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How to Prepare for Your
Certification
Contributed by Suzanne Hunter, Executive Secretary
One of the most frequent questions I get asked is what is the best way to prepare or train for the PARCA Certifications? There are a wide variety of training opportunities available but which, if any, are best suited towards preparing you for the PARCA Certifications?
We believe we have the most complete listing of PACS training available on our "Resources" page. The following overview from some of these will help you determine  who can provide you with the training that you need. From self-paced home study to complete training classes, the following should help you prepare for the PARCA Certifications. Whatever your level of expertise and preferred learning method there is something for everyone!
I asked the institutions listed on this page to tell a little bit more about their training and this is what they told me:
RSTI, based in Solon OH, offer 2 different classes. Both are of 2 weeks duration and offer 8 CEU's each and are geared specifically towards the PARCA requirements. The PACS Engineers and Administrators Certification Phases I & II will help prepare a student for the PARCA CPAS & CPIA Certifications respectively. PACS Classes are fully hands-on, including set-up, maintaining and upgrading the systems.
RCG in MA have a 3.5 day PACS Administrator Training Course which incorporates both clinical and technical components associated with purchasing, planning, implementing and managing an Enterprise PACS to provide an individual the skills to effectively manage PACS Technologies. For Radiologist Technicians, a minimum of 20 Cat A CEU Credits are offered.
OTech, Inc in N. Texas offers the only Study Guides available for the PARCA Certifications. They also offer a 4 day PACS System Administrator training includes books, self-paced CD's and face-to-face training and helps prepare a student for the CPSA Exam and will earn you 28.5 CAT A CEU credits from ASRT. This training can also be combined with 2 day PACS IT or Clinical training to provide the foundation of skills needed in each arena and are based on the PARCA IT & Clinical components of the CPAS Certification.The IT Training is worth 13 ASRT credits.
The Clarkson College in Omaha, NE have created a PACS administrator curriculum which is offered both on-campus and online using state-of-the-art distance learning tools. Classes are instructor-driven with interactive weekly lectures, activities and discussions spread over a 12- to 15-week semester. Completion of the 8 PACS Administrator classes they offer would prepare a student for the CPAS, CPIA and CPSA PARCA Certifications.
For more information on any of these opportunities, please contact the institution direct or visit our Resources page at http://www.pacsadmin.org/resources.php. |
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Conferences