The RCSA (ICCCSA) Training Center Opens

All co-authors (listed above) were the first registered cardiovascular specialist assistants (RCSAs) whose credentials were “grandfathered” in 2010 to undergo training to become certified cardiovascular medical simulation trainers (CTAEs). Todd Sorenson, Dawn Holmes, Reynald Dorsainvil, and Anna Collins were the first candidates trained at the first freestanding cardiovascular medical simulation training center that opened on October 21, 2013. Ms. Holmes and Mr. Sorenson work in the cath lab system at the Rapid City Medical Center in Rapid City, South Dakota. Mr. Dorsainvil is employed with the University of Miami Hospital in Miami, Florida. Ms. Collins functions in the cath lab department at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, Florida. Their training encompassed left cardiac catheterizations, coronary angiography, PCIs, EP studies, transseptal access, invasive and interventional carotid and cerebral studies, renal studies, pelvic studies, lower extremity studies, and aortic endovascular studies. Each of the candidates were recommended for the training by physicians who were their direct supervisors at their places of employment. The candidates worked as a team and were taught by Richard Mohner, Simbionix representative. Mr. Mohner helped set up the center in mid-August. The examination process assessed each person’s knowledge base as well as their level of cognitive skills, psychomotor skills, and clinical experience skills that encompassed creative actions, intuition, perception, problem solving, and reasoning.

The testing event was accredited through the Alliance of Cardiovascular Professionals (ACVP) Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Continuing Education (CaPCE) for 11.1 contact hours (1.11 CEUs), which is recognized by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) and the California Board of Registered Nurses (CABRN). The event was also accredited by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) for 7.74 Category A+ CE credits. In addition to the hands-on training, the trainees completed a conjunctive RCIS Review Course that was approved by CaPCE and the CABRN for 33.9 CE contact hours. The ASRT approved this program for 34.5 Category A+ CE credits. 

We wish these new CTAEs the best as Certified Cardiovascular Medical Simulation Trainers and with their abilities to help their fellow peers to reach similar achievements. All persons who seek the CTAE credential are required to have three consecutive years of scrub assistant experience as a RCSA. For more information, please refer to the RCSA (ICCCSA, or International Council for Certification of Cardiovascular Specialists and Assistants, Inc.) website at https://www.rcsaedu.com. 

Additionally, for cardiovascular professionals who were “grandfathered” with the RCSA credential by the ICCCSA in 2010-2011 and have kept their credentials current, the training center will be giving the opportunity to experience 2.5 days of hands-on training at the center. The fees have been waived.  

Also, the center has decided to permit cardiovascular professionals who have not yet decided to seek the RCSA credential to train on an hourly basis. All interested candidates are required to hold the CCI RCIS or RCES credentials if they are not ARRT certified or licensed radiographers. Radiographers are required to either hold at least one of the ARRT CV, CI, or VI credentials and/or the CCI RCIS or RCES credentials. All candidates are required to have three consecutive years of experience as a first scrub assistant. Parties interested in the hourly training sessions are asked to formally request an application through the “Contact Us” page on the RCSA website. The hourly fee will encompass up to a maximum number of four candidates per scheduled day.