To ensure participant safety and the proper use of equipment, all personnel involved in TMS research at CCBBI are required to complete structured training and obtain appropriate certification. The training program is based on international standards, including those from the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology (IFCN), and is designed to ensure competency in both safety and technical domains. CCBBI provides two levels of certification for TMS research personnel: Level 1 and Level 2, reflecting increasing responsibility in TMS administration.
Level 1 Certification
Level 1 certification is required for individuals assisting with TMS studies who will not operate the TMS equipment. This includes CCBBI PIs as well. These individuals may help with participant preparation, behavioral tasks, and data collection. Level 1 personnel must always be supervised by a Level 2 certified operator during TMS sessions.
In addition to CITI training, Level 1 operators need to fulfill the following requirements:
Requirements:
- Basic TMS Didactic Training (available in Scarlet Canvas): This training will provide foundational knowledge on:
- The basic principles and mechanisms of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
- Safety and risk factors related to TMS administration
- First responder responsibilities in case of an adverse event
- The didactic training is delivered through recorded lectures, and each module includes a multiple-choice quiz. Trainees must pass all quizzes to proceed to hands-on training.
For access to the Scarlet course “Basic TMS Didactic Training”, please email ccbbi.service@osu.edu.
Level 2 Certification
Level 2 certification is required for individuals who will independently administer TMS. Level 2 users are responsible for full TMS administration, including participant safety and adherence to emergency procedures.
In addition to CITI training and Basic TMS Didactic Training Course, Level 2 operators need to fulfill the following requirements:
Requirements:
- Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR Training (provided by MRI technologist)
- TMS Operator Training (available in Scarlet Canvas):
- Operation of the TMS system (MagPro X100)
- Setting stimulation parameters and intensity
- Proper coil positioning and handling
- Identification of the motor hotspot
- Assessment of resting motor threshold
- Safety protocols and emergency procedures specific to CCBBI
- Certification session with CCBBI staff to demonstrate proficiency. This process includes the following components:
- Successful demonstration of all TMS equipment that will be used in the study (note that users can replay the operator training videos while practicing with the TMS equipment).
- Observation of at least five TMS sessions conducted by a Level 2 certified operator. Additional sessions may be required based on individual progress.
- Completion of at least five supervised TMS sessions. This number may be extended at the discretion of CCBBI staff to ensure adequate proficiency.
For access to the Scarlet courses “Basic TMS Didactic Training” and “TMS Operator Training,” please email ccbbi.service@osu.edu.
Certification Tracking and Renewal
Certification records will be maintained by CCBBI. Principal Investigators are responsible for ensuring that all personnel are appropriately certified prior to participation in TMS sessions. Certifications must be renewed every two years, or earlier if any of the following occur:
- a lapse of more than six months in TMS data collection,
- significant changes to the study protocol, or
- implementation of updated safety procedures.