The Certified Radiology Administrator (CRA) designation is the only professional credential tailored specifically for radiology administrators. The certification, developed and maintained by the American Healthcare Radiology Administrators (AHRA) organization, assures that those persons who hold the credential have the minimum qualifications necessary to successfully manage an imaging department or center.
Certification requires the demonstrated mastery of the body of knowledge radiology administrators need: human resource management, asset resource management, fiscal management, operations management, and communication and information management.
As part of a five-year commitment to the AHRA, Eastman Kodak Health Imaging sponsored the development of the CRA credential. Eligibility for the exam is based on a point system, with seven points needed to sit for the exam. Candidates must have management, supervisory, or administrative experience in radiology or medical imaging, and receive points for education as well as other professional credentials.
The exam is given several times throughout the year at various locations throughout the U.S., dates and times for the coming year are available at the AHRA Web site. In addition, the exam is offered each year on the Saturday before the start of the AHRA’s annual meeting and exposition, which will be held this year in Boston on July 31.
The exam takes approximately four hours and includes more than 180 questions. Nearly 400 healthcare professionals have earned the CRA certification in the two years it has been available.
The benefit of taking the CRA exam, and having the credential, includes the personal satisfaction of receiving validation; being on the leading edge of the profession; and showing a current or future employer that one has the minimum qualifications to run an imaging department.
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) recognizes the CRA credential as an advanced certification and gives 24 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for passing the exam. Once received, a CRA needs 36 CEUs every three years to maintain the certification.
The AHRA Board of Directors has made finding the critical mass for spread and acceptance of the CRA a focus for this year. Berlex Laboratories, a U.S. subsidiary of Berlin-based Schering AG, has become the sponsor of the first AHRA textbook currently under development, Financial Management in Radiology, which will address areas in the financial management domain of the CRA exam. The AHRA plans to develop a series of six textbooks over the next few years based on the content in the CRA domains.
A model for study groups is also being developed. Probably most important, current CRAs are being asked to mentor a colleague who is considering taking the test, but is apprehensive for one reason or another.
To prepare for the test, the AHRA has a study guide available called the Study Guide for the Certified Radiology Administrator Examination, as well as an online practice exam where an applicant can get a feel for the type of questions that will be encountered when taking the exam.
The AHRA Education Foundation sponsored "Stepping Stones for Success" courses at its annual meeting. The AHRA also will host a series of "Stepping Stones for Success" audio conferences throughout 2004. These presentations are designed to assist new and aspiring radiology administrators and those preparing for the CRA examination, and will we held on the following dates:
January 15, 2004, 1 p.m.- 2:30 p.m. ESTYou’ve Decided to Take the CRA Exam -- Now What?
Presented by Gary Duehring, CRA
February 26, 2004, 1 p.m.- 2:30 p.m. EST
Managing Current Assets
Presented by C. Wayne Hibbs, Hibbs & Associates, Dallas, TX
July 8, 2004, 1 p.m.- 2:30 p.m. EST
Planning & Systems Thinking for the Radiology Administrator
Presented by Gary Kelsey
September 23, 2004, 1 p.m.- 2:30 p.m. EST
Marketing 101 for Radiology Administrators
Presented by Gary Heebner, Ph.D., Cell Associates, Foristell, MO
October 28, 2004, 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. EST
Regulatory and Legal Issues of Human Resources in Radiology
Presented by Steve Wynkoop, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, Greenville, SC
As a CRA and president-elect of the AHRA, I’d like to challenge everyone to get the word out, encourage our colleagues (AHRA members or not) and support this opportunity to grow the profession by getting your CRA in 2004. If you have further questions, please contact the AHRA at 978-443-7591, online at www.ahraonline.org, or email us at [email protected].
By Robbie EdgeAuntMinnie.com contributing writer
January 12, 2004
Robbie Edge would like to thank Mary Reitter, executive director of the AHRA, and Karen Guy, AHRA communications manager, for their assistance with this article.
Related Reading
AHRA names boards, awards, September 11, 2003
AHRA to host fusion imaging teleconference, October 16, 2002
2002 AHRA offers a multidisciplinary approach to radiology management, September 9, 2002
AHRA administrator program accepting applications, June 26, 2002
Wallace installed as AHRA president, August 14, 2000
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