Certifications to Set Today’s Allied Health Professionals Apart

Keeping up with the times is essential for those who work in healthcare, where change is constant and the need for continued learning is critical for professional success and, most importantly, patient safety. Recognizing that need, Howard Community College (HCC) offers two new certification programs for diagnostic health professionals who want to enhance their skills and prepare for career advancement opportunities.

Cardiac Electrophysiology Technologist Certification

Many nurses work in cardiac catheterization labs, but lack the credentials that align directly with the care they are providing. These credentials can be earned by taking and passing the Registered Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist (RCES) exam. Understanding the need for a program, HCC introduced an online course in fall 2018 to help professionals prepare for that exam. Almost immediately, students enrolled from across the U.S.

“Bill Fisher, chair of the cardiovascular technology program, saw a need in the industry and proposed that a noncredit course be offered so electrophysiology professionals have a way to grow their level of understanding and be certified for the work they are doing each day,” said Adrienne Summers, professional continuing education coordinator at HCC.

“The response to this course offering has been tremendous, with students enrolling from various states, and as far away as Alaska.” The ideal candidates for this certification program are allied health professionals with at least one year of clinical experience, who work in an invasive electrophysiology or cardiac catheterization lab, with a goal to expand their skill set in order to perform more complex procedures. 

Diagnostic Medical Vascular Sonographer Certification 

General and cardiac sonographers who want to set themselves apart in their field of work can opt to take the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography® (ARDMS) Vascular Registry 

Board Exam. But first, they must take part in a comprehensive training program that can be completed over the course of six to nine months at HCC. Students explore a wide range of ultrasound physics and instrumentation applications through a combination of online classes and on campus labs, as well as clinical externships, to be completed at their place of employment.

“We offer a few different tracks so students can really hone the skills they want to build or improve, based on their personal goals and career path,” said Summers. “Once they take this course, sit for the board exam, and pass, they really gain a competitive edge in the workforce. Employers today are looking to hire people who have taken these extra steps; who see the value in continuous learning and have pursued opportunities to increase their qualifications.”

This course is offered two times per year, with new cohorts beginning every January and July