The Certified Correctional Health Professional (CCHP) program has reached a new milestone, awarding 726 new CCHP certifications in 2026, breaking previous annual records.
The program awarded 166 CCHP and specialty certifications in the third quarter, bringing the year’s total to 831 for all programs.
Third-quarter certifications included 146 CCHPs, 11 mental health professionals (CCHP-MH), two clinical providers (CCHP-CP), and seven nurses (CCHP-N).
“With the introduction of the new Standards for Health Services and Mental Health Services earlier this year, we anticipated that some professionals might delay pursuing certification as they navigated the updated requirements. Instead, we witnessed an extraordinary level of enthusiasm, determination, and commitment,” said Matissa Sammons, MA, CCHP, vice president of certification. “These record-breaking numbers are more than a milestone for our certification program; they are a powerful testament to the dedication of correctional health professionals who continually strive for excellence. Their willingness to invest in their professional development, validate their expertise, and uphold the highest standards of care reflects a shared commitment to advancing the quality of health care in correctional settings. It is both inspiring and deeply encouraging to see this level of commitment to the profession.”
The CCHP Board of Trustees congratulates all newly certified professionals on their achievements. Third-quarter certifications became effective October 1, 2026.
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