Requirements for New Training Programs Seeking Initial Accreditation

I. Needs Assessment

Clinical chemistry training programs seeking initial accreditation from ComACC must meet one of the following criteria.

1) Results from most recent ComACC directors survey (placement data, perceptions of applicant pool, fellowship director sentiment, etc.) demonstrate a compelling need for creation of an additional training program.  This will be determined by ComACC commissioners.

OR

2) The program must demonstrate a significant need not met by currently existing programs such as area of specialty, existing training gaps, or geographic location, as determined by the ComACC commissioners.

Examples:

  • A fellowship that aims to train forensic toxicologists who will go on to gain ABFT certification following ABCC certification. 
  • A fellowship that aims to train ABCC certified clinical chemists in Canada.

OR

3) The proposed program already has a track record of leading a nonaccredited clinical chemistry training fellowship for 5 or more years, along with a record of successful board exam passage and placement of alumni in clinical chemistry or laboratory medicine-related positions.  Research-oriented postdoctoral training alone is insufficient evidence to justify the formation of a ComACC-accredited fellowship program.

II. Funding Resources

  • Stable funding from department or institution defined by a commitment of 5 years or greater. 
  • If research funding covers ≥50% of fellow funding, documentation of at least 5 years of continuous funding in the form of training grants obtained by the director(s) or faculty members funding the training.
  • If the training will be supported by industry contracts, a past track record of industry support of at least 5 continuous  years should be documented.

NOTE: Any major changes in funding sources should be communicated to ComACC.

III. Faculty Requirements

  • Each institution must maintain a 1:1 ratio of ABCC-certified faculty to fellow ratio at all times. Example:  If the program plans to have 2 fellows simultaneously (senior fellow and junior fellow), there must be 2 ABCC certified faculty.
  • Programs may have up to 1 director and 1 co-director OR 1 associate director.  No more than 2 directors of any kind will be recognized by ComACC.

Program directors must meet all the following qualifications

  • Be a diplomate of the ABCC (NRCC will not be recognized)
  • Have 5 or more years of experience directing a CLIA certified lab
  • Hold a record of appointment at the proposed institution for 1 year or greater prior to application

Co-directors must meet all the following minimum qualifications

  • Be a diplomate of the ABCC (NRCC will not be recognized)
  • Must have 5 or more years of experience directing a CLIA certified lab
  • Hold a record of appointment at the proposed institution for 1 year or greater prior to application

Associate directors must meet all the following minimum qualifications

  • Be a diplomate of the ABCC (NRCC will not be recognized)
  • Hold a record of appointment at the proposed institution for 1 year or greater

Note: The term “assistant director” will no longer be recognized by ComACC

IV. Fellow Salary Expectations

  • The fellow salary must be equivalent (within 95%-105%)  of clinical PGY-1 trainees at the institution.  Funds may be supplemented by the Department or other sources, but the fellow salary must be equivalent to a PGY-1 salary.

V. Pre Application Review

  • New programs seeking accreditation will complete the ComACC New Program Application Form prior to submission of a self study or fees for initial accreditation. 
  • The New Program Application Form will be reviewed by ComACC, and the commissioners shall hold a vote on whether to invite the program to submit a complete self study. 
  • Self studies submitted for initial accreditation without prior approval of the New Program Application by ComACC will not be reviewed.