CERTIFICATION AND THE NEW CMT EXAM
Ann Donnelly, MS, CMT, FAAMTDirector, AAMT Certification
26th AAMT Annual Convention and Expo Atlanta, Georgia
Certification vs. LicensureCertification Voluntary credential
LicensureUnderstood as permission to do something as
given by an authority, to remove legal restraint by a grant of permissionRequired to practice a professionDoctorsNurses
Importance of Certification
Purpose To protect the public, ensuring their health, welfare and safety.*
How: Assesses the professional competence of its practitioners through standardized assessment tools.
As defined by the National Organization for Competency Assurance
CMT Examination
Target candidate populationProfessional level 2 medical transcriptionist
NOT AN ENTRY LEVEL EXAMINATION
Should have 2-3 years acute care experience in variety of specialties
CMT Examination
Completely computerized exam delivery.Objective, competency-based, assessing
knowledge and skills required to practice medical transcription effectively.Standardized.Based on job-related functions.
Exam Development Process
Exam blueprint Developed by Subject Matter Experts - CMTs
Test development based on exam blueprint
Beta and interim testing concluded
NEW CMTs
274 exams administered during initial phase of testing
134 CMTs credentialed through new exam to date
CMT Examination
Medical Transcription-related Knowledge(~50%)Objective multiple choice questions
Transcription Performance (~ 50%)TranscriptionEditingProofreading
CMT Examination- Objective(50 % of total exam)
Medical language (~ 40% of knowledge section)Meaning and spelling of prefixes, suffixes,
combining forms, and root wordsPlural forms of medical termsMeaning and spelling of documented medical
abbreviations, acronyms, eponyms, homonyms and synonyms
CMT Examination - ObjectiveAnatomy and Physiology (22%)Structure and function of cells and tissuesStructure and function of organs and systems
Disease Processes (15%)Names of common diseases and conditionsSigns and symptoms of common diseases and
conditionsDiagnosis and treatment of common diseases and
conditions
CMT Examination- Objective
English language (12%)
Basic grammar rulesPunctuation rulesEnglish usageThe spelling of English words
CMT Examination- Objective
Healthcare record and important medicolegal issues (11%)Basic medical reports types and elements of
eachRegulatory requirements (HIPAA, JCAHO,
etc)Principles and processes for keeping audit
trailsPurpose and content of healthcare documentIdentify risk management issues
Objective Samples
1. Which of the following drugs is a cardiac medication?(A) nifedipine*(B) Flexeril(C) lithium(D) Proventil
CMT Objective Samples
2. Exophthalmos a symptom of _____.(A) exotropia(B) hyperthyroidism*(C) Addison disease(D) glaucoma
Performance Testing
Transcription ~ approximately 55% in this section
Editing 30%
Proofreading against audio 15%
Transcription Performance
Sample of Transcription Issues CoveredSpellingGrammarPunctuationUnits of measureMedical symbolsAbbreviationsLab data
Transcription Performance Samples
Transcription Sample:
Instructions will read Click the audio buttons to control playback.
You will then listen to audio selection and transcribe snippet of dictation
Transcription Performance
When transcribing you will use a Windows Media Player and mouse in place of foot pedalNeed to follow specific directionsBe aware that you do not extra spaces
between words within your transcription.
Transcription Performance
Proofreading sample
You will be given small snippet of a report to proofread against audio.You may then be given options from which
to choose.
Keys To Success
Read Candidate Guide and FAQs.
Understand what is expected of you as a candidate.
Keys to Success
Review recommended referencesComprehensive medical terminology,
for example:The Language of Medicine (Chabner),
Elsevier ScienceSaunders Manual of Medical Transcription
(Sloane/Fordney), Elsevier ScienceThe Medical Transcription Workbook,
Health Professions Institute
Keys to Success
Style/transcription practice reference manual, for example:The AAMT Book of Style for Medical
Transcription, 2nd EditionAmerican Medical Association Manual of
Style, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Keys To Success
Read your questions understand what they are asking you to do.
