Certification in Corrections

Published

New here and really enjoying the supportive network. I work in a 400 bed detention facility. I love my job. I'm interested in pursuing some sort of certification but I'm a bit confused by the information. Please help me understand this better. It is not a job requirement, but rather a personal interest in professional certification. Thanks for your input!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Correctional Nursing, Geriatrics.

RNSLD,

There is a certification available through the NCCHC (National Commission on Correctional Healthcare). It is a written test. They used to require participants to have at least 3 years correctional experience, but this is no longer the case. The test is open to anyone who works actively in a correctional setting and possesses a medical degree (nurse, dr., etc.). The cost is around $165.00. They have info you can buy to study, or if your facility has a copy of their journal, there are policies in it to study. You can get the info off of their website. Anyway, after passing the test, you will be allowed to use the credential CCHP after your name. (Certified Correctional Health Professional) NCCHC.org is their website.:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the input. I checked out their site recently and I recall reading one needed 3 years experience. I was just wondering if that certification was more applicable for institutions that were NCCHC accredited? It sounds pricey if you have to purchase books, etc. Didn't realize it was so much! Is is worth it?:uhoh3:

Thanks again!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Correctional Nursing, Geriatrics.

RNSLD,

If you checked out there web site recently and it said you still had to have 3 yrs. experience, it is probably still a requirement. I don't know why I was thinking they changed it, for some reason I thought I had heard they did. Sorry for the misinfo.! Anyway, you are right...it is a bit pricey...and I am not so sure it's worth all that much. Most places that I have heard of don't nescessarily pay more $$ if you have it. :)

crjnursewarrior:specs:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I took the CCHP exam last January (2005). The 3 year experience requirement had been dropped at that time; I do not think they put it back in place. You can always check with them.

I took (and passed) the exam with just one of the texts, the health care systems one. Most of the questions were common sense. Once you pass the exam, it is $75 per year to renew, and you need 18 hours of CE per year with 6 of them in correctional health. You also get membership to the Academy of Correctional Health Professionals with your yearly dues.

The credential may be helpful, it may not. Check with your agency, see if they value it. It will help you stand out if promotion/etc. is important to you.

RNSLD,

If you checked out there web site recently and it said you still had to have 3 yrs. experience, it is probably still a requirement. I don't know why I was thinking they changed it, for some reason I thought I had heard they did. Sorry for the misinfo.! Anyway, you are right...it is a bit pricey...and I am not so sure it's worth all that much. Most places that I have heard of don't nescessarily pay more $$ if you have it. :)

crjnursewarrior:specs:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for all the great info! I appreciate your input. :rolleyes:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have been in correctional nusing since, 1997. We have been are NCCHC certified since, 1999. Knowing the standards for NCCHC helps you understand the inmate's rights to health care and gives you the tools to provide a higher quality of care. Being certified (knowing the standards) gives you the confidence, knowledge and the reassurance that you are providing the best care. This will help alleviate or win lawsuits if one should arise. If you do not want to spend the money to become certified at least invest in the updated NCCHC standards manual (book). The book is can be order on their web site, make sure you order the one you need; either Jail Standards or Prison standards. Good Luck.

To someone who replied to you they mentioned correctional CEUs - I need help. I am looking for correctional CEUs. Where can I find them? Thanks:rotfl:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Correctional CEU's are available at NCCHC conferences and also through Correct Care.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

ACA is going to have a CCN certification sometime this spring.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, ICU, Corrections.

The NCCHC has two correctional conferences a year and you get a discount on the cost of your conferences if you are CCHP certified. You can get a lot of hours at the conferences to keep up your cerficiation. Also if your state has a state group of the ACHSA thier hours will go for your certification. The OCHSA has 2 conferences a year that helps with your hours. If your state doesn't have a state affiliate, go to ACHSA website and you can find out how to get started on a club for your state. They are looking for more states to get interested in having a state organization.

The spring conference for the NCCHC is April in LasVegas and the fall meeting is in Atlanta GA. I am going to LasVegas and cant wait...went to the one in New Orleans and had toooo much fun.

The ACHSA is having their national conference in May in Durham North Carolina... I have been to several of thier national conventions and learned a lot plus thier credits go for you education for the CCHP.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Staff nurse.

Hi,

I am an LPN working in corrections in the State of Vermont. I recently took the NCCHC Certification exam & passed.

Are there any other folks out there who have passed the certification exam or the advanced exam?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion