Carefully review all details and action items listed below. You will have an opportunity during the Onboarding Meeting to discuss details and ask questions to ensure full understanding, requirements and deadlines.
In-Clinic Solutions Program Onboarding
Congratulations – Your cardiac medical device career starts here!
Questions: icsp@prepmd.com
- ICSP Program
- Meet Your Mentorship & Oversight Team
- Meet Your Training Team
- Communication
- Photo & Bio
- Immunization Requirements
- Online Training
- Academic Standards
- Webinars & Academic Hours
- In-Person Training
- Accommodations & Transportation
- Your Career
ICSP Program
Step 1: Online Learning – Build baseline Cardiac Rhythm Management knowledge + assessments
Step 2: Onsite Workshop – Augment understanding with hands-on learning and lab simulations
Step 3: Start Career – PrepMD employment with a minimum of 1-year contract
Step 4: Professional Development – IBHRE® prep, CRM, EP, IC/SH learning modules
Step 5: Grow in Your Career – Next steps in your career, different assignment, industry/healthcare, new employer/city
Meet Your Mentorship & Oversight Team
Jessica Rizzo, Director of In-Clinic Solutions
What to Expect:
As your Director, I will follow your progress and serve as your mentor throughout the entire In-Clinic Solutions Program—from training to employment assignment, as well as throughout the 1-year employment contract period. Together we can ensure a strong start to your career in the cardiac medical device field, setting you up to succeed in whatever avenue you choose in the future.
- During your online learning and onsite workshop training, I will be checking in regularly to monitor and ensure you are gaining the clinical and technical competence necessary in your assignment.
- When your training is complete, I will make your employment assignment based on many factors to ensure the fit is best for both you and the clinic.
- Once in your assignment, together we will focus on your continuing education and development, including IBHRE® certification.
- When your 1-year contract is nearing completion, we will work together to solidify your career moving forward, whether that be a contract extension, direct placement in a healthcare system, working in a cath lab, or a role with a medical device company.
About Me:
I graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 2009 with a MSE. I started my career in cardiac rhythm management as a student at PrepMD in 2012. I worked for Biotronik, first in the San Francisco Bay area and then in Connecticut as a Senior Field Clinical Specialist – Mentor for 7 years. In 2018, I returned to PrepMD to work on the remote monitoring team and have moved from Cardiac Monitoring Specialist to Director of In-Clinic Solutions in four years focusing on clinical astuteness while always keeping the patient on the other end of the transmission top of mind. I live in Connecticut with my husband, two daughters, and an ever-growing number of pets. I enjoy horseback riding, working in my garden and hiking.
Email: jessica.rizzo@prepmd.com
Amanda Davis, In-Clinic Solutions Manager
What to Expect:
As Manager, I serve as your advocate and mentor, providing essential support during the training process and throughout your two-year assignment at PrepMD. I make it a priority to maintain open lines of communication, consistently checking in to ensure your success as a Cardiac Device Specialist. My goal is to be an additional resource for you, by offering help with remote monitoring, software training, professional development, as well as addressing any patient care questions you may have. I’m here to ensure your success and create a positive experience during your tenure at PrepMD. Looking forward to working together!
About Me:
Graduating in 2011 from the College of Charleston with a degree in Education and Mathematics, I entered the field of Cardiac Rhythm Management after completing a specialized training program in South Carolina. My career took off at St. Jude Medical in Long Beach, CA, and later, due to my husband’s military service, I spent nearly five years with Biotronik in Norfolk, VA, where I served as a Field Mentor and Sr. Clinical Specialist.
Amidst the challenges brought by Covid, I sought a remote role, and found PrepMD! I initially joined the Remote Monitoring Team, eventually becoming a Team Supervisor. Towards the end of 2023, I transitioned into the role of In-Clinic Solutions Supervisor at PrepMD, a position that resonates with my educational background and passion for mentorship. Currently based in Charleston, SC, I share my life with my husband, daughter, son, and two dogs. Outside of work, you’ll find me enjoying the outdoors, spending quality time with friends and family, going to the beach, and exploring my love for baking.
