National Asthma Educator Examination National Asthma Educator Examination

What is this Exam all About? National Asthma Educator Certification Board (NAECB) First offered 2002 Open to all RTs, pulmonary function techs, nurses, physicians, physician assistants, health educators, occupational therapists, pharmacists, social workers. All who actively have a role in the education of the asthmatic and……………

Who Else Can Sit For the The Exam? Persons providing asthma education, counseling, or coordination of services (minimum of 1000 hours exp.)

Who is administering the exam? Applied Measurement Professionals (AMP)

What is an Asthma Educator? Possesses a comprehensive knowledge of asthma pathophysiology and management Understands how asthma is diagnosed Teaches best use of medications and delivery devices in understandable terms

What is an Asthma Educator? Conducts assessments to identify strengths, resources, psychological factors, social and economic impact and educational needs in order to optimize health care management

What is an Asthma Educator? Works with patients, families and healthcare professionals to develop, implement, monitor, and revise action plan Serves as a resource to the community Monitors education programs outcomes and recommends changes

What is the AE-C? This is the certification awarded It is totally voluntary Proof that person is qualified May be a basis for employment, job promotion, salary increases, or other considerations

What are you Tested on? RecallApplicationAnalysis 175 questions (150 are scored the other are pretest items) 3 ½ hours to complete

Major Categories Tested The Asthma Condition: 20% Patient/Family Assessment: 26% Asthma Management: 43% Organizational Issues: 11%

Major Categories Tested Pathophysiology –Lung anatomy –Inflammatory process –Differentiate infant, pediatric, and adult manifestations

Major Categories Tested Factors contributing to asthma –Triggers/remediation –Understand benefits of allergy testing –How some physical conditions can exacerbate or even mimic asthma –Meds that may interact to exacerbate

Major Categories Tested Patient/Family Assessment –Signs and symptoms –High risk groups –Medical record (VS, PE, lab, history) –Objective measures (PEF, FEV 1, FVC, flow/volume loops) –Patient coping strategies

Major Categories Tested Asthma Management –Pharmacologic management –Side effects of meds –Devices (assembly, application, cleaning, troubleshooting) –Education strategies –Barrier recognition and resolution

Major Categories Tested Asthma Management –Zones –Personal best –Action plans

Major Categories Tested Organizational issues –Evaluation of outcomes (QOL and patient satisfaction) –Needs assessment –Disease management –Professional networking –Community resources

Major Categories Tested CPR Airway anatomy Social issues Economic disparities

From what is the test based? NAECB exam matrix 1997 National Heart Lung and Blood Institute Guidelines for Management of Asthma ALA/American Thoracic Society Task Force Guidelines

Costs? New Candidate: $ Repeat Candidate: $ Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, cashiers check or money order

Where Do I Take The Exam? H&R Block Offices (110) Go to To apply go to Phone: 888/ When scheduling you may be able to sit for the exam within 2 working days Once you apply you have a year to take the exam

What is the passing rates? As of August, 2006: –1,862 have passed –National Pass Rate: 69.2% (first time) –Subsequent pass rate 67% RT pass rate: 65% RN pass rate: 77% 1000 hours: 57% Pharmacist: 81%

Demographics of AE-C’s 41% RT/PFT Techs 31% Nurses 1/2 work in acute care 1/4 Clinics 85% in university or clinic settings 69% in hospitals

An Analysis No indication that profession shows stronger numbers in specific categories Hours spend educating no difference Rural pass rates (67%),urban/ suburban (77%) Clinical practice settings score higher than hospital based settings

The more experience the better – 0-1 year 55% pass –2-3 years 77% pass –4-5 years 78% pass –6-10 years 83% pass –>11 years 64% pass

An Analysis Educational level –Diploma level 50% pass rate –A.S. 57% pass rate –B.S. 77% pass rate –Master 88% pass rate –MD 93% pass rate