About Associate of the American College of Cardiology (A.A.C.C.)
The Associate of the American College of Cardiology designation was approved by the ACC’s Board of Trustees in March 2009, to recognize those CCAs who, through advanced education, training and professional development, have dedicated themselves to providing the highest-level of cardiovascular care.
With a focus on recognized national board certifications and member interests in advanced learning, skill building, and professional recognition, the CCA Designation Working Group compiled a list of boards whose certifications would be required for the A.A.C.C. designation.
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As a process, CCA applicants must meet basic criteria for the designation. The process for advancement from Cardiac Care Associate to Associate of the American College of Cardiology is similar to the advancement process for physician members and Fellowship of the American College of Cardiology. Applicants that do not meet the basic criteria will be reviewed by the CCA Designation Working Group and a decision will be made at that time, regarding their advancement to A.A.C.C.
Click Here for a List of Frequently Asked Questions about A.A.C.C.
Criteria for Associate of the American College of Cardiology
The designation criteria for Associate of the American College of Cardiology (A.A.C.C.) are as follows:
- State Licensure
- Nationally recognized board certification*
- Majority of professional activities must be devoted to the field of cardiovascular disease.
- Three (3) Letters of Recommendation. Letters must be from F.A.C.C. members that are well acquainted with the applicants current professional activities. Relatives may not sponsor applicants.
- Employed in a practice that is primarily cardiovascular focused – at least 75%.
- Commitment to CV practice for five years or more.
- CCA member for two years prior to applying for designation.
- At least 12 hours of CV related CE/CME credit hours annually.
- Member of the ACC’s Cardiovascular Team Section.**
*The national board certifications for A.A.C.C. designation were selected by the CCA Designation Working Group and approved by the ACC's Credentialing and Membership Committee. Selection of these national board certifications was based on the amount of cardiology-specific content on the board examination. Applicants that hold a national board certification that is not currently on the approved list are still invited to apply for the designation and will be approved for advancement to A.A.C.C. by the Credentialing and Membership Committee, on a case by case basis.
** The ACC's Cardiovascular Team Section was approved by the BOT in April 2009 to further integrate CCA members into the College. Through the section, CCA members have increased opportunities to volunteer on ACC working groups to address the needs of the College's care team members. Currently, CCA members are automatically enrolled in this section, however, membership dues may be charged at a later date to fund CCA-specific programs and events
Click here for a .PDF of the application.