When you first heard about the CASC credential, what were your initial thoughts?

When I first heard about it at one of the ASCA [Ambulatory Surgery Center Association] conferences I was intrigued and decided that I would probably want to look a little more into it. I had only a few years experience in the ASC [ambulatory surgery center] industry, so pursuing the CASC credential would give me a little more credibility within the industry and a boost in terms of my expertise within the ASC industry.

Why did you pursue the CASC credential?

Within the industry I think it is very well known. Having that credential gives you a little more credibility and expert type distinction.

What do you think is the value of CASC?

I think there is a lot of value, including the fact that it’s a credential that carries ongoing education credits that are required. There aren’t a lot of certifications out there for those of us who are not clinicians. There are a lot of nurses and administrators alike in this field, but for people like me who aren’t clinicians and who are more business focused it gives you that value of having that clinical background. It enables people to understand that while you are not a clinician, you may not have an RN after your name but you do have a clinical base and clinical knowledge.

How do you think earning and maintaining the credential will benefit you and your ASC?

I think that maintaining the credential is beneficial because I am an individual who constantly needs to learn new things in order to maintain interest in something. I am always looking to read up on new technologies and innovative things that are going on. I think that maintaining the credential through the credits helps the ASC because I can take what I learn through my maintaining of the credential and implement it into the ASC.

What advice would you give to those individuals who are considering pursuing CASC?

For sure pursue the credential and get it. It is important if you really want to make a career in the ASC industry. I think when you are actually going for the credential it is very important to study, do not go into the exam blindly. It is important to have a few years experience behind you when you are pursuing the credential. I think it is necessary to have at least two to three years experience as an administrator to understand the inner-workings of the surgery center on an operational level and to really understand how things work. If you have a good understanding of that, you will do well on your exam.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I want to stress that for me, it has been a great experience to pursue the CASC credential. I think it really is a great opportunity for those who are in the field and are not clinicians, like myself. I think it is a very good way for us to gain knowledge and credibility in the field as having experience not only on the business and financial and metrics side, but on the clinical end as well. This is important to note because it gives those of us who do not have a clinical degree behind us a little more credibility on that end.