Members Only | 09.03.20
Aspire for More
By Karen Reed-Coffman, MBA, CPMSM, CPCS
In 2007, my journey as an MSP began under the tutelage of Marcy Lechner, CPMSM, CPCS, who today remains my co-worker, mentor, and friend.
In 2009, I sat for the CPCS certification with fear and trepidation as I, too, had heard the stories about the certification exams. I had so many fears — fear of disappointing others, fear of not being smart enough, fear of not preparing well enough and having test anxiety. I wondered if I could obtain the CPCS certification. During the exam, I developed a migraine and could hardly keep my eyes open to read the questions. I left the certification exam knowing I did not pass and went back to studying for the next testing period while waiting for the letter stating whether I passed or failed. I remember when the letter arrived; I opened the envelope with apprehension and read the letter. I had earned the CPCS certification. I did it! In 2012, I prepared and sat for the CPMSM certification with less anxiety and fear, and was again delighted to find I had received a passing score.
I wanted to serve and give back to others in the profession. I submitted my name indicating my interest in volunteering with NAMSS for several different committees, yet I was not selected. I learned about the NAMSS volunteer pathway and began to volunteer with the state chapter.
In 2014, I received a voicemail message from Ms. Ropizah with the CCN inquiring about my interest in volunteering with test development activity. I was so nervous and excited to call her back. I accepted the opportunity with so many thoughts, from “What is a cut score?” to “Surely there are others more qualified.” At the time, I had no comprehension or appreciation of the work that is involved in developing the certification exams. I just knew I wanted to learn more about the process and continued to volunteer with the CCN when asked. Through my years of
volunteering with the CCN, I have learned so much about the certification exam process to ensure the certification exams are executed to the highest degree.
How about you? What are you doing to prepare yourself for your future as an MSP? What are you willing to do to make it happen? When you are ready to become certified, there will not be a shortcut. It will be incumbent on you to study and prepare for the certification exam. For some this may be studying for 30 days, and for others it may be a year. Use the resources that are recommended in the prep book; join a study group, study independently, or both; learn and use your preferred study method; commit to a testing period; study and obtain the certification(s). Don’t worry about the pass/fail rate, as it does not speak to your ability to obtain your certification, rather it is an indicator of whether others were adequately prepared for the exam. Determine your testing window date, submit your application, study, and then study some more. It takes hard work and determination to obtain the certifications, but with the work you, too, can become certified.
My journey is nearing 33 years of experience in the medical field, from switchboard to the director of medical staff services. My career has afforded me the opportunity to work with medical staff leaders, administration, MSPs, and the NAMSS staff. It is an honor and privilege to be on the CCN Board with the future certified MSPs in mind. I encourage you to dream big, do the work, and you can reach your goals.
Karen Reed-Coffman, MBA, CPMSM, CPCS, is a member of the NAMSS CCN Board. She is the Immediate Past President for the Kansas Association Medical Staff Services (KAMSS), and she is the recipient of the 2018 NAMSS Golden Key Award.