Guidelines For Credentialing Of Cardiovascular Technologist Approved By Malaysian Society Of Cardiovascular Technologist And National Heart Association Of Malaysia

MSCVT CREDENTIALING OF CARDIOVASCULAR TECHNOLOGIST

National Credential

The Malaysian Society of Cardiovascular Technologist (MSCVT) is a non-profit organization, and being the only leading association representing cardiovascular technologist (CVT) in Malaysia. The mission of MSCVT is to establish CVT profession, promotes higher standard of service quality, excellent structured CVT training program and continuous education for CVT thus producing a very dynamic CVT in the future.

The Malaysian Society of Cardiovascular (MSCVT) and the National Heart Association of Malaysia (NHAM) have cooperated to establish credentialing to maintain and promote appropriate standards of service quality of CVTs in Malaysia. The purpose of these credentialing is to ensure all practicing CVTs meet the minimum standard of academic qualification and fullfill the required training or work experience in this field to ensure the standards of service quality is maintained. These guidelines also ensure that the job scope of CVTs is only carried out by appropriate and qualified personnel.

Notice:           

This guideline was endorsed by National Heart Association of Malaysia (NHAM) and has been reviewed by MSCVT committee members. No parts of this booklet may be reproduced in any form or by any means without written permission from the society.

Request for permission to make copies of any parts of this work should be sent to

Malaysian Society of Cardiovascular Technologist (MSCVT)

Heart House,

C/O National Heart Association of Malaysia (NHAM)

Heart House, D-13A-06, Menara SUEZCAP 1, KL Gateway,

No 2 Jalan Kerinchi,  Gerbang Kerinchi Lestari,

59200 Kuala Lumpur,

MALAYSIA.

Introduction

The Malaysian Society of Cardiovascular Technologist (MSCVT) is a non-profit organization, founded in year of 2009. MSCVT has been under the auspices of National Heart Association of Malaysia (NHAM) and being the only leading association representing cardiovascular technologist (CVT) in Malaysia. The mission of MSCVT is to establish CVT profession, promotes higher standard of service quality, excellent structured CVT training program and continuous education for CVT thus producing a very dynamic CVT in the future. 

In view of the profession of Cardiovascular Technology in Malaysia has yet to have its own governing body to oversight and regulate the profession, the Malaysian Society of Cardiovascular Technologist (MSCVT) is entrusted to take the lead role in establishing standard that outlined the scope of practice, educational pre-requisites, training requirements and also the clinical experiences before a person will be recognized as a Cardiovascular Technologist (CVT).

Since two years ago MSCVT has worked with several parties including its fraternity, the National Heart Association of Malaysia (NHAM) and several members of cardiovascular technology profession from various geographic locations to come out with these credentialing guidelines.

The purpose of these guidelines is to ensure the personnel who carrying out the CVT duties are to meet or exceed the minimum educational standard outlined in this guideline. This in the end will be translated into the quality of services delivered to the service users are assured and will ultimately safeguard the public interest as well as the members of the profession.

These guidelines are under the purview of the MSCVT with the guidance from the NHAM. It may from time to time will be revised and amended in order to meet the need of the dynamic environment.

The members of Cardiovascular Technology profession are advised to take this opportunity to forward their application together with all the required documents as outlined in these guidelines in order to obtain the credential.

These guidelines have also outlined a working group called MSCVT Credentialing Council that entrusted to take responsibility to review and scrutiny all credentialing applications and other related documents before the credential is awarded to the successful applicants.  The appointment and tenure of the members of this council areas per outlined in the Term of Reference (TOR) of this council and it is bound to the approval by the MSCVT Committee. 

* This CVT credentialing is a dynamic document; it will be updated as needed to incorporate new profession changes or to revise the qualification standards. MSCVT should ensure that they are using the most recent version of this guide. Contact MSCVT directly or log in to the website to obtain the most recent version of this guideline. 

Professional Statement

Cardiovascular Technology

Profession Statement

Published by

The Malaysian Society of Cardiovascular Technologist (MSCVT)

Description of Profession

Cardiovascular technology is an allied health profession which specifically focuses in diagnosis and treatment of patients with cardiac and vascular diseases. Through the use of specific high-technology equipment and at the direction of a qualified physician, a cardiovascular technologist (CVT) performs cardiovascular examination and therapeutic procedures to create an easily definable data, from which correct anatomic and physiologic diagnosis may be developed for each individual patient. The cardiovascular technologist therefore is a highly specialized diagnostician of the various presentations of cardiovascular diseases.

