What are the advantages of beoming a Certified Healthcare Trustee?
Earning the distinction of becoming a Certified Healthcare Trustee demonstrates your commitment to leadership and continuing education as you govern in this complex environment. Medical professionals often attain board certifications and other designations to show their expertise and proficiency in a given area; earning your CHT allows you the opportunity to validate your governance competency and leadership commitment to your community and peers.
What are the requirements that I must meet to earn the CHT designation?
To earn the designation you must complete 24 hours of CE within three years of applying for your CHT, complete and pass the knowledge assignment and have your CEO sign off on CHT materials and certifying your one year of service on your board. Then you must submit CHT documents to THT. For renewing CHTs, only 12 hours of CE is needed, and no exam is required to renew the designation.
Where do I get the form that requires the CEO’s signature?
Upon completing and passing the knowledge assessment you will be able to access and download the form that should be signed by the hospital or system’s CEO. It can also be obtained by emailing [email protected].
Do I need to complete a year of service or 24 hours of education before I take the knowledge assessment?
Yes. In order to qualify for the CHT program, you must have served on your board for 1 year and have completed the required continuing education credits.
Where can I take the knowledge assessment?
To take the CHT exam, email [email protected] with proof of your continuing education credits (24 hours). Once approved, a link to the online exam will be sent to you via email along with an invoice for the CHT application fee ($125 for THT members and $175 for non-members). You will have three opportunities to take and pass the exam.
How can I earn education hours toward my CHT?
Education hours can be taken from a variety of sources but approval is up to the discretion of THT staff. CE hours are accepted from professional organizations and associations such as the Texas Hospital Association, American Hospital Association, American College of Healthcare Executives and Healthcare Financial Management Association. CE may also be counted toward CHT hours if educators and professionals are brought on site to educate the board at the hospital. If a CE completion form is not available from the education provider you may complete this form. If you have specific questions about whether or not a certain session or seminar is accepted please contact Susannah Ramshaw.
Where do I go for more information or if I have a specific question about my application or status?
If you need further assistance, contact Melissa Klein with our Service Center.
How far back can I go for my continuing education credits to qualify?
Continuing education hours earned in the most recent three-year period prior to submitting your CHT application will qualify. A total of 24 hours of continuing education is required. Education can be face-to-face events or webinars.
How do I renew my CHT?
To renew your CHT status, email [email protected] with proof of your continuing education credits (12 hours). Once approved, an invoice for the CHT renewal fee ($125 for THT members and $150 for non-members) will be sent to you via email.
What do I need to turn in to get my hours counted?
Applicants are expected to acquire and maintain certificates of completion for any CE that you attend. In applying for the CHT designation please turn in certificates of completion, or if you do not have one for a particular course, please fill out this form.
What are the number of hours that the trustee must have in order to obtain their certification?
If you are applying for the first time you must have 24 hours of education within the past three years. If you are renewing your CHT you must have 12 hours of CE.
Where can I get the education hours?
Education hours can be earned face-to-face education or webinars provided by professional organizations including Texas Healthcare Trustees, Texas Hospital Association and organizations such as TORCH, AHA, ACHE. Board members may submit hours earned from education held at their own organization or at other health care or governance-related organizations. All education hours are subject to approval. For questions on whether or not a specific course you attended counts toward your CHT email Safra Wague.
How do I know how many hours I have from THA/THT?
If you have attended previous THT or THA events within the past three years and would like to verify the number of hours earned email Safra Wague.
Why is there a fee for the exam?
The fee ($125) for the CHT program application is incurred at the point of taking the knowledge assessment.
What is the pass rate?
The knowledge assessment has an 88% pass rate and on average takes 15 minutes to complete.
Do I need to turn in my CEs or does THT keep them on file?
Please store and file all CE documents you wish to submit to THT for certification. We ask that all paper work is submitted simultaneously.
What is the deadlines to participate in CHT-specific events at the Healthcare Governance Conference?
If you are interested in becoming a CHT for the first time and would like to participate CHT events and recognition at the Healthcare Governance Conference you should turn in materials by June 1.
Is there a certain time frame to apply for my CHT?
You may become certified at any point throughout the year, it is an open application window.
How long is my certification valid?
The cycle for the CHT designation is three years. Renew your certification within 90 days of your expiration date. When renewing your CHT you must complete 12 hours of CE within this three year time frame.