En Español Become a Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist | | | Certification Guidelines | Click here for Recertification Guidelines
The Who, What and Why of Multiple Sclerosis Specialization Multiple Sclerosis is a lifelong neurological disease with far-reaching and variable implications for patients, their families and their social and vocational sphere of influence. The disease course remains uncertain for each patient; symptoms tend to wax and wane due to a variety of causes; and treatment concerns range from physical to social to emotional and back again when changes occur. This dynamic pattern of need and the necessity for appropriate care calls for a cadre of healthcare professionals worldwide to sustain wellness as well as to address the dynamic needs of all those affected by multiple sclerosis.
The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers supports this voluntary certification process that reflects knowledge in the specialization of MS care. This certification provides formal recognition that is necessary to provide optimal care to those individuals and families living with multiple sclerosis. Certification is intended to promote quality and consistent care to those living with multiple sclerosis by: - Recognizing the many specialists involved with MS care delivery
- Establishing a basic knowledge required for practice in the fields of MS
- Encouraging continuous learning so that those in MS care sustain a basic level of knowledge about the disease and its implications.
All licensed health professionals, with a recommended one year of experience caring for patients with multiple sclerosis, will be eligible to take a certification examination in multiple sclerosis. Those who successfully pass the examination will be called a Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist (MSCS).
Rehabilitation professionals, licensed nursing professionals, social workers, psychologists, neuropsychologists, and other licensed personnel are welcome to apply for this examination.
Clinical experience is necessary for candidates as follows: - At least one year experience in MS care
- At least 20% of professional time spent with MS patients and / or families
What Content Is Covered in the Examination - Fundamentals of MS - 25%
- Multidisciplinary MS Care 60%
- Patient Empowerment - 15%
What is the Cost for Applying - Application fee: $250.00 USD
- Payment by Visa, Master Card or check is accepted (Checks must be made payable to PTC). Even if you are applying for a scholarship, you must pay the full $250 fee to Professional Testing Corporation when you register. If you are approved for a scholarship, a check will be made payable to you.
- Scholarship is available (click to download the form)
- Online Registration is available at www.ptcny.com
When and Where will the Examination be Given
Examinations will be given in testing centers over two-week periods twice a year via computer. Check PTC (Professional Testing Corporation) for final schedule. The next examination dates are February 6 – 20, 2010 (application deadline is December 31, 2009) and August 7 - 21, 2010 (application deadline is June 30, 2010).
Scholarship
The CMSC is happy to announce that there are scholarships available for those who require assistance with the registration fee (support has been provided by an unrestricted grant from Teva Neuroscience). Download the MSCS Scholarship Application Form and mail it to:
Consortium of MS Centers
359 Main Street, Suite A
Hackensack, NJ 07601
Even if you are applying for a scholarship, you must pay the full $250 fee to Professional Testing Corporation when you register. If you are approved for a scholarship, a check will be made payable to you.
The deadline to submit a scholarship application to sit for the August exam is June 30th. The deadline to submit a scholarship application to sit for the February exam, is December 31st.
The Application Form requires an Adobe Acrobat Reader. The free software is available for download from Adobe Systems Incorporated.
For More Information
Obtain a Handbook for Candidates including all application materials by visiting the testing website: PTCNY
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Last Update: July 8, 2009
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 24 November 2009 )
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CMSC Online 
