Certified PACS Associate CPAS

Overview:

Introduction:

This program is designed to prepare participants for the certification exam only.

Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) are essential technologies in modern medical imaging environments. They facilitate the storage, retrieval, distribution, and presentation of medical images digitally, supporting timely clinical decision-making. Understanding PACS functionality, architecture, and integration with other hospital systems is critical for professionals working in radiology and healthcare IT. This program provides structured theoretical knowledge to support candidates preparing for the Certified PACS Associate (CPAS) exam. It focuses on foundational PACS concepts, networking, workflow, standards, and system maintenance.

Program Objectives:

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Understand the architecture and core functions of PACS.

• Identify key components and standards involved in PACS environments.

• Analyze image workflow within PACS and integrated systems.

• Recognize common operational challenges and security considerations.

• Prepare confidently for the CPAS certification exam.

Target Audience:

• Radiology IT Support Staff.

• PACS Administrators.

• Healthcare IT Professionals.

• Biomedical Technicians.

• Imaging Department Staff.

• Professionals seeking CPAS certification.

Program Outline:

Unit 1:

PACS Fundamentals and Architecture:

• Introduction to PACS and its clinical purpose.

• PACS components: workstations, servers, archives, and modalities.

• PACS architecture: client-server, cloud-based, and hybrid models.

• Benefits of digital imaging and PACS implementation.

• Basic PACS terminologies and roles.

Unit 2:

Medical Imaging Standards and Connectivity:

• Overview of DICOM and its relevance to PACS.

• HL7 basics and interoperability with RIS/HIS.

• Network infrastructure requirements for PACS.

• Understanding AE Titles, ports, and IP configurations.

• Secure communication protocols and data flow.

Unit 3:

Workflow and Image Management:

• Imaging acquisition, routing, and storage.

• Workflow from modality to archive and reporting.

• Modality Worklist (MWL) and Image Display Protocols.

• Image retrieval (Query/Retrieve) and prefetching.

• Common workflow issues and resolution techniques.

Unit 4:

PACS Maintenance and Data Security:

• System monitoring and uptime considerations.

• Backup strategies and storage management.

• Role-based access and audit logs.

• Data integrity, disaster recovery, and failover concepts.

• Regulatory compliance and privacy standards.

Unit 5:

CPAS Certification Preparation:

• Review of core exam topics and PACS-related terminology.

• Overview of exam structure, duration, and question types.

• Study tips and exam readiness strategies.

• Common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Review of typical questions with model answers.

• Final summary and preparation strategy.

Note: This program is designed to prepare participants for the certification exam only.