Email: amanda.davis@prepmd.com
Meet Your Training Team
Greg Lisi, CCDS, CEPS
President
Amanda Salmon, CCDS
Manager, Device Applications and Industry Placement
Kyle Graesser, CEPS, CCDS
Supervisor of Educational Design
Courtney Rappole, CCDS
Manager of Healthcare Training SolutionsCommunication
Email Responsibilities, POCs and Slack:
Email communication:
You are expected to communicate in a responsible and professional manner. To ensure no prepmd.com email communication is missed, you should consistently monitor for all incoming prepmd.com email including checking Spam/Junk folders and responding promptly.
Points of Contact:
- Onboarding and Logistics Questions: icsp@prepmd.com
- Training-related Questions: training@prepmd.com
- TIA, Personal Matters or Employment-related Questions: jessica.rizzo@prepmd.com
Slack Communication Channel:
At the beginning of your online training phase, you will be given access to a Slack Communication Channel. This workshop-specific Slack Community is only for the use of that workshop’s cohort of participants, the Training Team and your manager. It is highly recommended that you download the Slack app to any phone or smart device you use so as to not miss any important workshop-related communications. All participants are required to communicate in an appropriate and professional manner, posting and responding to questions and concerns of others, while getting to know each other virtually. Participation is expected.
Photo & Bio
Workshop Photo & Bio:
You are required to submit a head and shoulders photo and pre-on-site training questionnaire. A roster containing photos and information about cohort participants helps the training team and staff get to know you prior to the on-site training.
Due no later than 1 month prior to your scheduled on-site training:
- Submit a head & shoulders photo: use document uploader or email to icsp@prepmd.com
- Complete the pre-on-site training questionnaire
Immunization Requirements
You are responsible for submitting required immunization documents in preparation for employment in a healthcare institution. Start gathering documents today! All documentation is due NO LATER THAN 1 month prior to your on-site training start date. Your attention to detail to accomplish your immunization requirements in advance will help ensure you will be able to start your job in a timely fashion after training completion.
- Download Immunization Requirements Checklist here.
- Carefully review all immunization requirements. NOTE: pay special attention to the time-sensitive Hepatitis B requirements. Get your Hepatitis B Titer lab work done immediately to ensure you will have time to get additional Hepatitis B immunization if required.
- Gather required documents from your healthcare portal or from your primary care physician.
- Submit clear images of your documents. Use the Document Loader or Email to: icsp.immunizations@prepmd.com
- All documents (aside from the TB test) are due no later than 1 month prior to your workshop start date. Submit documents early to ensure PrepMD review to avoid errors and to help ensure you will be able to start your job in a timely fashion after training completion.
- Your TB test should be done right before your assignment start date (after training).
Online Training
In Clinic Solutions 9 Week Ramp Up Course Guide
This guide is designed to help you focus your online learning as you prepare to come onsite for the in-person workshop. These links will take you directly to the “Road Map” for each section of content, which will list all the videos and other learning activities included. Your goal should be to work through the designated content for each week of your ramp up. While moving through the online content, we encourage you to watch each video and take each knowledge check several times to ensure you have mastered the material before moving on. Everything, including the final milestones, can be taken unlimited times – so do not worry about your score the first time around! This content will be paired with weekly webinars, graded assessments, and academic hours.
NOTE: You have been enrolled in additional content that is beyond the scope of this guide. You will see it on your dashboard, but it will not be linked here or discussed in the webinars. Those are optional, and it is recommended that you focus on mastering the content outlined below first. You will continue to have access to the additional modules while employed by PrepMD and can complete those later.
Week 1:
- Anatomy and Physiology (12 Video Lessons)
- Kickoff Webinar/Academic Guidance
- ICSP Management Team Meetings: “Intro to Home Monitoring” Module
Week 2:
- ECG Interpretation (10 Video Lessons)
- Week 2 Webinar: ECG Analysis
- ICSP Management Team Meetings: Boston Scientific ILRs
- Week 2 Assessment: A&P, ECG Analysis (launched Friday, due Monday)
Week 3:
- Rhythm Analysis (12 Video Lessons)
- Week 3 Webinar: Non-Paced Rhythms, ILR Interpretation
- ICSP Management Team Meetings: Medtronic ILRs
- Week 3 Assessment: Rhythm Analysis (launched Friday, due Monday)
Week 4:
- Introduction to Cardiac Rhythm Management (14 Video Lessons)
- Start Brady Therapy (5 Video Lessons: complete through Single Chamber Analysis)
- Week 4 Webinar: Paced ECGs
- ICSP Management Team Meetings: Abbott Single/Dual Pacemakers
- Week 4 Assessment: Brady Fundamentals Part I (launched Friday, due Monday)
Week 5:
- Finish Brady Therapy (8 Video Lessons: Dual Chamber Timing Cycles to end)
- CIED Follow-up (11 Video Lessons)
- Week 5 Webinar: Brady Fundamentals
- Virtual programmer simulations:
- ICSP Management Team Meetings: Boston Scientific/Medtronic Pacemakers
- Week 5 Assessment: Brady Fundamentals Part II (launched Friday, due Monday)
- Cumulative #1: Weeks 1-5 (launched Friday, due Tuesday)
Week 6:
- Tachy Therapy (9 Video Lessons)
- Week 6 Webinar: Tachy Therapy and EGMs
- Virtual programmer simulations:
- Watch Recording: Tachy Programmer Navigation
- ICSP Management Team Meetings: Boston Scientific ICDs
- Week 6 Assessment: Tachy Fundamentals (launched Friday, due Monday)
Week 7:
- Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (9 Video Lessons)
- Week 7 Webinar: Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy and EGMs
- Virtual programmer simulations:
- Watch Recording: CRT Programmer Navigation
- ICSP Management Team Meetings: Medtronic CRTs
- Week 7 Assessment: CRT Fundamentals (launched Friday, due Monday)
Week 8:
- Start Advanced CIED Follow-up (9 Video Lessons: complete EGM Analysis and Advanced Follow-Up sections)
- Virtual programmer simulations:
- Week 8 Webinar: CIED Troubleshooting
- ICSP Management Team Meetings: Abbott or Medtronic ICDs with therapy
- Week 8 Assessment: EGM Analysis and Troubleshooting (launched Friday, due Monday)
Week 9:
- Finish Advanced CIED Follow-up (9 Video Lessons: complete Advanced Programming Features and Advanced CRT Follow-Up sections)
- Continue to review virtual programmer exercises:
- Week 9 Webinar: Final Guidance
- ICSP Management Team Meetings: Biotronik Pacemaker/ICDs
- Review for Cumulative #2: Weeks 1-8 (taken onsite Monday)
Learning Activities Included:
Road Maps: Each of the above links will take you to the road map for the corresponding section, which will layout the individual modules of that course, along with learning outcomes and recommended companion reading.
Video Lessons: Each section of Cardiac Foundations is divided into chapters. Video lessons are the primary source of content in each chapter, and it is recommended to watch the videos multiple times, pausing to transcribe notes.
Knowledge Checks: Each video lesson will be followed by a Knowledge Check with several multiple-choice questions to reinforce the key takeaways of the videos. They can be taken unlimited times.
Checkpoints: Key concepts are explored further in Checkpoints. Each Checkpoint features a series of questions on a specific topic. Each question also features feedback and additional information once it is answered. Checkpoints are a great way to test your knowledge and stretch your understanding. They can be taken unlimited times.
Postcard Puzzles: Test your knowledge and speed with Postcard Puzzles that challenge you to pair cardiac terms with diagrams. Postcard Puzzles are a great way to improve your visual memory. They can be taken unlimited times.
Virtual Tours: Explore the heart with 3D interactive Virtual Tours. Click to interact and you will be able to move through each tour at your own pace to compliment your learning. Virtual Tours will guide you through anatomy, disease states, devices, and procedures. Important features of Virtual Tours include:
- Information Panel: contains important text that explains each model and provides background information.
