Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors: Summary of Certification. Kate Gardiner, CGC, CCGC May 19, 2016

Transcription

1 Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors: Summary of Certification Kate Gardiner, CGC, CCGC May 19, 2016

2 Objectives Brief history of CAGC and Certification Process of Certification Process of Recertification Current status of registry + licensure

3 CAGC + Certification CAGC - formed in 1987 as a Canadian NPO To promote high standards of practice, encourage professional growth and increase public awareness of the genetic counselling profession in Canada.

4 CAGC + Certification CAGC Board of Directors: President President Elect, President from previous two terms Treasurer Secretary Office Manager* Student representative Regional representatives (East, West and Central)

5 CAGC + Certification CAGC Committees Certification Board Education Infertility/ART Finance French Language GC Roles Task Force Media and Communications Membership Professional Issues Nominations Professional Liability Insurance Website Research

6 CAGC + Certification Committees Certification Board Education Infertility/ART Finance French Language GC Roles Task Force Media and Communications Membership Professional Issues Nominations Professional Liability Insurance Website Research

7 CAGC + Certification Brief summary of PSS leading into how many GC are certified

8 CAGC + Certification Professional Status Survey Every 5 years 2011: 171 respondents 97% female ~70% between the ages of % working as a GC for 1-5 years vs 22.3% working as a GC for > 15years 20% were contracted GCs +90% working in hospitals/academic centres Fairly even distribution of areas of practice Average salary: $72, % CAGC certified + 54% ABGC certified

9 CAGC + Certification Certification Committee: To develop, maintain and implement processes and policies relating to certification and recertification of genetic counsellors in Canada 8 member committee, which serves a 4 year term Certification Recertification Continuing Education Credits Autonomous committee and acts independently from the CAGC Board of Directors First exam in 1998 GCs are certified for a 10 year period 320 certified genetic counsellors

10 Process of Certification Certification Examination every 2 years (next 2017) and occurring concurrently to the CAGC Annual Education Conference Candidates apply to write the exam in one of three pathways: Pathway A graduates of ABGC/ACGC accredited Masters program in Genetic Counselling Pathway B - graduates of Masters program in Genetic Counselling that is not ABGC/ACGC accredited Pathway C - graduates of Canadian Masters program in Genetic Counselling that is not ABGC/ACGC accredited No minimum length between completing training requirements and applying for certification

11 Process of Certification Application requirements Pathways A, B, and C Official transcript Letters of recommendations (two for Pathway A, and three for B and C) Additionally for Pathways B and C Request for special consideration that outlines why the candidate is eligible to sit for the examination Description of clinical training List of professional activities One page CV/Resume Description of course content *Case logbook of 50 genetic counselling cases that are signed off by a case supervisor with appropriate certification (ie: CAGC, CCMG, ABMG, ABGC, RCPC, GCRB, HGSA)

12 Process of Certification Examination Computer-based exam (Yardstick) 3 hour, 150 multiple choice questions 950 question bank French and English available Passing scores range from 70-75% Based on Knowledge and Practice Based Competencies developed by the CAGC

13 Process of Certification Examination Knowledge Based Competencies Epidemiology, Population, and Basic Human Genetics Genetic Screening Practice based Competencies Molecular Genetics Biochemical Genetics Cancer Genetics Prenatal Diagnosis Clinical Genetics Genetic Counselling Cytogenetics Counselling and Communication Psychosocial Assessment Psychosocial Support and Counselling Awareness and Diversity Communication of Information Genetic Expertise Critical Thinking Clinical Case Management Education Research Professionalism and Ethical Practice Profession Growth Public Health and Advocacy Leadership Ethical Practice

14 Process of Certification Examination Scoring + evaluating Pass score set using Angoff + Subjective Analysis Post-test item reliability evaluated using KR, p(diff) + rbp

15 Process of Recertification Certification expires on Dec 31 st of the 10 th year from the date the exam was written and passed 2 pathways: Re-examination Accumulation of Continuing Professional Credit (CPCs) and Continuing Education Credits(CECs)

16 Recertification Certification expires on Dec 31 st of the 10 th year from the date the exam was written and passed 2 pathways: Re-examination (amended Pathway A) Accumulation of Continuing Professional Credit (CPCs) and Continuing Education Credits(CECs)

17 Recertification CPCs + CECs Must submit an application, CPC logbook and CEC logbook Requires a combination for 150 total credits CPCs: accrued from employment 10 CPCs per year for full-time employment (based on hour work week) Minimum: 20; Maximum 70 CECs: accrued from approved educational sessions 1 CEC for each hour of education session Minimum: 80; Maximum 130

18 Registry and Licensure Current status: GCs are unregulated in all jurisdictions in Canada No governing body to oversee practice of genetic counselling No title protection Autonomous practice prohibited due to lack of regulatory framework Barriers to licensure due to legislature, cost + small numbers Next step?

19 Questions? Thank you!