ASHE adds MECH Certification for healthcare maintenance mechanics and technicians
The American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE), a professional membership group of the American Hospital Association (AHA), recently announced the acquisition of Mechanic Evaluation and Certification for Healthcare (MECH). One of the most recognized certifications in the field, MECH is a benchmark for evaluating the core skills used by healthcare maintenance mechanics and technicians.
This acquisition expands the American Hospital Association’s (AHA’s) and ASHE’s suite of nationally recognized certifications, which includes the Certified Healthcare Facility Manager, Certified Healthcare Constructor and Health Care Physical Environment Worker certifications, and recognizes the American College of Healthcare Architects certification. It also aligns with ASHE’s mission of developing the healthcare physical environment workforce through competency-based education.
We could not be more excited to bring MECH into the fold of ASHE certifications. This addition bridges the gap between the Health Care Physical Environment Worker certification and Certified Healthcare Facility Manager and introduces an important steppingstone for early- and mid-career healthcare engineers looking to mark their technical and professional advancement.
Chad Beebe, ASHE’s deputy executive director
MECH Certification was established in 1992 by members of the Michigan Society for Healthcare Engineering, led by the late vocational testing expert Dr. John Hohman. Since then, MECH has achieved industry-standard status, making it a prime candidate for syndication on a national platform such as ASHE.
We’ve benefited greatly from Dr. Hohman’s vision and expertise. Through his work, MECH grew from a small state program into an independent nonprofit organization operating nationally. We’ve also relied on the combined professional experience of the facility managers and senior maintenance mechanics who have served on our Board of Directors and our Recertification Review Panel over the years. Now, we are proud to work with ASHE to ensure the future of this certification.
MECH Executive Director Amy Urick
Applicants seeking MECH Certification or recertification will be able to enroll for an online exam through the AHA Certification Center. Healthcare technicians with two or more years of experience are eligible for MECH certification, which is conferred upon the successful completion of the written MECH test. Individuals with four or more years of experience may become Senior MECH Certified by completing the same exam with a higher score.
In addition to administering the certifications, ASHE will also distribute one of MECH’s product offerings: the Supervisor’s Implementation Guide, available in digital or print format, which provides facilities managers with strategies for preparing their team members along the path to MECH certification. This product will be available for purchase online in the ASHE store.