Dear NCCAOM Diplomate:
Thank you very much to those of you who have responded to our recent call for input on a possible new type of credential, called a Certificate of Qualification for the area of Facial Rejuvenation.
As a commitment to the AOM profession and to our Diplomates, the NCCAOM would not create any Certificate program without first surveying our Diplomates to determine if there is enough interest or a need. By doing this the NCCAOM ensures that all voices are heard and that we received the necessary feedback from our Diplomates before making a decision to move forward with such an initiative. As we stated in our survey request: “As a first step, the NCCAOM wants to determine if there is support for development of a voluntary certificate of qualification in facial rejuvenation.”
One of the issues that have surfaced so far during our analysis for the interest or support for a Certificate Qualification is the difference between this type of credential compared to a Certification. This communication is to help clarify to those who have inquired what the difference is and why the NCCAOM would become involved in Certificate programs.
Over the years practitioners practicing and representing different specialty groups, such as Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and reproductive medicine have inquired about the possibility of creating a Certification for these specialty areas. This is typically done when a subspecialty group of practitioners has agreed they would like to seek recognition by creating standards for education and training specifically in the specialty area. Often, subspecialties are created so that practitioners can distinguish themselves to the public, by another entity or among other healthcare professionals.
The NCCAOM has attempted to assist those in the profession who have sought specialty Certification to understand that a full Certification is very costly and time consuming due to the standards that have to be met. One can review these types of standards from ICE/NCCA the credentialing organization that credentials the NCCAOM Certification Programs at http://www.credentialingexcellence.org/ncca.
The NCCAOM has also provided information to interested entities in the AOM profession about alternate methods that a subspecialty group could create to verify that a body of knowledge has been obtained and therefore demonstrate a skill set. A Certificate Qualification is one type of alternate method that may be desirable to meet the needs of those who are seeking a way to demonstrate knowledge and skills in a specialty area. Because the NCCAOM’s core business is assessing demonstrations of competence and attainment of knowledge and skills, the NCCAOM is in a position to aid the AOM profession if there is a desire to pursue a Certificate Qualification. It is important to understand that any Certificate of Qualification is driven by a request by those practicing a subspecialty.
Thank you all for your time to complete our needs assessment survey and provide your feedback.