The profession of cardiovascular technology encompasses four sub specialty areas which include: -

1) Non-Invasive cardiovascular

2) Invasive cardiovascular

3) Non-invasive vascular

4) Cardiac pacing and electrophysiology

 

Scope of Duty

CVTs are dealing with patients with heart diseases and are at high risk of cardiopulmonary arrest. Therefore, all CVTs must be competent in performing emergency resuscitation procedures. CVTs are also required to competently perform intravenous access and administer medication as instructed by clinicians during the procedure.

The scope of duty of CVTs should include, but are not limited to, these subspecialty areas:

1) Noninvasive Cardiovascular

The CVT independently performs the following noninvasive cardiovascular investigation procedures and analyzes the data in order to create easily definable information which can be used by the clinicians for the patients’ management. The procedures include, but are not limited to: -

1.1 Electrocardiography (ECG)

1.2 Stress Testing

1.3 Ambulatory ECG monitoring

1.3.1 Holter

1.3.2 King of Heart

1.3.3 Rhythm Card

1.4 Ambulatory Blood Pressure monitoring

1.5 Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (VO2 Max)

1.6 Nuclear Medicine

1.7 Echocardiogram

1.8 Exercise Stress Echocardiogram

1.9 Pharmacological Stress Echocardiogram

1.10Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) -assisting physician or performing the   procedure under supervision of physician

1.11 Venipuncture and intravenous drug administration

1.12 Emergency resuscitation procedure whenever needed

2) Invasive Cardiovascular

In an invasive cardiovascular laboratory, CVTs have collaboration with other allied professionals such as Cardiac Angiographers and Catheterization Lab Nurses in supporting Cardiologists to perform the diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterization procedures. The roles of CVTs in invasive labs include, but are not limited to: -

2.1 Monitor patient’s haemodynamic & vital signs

2.2 Analyzing the blood sample for the blood gas analysis (ABG) and Intracardiac shunt study

2.3 Performing Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) under supervision of cardiologists

2.4 Performing Transthoracic Echocardiogram

2.5 Preparing and assisting Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) procedure

2.6 Preparing and assisting Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) insertion

2.7 Preparing and assisting the Rotational Atherectomy (PTCRA) procedure

2.8 Performing vascular access removal & Groin management

2.9 Assisting diagnostic Cardiac Catheterization Procedures

2.10 Assisting various Transcatheter Cardiovascular Interventions such as (but not limited to):-

2.10.1 Coronary Angioplasty

2.10.2 Occluder devices implantation

2.10.3 Valvuloplasty of heart valves

2.10.4 Prosthetic valve implantation (TAVI)

2.10.5 Vascular angioplasty

2.10.6 Removal of foreign materials

2.11 Venipuncture and intravenous drug administration.

2.12 Performing Tilt Table Test

2.13 Emergency resuscitation procedure when necessary

3) Noninvasive Peripheral Vascular

CVTs specialized in this area are capable of independently performing various vascular procedures, which include, but are not limited to:-

3.1 Ankle- Brachial Index (ABI) study

3.2 Carotid Ultrasound Duplex study

3.3 Peripheral Artery Ultrasound Duplex study

3.4 Peripheral Vein Ultrasound Duplex study

3.5 Thermography and Plethysmography Procedures

3.6 Compression procedure of peripheral vascular access pseudo aneurysm and hematoma

3.7 Emergency resuscitation procedure when necessary

4) Cardiac Pacing & Electrophysiology

The duties of the CVTs in this subspecialty area are divided into invasive electrophysiology laboratory and non-invasive electrophysiology lab.

