CBNC: The Examination - Application: Information & Templates for Preceptors

2010 Information & Templates for Preceptors

Sole Pathway (effective beginning in 2009): To be used for US trained candidates who received nuclear cardiology training in an ACGME or AOA-accredited fellowship or residency program in Cardiovascular Disease, Nuclear Medicine, or Radiology.

The letter must document Level 2 training in nuclear cardiology in accordance with ACCF/ASNC COCATS Guidelines in Nuclear Cardiology, revised 2008.

The letter must document the dates of training and that the candidate is an Authorized User or equivalent (e.g., completed formal classroom and laboratory (CLT) training for a minimum of 80 hours that meets the Nuclear Regulatory Commission requirements. The CLT hours must have been taken no more than seven (7) years prior to the date of the exam for which an applicant is applying. CLT must be repeated if more than seven (7) years have elapsed since initial CLT was completed & applicant is currently not an Authorized User.)

There are a number of courses available to round out the 80 hours of classroom and laboratory training (CLT) experience required for NRC 10 CFR 35.290 Training (Imaging and Localization Studies) and to complete Level 2 Nuclear Cardiology Training according to the ACCF/ASNC COCATS Guidelines. Program Directors and individuals might note that the NRC does recognize a variety of teaching formats, including internet-based. However, lab experience is also a requisite part of these hours. Because training programs vary, CBNC does not endorse any specific course to fulfill individual requirements.

It is possible to acquire the obligatory 700 total hours and still not have met the topic requirements, so preceptors and individuals have the responsibility to assure that between their programs and CLT, all training and experience requirements have been met. For more information on the NRC and Nuclear Cardiology COCATS Level 2 requirements see below:

The letter must be on institutional letterhead, dated within the preceding 36 months of application and included with the candidate's application.

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.

Guidance on filling out the US Sole Pathway Preceptor Template

All fields in the first three paragraphs are required.
Of the boxed paragraphs, a minimum of one check box must be checked.
The preceptor's name and title/relationship to candidate are required. If the preceptor is an Authorized User, his/her RAM license number is required.
If the preceptor is not an Authorized User, an AU at the training institution must co-sign the letter.

To be used for US trained candidates (Experience Pathway) 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];

The letter must document that the candidate has training and/or experience in nuclear cardiology equivalent to Level 2 ACCF/ASNC COCATS Guidelines in Nuclear Cardiology, revised 2008.

The letter must document the dates of training and that the candidate is an Authorized User or equivalent (e.g., completed formal classroom and laboratory training for a minimum of 80 hours that meets the Nuclear Regulatory Commission requirements. The CLT hours must have been taken no more than seven (7) years prior to the date of the exam for which an applicant is applying. CLT must be repeated if more than seven (7) years have elapsed since initial CLT was completed & applicant is currently not an Authorized User.)

The letter must be on institutional letterhead, dated within the preceding 36 months and included with the candidate's application.

The preceptor must be an Authorized User and 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 must meet the definition of one who "provides, directs or verifies" training.

Guidance on filling out the US Experience Pathway Preceptor Template

All fields in the first two paragraphs are required.
The checkbox in the next paragraph must be checked and the applicant's name added to the field.
Of the boxed paragraphs, a minimum of one check box must be checked.
The preceptor's name and title/relationship to candidate are required. Preceptors must be an Authorized User and his/her RAM license number is required.
Preceptors must be certified by one of the boards in the Certification drop-down menu.

Preceptors must be aware that the NRC and Agreement States rely on Preceptor Statements to document appropriate training for those seeking Authorized User status. These agencies take the statements made on behalf of AU applicants very seriously. The NRC and Agreement States do conduct audits and penalties have been imposed when misinformation has been found. As illustrated in this document, this can occur when incorrect information is provided either deliberately or by lack of verification.

Preceptor Letter for International Candidates

Pathway 1 - For applicants who have completed training in cardiology, nuclear medicine or radiology after July 1, 1998, you must submit a statement written on organizational letterhead, within the last 36 months, from your preceptor stating that your training in nuclear cardiology was equivalent to ACCF/ASNC COCATS Guidelines for Nuclear Cardiology Training, revised 2008, Level 2 (minimum). Your preceptor 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.

Pathway 2 - For applicants who have completed formal training in cardiology, nuclear medicine or radiology prior to July 1, 1998, you must submit a statement from a preceptor, written on organizational letterhead within the last 36months, that confirms training and/or experience equivalent to ACCF/ASNC COCATS Guidelines for Nuclear Cardiology Training, revised 2008, Level 2 (minimum). The letter must also verify ongoing experience as evidenced by interpretation of a minimum of 300 cases (current Nuclear Cardiology COCATS requirement for Level 2 training) in the preceding 2 years.

Guidance on Completing the International Preceptor Letter

Preceptor letters for Non US Candidates must be included with the application.
Preceptor letters must be dated no earlier than 36 months prior to application.
Preceptor letters must be on organizational letterhead and the author's relationship to the applicant provided (e.g., Program Director)
The letter must include the applicant's training dates.
Documentation of 300 cases for Pathway 2 Non US applicants is accomplished via the Preceptor Letter.
Preceptors of non US trained candidates should put N/A in the Certificate number field.