About Certified Chiropractic Clinical Assistants

When patients want to know Hilary Beckwith's qualifications to perform therapy, she assures them she's nationally certified. Beckwith has earned Certified Chiropractic Clinical Assistant (CCCA) certification with the Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards. This program offers recognition for the important work you and Beckwith do in the chiropractic office. Chiropractic Assistants are often referred to as "physi­cian-extenders" and that's exactly what you have to be. You are the second set of hands and eyes, the extra brain and heart, and the balance that allows your chiropractor to provide excellent health care. For Paul Andrews, national certification was the obvious choice. "I was seeking the National Recognition and Valida­tion for my career (not a job)," he says, "and to also show to the patients, doctors and other licensed professionals that I am a qualified professional." For many qualified professionals like Beckwith and Andrews, adding "CCCA" after their name isn't just about prestige. It's about offering patients the reassurance that the person applying therapies or offering explanations knows what he or she is doing. Beckwith explains, "I think [certification] does help to comfort a patient when dis­cussing qualifications ... Some are concerned about what makes you qualified to be working with them so closely when you are obviously not a doctor. I find it seems to appease them to know that we have ... certification and training." Jessica Wilson agrees, "I like having my CCCA certifica­tion because I feel like patients are more likely to feel comfortable with knowing that I know what I am doing, and they don't have to ask the doctors for reassurance." Having nationally certified staff gives chiropractors confidence, as well. In the case of Beckwith, it was her chiropractor who suggested she earn the certification. "He thought it would be useful for all of our staff," says Beckwith. She adds, "And I believe it was." Earning CCCA certification begins with a solid basis in education and experience. It requires a good moral character and the supervision of a chiropractor in good standing. The examination for earning CCCA certification was developed and is administrated by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners—the same organization that created the exams your chiropractor passed to earn his or her license. The focus of the program is patient safety and proce­dures—40% of the exam covers just this subject. The rest deals with foundational knowledge, ethics, and documen­tation—the same information that you already know and rely on to assist your doctor every day. Lisa Maddox was the first CA to take and pass the exam. "I thought the exam was very thorough, and covered the necessities that a Chiropractic Assistant would need to thrive in any Chiropractic office," she says. "I believe that the exam not only tested your skill level, but also taught you in the process, because it really made you think when it came to certain scenarios." As Diana Staples found out, earning her CCCA certifi­cation didn't just benefit her chiropractor and patients. Staples says, "My CCCA certification has given me con­fidence in my abilities and knowledge to provide good care to our patients. The certification provides security in knowing I have done everything I can to be equipped to do my job in a legal aspect." And Cheryl Lillard, one of the very first CCCAs points out, "CCCA certification is transferrable. So if I were to ever move to another state the certification goes with me." For others, like Amber Wichmann, CCCA certification opens up new doors. "I have the possibility of teaching classes for CAs in states other than my home state and wanted to have equal, or more, certification to other CAs I might teach," says Wichmann. For Paula Beckman, the benefits of national certification couldn't be clearer. "What I like about having the CCCA certification is that I can help out in our Chiropractic busi­ness," she says. "I feel I am truly a part of the team with this certification." For more information about the CCCA program, please visit www.fclb.org and click on Chiro Assistants. Kelly Webb is a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado and former writing instructor. She has worked in chiropractic testing and regula­tion for nearly 15 years and is currently responsible for coordinating the PACE program, developing and maintaining the b'CLB websites, and for assisting with writing and correspondence needs of the Federation.