HPCC Extends Partnership with SWHPN Through 2030
The Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center is proud to extend its partnership with the Social Work Hospice and Palliative Care Network through 2030. This partnership was originally established in 2021 to provide financial support for the Advanced Palliative Hospice Social Worker – Certified (APHSW-C®) certification program.
Since the partnership began in 2021, the APHSW-C® certification program has since transitioned from SWHPN to HPCC, joining five hospice and palliative programs within HPCC’s certification offerings.
With the extension of the partnership, SWHPN will provide financial support to HPCC with a $20,000 grant to be paid over the course of four years. This grant will allow SWHPN to support HPCC’s efforts to develop, maintain, and deliver the APHSW-C® examination and encourage those aspiring to achieve the certification. “The APHSW-C® has given me an added level of expertise, confidence, and credibility in hospice and palliative social work,” said SWHPN Board Member, Maxwell K. Cleary, MSW, LISW-S, ACHP-SW, APHSW-C®. “My SWHPN membership and board position have given me the opportunity to give back to our profession, connect with colleagues, and help strengthen the future of hospice and palliative social work. Our board is thrilled to continue this partnership and build off the great work we’ve seen thus far!”
In June 2026, the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) granted accreditation to HPCC for demonstrating compliance with the NCCA Standards for the Accreditation of Certification Programs for the APHSW-C® program. “HPCC is committed to working alongside SWHPN to further increase awareness and deepen the value of the APHSW-C® certification,” said HPCC Board President Kristin Akers, MSN, ACNP-BC, ACHPN®, FPCN®. “This accreditation from NCCA is just the latest milestone achieved; we are excited to partner with SWHPN to continue showcasing the certification, social workers, and the important role they have in hospice and palliative care.”
Through this partnership, HPCC will also continue offering a discount on the APHSW-C® examination to SWHPN members. Learn more about the APHSW-C® certification here.