Mechanic Evaluation and Certification for Healthcare (MECH)
Purpose
The California Society for Healthcare Engineering, Inc. has joined with a nationally recognized program called “Mechanic Evaluation and Certification for Healthcare (MECH)”. This program provides:
- Methods and standards for hiring
- A validated Entry Level Test
- A program to improve Healthcare Mechanic’s knowledge, skill and professionalism
- Nationally recognized certifications for Healthcare Mechanics
- Continuing education
- Annual Scholarships
- Alignment with Joint Commission on Accreditation for Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) Environment of Care “EC” standards
“Processes are designed to insure that the competence of all staff members is assessed, maintained, demonstrated, and improved on an ongoing basis.”
Benefits
- Providing quality patient care and efficiency by equipping in-house staff with broad-based skills and knowledge.
- Increasing professional recognition for Healthcare Mechanics.
- Generating efficiency in the Engineering Department.
- Realizing increased productivity and potential reductions in contracted service costs for the facilities.
- Equipping Human Resource Departments with a time saving hiring system.
Curriculum
The Curriculum/Job and Task Analysis was developed by some of the top healthcare mechanics in our industry. Job Descriptions and Test Data are derived from the Job and Task Analysis and are based on an individual’s knowledge and skill in the following categories:
- Plumbing and Pipe Fitting
- Carpentry
- General Facility Maintenance
- Electrical and Electronics
- HVAC/R
- Boiler Power Plant
- Grounds
- Safety and Support Services
Membership
CSHE Members pay at the member rate. If you have questions about membership, please contact the CSHE at (916) 552-7639.
Preparation
Preparation Manuals and Sample Test Questions are available. The Preparation Manual provides trouble-shooting examples, suggested reference materials and sample questions similar to those found on the test.
Testing
An individual currently employed as a healthcare mechanic with the appropriate years of documented experience may have the skills and ability to become certified. It is mandatory that years of experience be an integral part of certification. Special testing accommodations can be arranged. Orders for tests must be received at the CSHE office one month prior to the scheduled test date. Contact CSHE (916) 552-7639 for details.
Endorsements
“This certification program will open many doors of opportunity for men and women to increase their base of formal education simultaneously with “hands-on experience.”
Carl Budde
Past President ASHE
V.P. Construction & Facility Management
Waukesha Memorial Hospital
Waukesha, WI
“There has long been a need for an objective rating system for healthcare Mechanics. The MECH Certification program address this need very effectively.”
Roy Agle, FASHE
Bay Medical Center
Bay City, MI
“A quality program developed by Healthcare Mechanics for Healthcare Mechanics that I highly recommend.”
Steve Perez
Lead Maintenance Tech
St. Mary’s Hospital
Grand Rapids, MI
“The MECH Certification Program represents the future for healthcare engineering. Healthcare engineers must find a method of distinguishing themselves from the other engineering specialties. Is the healthcare engineer’s skills, knowledge and abilities different from building maintenance mechanics? Yes, and MECH Certification will allow us to demonstrate that difference.”
Tony Moddesette, Assistant Director, ADM & Professional Services
UC Davis Medical Center
Sacramento, CA
How to Order
To order the Preparation Manual contact Joyce Jones at: jjones@calhospital.org or phone: (916) 552-7639.