BECOME a Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)

….Learn How!Melissa Rehrig, MPH, CHES

Communication Director, NCHEC

HPCareer. Net WebinarLive Webinar Series August, 26, 2010

© NCHEC, 2010

Presentation ObjectivesBy the end of the presentation attendees will be

able to:• Summarize briefly the development of the

advanced-level certification, MCHES.• Explain in detail the MCHES Experience

Documentation Opportunity (EDO) process, such as eligibility criteria, documentation requirements and projected fees.

• Describe MCHES examination eligibility and the required continuing education for the advanced credential.

© NCHEC, 2010

Why an Advanced Credential? • Official recommendations of the National Task

Force on Accreditation

• Findings of CUP revealed advanced levels among health educators in their practice. This was confirmed by the Job Analysis Project.

• 2006 Feasibility Study Survey: 2/3 of respondents indicated that an advanced level certification will benefit the profession

• Continuing comments from health educators that current CHES credential is “entry-level” and, therefore, not reflective of the scope of practice of many health education specialists.

© NCHEC, 2010

Why an Advanced Credential?

To help advanced - level CHES:identifypromoteand advance their skills.

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TOP

• Endorsement of advanced professional experience, knowledge, and skills

• Commitment to the health education profession• Opportunity for advanced professional

development• Demonstrate excellence in the field of health

education• Greater recognition from health education peers

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REASONS TO BECOME AN MCHES

MCHES Experience Documentation

Opportunity (EDO)

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•CHES ≥ 5 years continuous active status (certified on or before October 1, 2005).

•6 month period (October 15, 2010 to April 16, 2011)

If successful, applicants will not have to take the exam!!!

MCHES Experience Documentation

Opportunity (EDO)MCHES EDO Application

Experience Self-Appraisal and Testament of Practice

Assessment Form (2 copies)

Activity Documentation

Resume/CV

© NCHEC, 2010

Deadlines Fees

12/11/10 $200

01/15/11 $210

03/01/11 $240

04/16/11 $290

Experience Self-appraisal & Testament of Practice Form

Two-Step Process1. Applicant completes

self-appraisal of advanced-level experience

2. Two Recommenders review and respond to Self-Appraisal and Testament of Practice Form

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Areas of Responsibilities & Advanced –level Sub-competencies

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Sample: Experience Self- Appraisal (Applicant)

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Sample: Testament of Practice(Recommender)

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Guidelines for Resume/CV Submission

• Not exceed five (5) pages• Show that applicant has been engaged in the

Health Education Areas of Responsibility at the advanced-level within the past five (5) years

• Must clearly show:– Educational and training background– Professional experience (employer or other

professional affiliations)

© NCHEC, 2010

Application Procedures in Review

MCHES EDO ApplicationTWO Experience Self-Appraisal and Testament of Practice FormsGather documentation to support advanced activitiesSend Experience Self-Appraisal and Testament of Practice form, supporting documentation and an envelope to two appropriate recommender

© NCHEC, 2010

Application Procedures in Review Continued

Prepare current Resume/CV Gather all forms including signed and sealed Self-Appraisal and Testament of Practice forms from recommendersMail all documentation to NCHEC:

Application (unless applied online)Signed and sealed Self-Appraisal andTestament of Practice formsSupporting documentation of activitiesResume/CVFee (if not paid online)© NCHEC, 2010

Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) Credential

Confirms professional development / career ladder

CHESMinimum of the past 5 continuous yrs active status

Non-CHESOr CHES <5 yrs

active status

Master’s degree or higher in Health Ed

ORMaster’s degree or higher with transcript reflecting 25 semester hrs addressing the Seven Areas of Responsibility

5 yrs experience as a health educator•CV/Resume•2 letters ofrecommendation

1st MCHES EXAM: October 15, 2011ELIGIBILITY:

© NCHEC, 2010

Exam Fees & Recertification• MCHES Exam application fees : range from $250-$390 based

on type of application and submission deadlineFEES 1st deadline

6/1/112nd deadline7/1/11

3rd deadline8/1/11

Final deadline9/1/11

Exam (CHES) $250 $260 $290 $340

Exam (Non-CHES) $300 $310 $340 $390

Recertification/RenewalAnnual renewal fee (after 1st year): $55.00

Continuing Education• 75 CECH in 5 years (minimum 45 Cat 1, Max 30 Cat 2)•30 CECH must be linked to advanced Sub-competencies (Cat 1 or 2)

© NCHEC, 2010

NCHEC Timeline for Certifications

Summer 2010

• Revised CHES Study Companion released• Release of Revised Framework Publication

Oct. 2010 –April 2011

• MCHES Experience Documentation Opportunity (EDO) Period

Oct.2010

• MCHES Exam Study Materials available

April 2011

• First MCHES credential conferred from EDO• New CHES Exam administered on updated Competencies

Oct..2011

• First MCHES exam

© NCHEC, 2010

MCHES Live: The Webinar Series• September 17, 2010• Free Webinars Available

– The Impact of MCHES on Academia @ 11:00 a.m. EDT

– MCHES and the Health Education Profession @ 12:00 p.m. EDT

– The Impact of MCHES on Designated Providers and Employers @ 1:00p.m. EDT

Register at www.nchec.org

© NCHEC, 2010

Participants will receive 1 CECH per webinar

Next Stepsfor NCHEC

•Communications•Promote CHES & MCHES•Marketing strategies to employers•Continued information on Website•Mailing to EDO eligible CHES•EDO Forms available by September

© NCHEC, 2010

Frequently Asked Questions• CHES numbers• Retired status eligible• Employer recognition• MCHES back to CHES• Designated Providers of Advanced

CECH• Your questions????

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www.nchec.orgDetails and updates can be found on the NCHEC

news page NCHEC Communication

Director:mrehrig@nchec.org

© NCHEC, 2010