In invasive electrophysiology laboratory, CVTs collaborate with other allied professionals such as Cardiac Angiographers and Cardiac Catheterization Lab Nurse in supporting electrophysiologists to perform various invasive electrophysiological diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and implantation of rhythm management devices. The roles of CVTs in invasive electrophysiology laboratory include, but are not limited to:-

4.1 Cardiac Pacing

4.1.1 Support Permanent Pacemaker Implantation

4.1.2 Support Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator (ICD) Implantation

4.1.5 Support Biventricular Pacemaker Implantation

4.1.6 Support Temporary Pacemaker Implantation and programming

4.2 Electrophysiology

4.2.1 Support Invasive Electrophysiology Study

4.2.2 Support Radiofrequency Ablation Support

4.3 Emergency resuscitation procedure when necessary

In the non-invasive electrophysiology laboratory, CVTs who are specialized in this area are capable of independently performing various procedures that include, but are not limited to:-

4.4 Ambulatory electrocardiography monitoring

4.4.1 Holter monitoring

4.4.2 Rhythm Card

4.4.3 King of Heart

4.5 Conducting the follow-up clinic for interrogation, programming and reprogramming of the implantable devices such as:-

4.5.1 Pacemaker

4.5.2 Implantable defibrillator

4.5.3 Biventricular pacemaker

4.6 Emergency resuscitation procedure when necessary

 

Credentialing Guidelines

Guidelines

For

Credentialing of Cardiovascular Technologist

Approved by

Malaysian Society of Cardiovascular Technologist

And

National Heart Association of Malaysia

Background

The role of the cardiovascular technologist (CVT) is increasingly complex and demanding. Not only must the CVT be familiar with approved clinical protocols for each type of cardiovascular examination he or she performs, the CVT also must be able to analyze the patient’s clinical history fully, in order to identify the purpose of the examination, frame the clinical question(s) that the examination is intended to answer, and expand the examination as necessary to answer the clinical question(s).

A CVT also plays an integral role in the treatment process, applying independent judgement, problem solving skills, analytical thinking and the ability to obtain and integrate accurate diagnostic information whilst supporting the clinicians in performing the treatment. Therefore credentialing of the practicing CVT is imperative to ensure appropriate standards and patient’s safety is upheld at all times.

The Malaysian Society of Cardiovascular Technologist (MSCVT) and the National Heart Association of Malaysia (NHAM) have cooperated to establish, maintain and promote appropriate standards of service quality of CVTs in Malaysia. The purpose of these guidelines is to ensure all practicing CVTs meet the minimum standard of academic qualification and fulfill the required training or work experience in this field to ensure the standards of service quality is maintained. These guidelines also ensure that the job scope of CVTs is only be carried out by appropriate and qualified personnel.

Credentialing Qualification Prerequisites

The cardiovascular technology professional practices currently acknowledge a broad spectrum of education pathways that produce CVTs. The community in cardiovascular technology profession and its paternity profession deem that the cardiovascular technology is a specialized and advanced skill profession. Hence, the credentialing committee recognizes only the following prerequisite pathways are legitimate to be granted credential:- 

Bachelor degree from institutions recognized by the Malaysian Society of Cardiovascular Technologist (MSCVT), that contains cardiovascular technology curriculum such as following :-

a.Bachelor Degree in Cardiovascular Technology

b.Bachelor Degree in Cardiac Physiology

                                   

Allied health education and other educational backgrounds:-

a.Candidate who possess a recognized certification in one of the following:-

1.Diploma of Medical Assistant

2.Diploma of Medical Lab Technology

3.Diploma/ Bachelor Degree in Nursing

4.Bachelor Degree in Biomedical Science 

 

b.Subsequently completed the MSCVT recognized Cardiovascular Technology training program in one of the following:-

1.Undergone minimum of one year training conducted by Non Invasive Cardiovascular Laboratory(NCL), Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) and passes all stipulated exams and competencyassessment framed by the organizer. (Must provide the documentation).

2.Undergone minimum of one year on-the-job training program in the cardiac centers recognized by MSCVT (refer to Appendix 1).

3.Undergone minimum of two years on-the-job training program in the non-cardiac centers recognized by the MSCVT (refer to Appendix 2).

4.Other training programs recognized by MSCVT.

c.Documented in the Log Book (Appendix 4) stating the number of cases that have been performed for each area of investigation according to the field of practice (Invasive Cardiovascular or Non-Invasive Cardiovascular) with verification from the head of department. Refer Appendix 4 (ii) Minimum number of cases required for the logbook

Completed the Advance Diploma in Cardiovascular Healthcare conducted by the Ministry of Health Malaysia, majoring in Cardiovascular Technology.

a)Candidate must hold a recognized certificate/ diploma in Medical Assistant.

b)Registered with Medical Assistant Board.

