The Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists will team up to develop and run a certification program for PACS administrators. SIIM made the announcement on Sept. 7.

SIIM and ARRT have recognized the benefits of working together to establish Imaging Informatics Administration as a distinct profession. Each organization would contribute its individual expertise regarding the specific content, policies, and procedures related to certification, officials of the groups said.

ARRT will bring to the partnership a well-established and respected reputation in the area of certification, with decades of experience in the blueprint formulation and logistical execution of a certification program, said Richard L. Morin, Ph.D., a Brooks-Hollern professor of diagnostic radiology at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL, and former SIIM/SCAR chair. He will be a member of the certification committee.

SIIM has acknowledged the need for an independent governance structure and plans to establish one that is consistent with the requirements of the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. ARRT will have representation on the governance board for Imaging Informatics Administration certification.

The SIIM Certified Imaging Informatics Professional Certification (CIIP) program represents a merging of medical and corporate models into one comprehensive exam. It will provide a certification appropriate for both radiology techs and IT professionals. SIIM anticipates an expedited process in exam development now that the partnership is in place, officials said.

SIIM initiated development of the Certified Imaging Informatics Professional program in 2005. Qualified applicants may be able to take the first certification exam in late 2007.

For more information from the Diagnostic Imaging archives:

IT investments pay dividends by identifying errors

Society launches PACS administration certification efforts

SCAR changes its name to the Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine

Imaging informatics meeting brings changes into focus