instructors forum san antonio, texas february 12, 2011

1. Instructors Forum San Antonio, Texas February 12, 2011

2. Today’s Session The Latest From The NBSTSA

3. Agenda General Information Update Examination Development Web-Based (WBT) Testing Electronic Eligibility Database (EED) NBSTSA Practice Examination Program Certification Preparation* NBSTSA Scholarship Program NBSTSA- 2011 Outreach

4. *Certification Preparation 5:00- 5:50pm, Today Novice Educator Track Presenter: Sherry Thornton CST, CSFA, RN CSFA-ERC Member

5. NBSTSA General Information Update Program Statistics – 12/31/2010 Over 32,000 CST’s Over 2,000 CSFA’s Over 10,000 Candidates Tested in 2010

6. General Information NBSTSA examination programs in surgical technology (CST) and surgical first assisting (CSFA) are fully accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). In 2010, NBSTSA received an additional five years of NCCA recognition for the CST and CSFA examination programs (Yes, we had to do a Self-Study!). The CST and CSFA examination programs are currently accredited into 2015.

7. The NBSTSA… …sponsors the only examination programs in surgical technology and surgical first assisting that enjoy direct representation and support of the American College of Surgeons (ACS). …has been developing professional examinations in surgical technology for over 40 years, and for nearly 20 years in surgical first assisting. …employees nine staff to provide examination services to education programs and candidates.

8. General InformationApplied Measurement Professionals (AMP) In 2010 NBSTSA renewed its contractual agreement with AMP for examination development and administration services! NBSTSA and AMP provide a valid examination process ensuring fundamental knowledge is assessed. AMP has over 100 client organizations and has been in examination development and administration for over 25 years. AMP began administrating the CST and CSFA examination programs for the NBSTSA on January 1, 2008.

9. AMP has over 170 Computer-Based (CBT) Testing Centers in the United States. AMP began administrating Web-Based (WBT) On-Campus Testing at NBSTSA recognized surgical technology programs in April 2008. 185 programs utilized the WBT service in 2008, 250 in 2009, and over 320 in 2010.

10. Last Job Task Analysis (JTA)- 2008 JTA required per NCCA Accreditation Standards Job Analysis Advisory Committee (JAAC) Survey of Professional Practitioners Development of the Examination Content Area Outline Activities guided by AMP Psychometric Staff

11. CST Examination Development and Content Information Result- Current CST Examination Form Sets. New Sets annually. Equated to Previous Sets. Questions on the examination are developed and distributed based on data derived from the JTA process and resulting Content Area Outline. The Content Area Outline* is available in the 2011 Candidate Handbook on the NBSTSA website (www.nbstsa.org). *This is Pretty Important! Next JTA in the CST and CSFA examination programs is scheduled to begin in 2012.

12. Web-Based Testing (WBT) On-campus web-based testing (WBT) is available to all NBSTSA recognized surgical technology programs across the United States. WBT is for currently enrolled students in the participating program. Complete graduating groups must participate, individual students and partial groups are not permitted. Individual students or partial candidate groups must utilize the AMP computer-based testing (CBT) network post-graduation.

13. Web-Based Testing (WBT) Candidate groups must test by WBT no more than 30 days prior to or 30 days post graduation. All candidate group applications, along with a notarized letter and payment must be in the NBSTSA offices at least 45 days prior to the requested test date. Inability to provide necessary documentation will delay processing and may necessitate changing the originally requested test date,

14. Web-Based Testing (WBT) To set up WBT…………………… Fill out the WBT Request Form (available at www.nbstsa.org). Submit to AMP prior to scheduled testing. Necessary to establish IT capability at your institution as well as set up appropriate institutional proctors.

15. NBSTSA-AST Examination Package Deals Beginning January 1st - Prepaid applications coming to programs from NBSTSA. Prepaid applications mailed from NBSTSA with additional information for programs. Programs will now receive two packages, NBSTSA and AST. Additional Information… Examination preparation/study tips, CST practice examination information, best shipping practices. Prepaid applications valid for one year from the date purchased. Expiration date now clearly marked on all applications.

16. Electronic Eligibility Database (EED) Now called the “School Portal” First available beginning in 2008 Enables educators to draw and run their own reports of student testing results (on demand!). Available through the AMP website (www.goamp.com)  

17. School Portal (Formally the EED) Need your user name and password? Contact Ami Lucky at alucky@goamp.com Report data available to educators….  

18. School Portal- Reports Two reports available…. “School Performance Report” and “Content Results By School” “School Performance Report” includes… Report can be drawn on a specific date range All Candidates Summary (by major and minor content area categories) First Time Candidates Summary Repeat Candidates Summary National Mean Summary

19. School Portal- Reports “Content Results By School” includes…. Report can be drawn on a specific date range Individual student performance All major/ minor content areas are reported Designates first time and repeater candidates

20. NBSTSA CST Practice Examination Program Examinations are 175 questions. Two forms available. Questions developed in the same manner as those on the CST examination. Same question distribution as the CST examination (Content Area Outline). Questions come with explanations. Candidates receive a complete score report including explanations on all questions.

21. NBSTSA CST Practice Examination Program On-line examination set up like the actual CST examination the candidate will experience. Not a timed examination. Candidates can log in and out as often as they like in the allotted registration period, but…………. Available on-line, either through the NBSTSA (www.nbstsa.org) or directly from the AMP website at www.goamp.com. Cost: $40.00 per candidate. Now available, schools can pay with purchase orders.

22. NBSTSA Scholarship Program Just do it! Get your students involved! Available to all students enrolled in NBSTSA recognized surgical technology and surgical first assisting programs. Applications available at www.nbstsa.org Deadline is March 31, 2011 $500 (partial) and $1,000 (full) awards

23. NBSTSA- Ongoing Efforts NBSTSA exhibits at the following national meetings………… American College of Surgeons Association of periOperative Registered Nurses Association of Surgical Technologists American Society of Hospital Risk Managers Association of Nurse Executives Ambulatory Surgery Centers Department of Defense Managing Today’s OR Suites (MTORS)

24. NBSTSA- Ongoing Efforts Legislative Advocacy State Assembly Support NBSTSA Speakers Program Constituent Communications

25. NBSTSA will continued into 2011 to…….

26. We Need Your Help! Upcoming NBSTSA Survey of Program Directors Survey subject… WBT Program How can NBSTSA improve the process? Ad hoc committee of PD’s to establish recommendations. Also………… Help us promote the importance of certification for surgical technologists to the OR community! Encourage certification to surgical technologists and OR decision makers at your clinical affiliates. NBSTSA can provide certification information for distribution, just contact us! www.nbstsa.org or 800-707-0057. And finally….

27. Thank you for your continued support! Your making a difference! Please contact me if I can ever be of assistance… Ron Kruzel CST, MA CEO NBSTSA 6 West Dry Creek Circle Littleton, Colorado 80120 800-707-0057 ron@nbstsa.org