The mandatory continuing education policy for Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) certificate renewal begins on January 1, 2006. Here are the most frequently asked questions and answers about the new policy.
Q: How is the reporting cycle determined?
A: The reporting cycle is based on the year that you passed your first NMTCB examination. If you passed your first NMTCB examination in 1995, you will fall under the odd-year cycle. If you passed your first NMTCB examination in 1992, you will fall under the even-year cycle.
During 2006, odd-year certificants will be required to obtain and report 12 continuing education hours (CEH) on their 2007 certificate renewal.
During 2006–07, even-year certificants will be required to obtain and report 24 CEH on their 2008 certificate renewal.
During 2007–08, odd-year certificants will be required to obtain and report 24 CEH on their 2009 certificate renewal.
Q: My ARRT or state reporting cycle is opposite my NMTCB reporting cycle. Can I change my reporting cycle to match my ARRT or state reporting cycle?
A: Yes. Each certificant will be given a one-time option to change the reporting cycle; however, it is important to remember that your reporting cycle is based on the calendar year, that is, January through December. A CE cycle change request form will be added to the NMTCB Web site in 2005. Please remember, you may only change your reporting cycle once. Future requests for cycle changes will be denied.
Q: How do I report my CE hours?
A: All certificants will be requested to affirm, by signature, compliance with the CE policy on the yearly renewal form. Up to 5% of all certificants will be randomly selected for audit each year and will be required to provide documentation of the CE activities for the previous 2 years within 30 days of the postmark on the audit letter from NMTCB.
Q: Will NMTCB accept SNM VOICE transcripts, ASRT ECE reports, or state CE transcripts?
A: Yes. NMTCB will accept VOICE transcripts, ECE records, or approved state transcripts.
Q: What happens if I am audited and do not have the required amount of CEHs?
A: You will be placed on probation for 6 months and allowed to complete the deficient CE hours for the audited cycle by the end of that probation period. If you fail to meet all CE requirements by the end of the 6-month probation period, your certificate will be suspended. Additionally, it is important to remember that the CE credits obtained during the probation period will not count toward the 24 CE hours required for the subsequent 2-year reporting cycle. (Please see the full CE policy at www.nmtcb.org for the definition of revoked.)
Q: If I have let my certification lapse, what is the process I must follow to reinstate my certificate?
A: If you have been inactive for less than 5 years, you may reactivate your certificate by (1) paying back dues up to a total of no more than the current examination fee plus a $15 reactivation fee and (2) documenting the completion of 12 CEHs for each year you were inactive. If you have been inactive for more than 5 years, you must pass the entry-level examination to reactivate your certificate. Remember, passing the entry-level examination is equal to 2 years of CE credit, after which you will re-enter the 2-year reporting cycle.
Q: Will NMTCB accept the same credits as other allied health credentialing agencies?
A: Please refer to NMTCB’s Web site for a full listing of approved organizations.
Q: What can I do if a credentialing organization that I receive CE credits from is not on the approved list?
A: Contact the organization and ask its representative to send a letter to NMTCB that includes the following: (1) the organization’s interest in becoming an approved CE granting organization for NMTCB, (2) a description of how CEH is awarded (method for monitoring sessions, etc.), (3) the mission of the professional organization, and (4) what type of medical education group accredits that professional organization (i.e., ACCME).
Q: I am a new graduate. When will I begin acquiring my CEHs?
A: New graduates will begin acquiring CEHs immediately after passing the NMTCB examination. For example, in 2006, you will need to start collecting CEH on a prorated basis (12 + X) to report on the 2008 certificate renewal.
See Table 1 for the required CEHs. If you pass your examination in August 2006, you will be required to obtain 5 CEHs for 2006 and 12 CEHs in 2007, for a total of 17 CEHs on your 2008 renewal form. After the first prorated CE cycle, you will be required to obtain 24 CEHs each reporting cycle.
Q: Will NMTCB accept Category B credits?
A: No. NMTCB will only accept credits from approved organizations listed on its Web site.
Q: Will NMTCB accept credits from the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology? A: ASNC does not award CE credits; ASNC members apply for SNM VOICE or ASRT ECE credit for their CE programs.
If you have questions or need additional information, please visit NMTCB’s Web site at www.nmtcb.org, or call the NMTCB office at 404-315-1739.
Continuing Education Hours Needed by New Graduates for Their First Certificate Renewal After Passing the NMTCB Exam
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