Centers of Excellence
The only cardio-oncology certification available to recognize experts in the discipline.
About This Certification
The IC-OS Center of Excellence (COE) certification recognizes those institutions and practices which have demonstrated superior expertise in the care and treatment of patients within the cardio-oncology sphere. The COE certification provides a quality metrics framework that supports the development, growth, and clinical impact of each cardio-oncology program.
Key Dates
2025 Application Deadline
August 16, 2025
PLEASE NOTE: Application deadlines have moved to once per year.
Why Should I Apply for Center of Excellence Certification?
Centers of Excellence provide exceptional expertise and related resources on cardio-oncology, delivering care to patients in a comprehensive, interdisciplinary fashion to afford the best patient outcomes possible.
- Enhanced Expertise: COE certification attests that your organization has achieved a high level of expertise and proficiency, validating your program’s skills and knowledge as industry leaders.
- Increased Credibility: COE certification enhances credibility and trust, serves as independent validation of your program’s capabilities, and demonstrates to patients that you have met specific standards and best practices in the discipline.
- Continuous Improvement: COE certification promotes ongoing professional development. This commitment to continuous improvement helps organizations stay competitive and adapt to the evolving industry landscape.
- Standardized Practices: COE certification establishes a set of standardized practices, methodologies, and frameworks that are recognized and accepted in the industry. This standardization ensures consistency, efficiency, and quality in the delivery of services, resulting in better outcomes for patients.
- Collaboration: COE certification promotes collaboration among professionals within the same domain. Certified organizations become part of a community of experts, fostering innovation, networking, peer learning, and problem solving.
- Competitive Advantage: COE Certification provides your organization with a competitive edge in the marketplace. It differentiates your program from others by demonstrating your commitment to excellence, expertise, and industry standards, leading to greater overall success for your program.
Use this blueprint to assist in developing and maintaining your Center of Excellence.
How To Apply
1. Download the Template
This document details all the information and materials you’ll be asked to provide in the application.
2. Complete Application
Click here to complete the application with the information you’ve gathered.
3. Submit Application
Once you’ve supplied all the requested information and materials, submit the application and fee by the spring or fall deadline listed above under Application Deadlines.
Note: To become a Center of Excellence, applicant programs must have on staff at least one (1) oncologist and one (1) cardiologist with active IC-OS memberships.
How To Apply
Applicants have the opportunity to earn a gold, silver, or bronze designation based on the following scoring criteria.
Gold
13+ Points
+ Committee Approval
Silver
7-12 Points
Bronze
4-6 Points
Point System
1 Point |
2 Points |
3 Points |
|
|---|---|---|---|
Patient Volume |
1 patient/week (50 patients/year) |
2-5 patients/week (51-250 patients/year) |
>5 patients/week (>250 patients/year) |
Relevant Research /Publications |
Abstracts at national meetings or < 3 manuscripts |
3+ manuscripts/year |
Funding, registry, or clinical trial |
Education |
Local education (including tumor boards) |
State-wide/regional or national/international education |
Cardio-Oncology fellowships, Masters, or other advanced training (must meet criteria for 1 & 2 as well) |
Quality Improvement |
Local/institutional |
State-wide/regional project (beyond your own institution) |
National/international project |
Cardio-Oncology Committee Involvement |
Local/institutional |
State-wide/regional project (beyond your own institution) |
National/international project |
Program Building |
Local practice or institution – Evidence of collaborative/multidisciplinary program activity |
Expanding the program to more than one site (i.e., adding community sites), working with children’s hospital or transitional care, establishing a cardio-oncology survivorship program |
Development of cardio-oncology collaborative programs outside your institution (i.e., telemedicine consults) |
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the cost of this certification?
The Cardio-Oncology Center of Excellence application cost is $500
Who can write the Program Administrator Letter of Recommendation?
Do both the cardiologist and oncologist need to be active members of IC-OS?
Yes, the applicant program must have on staff at least one (1) cardiologist and one (1) oncologist with active IC-OS membership.
Does the IC-OS letter of recommendation need to come from someone outside the applicant institution?
If we have multiple sites that are associated with our cardio-oncology program, can we submit one application?
Yes, the central hub can apply and can include committees, publications, etc. from affiliated sites.
If we don't achieve gold designation, may we reapply?
Yes, you may reapply in the next year with no additional fee.
How long does the COE certification last?
COE certification lasts three (3) years. Once the certification has expired after three years, the program must reapply with an updated application.
How can I pay the application fee?
The application fee is payable through PayPal, by credit card, or check.
Is there a media tool kit to be used for promotion/advertising of the award?
For access to the current media kit, please contact IC-OS Director Stephen Casselli at StephenCasselli@ic-os.org.
How do we renew our certification?
1. If you are applying for a higher level of certification from a prior application: please fill out the original application template (download a copy HERE) and score your application similar to your first application (no application fee is required).
2. If you are reapplying for the same level of certification you must:
A. pay the recertification fee of $500 (Pay fee HERE)
B. Fill out the recertification form and email it back to StephenCasselli@ic-os.org. Please be sure to highlight areas of success, ongoing challenges, and how your program has (or plans to) overcome these challenges.
Looking For Individual Certification?
Consider advancement to the next level.
Apply to become certified in cardio-oncology.