Follow the directions. If asked to transcribe omitted material transcribe only that.
Keys To Success
Know the process for applyingOnline application for Authorization to TestPhoto ID information must match your
Authorization to Test informationLocate Prometric test center Schedule your examKnow and review the rules of the test centers
SCHEDULING YOUR EXAM WITH PROMETRIC
Introducing
Thomson Prometric Choice&
Website Design Updates
June 2004
Thomson Prometric ChoiceThomson Prometric Choice
Thomson Prometric Choice will:
Offer candidates more than one, and up to four options per day for scheduling their appointment.
Only be available to candidate scheduling via the Internet.
Thomson Prometric Choice
Thomson Prometric Choice will:
Offer candidates at least one morning (start of day) scheduling option and one afternoon (start of day +4 hours) scheduling option for each day.Only be available to candidate scheduling via
the Internet.
Thomson Prometric Choice Thomson Prometric Choice
Thomson Prometric Choice Scheduling Options:
The Candidate may be able to choose between a 9am, 11am, 1pm, or 3pm appointment on a particular day.*
*Note: Appointment options are dependent on availability, exam duration, and the centers hours of operation
Website Design UpdatesWebsite Design UpdatesNew Candidate Services Launch Page
All clients/programs are listed based on Step 1
Country selection is based on client/program, across all scheduling applications
Languages and double-byte
images
Website Design UpdatesWebsite Design UpdatesNew date and time selection
Full month viewBrowse by
month
Thomson Prometric
Choice up to 4 available
times per date
Certification
Certification cycle valid for 3 years
Continuing education 30 CECs required to recertify
Preparation For Certification
Path to Certification begins with quality educational programs.
Learning does not end with graduation.
Employers need to encourage MTs to become certified.
Preparation for Certification
AAMT CMT Study Guide!!!Published by LWW-StedmansNew and exciting study tool ----
Sample chapter available in Exhibit Hall Available early 2005
Preparation for Certification
NEW! Online CMT Prep Course offered by OAK HORIZONS and AAMT
DO NOT MISS THESE EXCITING NEW DO NOT MISS THESE EXCITING NEW PREP TOOLS! PREP TOOLS!
Importance of Certification
Earning and maintaining the CMT credential. Is it necessary in todays world?Do we (should we) promote certification
as a future requirement to practice this profession?
Food For ThoughtEstimated number of MTs -
350,000 ??
CMTs Total 2838Member CMTs 1930Nonmember CMTs - 908
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR NEW AND RENEWING
CMTs!
Good luck to our potential CMTs in preparing for the exam!
THANK YOU CMTs
FOR BELIEVING IN YOURSELVES AND YOUR
PROFESSION
YOU are the ELITE of our profession.
CERTIFICATION AND THE NEW CMT EXAMCertification vs. LicensureImportance of CertificationCMT ExaminationCMT ExaminationExam Development ProcessNEW CMTsCMT ExaminationCMT Examination- Objective(50 % of total exam)CMT Examination - ObjectiveCMT Examination- ObjectiveCMT Examination- ObjectiveObjective SamplesCMT Objective SamplesPerformance TestingTranscription PerformanceTranscription Performance SamplesTranscription PerformanceTranscription PerformanceKeys To SuccessKeys to SuccessKeys to SuccessKeys To SuccessKeys To SuccessSCHEDULING YOUR EXAM WITH PROMETRICIntroducing Thomson Prometric Choice&Website Design UpdatesThomson Prometric ChoiceThomson Prometric ChoiceThomson Prometric ChoiceWebsite Design UpdatesWebsite Design UpdatesCertificationPreparation For CertificationPreparation for CertificationPreparation for CertificationImportance of CertificationFood For ThoughtCONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR NEW AND RENEWING CMTs!THANK YOU CMTsFOR BELIEVING IN YOURSELVES AND YOUR PROFESSIONYOU are the ELITE of our profession.