Hospice and palliative care play a pivotal role in supporting patients and families navigating serious illness, emphasizing comfort, quality of life, and compassionate care. Hospice and palliative care certifications indicate a professional’s commitment to high standards, competency, and compassionate, patient-centered care. For nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and other professionals, certification validates essential skills and knowledge in this specialty. Some certifications in hospice and palliative care are – ACHPN, CHPN, CHPLN, CHPNA, CHPPN. Read about all certifications in detail further below.
The Importance of Hospice and Palliative Care Certifications
Palliative care and hospice certification goes beyond formal recognition, adding credibility, enhancing the quality of care, and representing a significant investment in professional growth. In hospice and palliative care, certification signifies an in-depth understanding of end-of-life and serious illness care, reinforcing the value of expert-guided, compassionate support.
Certification Through HPCC
Certification through the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) demonstrates a commitment to quality patient care and professional development. Healthcare institutions employing certified hospice and palliative professionals benefit from enhanced service quality, reduced turnover, and increased patient and family satisfaction. Certified professionals experience increased job satisfaction, career advancement opportunities, and a stronger sense of professional identity.
Eligibility, Specialties, and Certification Policies in Hospice and Palliative Care
Eligibility for hospice and palliative care certification often requires specific education, experience, and knowledge of the field. Standards vary by specialty, encompassing certifications for nursing, physicians, social workers, and others. Certification policies emphasize adherence to best practices and quality standards, such as those outlined by accrediting bodies like HPCC.
Certification Process for Hospice and Palliative Care
Obtaining certification involves meeting eligibility requirements, applying, studying, and completing an exam. Credentialing organizations like the HPCC offer exams that evaluate knowledge of palliative care standards and practices, with renewal required to maintain certification.
Specific Certifications in Hospice and Palliative Care
Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (ACHPN®)
The Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (ACHPN®) certification is tailored for advanced practice nurses, such as nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists, with a focus on advanced palliative care. ACHPN® certified individuals engage in complex symptom management, clinical decision-making, and leadership within hospice and palliative settings.
Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN®)
The Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN®) certification is designed for registered nurses specializing in hospice and palliative care. This certification validates their expertise in symptom management, palliative care guidelines, and delivering compassionate support.
Certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurse (CHPLN®)
The Certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurse (CHPLN®) certification is for licensed practical/vocational nurses working in hospice and palliative care. CHPLN® certification affirms their skills in delivering essential support and symptom management for patients in end-of-life care.
Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant (CHPNA®)
The Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant (CHPNA®) certification is designed for nursing assistants who provide direct care to patients in hospice and palliative settings. This certification acknowledges the nursing assistant’s competencies in patient care, emotional support, and practical skills in end-of-life care environments.
Certified Hospice and Palliative Pediatric Nurse (CHPPN®)
The Certified Hospice and Palliative Pediatric Nurse (CHPPN®) certification is specifically for registered nurses who work with pediatric patients in hospice and palliative care. CHPPN® certification confirms expertise in managing the unique needs of children and their families facing serious illnesses.
Physician Certification
Hospice and palliative medicine was officially recognized as a subspecialty by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) in 2006. Certification is offered through several ABMS member boards, such as the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Family Medicine. Since 2014, eligibility for certification requires completion of a 12-month accredited hospice and palliative medicine fellowship.
More details are available on the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) website.
Physician Assistant Certification
Physician Assistants (PA) can earn the Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Palliative Medicine and Hospice Care through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). This certification reflects a PAs competency in palliative care across various settings.
Social Work Certification
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) offer certification for social workers specializing in hospice and palliative care, including:
- Certified Hospice and Palliative Social Worker (CHP-SW) – for bachelor’s level social workers.
- Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Social Worker (ACHP-SW) – for master’s level social workers.
In addition, the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center (HPCC) offers the Advanced Palliative Hospice Social Worker Certification (APHSW-C), for experienced social workers at bachelor and master degree levels.
Chaplaincy Certification
Since 2014, chaplains have had access to the Board-Certified Chaplain – Palliative Care and Hospice Advanced Certification (BCC-PCHAC) through the Board of Chaplaincy Certification Inc. (BCCI). This certification underscores the chaplain’s ability to address unique spiritual and existential needs in serious illness and end-of-life care.
Counseling Certification
Certification in thanatology, focusing on death and bereavement, is offered by the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC). ADEC’s Certification in Thanatology (CT®), available since 1981, prepares professionals for work in grief counseling and bereavement support. More information can be viewed through their website here.
Overview of Certification and Training Programs
Hospice and Palliative Review certification training programs equip nursing professionals with tools, resources, practice exams, and expert-led guidance to succeed in hospice and palliative care certification exams. For nurse practitioners studying for the ACHPN® exam, we offer a comprehensive ACHPN® review course and question bank that covers both foundational and advanced topics and offers continuing education. For nurses studying for the CHPN® exam, we offer a 1,400+ question expert reviewed CHPN question bank.
Conclusion
Certification in hospice and palliative care opens doors to new opportunities, professional recognition, and the reward of providing compassionate, skilled support to those in need. Whether you’re an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), nurse, physician, social worker, or chaplain, certification represents a meaningful dedication to providing quality, empathetic care.
FAQ
Q: What is the Difference Between ACHPN® and CHPN®?
A: Both certifications represent expertise in hospice and palliative care, but ACHPN® is for advanced practice registered nurses (APRN), such as nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists, specializing in symptom management and clinical leadership, while CHPN® is for registered nurses (RN).
Q: Is There a Difference Between Hospice and Palliative Care?
A: Yes. Hospice care is for terminally ill patients no longer receiving curative treatment, whereas palliative care is aimed at relieving symptoms and can be provided at any serious illness stage.
Q: Why Get the ACHPN® Certification?
A: The ACHPN certification highlights an advanced level of palliative nursing knowledge, demonstrating specialized skills for providing comprehensive care to patients facing serious illnesses.
Q: How do I purchase a review course?
A: Review courses for the ACHPN® exam with question banks can be found here.
Question banks and predictor exams for the CHPN® exam can be found here.