c)Other allied health qualification might be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Earned a post graduate certificate in Cardiovascular and Thoracic Sciences majoring in Cardiovascular Technology from IJN College

a)Candidate must hold a recognized certification in one of the following:-

1.Diploma of Medical Assistant

2.Diploma of Medical Lab Technology

3.Diploma/ Bachelor Degree in Nursing

4.Bachelor Degree in Biomedical Science 

b)Passed the post graduate certificate in cardiovascular and thoracic sciences majoring in cardiovascular technology

International Credentialing Qualification in Cardiovascular Technology Field

a)Candidate must hold a recognized certification in one of the following:-

a.Diploma of Medical Assistant

b.Diploma of Medical Lab Technology

c.Diploma/Bachelor Degree in Nursing

d.Bachelor Degree in Biomedical Science

And

b)Earned an international credentialing qualification from, such as, but not limited to the American Registry Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI), British Society of Echocardiography (BSE), International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners (IBHRE). The credentials must be specific to cardiovascular technology credentials such as RDCS, RCIS and RCES etc.

Or

c)Earned the national certification (if any) in the Cardiovascular Technology field.

Or

d)Other international credentialing qualification might be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Working experiences / Grandparent Clause

a)Candidate must possess a recognized certification in one of the following:-

I.Diploma of Medical Assistant

II.Diploma of Medical Lab Technology

III.Diploma/ Bachelor Degree in Nursing

And

b)Has a minimum of ten years fulltime working experience in the field of cardiology.

And

c)Gazetted as qualified to perform CVT duties and has been privileged to perform all investigations procedures or specializing in one of four cardiovascular technology sub specialty areas as stated in the job scope of CVT. Candidate must provide a verification letter from the respective head of department. Declaration letter stating the length of his/her work experience and practice endorsed by the head of department.

The Credentialing Field / Subspecialty

The MSCVT acknowledges that the practice fields of CVT may vary according to the institution that he/she practices. Not all hospitals or institutions are offering both Non-Invasive Cardiovascular and Invasive Cardiovascular services, with some institutions only providing Non-Invasive Cardiovascular services.

A credential will be granted to a candidate according to the candidate’s field of practice. The field of practices that are currently recognized by this credentialing guideline is:-

1)         Non-Invasive Cardiovascular field

2)         Invasive Cardiovascular field

3)         Cardiac Pacing And Electrophysiology

The candidate may apply for one or all of the above fields if he/she has fulfilled the number of cases that has been stated in the Appendix 3 or has provided sufficient evidence(s) that he/she has practiced in those areas.

 

Processing Fee

The application fee for the credentialing is RM 200 including a RM 100 non-refundable processing fee for the staff resources required to review and process applications. Payment can be made through

MSCVT JomPay:

Biller Code: 48744

Ref 1: Credentialing

Ref 2: <Name><Last 4 digit of IC>

e.g:

Ref 1: Credentialing

Ref 2: Sarah5012

Credentialing Application Processes

In order for a candidate to be awarded a credential, he or she must submit a completed application form (Appendix 5) together with all required documents and the processing fee to the Secretary of the Cardiovascular Technologist Credentialing Council. He or she must be practicing in the cardiovascular technology field at the time of application.

For candidates who fulfill prerequisite no. 1, application can be submitted immediately after graduation.  

Candidates with prerequisite no 4 are advised to submit their credentialing application as early as possible. This credentialing pathway will be abolished after 31st December 2015. 

The credentialing process will take 2 to 3 months from date the application is received, subject to the completeness of the documents.

Cardiovascular Technology Credentialing Council Members includes

NHAM President

Chairman MSCVT (Secretary)

1 CVT representative from IJN

1 CVT representative from university hospitals

1 CVT representative from private sector

2  CVTs representatives from MOH hospitals

The role of the Credentialing Council

To review the credentialing qualification prerequisites from time to time, when necessary.

To review and approve the credentialing application.

To remove the credential awarded to CVTs found to have submitted falsified documents.

All documents should be sent to:

Cardiovascular Technology Credentialing Council Address

Malaysian Society of Cardiovascular Technologist (MSCVT)

Heart House,

C/O National Heart Association of Malaysia (NHAM)

Heart House, D-13A-06, Menara SUEZCAP 1, KL Gateway,

No 2 Jalan Kerinchi,  Gerbang Kerinchi Lestari,

59200 Kuala Lumpur,

MALAYSIA.