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Adam Gaber
Thomson Learning
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Adam.Gaber@Thomson.com
Healthcare Organizations Develop Worker Aptitude Assessments With Thomson Prometric
Baltimore, Md. – March 30, 2004 – In 2003, Thomson Prometric, the global leader in technology-enabled testing and assessment services and part of The Thomson Corporation (NYSE: TOC; TSX: TOC), supported another dozen healthcare organizations in the implementation of assessment programs that validate the knowledge and proficiency of healthcare professionals while enhancing public safety.
These prestigious representatives of the healthcare industry recognize the need to measure and continually improve the skills and abilities of their test-takers to improve the overall quality and efficacy of healthcare.
“We believe technology-enabled skills assessment provides a more robust, proven approach to measurement that is supporting the healthcare industry’s emphasis on competency assurance,” said Alison Indrisano, senior vice president of Client Services and Support. “It is our hope that our innovative technology will improve healthcare quality while generating greater productivity and efficiency, which will result in lower overall healthcare costs.”
Below is a synopsis of some of these agreements validating the healthcare profession through professional assessment.
National Board for Certification of Orthopaedic Technologists (NBCOT)
In 2003, Thomson Prometric and the NBCOT agreed to convert NBCOT’s paper and pencil-based exam to computer-based format, and deliver the exam through Thomson Prometric’s secure testing center network nationwide. Thomson Prometric also performed a role delineation study of the exam. This study included a review of the Orthopaedic Technologist’s job description and interviews with Orthopaedic Technologists to verify the skill set, further ensuring the validity of the credential. Exam delivery began in Thomson Prometric’s secure testing center network nationwide February 2004. In late 2003, the collaboration expanded to include NBCOT’s use of Thomson Prometric’s Internet-based testing tool for orthopedic technologist practice exams. To date, more than 5,000 Orthopaedic Technologists have been certified by the NBCOT.
Texas State Board of Medical Examiners (TSBME)
On December 5, 2003, Thomson Prometric signed a three-year agreement with the TSBME, who is collaborating with Thomson Prometric to convert their Texas Medical Jurisprudence Examination to a computer-based format and utilizing the Thomson Prometric Dashboard product for data management services. Doctors who want to practice in the state of Texas are lawfully required to complete this state regulatory licensure exam. Since 1980, the Texas Medical Jurisprudence Examination has been delivered via paper and pencil, and test takers could only take the exam in the Austin, Texas area. With the computer-based format, the exam will be available nationwide beginning in April 2004.
Pfizer, Inc.
Thomson Prometric and Pfizer, Inc. have collaborated since 2000. Pfizer discovers, develops, manufactures and markets leading prescription medicines for humans and animals, including some of the world's best-known consumer brands. In 2003, they chose to continue their agreement with Thomson Prometric to take advantage of Thomson Prometric psychometric services.
Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP)
ACVREP’s mission is to offer professional certification for vision rehabilitation and education professionals in order to improve service delivery to persons with vision impairments. In the past, Thomson Prometric and ACVREP have collaborated on the psychometric validation of two different exams testing knowledge of low vision therapy and orientation and mobility. Recently, Thomson Prometric and ACVREP aligned further to continue test development and psychometric reviews on additional ACVREP tests for improved testing relevancy.
American Association of Medical Transcriptionists (AAMT)
Thomson Prometric and the AAMT have collaborated since June 2001 on the development of the AAMT certification program that was designed to certify the qualifications of medical transcriptionists. In 2003, the relationship grew. Thomson Prometric converted the AAMT paper and pencil-based exam to computer-based format and AAMT began utilizing Thomson Prometric data management services. With the new computer-based format, medical transcriptionists can take the exam in one part instead of two, benefiting from an exam driven by technology utilizing audio as well as taking a more relevant exam.
Society for Clinical Data Management (SCDM)
In 2003, Thomson Prometric and the SCDM formed an agreement to develop a new certification program designed for clinical data managers. This agreement included the use of Thomson Prometric test development and delivery services as well as data management. The SCDM certification program is designed for pharmaceutical and biotechnical industry professionals who manage the data collected during clinical trials used for new drug applications. The exam is available as of September 2003.
In 2003, Thomson Prometric also collaborated with the Irish Medical Council, North Carolina Association of Physician’s Assistants, American Dental Association, Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, American Academy of Professional Coders and the American Association of Medical Colleges for the delivery of the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT).
About The Thomson Corporation and Prometric
The Thomson Corporation (http://www.thomson.com/), with 2003 revenues of $7.6 billion, is a global leader in providing integrated information solutions to business and professional customers. Thomson provides value-added information, software tools and applications to more than 20 million users in the fields of law, tax, accounting, financial services, higher education, reference information, corporate training and assessment, scientific research and healthcare. With operational headquarters in Stamford, Conn., Thomson has approximately 43,000 employees and provides services in approximately 130 countries. The Corporation's common shares are listed on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges (NYSE: TOC; TSX: TOC). Its learning businesses and brands serve the needs of individuals, learning institutions, corporations and government agencies with products and services for both traditional and distributed learning.
Thomson Prometric (www.prometric.com) is the global leader in technology-enabled testing and assessment services for academic, professional, government, corporate and information technology markets. Thomson Prometric delivers standardized tests for 300 clients, in 26 languages, over the Web or through a global network of testing centers in 134 countries. Based in Baltimore, Md., Thomson Prometric employs 3,000 employees worldwide.
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