Multiple Sclerosis is a complex and lifelong neurological disease that affects many aspects of an individual’s life. Management across the lifetime of multiple sclerosis will require the expertise of multiple disciplines working together to meet the dynamic needs of the person and the family. Rapid advances in the treatment of multiple sclerosis require that health professionals have the basic knowledge and skills necessary to provide optimal care. The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers supports a voluntary certification process that reflects the knowledge of multiple disciplines in the specialized area of multiple sclerosis care. The MSHA Certification provides formal recognition of a specialized body of knowledge felt to be 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:
- Formally recognizing knowledge across the multiple disciplines that are necessary for multiple sclerosis care delivery.
- Establishing a level of knowledge required to become a Multiple Sclerosis Healthcare Associate Certification.
- Providing encouragement for continued personal and professional growth in the care of individuals with multiple sclerosis.
- Providing a standard of knowledge requisite for certification, thereby assisting the employer, public, and members of the health professions in the assessment of healthcare professionals involved in multiple sclerosis care.
Who is eligible?
- It is suggested that candidates have a minimum of one year of experience in providing services for or interacting with individuals with multiple sclerosis. Candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Have completed a healthcare associate program (e.g. medical assistant, physical therapy assistant, nursing assistant, exercise specialist, personal trainer, health coach, etc.) and be currently practicing in your field. A copy of your transcript, diploma, letter of completion, etc. must be submitted with your application.
- Complete and file an Application for the Multiple Sclerosis Healthcare Associate Certification Examination. Pay the required fee prior to the deadline.
What content is covered in the examination?
The MSHA Examination is a computer-based examination composed of a maximum of 100 multiple-choice, objective questions with a total testing time of two (2) hours.
The questions for the examination are obtained from individuals with expertise in multiple sclerosis and are reviewed for construction, accuracy, and appropriateness by the CMSC. The CMSC, with the advice and assistance of the Professional Testing Corporation, prepares the examination.
The MSHA Examination will be weighted in approximately the following manner:
- Fundamentals of Multiple Sclerosis 25%
- Multidisciplinary Management of Multiple Sclerosis 60%
- Patient Empowerment 15%
What is the cost for applying?
- Examination fee: $225.00 USD
- Payment by Visa, Master Card or check is accepted (Checks must be made payable to PTC)
- Online Registration is available at www.ptcny.com
Examination Process
The Certification Examination is administered twice a year during an established two-week testing period on a daily basis, Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays, at computer-based testing facilities managed by PSI. PSI has several hundred testing sites in the United States, as well as Canada. Scheduling is done on a first-come, first-served basis. To find a testing center near you, visit http://candidate.psiexams.com or call 1-800-733-9267.
Please note: Hours and days of availability vary at different centers. To schedule your examination appointment, you must have received a Scheduling Authorization first from PTC.
More information
Visit PTC to download a PDF version of the Handbook. Candidates can also apply online.
Professional Testing Corporation
1350 Broadway, 17th floor
New York, NY 10018
Phone: 212-356-0660
Fax: 212-356-0678
www.ptcny.com
Upcoming Test Schedules
Application Deadline:
December 6th, 2023
First Day of Testing:
Saturday, January 6th, 2024
Last Day of Testing:
Saturday, January 20th, 2024
Application Deadline:
May 1st, 2024
First Day of Testing:
Saturday, June 1st, 2024
Last Day of Testing:
Saturday, June 15th, 2024
