• Current CCHP certification
• Current, active RN license
• The equivalent of two years full-time practice as a registered nurse
• 2,000 hours of practice in a correctional setting within the last three years
• 54 hours of continuing education in nursing, with 18 specific to correctional health care, within the last three years
  

The National Institute of Corrections offers numerous training options to accommodate various learning styles, preferences, and work schedules. Training is available both for individuals and organizations.

E-learning Training opportunities can be found on the National Institute of Corrections website.

The Certified Correctional Health Professional Board of Trustees is pleased to announce its newest specialty certification: CCHP-P. The CCHP–Physician credential recognizes expertise among physicians practicing in the specialized field of correctional health care. The American College of Correctional Physicians has endorsed the exam.

Complete program information can be found on the National Commission of Correctional Healthcare
website. 

For nurses working in correctional facilities, the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) offers the CCHP-RN certification in correctional nursing. The eligibility requirements for the CCHP-RN includes:

• Current CCHP certification
• Current, active RN license
• The equivalent of two years full-time practice as a registered nurse
• 2,000 hours of practice in a correctional setting within the last three years
• 54 hours of continuing education in nursing, with 18 specific to correctional health care, within the last three years

• Provide care to individual patients as needed
• Examine, diagnose, and treat patients and their illnesses or injuries
• Consult with prison authorities to ensure that they understand all medical requirements and restrictions
• Work to deliver care to patient populations
• Deliver educational materials to patient populations in order to teach them better health habits and provide an increase to overall population health
• Perform daily checks of supplies and order additional ones as needed
• Perform checks of equipment to maintain proper working order
• Perform tests and exams as needed, including tests requiring machines like EKGs or X-rays
• Collaborate with different health team members and correctional team members to ensure all protocols, security policies, and procedures are followed while still delivering healthcare to those in need
• Keep clear, accurate records as required by protocols
• Communicate with health team members and other staff who assist in the delivery of medical care
• Transcribe med orders
• Perform any additional medical related duties
  (Careers in Public Health.net, 2019)

• Assume charge nurse duties in lieu of supplementary staff
• Rely on evidence-based findings and sound ethical judgement to meet patient needs
• Ensure compliance with established standards of the facility in question
• Ensure that information is conveyed to appropriate personnel regarding patient/offenders
• Monitor treatment ensure that patient/inmate exploitation of facilities and procedures does not occur
• Work to improve cost effectiveness without sacrificing safety or security
• Manage physical safety requirements for patient/offenders and corrections staff
• Provide other services and duties as assigned by charge nurse or supervisor
• Maintain records of medications, patient records and supplies in accordance with the facility procedures and state regulations
• Provide health counseling to patient/offenders
• Provide a mental health referral to patient/offenders
• Provide an initial diagnosis and treatment for some illnesses and injuries as approved
• Adopt a therapeutic approach to promote and restore patient/offender well being
  (Registered Nursing.org, 2019)

While correctional medicine physicians aren’t listed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, physicians in general are expected to enjoy a 19% job growth over the next decade. Also, their average annual salary is about $187,200. By working in a correctional facility, you will enjoy additional benefits that are often related to government based jobs, further improving the level of benefits you receive as a physician. (Careers in Public Health.net, 2019)

Correctional Medicine is a Fee-for-Access model rather than the Fee-for-Service model used in private practices.  In addition, there is no DSM-10 coding because they don’t bill insurance companies.

Typically, working in corrections is 9-5 position with weekends and holidays off.

Both corrections and nursing are fields that are projected to experience rapid growth throughout the next decade. As long as incarceration is in existence, having nurses that serve this population will be a requirement. Correctional nurses make an average salary of about $68,000 as surveyed by Indeed.com - this is determined by the state in which they work and their qualifications. Years of experience, additional certifications and type of correctional facility can influence salary and opportunities for advancement. (Registered Nursing.org, 2019)




Correctional healthcare provides plenty of opportunities to work with individuals that need care ranging from acute illnesses to serious medical emergencies. Many prisoners enter a correctional facility in poor health and are appreciative of the care they receive. Working in a correctional facilities can be extremely rewarding.

Ramesh Upadhyaya, Nursing Resource Liaison,
Division of Adult Correction – Prisons, North Carolina Department of Public Safety

National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC)

National Institute of Corrections

Registered Nursing.org

Careers in Public Health.net