CHTM Exam Overview
The Certified Healthcare Technology Manager (CHTM) exam is designed for professionals in healthcare technology management (HTM) who are responsible for the oversight of clinical engineering departments, medical equipment management programs, and technology-based healthcare services. This certification is offered by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) in collaboration with the Healthcare Technology Certification Commission (HTCC).
Who Typically Obtains the Certification?
The CHTM certification is ideal for:• Biomedical Engineers and Clinical Engineers in management roles. • Healthcare Technology Managers who manage teams and oversee medical technology systems in hospitals, healthcare systems, or service organizations. • Directors and Supervisors of biomedical or clinical engineering departments. • HTM Professionals aiming for leadership or upper-management positions.
CHTM Exam Format and Breakdown• Duration: The CHTM exam lasts 3 hours. • Number of Questions: The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. • Question Breakdown: • Approximately 60% of the questions are based on Healthcare Technology Management. • Approximately 40% of the questions focus on Healthcare Technology Planning and Strategy. • Passing Score: The exact passing score varies but is generally around 70%.
Exam Content Areas1. Healthcare Technology Management: • Focus on overseeing medical equipment service programs, including preventive and corrective maintenance. • Knowledge of staffing, managing department finances, budgeting, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance. 2. Healthcare Technology Planning and Strategy: • Emphasis on strategic planning and aligning technology acquisition with organizational goals. • Understanding of lifecycle management of medical devices, capital planning, and emerging healthcare technologies.
How to Prepare for the CHTM Exam
Study Approach:1. Review the Exam Content Outline: • Familiarize yourself with AAMI’s published content outline, which lists specific topics covered under Healthcare Technology Management and Technology Planning and Strategy. 2. Study the Following Topics: • Medical Equipment Management: Preventive maintenance, corrective actions, incident investigation, recall procedures. • Regulatory Compliance: Knowledge of FDA, OSHA, and CMS regulations that impact healthcare technology. • Financial Management: Budgeting, cost analysis, contract management, and equipment acquisition. • Staffing and Leadership: Team management, leadership skills, and professional development for the HTM workforce. • Technology Planning: Equipment selection, replacement planning, capital planning, and technology assessments. 3. AAMI CHTM Study Guide: • AAMI offers an official CHTM study guide, which is an essential resource, containing information aligned with the exam content. 4. Practice Exams: • Utilize practice exams to get comfortable with the exam format and to assess your knowledge level. AAMI offers sample questions and practice tests. 5. Study Groups and Courses: • Join study groups with other HTM professionals who are also preparing for the exam. • Some organizations offer CHTM preparation courses or webinars to guide exam preparation. 6. Continuing Education: • Take advantage of any HTM continuing education courses offered through AAMI or other organizations to keep current on industry trends and standards.
Common Practice Questions
Here are some sample questions that can give you an idea of the types of topics covered:
Sample Question 1:
Which of the following is a key factor when developing a preventive maintenance schedule for medical equipment?• A) The cost of the device • B) Manufacturer’s guidelines and equipment usage • C) The length of the warranty • D) Patient satisfaction
Sample Question 2:
In a healthcare technology management program, which of the following best describes a strategic priority for a healthcare technology manager?• A) Managing the inventory of spare parts for medical equipment • B) Ensuring alignment between equipment acquisition and clinical needs • C) Monitoring the HVAC systems in the facility • D) Conducting daily rounds to check equipment in patient rooms
Sample Question 3:
Which regulatory agency is responsible for enforcing safety standards for electrical medical devices in healthcare facilities?• A) Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) • B) U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) • C) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) • D) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Resources for Exam Preparation1. AAMI CHTM Study Guide: The official guide is highly recommended and can be purchased from AAMI’s website. 2. AAMI’s Online Courses and Webinars: AAMI offers preparation courses specifically designed for CHTM candidates. 3. Professional Associations: Joining organizations like AAMI and HTMA (Healthcare Technology Management Association) will provide access to additional resources such as webinars, study groups, and forums. 4. Practice Exams and Question Banks: These resources are often available through AAMI or other biomedical professional associations. 5. Textbooks: • Managing Medical Equipment Maintenance by Binseng Wang. • Introduction to Biomedical Equipment Technology by Carr and Brown. 6. Regulatory Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with regulations from agencies like the FDA, The Joint Commission (TJC), and OSHA, which play an important role in healthcare technology management.
Conclusion
The CHTM exam is designed for healthcare technology managers and professionals aiming for leadership roles in healthcare technology management. To prepare for the exam, it’s important to review the key content areas related to managing medical equipment programs, regulatory compliance, financial oversight, and strategic planning. Utilize the resources provided by AAMI, take practice exams, and consider joining study groups or preparation courses to strengthen your knowledge and exam-taking skills.
Good luck!