Benefits and Networking

Make the Most of Your College Membership
The American College of Health Care Administrators provides you with a wealth of opportunities to maximize your success as a long-term care administrator.

VALUABLE NETWORKING AND QUALITY EDUCATION

Peer2Peer Network
This members-only service lets you connect with colleagues through an online network. Peer2Peer discussions have ranged from PPS to surveying and financing to staffing issues. To participate, all you need is a computer, Internet access, an email address, and your ACHCA membership.

ACHCA Annual Convocation and Exposition
Held each spring, the Annual Convocation and Exposition brings together long-term care leaders from across the nation and Canada. Convocation is an excellent opportunity to earn continuing education hours, network with your peers and learn from experts on topics covering all aspects of long-term care. Vendors, representing all facets of long-term care, display the latest in products and services. Make sure to join The College at the 2009 Annual Convocation & Exhibition, May 15-19, 2009 in Providence, Rhode Island. Click here for more information.

ACHCA Winter Marketplace
Recharge and revitalize at The College's Winter Marketplace, traditionally held in early December in Las Vegas. Continuing education sessions, plenary speakers, and specialized tracks challenge you to improve your professional skills. Networking opportunities help you make new contacts in your own backyard and across the country. Click here to receive updates on 2008 event details.

Self Study Programs
The College's self study programs are a great way to earn continuing education credits at your own pace. Self study programs deal with issues you face every day such as public relations, restraint reduction, managing problem behaviors, Alzheimers disease, treating terminally ill residents and labor relations management. Self studies are available in a variety of formats, including books, audio and video tapes.

PUBLICATIONS

College members receive valuable information through our publications. Subscriptions to ACHCA Continuum, the official newsletter of ACHCA (published six times per year) and several leading professional publications are included in your annual membership dues.

College members also receive ACHCA E-News, our e-mail newsletter on regular basis. Published at least twice per month, ACHCA E-News keeps members up to date on the association and other items of interest in Long Term Care education and professional development.

In addition, College members receive several national industry journals, as a benefit of membership. Highlights include Nursing Homes Long Term Care Management and Caring for the Ages.

Computer-Based Testing for Certification
Professional certification candidates will be able to test closer to home and get instant exam results through an ACHCA arrangement with LaserGrade computer testing services. There are over 700 LaserGrade testing centers around the country.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Professional Certification
ACHCA offers two exam-based professional certification programs. Certification candiates may earn a professional credential in Nursing Home Administration (CNHA) and Assisted Living Administration (CALA). ACHCA certifiies professionals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and values consistent with the high standards of management necessary to provide quality care. Now is your chance to demonstrate your professional expertise to your colleagues, employer, managed care organizations, and consumers by earning the designation CNHA and/or CALA.

The eligibility requirements for all three certification programs vary. For more information, click on Certification, or call (202) 536-5120 or send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Advancement to Fellow
“Fellow” status is the highest honor ACHCA can award you. It signifies your commitment to professional growth and your efforts to improve the profession. To be eligible, you must be an active member of ACHCA for a minimum of two years, participate in civic activities, have taken 160 CE hours or 11 college semester credits in the past five years, and be involved in a professional activity or organization. For additional information email achca_professional_advancement@achca.org or click here.

CAREER RESOURCES

Career Link
ACHCA’s online employment resource lists career opportunities both nationally and internationally. You can search positions available by title, salary, or state. The job notification service keeps you informed as new positions are posted. ACHCA members can post positions wanted at no charge. Click here for more information.

Job Loss Survival Benefit
After one year of Active Voting Membership, you are entitled to an extension of your membership without charge in the event of an unexpected job loss.

GETTING INVOLVED

Here are some of the ways you can take an active role in ACHCA:

Chapter Affiliation
ACHCA’s chapters form a vital link between the individual members and the national association. Chapters sponsor educational programs and offer a variety of other networking activities. Many chapters publish their own newsletter.

Grass Roots Advocacy
ACHCA members are encouraged to advocate for their profession in two arenas: their State Licensure Board and their state legislators. American College of Health Care Administrators(ACHCA) Advocacy Committee developed Grassroots Advocacy: A Step-By-Step Guide, a practical ready-to-use tool with which ACHCA Chapters can advocate for the profession of long-term care administration. To read the pdf or download this document, click here.

During the Chapter Development Institute, held in Alexandria, VA in September, 2004, several of our members "went to the Hill" to meet their elected representatives. In order to prepare them for these meetings, ACHCA sponsored speakers and presentations. Click here to view one of the presentations and some other advocacy articles and resources.

Volunteer Leadership
Volunteer leaders are engaged in important activities at all levels of ACHCA. If you are eligible, you may choose to run for Chapter or National office. You may also receive a committee appointment, edit your chapter’s newsletter, recruit members or help to organize a special event.

Student Chapters
Today’s long-term care students are tomorrow’s long-term care leaders. To help you get the most from your student membership, ACHCA has established on-campus student chapters at colleges and universities nationwide. They invite guest speakers, elect officers and undertake community service and engage in many other activities. Call ACHCA at (202) 536-5120 to find the location of student chapters or how to start one.

PERSONAL REWARDS

Your ACHCA membership entitles you to take advantage of numerous services, programs and opportunities that will benefit you personally as well as professionally.

Insurance programs
As a member of ACHCA you are eligible to enroll in term life, disability, hospitalization, catastrophic major medical and accident insurance plans. Call Liberty Mutual at 1-800-524-9400 for more information.

DHL (Former Airborne program)

ACHCA has partnered with DHL to bring ACHCA members a full suite of domestic and international shipping services, covering over 220 countries and territories around the globe.

Members are also eligible for preferred DHL association member pricing. To find out more about your DHL benefits and set up your account, please contact the dedicated association hotline at 1-800-MEMBERS (1-800-636-2377, 8:00 am – 7:00 pm, ET) or log onto www.1800members.com/achca.