Frequently Asked Questions About TCHP

  1. What does TCHP stand for?
    TCHP is short for Twin Cities Health Professionals. Our full, official name is Twin Cities Health Professionals Education Consortium. We abbreviated the name because healthcare professionals love abbreviations.

  2. Where are you located?
    We are located at Hennepin County Medical Center in the Shapiro Building, Lower Level, Room SL.220.

  3. When are you open?
    We are generally open from 7:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday. However, because we are a lean, mean, educating machine, we may not be actually in the office during those hours. Always call ahead if you plan to drop in.

  4. Can I fax or e-mail something to you?
    Sure. Our e-mail address is [email protected].  Our fax number is 612.873.1949.

  5. How can I get your program brochure?
    If you are a non-TCHP hospital participant, send us an e-mail and we will add you to our mailing list: [email protected]. TCHP hospital participants can get our program listings through their education departments.

  6. I need my contact hours NOW! How do I get them right away?
    Try our home studies. You can do these in the comfort of your own home, when you have time. Your date of completion will be the date that your home study is received by our office.

  7. How many contact hours do I need to renew my license?
    If you are a nurse in Minnesota, RNs need 24 contact hours every 2 years and LPNs need 12 contact hours every 2 years. We suggest you consult the Minnesota Board of Nursing for more information on license renewal. If you are not a nurse, contact your state board for information:

  8. You have 2 different numbers listed for contact hours, which one should I use?
    The first number listed is the number of contact hours you should claim if you are renewing your license through the Minnesota Board of Nursing, which uses the formula of 50 minutes of class time equals one contact hour. Most nurses fall into this category. The second number is for certified nurses who need their contact hours approved by an accredited approver of continuing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). These contact hours are calculated using a 60 minute contact hour and so the number is smaller.

  9. How do I know if I am a certified nurse?
    Experienced nurses sometimes choose to go through a certification process that involves a lot of studying, paying fees, and taking an exam. The bottom line is, if you are a certified nurse you know it--it is above and beyond what is required to become a registered nurse.

  10. Why don't you have all your programs at my hospital?
    TCHP holds programs at all of our consortium hospitals. Where we hold a given program depends on the room requirements for that class, the faculty who teach it, and what's available. We try to rotate programs around to make it convenient for those who want to attend.

  11. Egad! I've lost my certificate of attendance. What do I do now?
    Contact TCHP at [email protected]. We will verify your successful completion of the program and issue a new certificate to you.

  12. How come you don't serve coffee or food at your classes?
    Like you, we are on a pretty tight budget. Virtually all of our available budget goes into providing the education. Any snacks or beverages served at programs are usually done so at the expense of the faculty and/or TCHP staff.

  13. Can I copy and use your stuff for a class I want to teach?
    All of TCHP's educational materials are copyrighted. You must obtain permission to duplicate/use any of our home studies or class materials. If you would like to purchase duplication rights for a particular home study, contact us at [email protected]

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