Advances in research are changing the face of multiple sclerosis every day. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is committed to helping healthcare providers stay informed of these changes.
Continuing Education Opportunities and Resources
To ensure quality care for people with MS, the National MS Society offers continuing education programs for medical professionals. Self-study offerings and in-person trainings are available for nurses, rehabilitation professionals and mental health professionals. Clinics and hospitals interested in partnering with the Wisconsin Chapter for a rehabilitation or mental health professional education program can contact Kristen Ruhl at kristen.ruhl@nmss.org or (262) 369-4415.
Click here to learn more about national professional education programs.
Click here to learn more about resources and publications for professionals, including information on talking with your MS patients about specific topics such as cognitive or sexual dysfunction.
Please check back for training opportunities in Wisconsin. National MS Society-Wisconsin Chapter staff also is available to lead in-services covering MS basics, upon request.
Professional Certifications
Multiple Sclerosis Certified Nurse (MSCN)
The Multiple Sclerosis Nurses International Credentialing Board (MSNICB) has partnered with the Professional Testing Corporation to offer a certification for Registered Nurses who specialize in MS care. You must have at least two years of experience caring for MS patients in order to be eligible.
The certification exam covers the following content areas:
- Basic concepts of MS (disease course classification, neuroanatomy, pathophysiology of MS, diagnostic process and tools).
- Pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment.
- Symptom management.
- Psychosocial intervention.
- Research and education initiatives.
- Patient advocacy.
For more information, visit: http://www.msnicb.org/
Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist (MSCS)
The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) has partnered with the Professional Testing Corporation to offer a certification for licensed health professionals who specialize in MS Care. You must have at least one year of experience in MS care and must spend at least 20 percent of your professional time with MS patients in order to be eligible.
Rehabilitation professionals, licensed nursing professionals, social workers, psychologists, neuropsychologists and other licensed personnel are welcome to apply for this examination. The certification exam covers the following content areas:
1. Fundamentals of MS
2. Multidisciplinary MS Care
3. Patient Empowerment
Click here for more information.
For further details on the difference between the MSCN and MSCS, visit mscare.org.