Creating the Next Class of Certified Corrections Professionals

In 2010, CCA expands ACA certification program to nurses

Last year, CCA sponsored nearly 350 employees who wanted to become certified corrections professionals. And in 2010, the company is broadening the pool of those eligible to participate in the American Correctional Association’s (ACA) program for high-caliber corrections pros.

Now, nurses with CCA may qualify to enroll in the ACA’s certified corrections nurse (CCN) program. Those who work with staff and offenders and are responsible for implementing agency procedures, but do not supervise or evaluate personnel, are eligible.

“This is the first time we’ve made this available to nurses at CCA,” says Steve Kaiser, CCA managing director, Staff Organization, Development and Training. “We have been thoroughly pleased and impressed with the level of participation and success of our existing ACA certification offerings. That’s why extending this opportunity to our valued non-security staff in Health Services seemed like a natural fit.”

Employees may continue to participate in ACA professional certification in the Executive (CCE), Manager (CCM), Supervisor (CCS) and Officer (CCO) tracks, where they learn about topics such as law, ethics, budgeting and leadership.

“We’re still going to emphasize correctional officer certifications. They, of course, represent the majority of our national work force,” Kaiser explains.

Participants study independently through company-provided ACA materials and then take a timed, proctored exam. With a score of 75 or better, they earn a certification that remains in effect for three years.

The company-paid materials and testing fees demonstrate CCA’s commitment to professional growth at all levels. If employees paid out of pocket, expenses for the ACA certified corrections officer, supervisor, manager and executive courses and exams would total $125, $160, $210 and $230, respectively.

“The whole idea is tied to our vision of being the best full-service adult corrections system in the United States,” Kaiser says. “To have the best employees, you have to have the most professional employees. This training goes a long way in people not looking at this as a job, but as a lifelong career.”

To learn more about participating in the ACA certified corrections professionals programs, please see your facility training manager.

by K. Danielle Edwards
Correct Perspectives, January 2010

Sound Out

CO Doyle at KCCC:

This is a very informative, professional website.

Carol Bair at NEOCC:

I am a nurse (LPN, QA) at NEOCC and I am very much interested in becoming a Certified Corrections Professional. I have been with the company for (5) years on April 25th, 2010. Please let me know how I can go about applying for this certification. Thank You