- Label List: found with information panel, allows you to step through labels in each chapter of the Virtual Tour.
- Labels: click on labels to zoom in on parts of the model and see additional information.
- Explore Tool: found in the Menu, allows you to fade or hide parts of the model.
- 3D Navigation: found above the Menu, allows you to zoom and switch your mouse between pan and rotate modes.
- Layers: found in the Menu of certain models, allows you to scroll between layers of anatomy.
- Help: found in the Menu, provides tutorials and additional information for using the platform.
Milestones: Each section will have a Milestones chapter that covers all included chapters and lessons. Timed Comprehension Milestones include multiple choice, true/false, and select all questions that can be taken unlimited times. Critical Thinking Milestones allow you to test critical thinking and memorization skills through short answer flashcards.
Recommended Reading List
The titles on the Recommended Reading List provide the learner with additional resources to further contextualize the content learned in the online content. Each Section Road Map will list specific chapters that compliment corresponding lessons:
Aehlert, B. ECGs Made Easy 6th Edition
Huff, J. ECG Workout 7th Edition
Kenny, T. Nuts and Bolts of Implantable Device Therapy Pacemakers (provided by PrepMD)
Academic Standards
Your Academic Standards & Assessments:
Maintaining academic standards throughout the online learning and in-person training is crucial. Your Manager will be assessing your professional acumen, as well as clinical, technical competence and performance, which are critical in your assignment process.
The CRM Online Learning modules’ estimated timeline for completion is 2 months given a dedicated schedule of 20-25 hours per week. Each individual’s learning style and comprehension rate is unique, so you must take ownership and responsibility to dedicate the time required to meet the learning expectations and deadlines.
Minimum Academic Standards During Online and Onsite Learning:
Online Academic Assessments will be administered during the online and on-site training phases and are designed to help you, your manager, and the training team gauge your learning comprehension and deficits. Online assessments will be administered on a Friday evening and will be due the following Monday morning. You are expected to maintain an 85% minimum on all assessments taken during the online training. One make-up per assessment will be made available to you if you do not meet the minimum requirement.
Daily quizzes and weekly assessments will be administered during the in-person training/on-site workshop. You are expected to maintain a 85% minimum on all tests taken during the on-site training phase. One make-up test per test will be made available to you, if you do not meet the minimum requirement. Failure to maintain the academic standards may lead to termination.
The Assessment Schedule:
- Week 2 Assessment: Anatomy and Physiology and ECG Analysis
- Week 3 Assessment: Rhythm Analysis
- Week 4 Assessment: Brady Fundamentals pt. 1
- Week 5 Assessment: Brady Fundamentals pt. 2
- Cumulative Exam #1: Weeks 1-5
- Week 6 Assessment: Tachy Fundamentals
- Week 7 Assessment: CRT Fundamentals
- Week 8 Assessment: EGM Analysis and Troubleshooting
- Cumulative Exam #2: Weeks 1-8, taken during the first day on-site
Important:
- After the assessments are taken, you will have an opportunity to discuss your academic performance with the Training Team
- Your manager will schedule one-on-one meetings with you during the ramp-up period to discuss your progress and performance. If you fail to successfully progress through the online training or do not meet the academic standards, you may be asked to defer to a later workshop date or your contract may be terminated (financial implications may apply – refer to your TIA)
- Assessments are designed to help you stay on track and ensure proficiency. Although each assessment targets certain modules, you should continue to progress to ensure you stay on track and do not fall behind schedule for your targeted in-person training
Webinars & Academic Hours
Scheduled Webinars & Academic Hours:
The CRM Online Learning modules are self-paced and asynchronous, so you can work through the material individually, on your own schedule by following the guide provided by the Training Team. Your interaction with the Training Team during the online learning phase of the training (the two-month window prior to your scheduled in-person training) will consist of regularly-scheduled Webinars, Online Assessments and Academic Hours.
