CVAHP Certification-Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
In the Beginning…
The pathway to CVAHP Certification began with a meeting of experienced value analysis professionals Feb. 5, 2014. Their task was to identify the knowledge and skills required to establish and maintain an effective Healthcare Value Analysis process. Skills and knowledge culled from numerous job descriptions and personal experiences were organized into four “Domains,” which we now refer to as “Pillars.” The resulting product was the Curriculum Outline that is in the CVAHP Handbook.
The Certification Project Plan was created April 14-16, 2015, followed by a meeting in Richmond, Virginia, May 20-21, 2014, that included representatives of Owens and Minor University and Applied Measurement Professionals (AMP), with whom we collaborated on the initiative.
Thirty-three AHVAP members, guided by OMU and AMP, invested thousands of hours in the development of the six-hour online training course and creation of approximately 150 exam questions related to the four domains.
At the October 2015 Annual Conference, AHVAP presented the 33 “Pioneers” with their CVAHP certification in recognition of their many contributions to create the CVAHP certification. The CVAHP Certification Committee was established with Cheri Berri-Lesh serving as chair.
Overcoming Disruptions
Over the next five years, AHVAP has experienced several disruptions. In 2016, OMU notified us they were discontinuing their collaboration with AHVAP as a result of restructuring. In 2018, AHVAP Moved to a new management service and also began the process of moving from PSI certification service to SMT/Prometric, which was completed early in 2019. Then the pandemic happened! In a few short weeks, businesses were closed down in response to the spread of the virus. AHVAP members were working long hours to procure PPE and vet products from new sources. Testing sites were closed in most locations and new certifications halted. Working with SMT/Prometric, we were able to make remote testing available beginning in May.
The Next Steps
We have had pursuit of Magnet recognition for the CVAHP certification in the “Parking Lot” since last year, but lacked the resources to give this our attention, but at the November CVAHP Meeting, Karen Niven volunteered to head a work team to move forward with this initiative. Our goal is to have this in place the first half of 2021!
Another focus for 2021 will be revision of the certification exam. The pandemic derailed this initiative in 2020 as members were overwhelmed with work demands and were not available to commit to this task. With the recent surge in hospitalizations, we are targeting the second quarter for this initiative.
New Leadership
Since its inception, three members have served as chair of CVAHP. We recognize and thank Cheri Berri-Lesh, Shannon Candio and Beth Potter for their service. Beginning in 2021, the leadership will pass from the Interim Chair, Beth Potter, to Robin Lane. We are grateful to all the members who have worked to promote the value of certification and insure its integrity.
Make Certification Your Goal in 2021!
This is the year to become certified. Members report that several include certifications on the Magnet list when evaluating for salary increases or promotions. If you are not yet certified, don’t delay. Make this investment in your career and the profession. Check the Handbook for requirements and follow the link to submit your registration. Today.
