Elevate Your Expertise in Point of Care Testing with the AACC Specialist Certificate Program

In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) has become an indispensable component of efficient and timely patient care. The demand for skilled professionals who can effectively manage and coordinate POCT programs is greater than ever. Recognizing this critical need, the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM), formerly AACC, offers the comprehensive Aacc Point Of Care Specialist Certificate Program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and best practices necessary to excel in this specialized field. This online program is meticulously crafted for working professionals seeking to enhance their expertise and validate their experience in POCT coordination and management.

Who Should Enroll in the AACC Point of Care Specialist Certificate Program?

The aacc point of care specialist certificate program is specifically tailored for individuals who are currently involved in or aspire to lead Point-of-Care Testing initiatives. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Lab Supervisors: Enhance your oversight capabilities and ensure the delivery of high-quality POCT services within your laboratory.
• Lab Directors and Assistant Directors: Gain strategic insights into POCT program management and align POCT strategies with overall laboratory objectives.
• Lab Managers (Supervisory and Non-Supervisory): Develop practical skills for the efficient day-to-day operation and improvement of POCT programs.
• Point-of-Care Coordinators and Specialists: Deepen your specialized knowledge and standardize your approach to POCT coordination based on industry best practices.

This program is relevant for professionals working across various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and physician offices, both within the United States and internationally.

Comprehensive Curriculum and Learning Objectives

The aacc point of care specialist certificate program delivers a robust curriculum structured into eight in-depth courses, designed to provide a holistic understanding of POCT management. Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:

• Understand the Regulatory Landscape: Navigate the complex world of POCT regulations, accreditation standards, and guidelines, ensuring compliance and quality.
• Master Quality Management in POCT: Review the critical components of quality management within POCT, including preanalytical, analytical, and postanalytical phases, quality improvement processes, and essential safety protocols.
• Develop Effective POCT Policies and Procedures: Learn to differentiate between policies, processes, and procedures, and gain proficiency in document development, approval, control, and standardization.
• Strategically Select and Validate POCT Instrumentation: Explore diverse classes of point-of-care instruments and understand the key principles for informed instrument selection and system validation.
• Implement POCT Connectivity and IT Solutions: Gain expertise in device and host communication, system setup, connectivity logistics relevant to billing, interface types, and emerging wireless technologies.
• Design and Deliver Effective POCT Training Programs: Develop strategies for creating training programs that cater to diverse learning styles, utilize effective educational tools, and meet regulatory requirements for competency assessments and outcome measurement.
• Establish Robust POCT Program Administration and Oversight: Understand the structural framework for POCT process oversight and control, define leadership roles, and integrate crucial safety knowledge into program implementation.
• Enhance Communication Skills for POCT Coordination: Improve communication effectiveness in POCT programs, understand different communication and leadership styles, cultivate effective speaking and listening skills, and utilize appropriate communication tools for POCT coordination.

Course Structure and Expert Faculty

The aacc point of care specialist certificate program is designed for flexible, online learning. Each of the eight courses is delivered online and estimated to take approximately 1-2 hours to complete. Courses include engaging lectures, comprehensive slides and transcripts, and quizzes to reinforce learning. The program culminates in a comprehensive 50-question multiple-choice final exam.

The program boasts a distinguished faculty of experienced professionals and thought leaders in the field of Point-of-Care Testing:

1. POC Regulations: Led by Christine Cursio, MLT, BS, POCT Manager, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.
2. POC Quality Management: Taught by Marcia Zucker, PhD, Independent Consultant, ZIVD LLC., New Jersey, USA.
3. POC Policies and Procedures: Instructed by Bill Hankins, Point of Care Coordinator, Danville Regional Medical Center, Virginia, USA.
4. POC Instrument Selection and Validation: Expertise provided by Marcia Zucker, PhD.
5. POC Connectivity and IT: Guided by Diane Davis, MT(ASCP)SH, Core Lab and POCT Manager, All Children’s Hospital, Florida, USA.
6. POC Education and Training: Facilitated by Victor French, CLS Supervisor/POC, KFH Modesto Medical Center, California, USA.
7. POC Administration: Directed by LouAnn Wyer, MS, MT(ASCP), Laboratory Director, Sentara Healthcare, Virginia, USA.
8. POC Communication: Led by Sheila Coffman, MT(ASCP), Program Manager, Abbott Point-of-Care, New Jersey, USA.

These faculty members bring a wealth of practical experience and in-depth knowledge to the program, ensuring participants receive relevant and cutting-edge insights into POCT best practices.

Accreditation and Continuing Education

The aacc point of care specialist certificate program is approved for 13.0 ACCENT® continuing education credits (Activity ID #4155), demonstrating its high quality and adherence to ACCENT Standards and Policies. This accreditation underscores the program’s commitment to providing valuable professional development opportunities in laboratory medicine.

Note for California Residents: While nationally accredited, this program is not currently approved for continuing education credit for California-licensed clinical laboratory personnel by the California Department of Public Health. Please verify current regulations for California-specific requirements.

Advance Your POCT Career Today

The aacc point of care specialist certificate program offers a unique opportunity to gain specialized knowledge, enhance your skills, and achieve professional recognition in the growing field of Point-of-Care Testing. Designed for busy professionals, the self-paced online format allows you to learn at your convenience and complete the program within one year. Invest in your future and become a certified Point-of-Care Specialist through this esteemed program from ADLM.