Webinars:
Webinars will be held weekly. You are expected to attend and participate in the webinars. Your participation will be tracked by your manager. If you are unable to attend the webinar one week, you should communicate it to the Training Team in advance and watch the recording after. During the webinars, the Training Team will be leading discussions on some of the more difficult concepts of the online learning material. Webinars are recorded to ensure that you can have access for further review.
Academic Hours:
You are encouraged to utilize Academic Hours with the Training Team during the online learning phase prior to the in-person training. The Academic Hours are designed to allow you to meet with a member of the Training Team to ask questions and discuss the online learning material—it is not meant to be 1-on-1 tutoring where the Training Team is revising everything. Schedule your Academic Hours, as needed, here.
The Training Team will provide additional details regarding webinar schedules, such as dates and times. You should regularly monitor email and maintain prompt and responsible communication practices via email and Slack.
For questions, email training@prepmd.com
In-Person Training
Schedule and Expectations:
The CRM 1-month on-site training/workshop includes lectures, hands-on learning, daily quizzes and weekly assessments. You must be on time and attend all sessions Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, for the entire 3-week workshop. See the sample 1-week in-person training schedule pictured above to get a sense of what to expect on a given day.
What to Bring/Wear:
— Laptop or Tablet:
Each classroom workstation has power, so use of a laptop or tablet is encouraged as it may be helpful for taking notes during class.
— Dress Code:
Business Casual and Business Professional clothing is required. The daily dress code at PrepMD is business casual. When interviews are being conducted, the dress code is business professional. Jeans are not considered business casual attire.
Business Professional:
Wrinkle-free suit and blouse for women/suit, dress shirt and tie for men
Business Casual:
Wrinkle-free slacks or skirt w/blouse or sweater for women/slacks or khakis with button-down shirt or sweater for men
— Healthcare Needs:
Take appropriate steps to ensure access to insurance, healthcare, medications, etc. for the time you will reside in Massachusetts for the on-site portion of the training. Discuss with your healthcare provider, prior to departure, a plan for out-of-state prescription filling requirements to ensure good health and adequate supply of any prescriptions for the duration of the program. Massachusetts law dictates that pharmacies may not fill non-electronic out-of-state prescriptions.
Accommodations & Transportation
Living Accommodations:
Although PrepMD covers the cost of your accommodations, you are responsible for arranging your own short-term housing during your on-site training in Boston. PrepMD provides a daily accommodations allowance of $100/day and a daily food allowance of $59/day (both tax-free).
You can choose from extended-stay hotels, short-term apartments, Airbnbs, and other options within a 1-2 mile radius of PrepMD. For reference, see our Living Accommodations options below for nearby suggestions. The best-value and closest option is the Extended Stay America, which is the only property within walking distance of PrepMD.
Extended Stay America – Custom Booking Link
PrepMD Corporate Discounted Rates
20 Rockdale Street, Braintree, MA
(.4 miles to PrepMD)
Marriott Residence Inn – Custom Booking Link
PrepMD Corporate Discounted Rates
180 Forbes Rd, Braintree, MA (1.3 miles to PrepMD)
PrepMD visitors get a 12% discount on the current long-term stay rates at Marriott Residence Inn. Long-term stay tiers are 6-11 nights, 12-29 nights and 30+ nights. Please call hotel for most up-to-date information and to get the discount.
Hyatt Place Hotel – Booking Link
50 Forbes Rd, Braintree, MA
Hotel Shuttle Service to PrepMD offered
This is a standard/non-extended stay hotel
(1 mile to PrepMD)
Hampton Inn Boston/Braintree – Booking Link
215 Wood Rd, Braintree, MA 02184
This is a standard/non-extended stay hotel
(1 mile to PrepMD)
Best Western Braintree Inn – Booking Link
190 Wood Rd, Braintree, MA 02184
This is a standard/non-extended stay hotel
(1 mile to PrepMD)
Sonesta Simply Suites Boston Braintree – Booking Link
235 Wood Rd, Braintree, MA 02184
This is a standard/non-extended stay hotel
(1.1 miles to PrepMD)
Marriott Boston Quincy – Booking Link
1000 Marriott Dr, Quincy, MA 02169
This is a standard/non-extended stay hotel
(3.4 miles to PrepMD)
The housing and any housing assistance referenced on this page are provided by third-party companies specializing in short-term and long-term stays in the Boston/Braintree area. PrepMD is not affiliated with these companies, does not conduct background checks, and is not responsible for their actions, omissions, or representations. Read more: Housing Disclaimer.
