PA Certifying Exam - IACTS 2025

IACTS CERTIFYING EXAMINATION FOR CARDIOTHORACIC SURGICAL PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS
Exam type: MCQ paper with 120 questions, written examination at a chosen centre
Exam duration: 90 minutes
Date: 23rd February 2025, Sunday, IACTSCON, New Delhi


Eligibility:

  1. Minimum three years of Physician Assistant Bachelor degree and post qualification two years work experience in a cardiac surgical unit.
  2. Two testimonial From Head of the department (working institution and trained institution)
  3. Should be a member of Indian Association of Physician Assistants (IAPA)
The exam will cover all aspects of patient care in cardiac surgery

SYLLABUS CONTENT
SECTION NO TOPICS
SECTION A
1. Evaluation of the cardiac patient
Pathophysiology and anatomy of common cardiovascular diseases, the importance of history taking in relation to different cardiac diseases, cardiac examination, interpretation of diagnostic tests, risk stratification for cardiac surgery, pre-operative preparation (including pre-medications) and evaluation.
2. Surgical Management
Anatomical considerations during cardiac surgery, techniques of surgeries for different cardiac conditions, Concepts and techniques of hypothermia, circulatory arrest and cardiopulmonary by-pass, myocardial management during cardiopulmonary by-pass, vital organs monitoring during surgery. General considerations in central venous access, arterial access, Chest tubes placements and removal, IABP insertion and removal, tracheostomy
.
3. Post-operative Management
Recognition and management of common postoperative complications, complications specific to diseases, fluid and electrolyte management, acid-base balance, post-operative arterial blood pressure, heart rhythm, renal output and cardiac index, principles of mechanical ventilation, nutritional requirement in the post-operative period. Anticoagulation assessment.
Section B
1. Preventive Cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation
  • Prevention of occurrence and progression of disease, reduce the risk of stroke. Reduce the need for future surgery. Increasing quality of life.
2. Pharmacology
Antithrombotics, anticoagulation, analgesics, antihypertensives, antiarrhythmics, antianginals, lipid lowering agents, diuretics, antidiabetics, inotropes, chronotropes-indications, contraindications, side effects, adverse effects, drug-drug interactions. Fundamentals of anaesthesia.
3. Microbiology
Sources of surgical infection, wound infections, important organisms (staphylococci, MRSA,), surgical precautions, principles of asepsis, antisepsis, sterilization, commonly used antibiotics, antibiotic resistance, Blood borne viruses
4. Medical Ethics
The informed consent, patient safety, dealing with the non-compliant patient, withdrawing life-sustaining treatment, ethics in surgical research


Candidates should secure 50 % to pass.
Exam fee – Rs.1000/-
Please use the below link for exam fees and share the payment details to
Ms. Mahalakshmi Shanmugam
Mob No.: +91 9840841238

https://imjo.in/RX9mPE

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