Community Health Aide Certification
Begin the certification process by reviewing the education, field training, and documentation requirements for Community Health Aide certification at each level of practice.
Certification Requirements
Community Health Aide (CHA) certification includes five progressive levels of practice:
- Community Health Aide I (CHA I)
- Community Health Aide II (CHA II)
- Community Health Aide III (CHA III)
- Community Health Aide IV (CHA IV)
- Community Health Practitioner (CHP)
Each level reflects increasing education, field training, and clinical responsibility.
To be certified at any level, applicants must complete the required education and supervised field training and maintain documentation verifying completion. CHAs are responsible for ensuring all certification requirements are met prior to submission.
Community Health Aide (CHA) certification includes an agreement between the CHA, their employer, and their supervising physician. CHAs, employers, and supervising physician are responsible for knowledge of all the Standards and Procedures pertaining to their discipline.
Visit the CHA Training and Certification page for field training guidance, forms, and supporting materials.
Types of Applications
Initial
The requirements for initial certification include:
- Employed by tribal health organization operating a community health aide program;
- Practice only under medical supervision of a licensed physician;
- Demonstrate successful completion of training and education requirements for the level being sought; and
- Hold current EMT or ETT certificate approved by the State of Alaska.
Upon approval, the Health Aide will be issued a two-year certification.
Renewal
A renewal application is for a Community Health Aide who holds a current certification and is seeking recertification.
The requirements for certification renewal include:
- Employed by tribal health organization operating a community health aide program;
- Practice only under medical supervision of a licensed physician;
- Demonstrate successful completion of training and education requirements for the level being sought;
- Demonstrate successful completion of a skills evaluation for the level being sought (as a Biennial Skills Evaluation, Re-entry Evaluation, or Preceptorship);
- Document completion of continuing education requirements; and
- Hold current EMT or ETT certificate approved by the State of Alaska.
To prevent a lapse in certification, CHAs must submit a complete application prior to the end of the two-year certification term.
Upon approval, the Health Aide will be issued a two-year certification.
Change in Level
Health Aides may apply for a change in their level of certification within their two-year term or as a part of the renewal process.
The requirements for a change in level include:
- Employed by tribal health organization operating a community health aide program;
- Practice only under medical supervision of a licensed physician;
- Demonstrate successful completion of training and education requirements for the level being sought; and
- Hold current EMT or ETT certificate approved by the State of Alaska.
NOTE: A change in level at the time of renewal may also require documentation of the completion of continuing education requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I renew my certification after it has expired?
If your two-year certification term has expired, you may submit an application for renewal. Please ensure all required skills evaluations and continuing education are completed within the two (2) years prior to your application date.
Additional requirements may apply depending on your recent clinical experience:
- If you have not provided direct patient care for more than six (6) months, and have not completed a minimum of 120 full HEAP patient encounters within in the past two (2) years, you must submit a Re-Entry Skills Evaluation with your renewal application.
- If during the lapse in certification, you maintained clinical hours, and have not completed a session field training requirement, Re-Entry Skills Evaluation, or Biennial Skills Evaluation within the past two (2) years, you must submit a Biennial Skills Evaluation.
My ETT/EMT expired, now what?
To maintain certification, the Certification Board must have documentation of a current EMT/ETT on file.
When you renew your ETT/EMT, forward a copy to the CHAPCB office at: chapcb@anthc.org
Failure to submit current documentation may result in your certification becoming inactive.
Can I change my employer and maintain certification?
If you have a change in employer, a new application must be submitted. The new application will link your training and education to the new employer and licensed physician.
Additional requirements may apply.
Is there a timeframe for completing my Field Training Requirements?
Per the document titled “Session Field Training Requirements (FTR)” if unable to complete the Field Training Requirements within 6 months of the Training Center portion of a Session, a letter of explanation will need to be sent to the Certification Board with applying for certification.
Can I use my skills evaluations on my CE Log?
In a six-year period, any CE hours for Biennial Skills, Re-entry, and preceptorship can be granted only once and for only one of those three activities.
Therefore, you may not use any of the previously listed skills evaluations in combination with each other.