Transportation Details:
You have the option to bring your own car, walk, use public transportation/drive shares or use hotel shuttles to get around. There is ample parking at the PrepMD facility, if you’d like to bring your car every day to our facility.
PrepMD is located at 50 Braintree Hill Park, Suite 102, Braintree, MA, just 12 miles South of Boston. PrepMD is 2.9 miles from the MBTA Quincy Adams Station and 3.1 miles from the MBTA Braintree Station.
MBTA Transit: Braintree Station
Braintree Logan Express – airport parking/shuttle service
Food in the Area:
You’ll be getting a $59/day food allowance. Food delivery services are widely available in the area and can deliver to PrepMD. Our office building complex also has a cafe in the adjacent building, which offers a variety of salads, sandwiches, wraps, pizzas/calzones, drinks and snacks. Lastly, South Shore Plaza is about a 5-minute ride away and offers a variety of restaurants, including Starbucks, Cheesecake Factory, Legal Seafood, Five Guys, Potbelly, Qdoba and more.
Your Career
Please be sure you understand your contractual obligations! PrepMD In-Clinic Solutions Program provides access to requisite CRM learning resources to prepare you for a full-time employment with PrepMD with a 1-year contract as a Cardiac Device Specialist. Upon successfully completing the training and passing all assessments, you will work for PrepMD as a full-time employee with a 1-year contract. You must not accept any employment opportunities outside of PrepMD during the contract period. Please refer to your Training Investment Agreement (TIA) contract for details. Please discuss any questions you have regarding your assignment with your manager jessica.rizzo@prepmd.com
Employment Assignment:
At any point during or upon completion of your training, you may be given your employment assignment. Actual employment start dates as a PrepMD Cardiac Device Specialist will vary depending on onboarding requirements of individual clients. The 1-year employment period begins on day 1 of employment “in the field.” Assignment locations vary across many healthcare systems in the U.S..
Professional Development:
During the employment period, you will maintain access to all online learning resources for further career and professional development.
As a Cardiac Device Specialist employed by PrepMD Professionals, you may be assigned to either our In-Clinic Solutions team, working at one of our healthcare provider clients or as part of the Remote Monitoring Team, servicing various accounts (or a combination of both). A Cardiac Device Specialist provides clinical and technical expertise, working side-by-side with healthcare professionals to care for cardiology patients with pacemakers and implantable electronic devices (CIED). These jobs are in high demand in healthcare systems across the U.S., and there is a strong need for trained and professionally developed individuals for these roles.
The PrepMD In-Clinic Solutions Program provides an opportunity for talented individuals to break into a career space with a high barrier to entry and offers a life-long career of diverse and rewarding opportunities in the cardiac medical device industry.
Position, Salary and Benefits:
Permanent 1-year contract full-time role: Cardiac Device Specialist
Compensation: $60,000 annual salary + $2,500 relocation bonus
Full benefits package includes: PTO, holidays, healthcare, dental, vision, disability, 401K
Ongoing Training and Future Career Opportunities:
Since our inception in 2009, PrepMD has helped over 700 individuals launch their careers in a very challenging career space to break into. Feel free to learn more about the cardiac medical device careers, and meet a few of the PrepMD candidates here.
Your manager will communicate with you to understand your long-term career goals in the cardiac medical device space. You are encouraged to continue to build your knowledge and expertise by utilizing the PrepMD online learning platform and modules.
We’re excited to help you get started in this wonderful and rewarding career! Welcome to PrepMD!