The MAC Program Sets a New Standard for
Advanced Practice Nurse Certification, Reflecting CRNAs' Commitment
to Lifelong Learning
CHICAGO, Aug. 1, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- The National Board of Certification
and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) has
announced the launch of its Maintaining Anesthesia Certification
(MAC) Program as the new approach for continued certification of
certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAS). It features a
pioneering longitudinal assessment component—an evaluation modality
that measures and solidifies core nurse anesthesia knowledge
utilizing adult learning principles. As the only nursing
organization to implement this advanced methodology, NBCRNA is
setting a new benchmark in continued certification and reinforcing
its commitment to CRNA excellence and lifelong learning.
Developed in ongoing collaboration with CRNAs, including a
one-year research study, the MAC Program meets the evolving needs
of nurse anesthetists. MAC features a streamlined four-year
timeline with three key components: MAC Check, MAC Ed, and MAC Dev.
The longitudinal assessment component, known as MAC Check, tracks
CRNAs' progress and performance over an extended period, helping
them stay up to date with anesthesia trends and best practices. MAC
Ed facilitates continuing education through courses and workshops
with prior approval from an accredited organization, and MAC Dev
supports professional growth with activities designed to refine
skills and experiences.
Longitudinal assessment (MAC Check) is at the heart of the MAC
program. It is a transformative approach that redefines how CRNAs
demonstrate and enhance their expertise. This state-of-the-art
modality provides immediate feedback, identifies areas for
improvement, and presents diverse learning topics through quarterly
questions. Based on sound psychometric principles and scientific
rigor, longitudinal assessment supports CRNAs in lifelong learning
and continuous improvement for safe, quality patient care.
"NBCRNA is dedicated to meeting the progressive needs of CRNAs,
as well as promoting their lifelong learning and maintaining their
history of provider excellence in nurse anesthesia," said
John C. Preston, DNSc, CRNA, APRN,
FAANA, FNAP, FAAN, Chief Executive Officer of NBCRNA. "With the
introduction of longitudinal assessment and the new MAC Program,
NBCRNA continues to remain contemporary while leading the way in
advanced practice nursing certification."
The value of continued certification is underscored by recent
patient survey findings. In 2023, NBCRNA conducted a survey
revealing that 85% of patients consider it very important for CRNAs
to complete continued certification components that include
knowledge assessment. Furthermore, 91% of patients greatly trust
CRNAs in their role as educators and members of the healthcare
team. After learning more about NBCRNA certification, 98% of
patients valued the continued certification requirements for CRNAs,
highlighting the critical role that ongoing education plays in
maintaining patient trust and safety.
The MAC Program aligns with regulatory standards across all
state Boards of Nursing. Starting August 1,
2024, eligible CRNAs will begin to transition from the
current Continued Professional Certification (CPC) Program to the
MAC Program based on their continued certification cycle.
For more information on the MAC Program, visit
nbcrna.com/MAC.
About NBCRNA
The National Board of
Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists
(NBCRNA) is the United States
certifying body for the initial, continued and subspecialty
certification of the more than 60,000 Certified Registered Nurse
Anesthetists (CRNAs). NBCRNA's primary responsibility is to guard
the well-being of the public by seeking to ensure that those who
secure the CRNA credential have the necessary knowledge and skills
to practice safely and effectively. NBCRNA accomplishes this
mission through the development and implementation of credentialing
programs that support lifelong learning among nurse
anesthetists.
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SOURCE National Board of Certification and Recertification for
Nurse Anesthetists