Perceptor Statement

Requirement 
Applicants must provide a letter documenting completion of nuclear cardiology training that meets the requirements for Level 2 as outlined in the ACCF/ASNC COCATS Guidelines for Nuclear Cardiology (Revised 2015), signed by a qualified preceptor (see below).  COCATS Nuclear Cardiology Level 2 training must be completed and documentation submitted at time of application.

For U.S. Applicants:

Applicants who completed their Level 2 Nuclear Cardiology training in a fellowship/residency program, a preceptor must meet the following criteria:

The preceptor must be either:

  • Program Director of an accredited residency or fellowship program in Cardiovascular Disease, Nuclear Medicine, or Radiology.
  • Director of a Nuclear Cardiology laboratory at an institution with an accredited residency or fellowship program in Cardiovascular Disease, Nuclear Medicine, or Radiology.

If the preceptor is not an Authorized User, an Authorized User from the training institution must co-sign the letter to verify that the candidate has had appropriate training in radiation safety. (Separate letter from the Authorized User will be accepted.) In addition, a Program Verification Letter must be on file at the CBNC office prior to the preceptor letter being accepted.

The preceptor must have the required credentials listed above at the program where the applicant trained; OR must have had the credentials listed above and directed the applicant’s Nuclear Cardiology training (e.g. a former Program Director).

The preceptor must be in a position to verify and attest to the applicant’s training.

Applicants who completed their Level 2 training equivalent through experience (No New Applicants)

A preceptor statement must be written by an individual who is board certified in Nuclear Cardiology (CBNC), Nuclear Medicine (ABNM or osteopathic equivalent) or Radiology (ABR or osteopathic equivalent) and is an Authorized User listed on a Radioactive Materials (RAM) license.

For Non-U.S. Applicants:  Applicants must submit a preceptor letter to document training in nuclear cardiology.  The preceptor letter must be on organizational letterhead, written within 7 years of application, and make one of the following statements:

  • The Applicant has completed training in nuclear cardiology equivalent to ACCF/ASNC COCATS Guidelines for Nuclear Cardiology Training, revised 2015, Level 2 between [MM/YYYY] and [MM/YYYY]
  • The Applicant has completed training that meets the national training requirements for the independent sub-specialist practice of nuclear cardiology in [COUNTRY] on [MM/YYYY].

Also, if the nuclear cardiology training was completed seven or more years prior to the exam for which the Applicant is applying, the letter must verify ongoing experience as evidenced by interpretation of a minimum of 300 cases in the preceding 24 months.

Document Content and Format:
Preceptor letters must be on organizational letterhead and the author’s relationship to the applicant provided (e.g., Program Director).

The preceptor letter must be dated within 7 years of application and must document the applicant’s Nuclear Cardiology training dates.

U.S. Applicants only:

  • The preceptor(s) verifying training through fellowship/residency must have a Program Verification letter on file with the CBNC office with their Authorized User number prior to the preceptor letter being accepted.
  • The preceptor verifying training through experience must include in the preceptor letter his or her NRC or Agreement State License NumberPreceptors may find templates with acceptable wording on the CBNC website www.cccvi.org/cbnc. Preceptors are STRONGLY encouraged to use these.