Pursuing a career as a DOT medical examiner can be a rewarding experience, but finding the right online training provider can be a challenge. With many options, determining which provider best fits your needs can take time and effort. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing an online training provider for your certified medical examiner training:
Can You Access the Training?
Online training should be just that – online. If you need to download a program, update your internet connection, have a specific browser, or purchase a new device just to complete the course, consider a different one. Decide what computer, phone, or tablet you will use to complete the course and check your operating system or browser version. When assessing a program, check its requirements and if it’s compatible with what you’ve got. If the course is any good, it should be accessible from multiple tools.
Is the Course User-Friendly?
The system should be intuitive, with concise controls and accessible menus. You shouldn’t need training just to complete your course. There should be meaningful support options if you run into trouble; check for phone, email, and chat support options and the available hours.
Is the Learning Platform Secure?
Online education is at an all-time high, so it’s also a prime target for cybersecurity attacks. When taking a course online, you want to ensure that any personally identifiable information is safe. You also want your educational certificate to be only available to you, never tampered with or mishandled.
Will it Provide an Engaging Learning Experience?
The top-tier courses will be interactive, so you can choose your own adventure, learning at your speed and in a method that works for you. There should be a way of tracking your activity to stay on top of your work. Ensure you can access the content for a healthy amount of time for the initial training and studying before your exam.
Does the Course Have Up To Date Material That Prepares You For the NRCME Exam?
The training program should meet or exceed the curriculum requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Whether you are a doctor, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or chiropractor, the material should cover each aspect of the physical exam, how to perform the exam, take the driver’s history, and document your findings appropriately. It should cover assessing substance abuse and the driver’s fitness to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
A licensed medical professional who thoroughly understands the material they teach should conduct the training. It should identify the critical knowledge and skills you need to perform DOT physical exams and demonstrate your expertise for the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME) exam.
You should also have access to practice questions and exams, preferably written by an NRCME expert, like a working integrated product team member who created actual test question pools. The more practice questions or exams included, the better because they challenge you and augment your ability to pass your certification exam.
Will the Course Qualify For Continuing Education?
If you or your employer is paying for your certification, it’s always a good idea to check if it will qualify for your license’s required continuing education. Training programs can account for up to 10 continuing education credits, depending on your location and profession. Check on the method of reporting for these credits and how your participation certificate is issued, an immediately downloadable proof of completion is ideal.
These factors will help you make an informed decision for your first step in becoming a DOT examiner. Finding a suitable course provider will make your choice easier down the road since you will need to complete a five-year refresher and a 10-year recertification course. Take the time to compare and evaluate available options before enrolling in a program now, and your future self will thank you.
Infographic
Becoming a DOT medical examiner is exciting, but choosing the right online training is crucial. Keep these things in mind: make sure it’s easy to access and use, keep your info safe, look for interactive learning, stay updated for the NRCME exam, learn from experts, and see if you can get future credits. Considering these factors now will make your career journey smoother and more successful.
Video
