Frequently Asked Questions - Fundamental Critical Care Support (FCCS) Course
Q: Is this an accredited course?
A: Yes, the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) accredited this course. This course is an international course.
Q: How long does this course take to complete?
A: The online modules generally take approximately 10-12 hours to complete; however, we have seen some learners take longer and others much quicker. The duration to complete the online modules mostly depends upon your learning style.
Q: Will I receive a certificate to complete this course?
A: Upon completing the online course and the skills station (Zoom session), you will be issued an FCCS course certificate from SCCM.
Q: Is there an exam for this course?
A: Yes, there is a pre-test and a post-test. You must score 70% or greater on the post-test. The questions are multiple-choice and have approximately 50 questions.
Q: How long do I have to complete the online portion of the course?
A: You have access to the online course for one year after access is issued; however, you must complete most of the online course BEFORE attending the live Zoom session. You do not have to complete the post-course exam before your Zoom session. You must complete the online course that will be issued to you (you will receive an email from SCCM within 2-3 days of registration).
Q: What is involved in the online Zoom session?
A: You will be presented with scenarios that you must solve. To prepare for the scenarios, complete most of the online FCCS course BEFORE attending your Zoom session. You do not have to complete the post-course exam before your Zoom session.
Q: What if I need more time to prepare for the Zoom session (or need to reschedule)?
A: A transfer of your Zoom session "may" be available. However, transfers are on a first-come-first-served basis and depend upon the availability of the FCCS course offerings. All transfers should occur within 90 days of your original course date. The transfer fee is $125 (per transfer); a limit of 2 transfers is permitted. No extensions or transfers of your online modules are available on the SCCM's website/learning modules. Note: a transfer may require you to repeat any online course modules/content, as your program from the modules does not always transfer to the new course date.
Q: Are there any refunds for this course?
A: If you need to cancel your registration, you can, but no refunds are available. Your registration cannot be transferred to another person or another course. Due to the massive outlay of expenses to prepare for our courses, our non-profit status does not support any refunds.
Q: What if I fail to pass the written exam (or complete the course)?
A: You must re-register to access the course and re-take the exam. SCCM only permits retakes of the exam after repeating the course.
Q: Where can I find the Zoom link to attend the skills portion of the course?
A: Zoom links are available in your account via our website. From our website, HealthCareTrainingAcademy.org, click "My Account," Once logged in, the Zoom link will be in your "Active Resources." (Do note that Zoom links are not emailed and are added to your account approximately 2-3 days before the course date). Should the date be nearer to your course and the Zoom link is not in your account email: Support@CardiacEd.com
Q: Do my camera and microphone have to be turned on during the Zoom session?
A: Only those with a working camera and microphone are given credit for attending the Zoom session of the course. You should use a working camera and microphone to earn credit for this course. Those without working audio or a working camera will be marked as a no-show.
Q: Can I use my phone to connect to the Zoom session?
A: Although it is possible to use a phone/small device, the feedback is that it creates more of a challenge in reading the shared files and images over a small device (i.e., a phone). Therefore, for the best success with this course, it is HIGHLY recommended that you use a computer/laptop/large tablet.
Q: After I have completed all of the course requirements, how long before I receive my certificate?
A: Course completion certificates can take up to 8 weeks to issue. Contact hours certificates can take 7-14 days to issue.
Q: How long is the Zoom session?
A: The Zoom session is approximately 3-5 hours. The duration of the Zoom session depends upon various factors (i.e., the size of the group, the experience of the attendees, and the completion of the online FCCS modules before the Zoom session).
Q: What is the format of the Zoom Skills Session?
A: The online skills session will be similar to attending an in-person course but via Zoom. The group will be presented with concepts from the online FCCS modules and integrated scenarios. Each person in the group will have to solve various parts of the scenario based on the material presented in the online FCCS modules.
Q: I needed more time to complete the online FCCS modules before my course; what can I do?
A: It is highly recommended that you complete as many of the online modules as possible. The Zoom Skills Session will rely significantly upon its content. Those unprepared for the Zoom Skills Session will considerably hold back the remaining group members and may not successfully complete the online Zoom Skills Session. Rescheduling your Zoom session to another available date (see above "Q: What if I need more time to prepare for the Zoom session (or need to reschedule)?") may be the best option. You do not have to complete the post-course exam before your Zoom session.
Q: I have a question that is not on this FAQ list: Who can I contact?
A: For an immediate reply, please email support@CardiacEd.com
Q: What platform do you use for the virtual course?
