In the December 2025 cycle, the Dynamic Access team in Richardson, Texas had a 100% pass rate for the VA-BC™ – 7 first time test takers and 9 recerts.
Here is what some of the team members had to say when asked how the VA-BC™ advanced their career:
“I’ve been with Dynamic Access for more than a decade, and one of the biggest reasons is their commitment to education and board certification. Earning my VA-BC™ has strengthened my clinical knowledge and confidence. It allows me to have more knowledgeable conversations with physicians, CNOs, and other healthcare professionals, and advocate for the safest vascular access decisions for my patients.” – Ron Miller, RN, VA-BC™
“Pursuing my VA-BC™ certification allowed me to deepen my clinical knowledge and practice with greater confidence in any environment. The certification process strengthened my ability to advocate for my patients and reinforced my commitment to excellence in this specialty.” – Ashley Ammerman, RN, VA-BC™
So how did they do it? Leader Taryn Lee, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CRNI, VA-BC™ offers some insight into how she supports her team…
Board certification serves as formal recognition of specialized knowledge, clinical experience, and validated competency within vascular access practice. The VA-BC™ credential, developed and administered by the Vascular Access Certification Corporation (VACC), establishes a standardized measure of expertise and reinforces a shared commitment to patient safety and professional accountability.
At Dynamic Access, we regard VA-BC™ certification as a cornerstone of building and sustaining a high-performing clinical team. We intentionally support certification because it strengthens our vascular access practice and ensures the highest level of care for the patients and facilities we serve. Strong certification outcomes do not happen by chance. They are the result of purposeful structure, engaged leadership, and a culture that prioritizes professional development. Below are nine strategies we have implemented to support our clinicians in successfully earning their VA-BC™ credential.
- Remove Financial Barriers
Cost should never be the reason a motivated clinician does not pursue certification. We partner directly with VACC to provide exam vouchers so there is no out-of-pocket expense for our clinicians. By eliminating financial obstacles, we make certification accessible and demonstrate that we are invested in our team’s professional advancement. - Make Certification Part of the Culture
Certification is built into our clinical framework. The VA-BC™ credential is introduced at hire, revisited during evaluations, and supported through structured development planning. Because we’ve embedded certification in our culture, clinicians view it as a natural next step rather than an intimidating milestone. - Set a Clear Certification Timeline
We establish a clear certification goal and ask clinicians to pursue VA-BC™ within 18 months of hire, or sooner if they feel prepared. Setting a defined timeframe keeps certification on track and ensures it remains part of our team’s professional development planning. The defined timeline transforms “someday” into a defined plan. - Provide the Right Study Resources
Preparation must align with the exam blueprint. We provide clinicians with a “bundle” of the study materials referenced in VACC’s exam content outline and recommended references. Providing standardized materials and domain-specific guidance allows clinicians to prepare in a focused and methodical way, consistent with how the exam is constructed. - Host Structured Review Sessions
Independent study is valuable, but we’ve found that discussion strengthens retention. Prior to each testing window, we hold group review sessions where clinicians can ask questions, review challenging concepts, and clarify exam domains. These sessions reinforce that preparation is a shared experience, and we often find that clinicians trade study tips with one another. - Offer Clear Application and Scheduling Guidance
We provide clear instructions outlining how to apply for the exam, redeem the voucher, and track important deadlines. Suggested study timelines are shared in advance of each testing window, and reminders are sent to keep the process on schedule. This structured communication keeps the administrative process straightforward and predictable. - Provide Leadership Access and Mentorship
Our certification support includes active leadership participation. Clinical leaders at all levels (CNO, Manager of Training, Regional Manager, Area Director, etc.) are expected to be available to review exam domains and provide preparation guidance. This involvement ensures preparation remains consistent and ties back to making certification part of our culture. - Create a Plan for Those Who Need a Second Attempt
If a clinician is unsuccessful on the first attempt, we schedule a one-on-one review session to analyze their score report in detail. Specific domain gaps are identified, and a focused study plan is developed for the next testing cycle. This structured review process ensures preparation for the subsequent attempt is more targeted and informed. - Recognize and Celebrate Achievement
When a clinician earns the VA-BC™ credential, the accomplishment is formally recognized across the organization. We communicate the achievement internally, update credentialing records, and acknowledge the professional milestone within team meetings and leadership updates. Recognition reinforces the value of validated competency and underscores the standard of practice we uphold as a clinical organization.
Certification success reflects organizational commitment as much as individual effort. When leadership removes barriers, establishes expectations, and provides structured preparation, board certification becomes attainable and sustainable. Our approach at Dynamic Access is rooted in the belief that validated expertise strengthens clinical practice and supports our broader mission of providing safe, evidence-based care to our patients and facilities.
Disclaimer: Candidates are encouraged to seek training from any source they choose. Completion of these steps are not a requirement for certification, nor does it guarantee a passing score on the VA-BC™ exam.
About the author: Taryn Lee, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CRNI®, VA-BC™, CPHRM, is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience in family practice, infusion therapy, and vascular access. She currently serves as Chief Nursing Officer at Dynamic Access and Dynamic Infusion, where she oversees clinical quality, risk management, and staff development.
Dr. Lee is certified in health care risk management, vascular access, and infusion nursing and holds advanced practice licensure in multiple states. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas Christian University and her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Arlington.
