You're working on a cardiac floor, and you're about to receive a transfer patient who has a pulmonary artery catheter. Do you know what to do? If you were board-certified in vascular access, you would. The VA-BC credential is a professional certification for clinicians who work with patients needing intravenous therapies, and it could be a great resume boost for nurses and health professionals in many different specialties.
Vascular access is any line or device that connects with the venous system. Patients may need this type of access for medication, chemotherapy, dialysis, total parenteral nutrition, or other interventions. While the most common access device is an intravenous catheter, there are many others — intraosseous devices, central venous catheters, arteriovenous fistulas, and more.
This certification could help boost your skills and elevate your career, especially if you work in one of these areas:
- Emergency room nursing
- Infusion nursing
- Oncology nursing
- Critical care nursing
- Dialysis nursing
- Home health
- Interventional radiology
- Surgical nursing
What Does VA-BC Stand For?
This credential stands for Venous Access – Board Certified. It shows that a clinician has gone above and beyond to learn the skills and knowledge to serve patients who need vascular access and device maintenance. It is administered by the Vascular Access Certification Corporation (VACC), and it's offered to a range of clinicians, including:
- Licensed professional/vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs)
- Registered nurses (RNs)
- Nurse practitioners (NPs)
- Physician assistants (PAs)
- Medical doctors (MDs)
- Emergency medical technicians (EMTs)
- Rapid response team members (RRTs)
- Respiratory therapists (RTs)
What Are the Benefits of Nursing Certifications Like This One?
Nursing specialty certifications show your commitment to professional growth, and they designate that you're competent in your work. Fewer than 20% of nurses are certified, so if you're considering making a career move, earning a credential like this can help set you apart from other applicants. Plus, certified nurses report higher job satisfaction, and you could earn more income depending on your facility.
VA-BC Salary Expectations
While earning a certification can be linked to a higher salary, it's difficult to measure the impact of this certification because it is awarded to many different types of clinicians. An RN working in vascular access makes an average of about $94,000 per year, but many other specialties can qualify for this credential. What you earn as a nurse depends on your location, years of experience, certifications, and care setting.
Earn Vascular Access Board Certification: 4 Steps
Step 1: Complete VA-BC Certification Requirements
This credential is for professionals who have some experience in either working with patients or working with other medical professionals in the vascular access field. To be eligible for this certification, you'll need to meet the following requirements:
- Have a minimum of a post-secondary education (for example, LPN training, an associate's degree, or a bachelor's degree).
- Hold a clinical healthcare professional credential that requires vascular access skills.
- Have at least 1 year of experience in an area where vascular access is required.
- Fall into one of these categories:
- A healthcare professional who is involved in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patients and clients who need vascular access during their care
- A professional in a complementary field to vascular access, such as healthcare educators, administrators, infection control professionals, and nutrition support professionals
Step 2: Apply for Certification
Once you meet the eligibility requirements, it's time to get started with your certification application. To apply for certification, you can either complete the form online or send a printed form to VACC. Mailed and faxed applications will have a $25 administrative fee, so try to complete your application online if you can. Once your application is approved, you'll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter.
VACC has two testing periods per year, with corresponding application windows. If you apply early, you'll pay less in fees. See the important dates associated with applying below:
| Item | June Certification Exams | December Certification Exams |
|---|---|---|
| Early Registration | March 1–20 | September 1–20 |
| Final Registration | March 21–April 15 | September 21–October 15 |
| Testing window | June 1–30 | December 1–31 |
| Exam Scheduling Period | Once you receive your ATT letter, through June 1 | Once you receive your ATT letter, through December 1 |
You'll also need to pay a fee when you apply. If you're a member of the Association for Vascular Nurses (AVA), you'll receive a discount. Here's a breakdown of the costs:
- Early registration fees: AVA members pay $300, nonmembers pay $400.
- Final registration fees: AVA members pay $375, nonmembers pay $475.
- Late fees: AVA members pay $450, nonmembers pay $550.
Step 3: Pass the VA-BC Exam
You can take the certification exam in person at testing centers across the U.S. and Canada or on your home computer with a remote proctor. The test has 150 questions, and 25 are non-scored experimental questions. You'll have two and a half hours to take the exam.
Below are the content areas covered on the exam:
- Clinical knowledge and application
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- Professional development
- Legal and ethical considerations
Wondering how you should prepare for the certification exam? Check out these approved resources:
- Review VACC's certification candidate handbook.
- Watch VACC's How to Study video.
- Use the exam references to make a VA-BC study guide.
- Take VA-BC practice test questions.
Step 4: Maintain Your Certification
This credential is valid for three years, and the recertification process is designed to foster continued learning and development in the vascular access field. You can either recertify by completing continuing education credits or by taking the exam again.
Here's a table breaking down the recertification date ranges and fees:
| Item | Early Registration Recertification | Final Recertification Application |
|---|---|---|
| June recertification | August 1–March 20 | March 21–June 1 |
| December recertification | February 1–September 20 | September 21–December 1 |
| Online application fees | AVA members: $340Nonmembers: $240 | AVA members: $390Nonmembers: $390 |
| Mail/fax application fees | AVA members: $265Nonmembers: $365 | AVA members: $315Nonmembers: $415 |
| Late applications | N/A | AVA members: $365Nonmembers: $465 |
FAQs
Where can I find VA-BC verification information?
To verify that your certification went through or to check someone else's certification, VACC's verification portal will show you the status of an individual's credentials.
Can I retake the vascular access certification exam?
Yes, there's technically no limit to the number of times you can sit for the exam. But you will pay a retake fee, as well as a late fee if you register beyond the deadline. Here are the retesting fees:
- Early and final registration: AVA members pay $275, nonmembers pay $375.
- Late fee: AVA members pay $350, nonmembers pay $450.
Related Certifications
- Certified Vascular Nurse Certification (RN-BC)
- Certified Registered Nurse Infusion (CRNI)
- Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN)
- Chemotherapy Certification
- Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification (CV-BC)
Put Your Venous Access Skills to Work
Whether you're still considering credentials or you're on the path to becoming VA-BC certified, you might be curious about open roles where your skills are valued. Credenza's personalized job notifications make it easy to stay informed about new opportunities in your area. Learn more today.