS.
They still need to have the necessary employment history and finish the required number of procedures.
Nurses can use the same study materials and strategies as allied health professionals to be ready for the RCIS exam since it is the same for both groups.
Nurses in the cardiac catheterization lab may want to think about getting their CV-BC (Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification) in place of or in addition to the RCIS certification.
FAQ
What is on the CCI exam?
Healthcare practitioners can earn certification in invasive (cardiac catheterization), non-invasive (echocardiography), vascular ultrasound, and cardiography through CCI (EKG, Stress, and Holter Monitoring).
How do I become a chartered surveyor without a degree?
If you don’t have a degree, you could enroll in a Chartered Surveyor Degree Apprenticeship that has been recognized by RICS. With this route, you’ll work as a trainee quantity surveyor while pursuing a surveying degree part-time, learning both theory and practice along the way.
Is RICS a degree?
After completing your studies, you’ll be eligible to join RICS as a graduate member if you have a degree from the organization. You’ll get access to their international platforms and events as a member, including RICS Matrics is a network that provides opportunities and assistance for trainees, students, and recently graduated professionals.
Is a RICS accreditation worth it?
Working with an RICS-accredited commercial property surveyor is crucial for a variety of reasons, including the immense peace of mind and trust that comes from knowing that your partner has through the best training and received the highest accreditation.
What qualifications do you need to be a chartered surveyor?
You must earn a degree that has been approved by the RICS to become a Chartered Surveyor. After that, you’ll work while completing your Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). After your APC Final Assessment, RICS grants you membership.
Is RICS membership free?
By working to the highest standards of education at college or university, being an RICS student can help you realize your potential.
How many times can you take the CCI exam?
If the first attempt is unsuccessful, a CNOR-eligible nurse may retake the exam twice within 12 months using the CNOR Take 2 program. See the CNOR Handbook for further details on the Take 2 program. To encourage health systems to certify several nurses, CCI offers volume discounts.
What is a good score on Aanp?
There are 150 questions on the AANP Family Nurse Practitioner certification exam. A minimum passing score of 500 is required, with a scoring range of 200 to 800 points.
What is the difference between a chartered surveyor and a surveyor?
A surveyor may be knowledgeable enough to finish the inspection, but it does not mean they are subject to the same regulations as chartered surveyors. A chartered surveyor who is subject to RICS regulation has undergone extensive training to guarantee that they are competent and reliable.
Is a surveyor a good job?
Additionally, it is a genuinely worldwide vocation that presents excellent prospects for foreign travel because of its global projects, talents, and clientele. Due to all of this, surveying is a very diverse, enjoyable, and cooperative career.
Conclusion
When you get a RCIS certification, it adds a meaningful accreditation to your resume that many employers find appealing.
Note that seasoned cath lab specialists with years of experience might not be as prepared as they believe to pass the RCIS certification exam.
Even more seasoned employees can fail the first time around for a lack of sufficient research and preparation.
So you have to explore all the numerous methods to prepare for a successful exam day, so you’ll pass and get a RCIS certification.