A: We use the Zoom platform. We HIGHLY recommend downloading Zoom on your laptop/desktop computer AND testing the audio and video (it is challenging to take this course via phone or small tablet; hence, we recommend using a desktop computer/laptop). Ideally, you should test Zoom on your computer BEFORE the course; those who do not often run into issues at course time. Moreover, as we often see, Zoom technical support does take many days to get back to those who experience issues. Our office cannot provide any technical support for Zoom. Here is a link to test Zoom on your computer. https://zoom.us/test. Note: some facilities do not permit using Zoom - please verify you can use Zoom at your facility before registration. (the workaround for those situations is to use a personal computer connected to your home network).
Q: How do you perform the practical testing for this course?
A: This is by far our number one question for this program, and our answer is often quite surprising and pleasing to many! The physical testing (skills station/scenario) is performed live via Zoom. You will be provided with a scenario. The group members will guide the instructor through the scenario, indicating the correct course of assessment and actions for that patient. You must pre-study the course (and complete most of the online modules) to get through the skills station, as the assessment approach is used throughout. You do not have to complete the post-course exam before your Zoom session.
Q: How do I take the written exam for this course?
A: The written exam is done online after completing the modules. (40-50 questions, multiple-choice, 2 hours to complete, two attempts, 70% to pass). Note: the exam is OPEN-BOOK, yet requires study from the course modules, textbooks, and scenarios from your Zoom skills stations. Feedback about the exam is that it is challenging and requires studying and internalizing the concepts from the online course, course textbook, and skill stations. You do not have to complete the post-course exam before your Zoom session.
Q: I'm in a hurry to get my certificate. How soon can I start my exam and get my card?
A: Your course director will update your records once you complete the steps above (online course modules are completed, Zoom skills station was attended, and the written exam passed). SCCM will send out the certificates, but they take 6-8 weeks to receive them. Our office can always write a letter to let you know that you have completed the course and are waiting for your certificate.
Q: I'm a brand-new nurse/MD/PA/DO. Can I take this course online/via Zoom?
A: Absolutely, but do know this is an intense course. You will need ample time to prepare and study for this program.
Q: I do not have any critical experience. Can I take this course?
A: Absolutely, but do know this is an intense course. You will need ample time to study for this program. Moreover, this course is excellent for those not working in an ICU. This program builds upon fundamental critical care concepts.
Q: How do I receive my contact hours?
A: The contact hours are issued directly from SCCM upon completion of the online course.
Q: Can I use my textbook for the written exam?
A: Yes, the written exam is an open-book exam, yet do know that the questions are well-written by SCCM and require that you have internalized the concepts from the course to answer the questions.
Q: What happens if I fail both attempts of the exam?
A: SCCM does not permit another attempt without re-enrolling in another course. You can only take the exam twice with your registration.
Q: Do I need the textbook to start the pre-course modules?
A: You don't need the course textbook to start the modules. The course textbook (eBook) is only available to you AFTER you have completed the course pre-test.
Q: I ordered a textbook, and it has yet to arrive. What can I do?
A: All textbooks are eBooks. You can log in to your SCCM.org account; after you have completed the pre-course survey/pre-test, the ebook will be available in your SCCM account. To gain access to your course, please be on the lookout for an email from SCCM (this email often goes to junk/spam). Follow the steps in their email to access your course and eBook.
Q: I ordered and completed the online course with SCCM, but now I need the skills session. Can I use the online course I already took, or do I need to repeat the online course?
A: You have to take and complete the online course that will be issued as part of your registration. SCCM does not connect your old course (even if purchased directly). The online course you will take will be an instructor-led course. (Note: this applies only to those who may have purchased the online FCCS course with SCCM directly; you must take the online course issued with your registration for our course).
Q: I already have the online FCCS course from SCCM. Do I need to re-take the online course?
A: You have to take and complete the online course that will be issued as part of your registration. SCCM does not connect your old course (even if purchased directly). The online course you will take will be an instructor-led course. (Note: this applies only to those who may have purchased the online FCCS course with SCCM directly; you must take the online course issued with your registration for our course).
Q: Do you issue CME or CNE?
A: Upon completing the online FCCS course via SCCM's website, which will be issued based on your registration in this program, SCCM will issue you a CME certificate (for physicians) or CNE (for nurses). Upon completing the course's skills station (Zoom session), you will receive an additional CNE certificate (our office does not issue CME for Zoom sessions). Please see the disclaimers regarding the acceptance of contact hours.
