American College of Healthcare Executives overview and professional standards

American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE):

Mission, Vision and Goals

The organizational vision of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) is defined as: "to be the premier professional society for healthcare executives dedicated to improving healthcare delivery" (ACHE Strategic Plan, 2008, ACHE Official Website). It is a professional support organization for healthcare executives and aspiring healthcare executives. ACHE also strives to improve healthcare delivery in organizations across the nation by setting high ethical standards for healthcare executives and offering leadership training seminars and forums for debate regarding important issues related to management like diversity training.

ACHE's central mission is to advance the interests of its members and foster healthcare management excellence. One of its most important current strategic goals is to increase the value of the credentials conferred by membership by improving its image across the nation. It has made a commitment to expanding the healthcare knowledge of members by educating ACHE chapter leaders as to how to run continuing educational sessions. The networking and knowledge gained by attending such sessions are another benefit of membership in ACHE.

In terms of career advancement, ACHE has recently opened a Facebook site to encourage high school and undergraduate students to develop interest in the field. It also provides career initiatives and programs for mid-level and senior-level ACHE members. Being an ACHE member gives lifetime vocational support. The organization shows leadership by collaborating with other healthcare organizations and adhering to its own code of ethics. Ethical principles of the organization include a support of living wills, supporting expanding access to healthcare for all Americans regardless of incomes, and encourage organizations to maintain a healthy, well-staffed workforce that does not place undue burdens on employees or patients. The ACHE Ethical Code defines the responsibilities of healthcare executives to patients, to the community, to the organization, and to employees. The organization also strives to promote ethics and excellence through its coordination efforts with local leaders.

The organization's Fund for Innovation provides partial scholarships for deserving students in the healthcare field, funds green initiatives, and also supports research in different areas of enterprise, like supply chain initiatives. ACHE has made a stated commitment to expanding diversity in the healthcare field, not just amongst Black and Hispanic workers, but also amongst older individuals as well. ACHE advocates mentoring of younger healthcare professionals, as well as affirms the need to respect the contribution of older workers, two ways in which membership can be valuable over an individual's lifetime. Minority employees can find support for their unique needs through networking opportunities offered by ACHE and all managers can seek advice about diversity awareness efforts at their organization.