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Active Membership for Non-MD/DO/PhD Members


In 2015, the NASS Board of Directors approved a means for members who hold an allied health or other non-MD/DO/PhD degree, who have contributed substantially to the Society, to apply for Active Membership. If you wish to apply under this new pathway, review the requirements and application process and complete the form below.

Criteria

In order to be considered for Active Membership, members who do not currently qualify for this category must meet the following requirements based on their highest degree earned:

4-Year Undergraduate Degree in Health Sciences

  1. 10+ years of clinical or research experience with >50% focus on spine care
  2. 7+ years of NASS membership in good standing
  3. 7+ NASS Annual Meetings attended
  4. 3+ years of NASS committee or section service with distinction*
  5. Sponsorship by 3 current Active NASS members in good standing
  6. Service through 2 or more of the following:
    • Faculty and/or moderator for a NASS educational activity
    • Publication in SpineLine, The Spine Journal (TSJ) or other peer-reviewed health sciences journal
    • Development or Chairmanship of a CE course
    • Contribution to NASS advocacy, health policy or research initiatives

4-Year Undergraduate Degree and 4+ Years Graduate Degree in Health Sciences

  1. 5+ years of clinical or research experience with >50% focus on spine care
  2. 5+ years of NASS membership in good standing
  3. 5+ NASS Annual Meetings attended
  4. 3+ years of NASS committee or section service with distinction*
  5. Sponsorship by 3 current Active NASS members in good standing
  6. Service in 2 or more of the following:
    • Faculty and/or moderator for a NASS educational activity
    • Publication in SpineLine, The Spine Journal (TSJ) or other peer-reviewed health sciences journal
    • Development or Chairmanship of a CE course
    • Contribution to NASS advocacy, health policy or research initiatives
    *Compliance with all Committee/Section requirements and with recommendation of the acting Committee/Section Chair.

Application Process

Applications for Active Membership through this pathway will be processed as follows:

  1. Applicant submits the following:
    • Attestation that they meet the above requirements;
    • A current copy of their curriculum vitae (CV);
    • Signed letter of recommendation by acting Committee/Section Chair under whom they have served for 3+ years;
    • At least 3 signed letters of sponsorship by current NASS Active members in good standing; and
    • Evidence of completion of service requirements (Requirement #6).
  2. NASS staff will verify the following for the applicant:
    • Years of membership;
    • Annual Meetings attended; and
    • Committee/section participation.
  3. All applicable information will be sent to the NASS Membership Committee who will verify that the applicant meets the minimum required criteria and will approve that such members be sent to the NASS Board of Directors for review/acceptance
  4. The Board of Directors will review all applications for final approval
  5. The applicant will be notified following the decision by the Board of Directors. If approved, the applicant will be moved to the Active Membership category at the commencement of the following membership-year, at which time they will receive all of the rights of that Active Membership and will be responsible for maintaining the qualifications of that membership (including the payment of full Active dues)

For questions about this process, please email Membership or call 630-230-3600.

Application Form