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GENERAL INFORMATION
This page is intended to provide information and guidance to preceptors when writing letters attesting to completion of nuclear cardiology training for CBNC applicants.
- Completion of Level 2 nuclear cardiology training in accordance with the ACC Core Cardiovascular Training Statement 4 Task Force 6: Training in Nuclear Cardiology (the “COCATS Guidelines” revised 2015) which includes Classroom & Laboratory Training (CLT) of 80 (or 200) hours. Individuals who have completed all clinical requirements but not the CLT hours have not completed Level 2 nuclear cardiology training.
- CBNC requires completion of Level 2 nuclear cardiology training prior to applying to sit for the exam. Preceptors must verify that all components of Level 2 training have been completed (which includes the ≥ 80 hours of CLT) prior to signing off on preceptor attestation letters. Letters dated prior to completion of all requirements will not be accepted.
- The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and Agreement States rely on Preceptor Attestations to document appropriate training for those seeking Authorized User status. The NRC and Agreement States conduct audits and penalties can be imposed when misinformation has been found. In authoring a preceptor attestation letter, the preceptor accepts responsibility for the accuracy of the statements made. See NRC report regarding what may occur when incorrect information is provided either deliberately or by lack of verification. When applying to the NRC using CBNC as a pathway for Authorized User status, an applicant must submit the original CBNC certification certificate. NRC currently does not accept the CBNC recertification certificates
- CBNC randomly audits a number of candidate applications annually and may audit for up to one year following notification of successful certification or recertification.
PRECEPTOR PROGRAM VERIFICATION
Beginning in 2011 and going forward, CBNC requires that preceptors who write letters attesting to Level 2 nuclear cardiology training for CBNC applicants applying through the Formal Training Pathway have on file with the CBNC office Program Verification documentation that verifies:
- The training institution’s fulfillment of the current COCATS Guidelines for nuclear cardiology training, Level 2
AND
- The appropriateness of the preceptor to serve in that capacity (i.e., is an Authorized User (AU) under 35.200 uses or the Agreement State equivalent and is listed on a RAM license or under a Broad Scope license).
The preceptor may also be subject to position requirements, depending on the pathway under which the applicant is eligible. See below. If there is more than one individual in the training program or institution serving in the capacity of preceptor they may each fill out a Program Verification document so that all appropriate individuals in the program have a letter on file and can write attestation letters.
An applicant’s preceptor attestation letter can be accepted only once CBNC has the preceptor’s Program Verification and AU documentation (copy of RAM license or letter from Radiation Safety Committee) on file.
The program verification document need only be submitted once every three years, OR when there is a change:
- In NRC 35.290 training or documentation requirements, OR
- In the Nuclear Cardiology COCATS Guidelines, OR
- Of the preceptor/training/program director at the institution
One set of program verification material on file per preceptor is sufficient for all his/her trainees for a period of three years, assuming training of the applicant is/was in accordance with the statement on file.
*ATTENTION – CBNC has made adjustments to the required program verification document to further assure adherence to documentation requirements issued by the NRC. As of June 1, 2020, ALL program verification letters will be marked as expired and therefore will not be shown in the preceptor lookup below. All current and future preceptors attesting to the training of CBNC Candidates must complete and submit the recently amended 2020 CBNC Program Verification Document. This update is required to ensure that proper CLT training is being administered, attended and documented. We will update the Preceptor Lookup below as new letters are received. If you do not see your preceptor in our database, a new letter has not yet been provided.
NEW PRECEPTOR PORTAL: Preceptors who are currently in our records, in order to submit the online program verification document, please login to your MyAPCA portal, select the MY RESOURCES tab, and click on the MY CBNC Preceptor Portal Link. You will then be able to complete and submit the form online.
Preceptors who are applying for the first time, please contact our offices directly via email (cbnc@inteleos.org) to request addition so that we may give you access to the feature in your MYAPCA account in order for you to submit the requisite documentation.
Please allow for 5-7 business days for staff to review and approve of your request and/or documentation.*
Click here to read our frequently asked questions about the NEW Preceptor Portal.
Click here to lookup your program verification letter in our database. If your letter does not appear in the list, please contact our office at CBNC@inteleos.org.
PRECEPTOR ATTESTATIONS
FORMAL TRAINING PATHWAY – FOR US trained applicants who received Nuclear Cardiology training in an ACGME or AOA-accredited fellowship or residency program in Cardiovascular Disease, Nuclear Medicine, or Radiology.
The preceptor attestation letter must document that:
- The applicant completed Level 2 training in Nuclear Cardiology in accordance with ACC Core Cardiovascular Training Statement 4 Task Force 6: Training in Nuclear Cardiology (the “COCATS Guidelines” revised 2015)
- The applicant’s Nuclear Cardiology training dates (which demonstrate a minimum of 4 months training with full dates inclusive of CLT; mm/dd/yy)
- The applicant is an Authorized User on a RAM license OR is AU Eligible (i.e., completed formal classroom and laboratory training (CLT), a minimum of 80 hours, and meets the Nuclear Regulatory Commission requirements under 10 CFR 35.290 training, or Agreement State Equivalent, completed no more than seven years from the date of the exam for which the applicants is applying, and
- The applicant is competent to function independently as an Authorized User under NRC 10 CFR 35.200 uses.
To author a preceptor attestation letter for an applicant in this pathway, a preceptor must be one of the following:
- Program Director of an accredited fellowship or residency in Cardiovascular Disease, Nuclear Medicine, or Radiology
- Director of Nuclear Cardiology laboratory at an institution with an accredited fellowship or residency in Cardiovascular Disease, Nuclear Medicine, or Radiology.
If the preceptor is not an Authorized User, an Authorized User at the training institution must co-sign the letter to verify that the candidate has had appropriate training in radiation safety.
The letter must be on institutional letterhead, dated no earlier than June 1, 2020 and included with the candidate’s application.
Preceptor Attestation Template – Formal Pathway US
EXPERIENCE PATHWAY (no new candidates) – FOR US trained 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:
The preceptor attestation letter must document:
- That the candidate has training and/or experience in Nuclear Cardiology equivalent to Level 2 ACC Core Cardiovascular Training Statement 4 Task Force 6: Training in Nuclear Cardiology (the “COCATS Guidelines” revised 2015)
- The dates of the applicant’s training
- That the candidate is an Authorized User on a RAM license OR AU Eligible (i.e., completed formal classroom and laboratory training (CLT), a minimum of 80 hours, and meets the Nuclear Regulatory Commission requirements, completed no more than seven years prior to the exam date for which the applicant is applying)
- That the applicant is competent to function independently as an Authorized User under NRC 10 CFR 35.200 uses.
The letter must be on institutional letterhead, dated within the preceding 36 months and included with the candidate’s application.
To author a preceptor attestation letter for an applicant in the Experience Pathway (no new applicants), a preceptor must be an Authorized User and certified by one of the following Boards: CBNC, ABNM, ABR, AOBNM or AOBR. ABIM-CVD 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 must meet the definition of one who “provides, directs or verifies” training. A Program Verification letter is not required for preceptors of candidates under this pathway.
Preceptor Attestation Template – Experience Pathway US
NON US TRAINED APPLICANTS – For applicants who have completed or will complete training in Cardiology, Nuclear Medicine or Radiology outside the United States. The preceptor letter must be on organizational letterhead, written within 36 months of application submission, and make one of the following statements:
- The applicant completed training in Nuclear Cardiology equivalent to ACCF/ASNC COCATS Guidelines for Nuclear Cardiology Training, revised 2015, Level 2 between MM/YYYY and MM/YYYY.
OR
- The applicant completed training that meets the national training requirements for the independent sub-specialist practice of Nuclear Cardiology in [COUNTRY]. The applicant has completed/will complete national registration as a specialist in [Cardiology or Nuclear Medicine or Radiology] in MM/YYYY.
If training was completed seven or more years prior to the exam for which the Applicant is applying the letter must also verify ongoing experience as evidenced by interpretation of a minimum of 300 cases in the preceding 2 years.
Preceptors for these applicants may be:
- Program Director of a residency or fellowship program in Cardiovascular Disease, Nuclear Medicine, or Radiology.
- Director of Nuclear Cardiology laboratory at an institution with a residency or fellowship in Cardiovascular Disease, Nuclear Medicine, or Radiology.
Preceptor Attestation Letter for International Candidates
Guidance on the Classroom and Laboratory Training (CLT) component of Level 2 Training in Nuclear Cardiology
There are many courses available to provide or round out the 80 (or 200) hours of Classroom and Laboratory Training (CLT) experience required for NRC 10 CFR 35.290 Training (Imaging and Localization Studies) or Agreement State equivalent and to complete Level 2 Nuclear Cardiology Training according to the ACC COCATS Guidelines, revised 2015. Program Directors and individuals might note that the NRC recognizes a variety of teaching formats, including internet-based. Laboratory experience is also a requisite part of these hours. Because training programs vary, CBNC does not endorse any specific course to fulfill individual requirements.
Be aware that it is possible to acquire the obligatory 700 total hours and still not have met the topic requirements mandated by the NRC. Preceptors and individuals have the responsibility to assure that between their programs and CLT, ALL training and experience requirements have been met. The U.S. NRC requires that direct, hands-on laboratory experience be part of the applicant’s Classroom and Laboratory Training. Attesting preceptors must document that their Nuclear Cardiology curriculum includes this experience and the training attestation must affirm that as well.
*ATTENTION – CBNC has made adjustments to the required program verification document to further assure adherence to documentation requirements issued by the NRC. As of June 1, 2020, ALL program verification letters will be marked as expired and therefore will not be shown in the preceptor lookup below. All current and future preceptors attesting to the training of CBNC Candidates must complete and submit the recently amended 2020 CBNC Program Verification Document. This update is required to ensure that proper CLT training is being administered, attended and documented. We will update the Preceptor Lookup below as new letters are received. If you do not see your preceptor in our database, a new letter has not yet been provided.
NEW PRECEPTOR PORTAL: Preceptors who are currently in our records, in order to submit the online program verification document, please login to your MyAPCA portal, select the MY RESOURCES tab, and click on the MY CBNC Preceptor Portal Link. You will then be able to complete and submit the form online.
Preceptors who are applying for the first time, please contact our offices directly via email (cbnc@inteleos.org) to request addition so that we may give you access to the feature in your MYAPCA account in order for you to submit the requisite documentation.
Please allow for 5-7 business days for staff to review and approve of your request and/or documentation.*
Click here to read our frequently asked questions about the NEW Preceptor Portal.
For more information on the requirements of the NRC and the ACC COCATS for Training in Nuclear Cardiology Level 2 (revised 2015) see below: