Proof of Additional Preceptored Training in Nuclear Cardiology
Applicants who have not succeeded in passing the Certification examination after three (3) attempts are required to show proof of additional preceptored training in nuclear cardiology and 25 hours of Nuclear Cardiology specific CME in addition to any training/experience requirements in place at the time of application:
- The additional preceptorship in Nuclear Cardiology must be with an individual who is board certified in Nuclear Cardiology (CBNC), Nuclear Medicine (ABNM or osteopathic equivalent) or Radiology (ABR or osteopathic equivalent) and is an Authorized User listed on a Radioactive Materials (RAM) license. The additional preceptorship must be
- A minimum of 4 weeks (160 hours; need not be consecutive weeks)
- A minimum of 100 nuclear cardiology cases read
The additional preceptorship must begin after the date of the third failed examination attempt. The training described above will allow the applicant to sit for three years.
- The 25 hours of nuclear cardiology-specific CME must be AMA PRA Category 1 and completed within 18 months of application submission.
Applicants who have not succeeded in passing the examination after six (6) attempts must re-take Level 2 Nuclear Cardiology training in an ACGME or AOA accredited institution.
Document Content and Format
Preceptor letters for the additional training in Nuclear Cardiology must be on organizational letterhead and the author’s relationship to the applicant provided (e.g. Program Director, Colleague, etc.).
The preceptor letter must be dated no earlier than June 1, 2020 and must document the applicant’s Nuclear Cardiology training dates.
The preceptor(s) verifying additional training in Nuclear Cardiology must include in the preceptor letter his or her NRC or Agreement State License Number.
Preceptors may find templates with acceptable wording on the CBNC website (www.cbnc.org). Preceptors are STRONGLY encouraged to use these.
Applicants can submit copies of CME certificates or letters from CME activity sponsors.
For further guidance on counting CME credit hours, refer to the CME Guidance Document.
U.S. Candidates who completed Level 2 through Experience [CLOSED].
Candidates who did not receive nuclear cardiology training within the context of an accredited fellowship or residency program and who have sat previously for the CBNC exam [No New Candidates] have two additional attempts after 2008 to pass under the pathway eligibility rules that existed at the time of the initial eligibility. Excepted are any new requirements put into effect by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission with regard to 10 CFR Part 35.290 training and experience requirements. Also excepted are requirements for candidates who have failed three (3) or more times, for whom additional training is required (See above for Proof of Additional Preceptored training requirements.)
Candidates who did not receive nuclear cardiology training within the context of an accredited fellowship or residency program and who have sat previously for the CBNC exam must document and provide the following: [No New Candidates]
- A copy of a current, unconditional, unrestricted medical license to practice in the U.S.
- A copy of a current US board certification in Cardiology, Nuclear Medicine or Radiology.
- A preceptor letter must be provided. The preceptor must be certified by one of the following Boards: CBNC, ABNM, ABR, AOBNM or AOBR. ABIM certification alone does not qualify. If the preceptor is not an Authorized User, a separate letter from an Authorized User must be provided to verify that the candidate has had appropriate training in radiation safety. The preceptor letter must be dated no earlier than 36 months prior to application and must document the training dates of the applicant.
- Authorized User status (e.g., by copy of current facility radioactive materials license listing the applicant’s name) or certificate of completion of a course with a minimum of 80 hours which included all topic areas required by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, completed no more than 7 years prior to the date of the exam for which you are applying.
- Ongoing experience as evidenced by interpretation of a minimum of 300 cases (current Nuclear Cardiology COCATS requirement for Level 2) in the preceding 24 months at time of application; See Letter Templates and
- At least 25 hours of CME specific to Nuclear Cardiology within 36 months of application submission.