The American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE) is a professional membership group of the American Hospital Association dedicated to optimizing the healthcare-built environment. ASHE provides specialized education and training to prepare and certify individuals who work in construction of healthcare facilities – a unique, regulated and complex field.
Similar to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification process, to become an ASHE Certified Health Care Constructor (CHC) requires in-depth knowledge, training and experience. Healthcare facilities are specialized spaces that require expert attention and precaution, much like the process of treating patients.
Healthcare providers have a lot to consider when choosing to work with construction partners, and having ASHE CHC certified personnel should be toward the top of the list. Since working in a healthcare environment can differ greatly from other construction projects, such as education or residential, the CHC certification parameter is an excellent way to validate credibility. ASHE CHC certification is a respected benchmark that healthcare facilities should look for when considering construction companies.
Companies who work in healthcare and hospital facility construction need to fully understand the impact that construction activities may have on patient safety and how to navigate space in an operational facility.
Distinct considerations include air pressure relationships, medical gas systems, infection control practices, interim life safety measures, quality, paperwork and administration, project risk assessments and security.
To be eligible for CHC certification, constructors with a bachelor’s degree must have at least five years of healthcare experience, with increased experience needed for those with associate degrees or a high school diploma.
A complete certification involves thorough studies, on-site experience and a knowledge verification exam consisting of 75 questions. A constructor’s certification is valid for three years before a renewal is required.
As healthcare construction projects become increasingly complex and difficult to implement, more facilities will require constructors to hold industry-specific healthcare construction certificates. This helps ensure that the individuals who perform, manage and coordinate the work have proper experience. ASHE is in the forefront of training and has developed a sound measurement through the CHC process.
Brian Crissman
Vice President of National Healthcare Services