Results of a recent 24×7 poll revealed that 91.2% of those who responded said they would consider certification if classes were more accessible. This response indicates that certification remains a desirable goal, but the roadblocks are a problem.

In the January and February issues of 24×7, we covered educational opportunities extensively, listing institutions that provide training on campus and online. Additionally, the February Soapbox addressed the availability of testing locations.

The Colorado Association of Biomedical Equipment Technicians (CABMET) has another idea to consider in preparing for the test: a study group for those interested in taking the ICC Certification test for CBET on May 5. The great news is you don’t have to live in Colorado to take part because for the first time it will be available by teleconference. According to David Scott, organizer of the study group, CABMET has helped more than 50 people get their CBET, CRES, and CLES certifications since 2004. In 2006, one of their study group members received the highest score in the nation on the CLES test.

This is an idea all associations can develop. We hope that the information provided in these issues will guide those interested in pursuing education and certification to locations and institutions that will assist them in furthering their dreams and accomplishing their goals.

If you organize a study group and want everyone to know about it, you now can do so through our new online Calendar, that informs you of upcoming events in the industry. You will find information on classes, conferences, and association events. The best part is that you can tell us about events we might not know about so we can post them. It’s simple to do: Follow the link that asks you to “submit your event.” Please be sure to include the name of the event, who is hosting it, the date(s), the location, and a Web address for more information.

I would also like for those of you who attended the annual meeting of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society conference in New Orleans to share information you might have received. The meeting was expected to bring thousands of health care information technology (HIT) experts together to explore solutions for improving health care. The Interoperability Showcase, for example, enabled attendees to create their own electronic health record and access it across multiple health care settings. HIT continues to impact your work, so please e-mail me at and tell me about which exhibits gave you a greater understanding of the process, and how HIT’s implementation will affect the industry.

Julie Kirst