Vascular Access Board Certified
Credential: Vascular Access Board Certified
Credentialing Agency: Vascular Access Certification Corporation (VACC)
Renewal Period: 3 years
The Vascular Access Certification Corporation (VACC), Vascular Access-Board Certification (VA-BC) is a mid-career level certification designed for clinical professionals to include but not limited to; MD's, PA's, NP's, RN's, LPN/LVN's, RT's, RRT's, Infection Control, Educators, EMS professionals, that actively work in the field of vascular access. Candidates must have thorough knowledge and skills required for competent practice in vascular access. Knowledge can be obtained through work experiences and independent learning, as well as through formal educational programs. Candidates must take and pass a written exam.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
Vascular Access Board Certified
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite
- Experience: 1 year
- Education: Approved Program
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for becoming eligible. Listed are the minimum requirements based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY
Renewal Period: 3 years
AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
Vascular Access Certification Corporation (VACC)
5526 West 13400 South Ste #229
Herriman, UT 84096
Phone: (508) 224-8800
Fax: (508) 503-3795
Email: info@vacert.org
Education REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must have a minimum of a post-secondary education (eg: LPN, nursing diploma, associates, bachelors)
Experience REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must have a minimum of 1 year of professional experience. Practice in the area of vascular access is required for initial certification.
Candidates must attest to meeting one of the following criteria
- Health Care Professional in the field of Vascular Access involved in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating the care and needs of patients and clients who require vascular access in the course of their care.
- Professional working in a field that complements Vascular Access, such as Educators, Administrators, Infection Control Professionals, Nutrition Support Professionals.
In addition, current clinical practice must include at least two (2) of the following activities:
- Assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating the care and needs of patients and clients who require vascular access in the course of their care;
- Education of individuals in best practice as it pertains to vascular access;
- Development and revision of vascular access policies and procedures;
- Management of vascular access activities;
- Provision of consultation of vascular access activities.
Self-employed individuals must meet the same practice criteria as above.
Written Exam
-
Vascular Access Devices (20%)
- Short peripheral catheters
- Midline catheters
- Non-tunneled catheters
- Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC)
- Tunneled catheters
- Implanted vascular access devices (ports)
- Intraosseous devices
- Dialysis/apheresis catheters
- Arterial catheters
- Pulmonary artery catheters
- Aquapheresis catheters
-
Vascular Access Device Maintenance (21%)
- Flushing and locking solutions, procedures
- Patency assessment (e.g., verifying blood return, flushing)
- Site assessment
- Dressing change, frequency, product selection
- Supplies required (e.g., needleless connectors, filters, IV tubing, securement devices)
- Catheter removal techniques
-
Complications and Interventions (17%)
- Insertion related (e.g., arterial puncture, pneumothorax, hemothorax, hematoma)
- Post insertion related (e.g., extravasation, infiltritation, thrombosis, malposition, infection)
- Additional medical interventions (e.g., catheter clearance, antibiotic locks)
-
Critical Thinking and Clinical Application (19%)
- Integration of infection prevention concepts into clinical practice
- Anatomy and physiology
- Growth and development
- Age-related vascular changes
- Vascular pathology (e.g., disease process and impact on vascular access)
- Laboratory values relevant to device placement and maintenance
- Medical imaging technology (e.g., ultrasound, infra-red, transillumination)
- Tip location systems
- General knowledge of drug properties and therapies
-
Communication/Patient Advocacy (8%)
- Patient, caregiver resources (e.g., healthcare coverage, patient assistance programs, education materials, community programs)
- Psychosocial issues related to cultural diversity (e.g., translator for informed consent, family involvement in medical decisions)
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Mentoring techniques
-
Research/Quality Management (8%)
- Research methodologies (e.g., quantitative, qualitative, IRB)
- Evidence based practice implementation, compliance
- Critical analysis of published research
- Process improvement initiatives
-
Ethical and Legal Considerations of Vascular Access (7%)
- Patient rights
- Informed consent (e.g., risks, benefits and alternatives)
- Professional code of ethics
- Documentation (including time-out)
- Incident reporting process to institution, manufacturer, regulatory agencies
- Legal implications associated with product use (e.g., IFUs, expiration dates, off-label use)
- Legal liability associated with vascular access practice (including challenging patients, situations)
Exam Preparation Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Vascular Access Board Certified examination:
RECERTIFICATION
Vascular Access Board Certified
Renewal Period: 3 years