C hiropractic assistants (CAs) work even- day serving as a vital component for direct interactions with patients. Many CAs even aid with hands-on encounters for the back office, such as taking blood pressure and temperatures or implementing physiotherapy modalities like ultrasound, electric muscle stimulation, ice or heat. Until now. many states have not had an outlet to recognize the important work of the C A. Standards of Excellence in Chiropractic Now Extend to CAs The Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards (FCLB) now has a national program in place just for CAs. The program provides an application process, eligibility deter- initiation, the examination. photo-ID badge, and a verification certificate as CAs cam a formal Certified Chiropractic Clinical Assistant (CCCA) designation and are recognized for the professional work they perform in the chiropractic healthcare setting. FCLB will also serve as the data-base/rccord-kecping system for C As who become crcdcntialed. Note that this program may. or may not. take the place of existing programs. If you happen to be from a state with proce- durcs in place, like TN. FL. OR. or others, those programs may be grandfathcrcd in during the application process so that you can proceed straight to the testing. Win-Win Benefits The creation of the CCCA application and test process is a "win" for the entire profession on a multitude of levels, not to mention an incredible addition to your resume. The process provides professional credentialing and validation for the important work that CAs perform every day with patients. It will increase patient care standards and satisfaction, improve interactions, further streamline office operations and increase your worth in the office by providing professional recognition for your role in the healthcare setting. Just as importantly, it also increases patient safety, promotes credibility within the chiropractic profession and provides a tangible process for third-party payer criteria. How to Proceed Start by visiting the FCLB website at www.fclb.org for information about the CCCA program application process and for links to approved programs such as www.CCCA-onlinc.com. And with Internet-based testing, the process is cxtrcmclv affordable and convenient. Online training programs in particular make high-quality training an affordable and convenient part of the process. Proof of training and equivalency is required to take the FCLB exam. At www.CCCAonline.com. learners can engage in a streamlined. 24-hour training program that meets or exceeds FCLB guidelines in every area of study. Full price is an affordable $339 for the entire program. However. www.CCCAonline.com also has special discount programs available for Congress of Chiropractic State Association (COCSA) members, participating colleges and other organizations. Ask your local COCSA chapter for your specific discount code. Not a member? If you have received this article through American Chiropractor Magazine, you can still enjoy a discount. Simply use AMCHIRO as your discount code good through July 31. 2013. When this code is entered during the registration process, it will automatically provide a $15 discount off of the regular price of the program. This is the program that gives back to the profession. Learners can expect text, images and schematics, dynamic video lectures and robust, customized, experiential intcr-acth itics in a thorough. 19-modulc program. Plus, an extensive note packet of nearly 200 pages is included and can be downloaded, printed and studied online. Learners work at their own pace and can conveniently take programming around work hours to avoid disruption in the office. Questions? Visit our website or send us an email at CCCAonlincifl) gmail.com. Congratulations and kudos to all of our CAs out there on the creation and implementation of this recognition opportunity! Laurie Mueller, DC served in private practice in San Diego, California. She was the post-graduate director at Palmer College from 2000-2010; served as the ACC Post Graduate subcommittee chair for 6 years: peer reviewed for the Research Agenda Conference, and wrote the informal role determination study that aided in the development ofFCLB's guidelines for chiropractic assistants. Dr. Mueller currently works as a private eLearning consultant with a focus on healthcare topics and functional medicine through her company. Impact Writing Solution and subsidiary www.CCCAonline.com. She is a clinician, an educator and an expert in online educational pedagogy.
