We receive a number of phone calls each week from folks inquiring how to become a Certified Hyperbaric Technologist (CHT). The added qualification of CHT is administrated by the National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology (NBDHMT).
Please note that the American Board of Wound Healing (ABWH) offers added qualifications similar to the CHT awarded by the NBDHMT. The ABWH offers Certified Hyperbaric Specialist (CHS) and Certified Hyperbaric & Wound Specialist (CHWS) .
The UHMS recognizes both CHT, CHRN and CHS, CHWS - you can find the UHMS position statement here.
Our Introduction to Hyperbaric Medicine basic training course does apply to those pursuing CHT or CHRN as it is approved by NBDHMT; and for those pursuing CHS or CHWS, as it is a UHMS approved training course.
Step #1
Download the NBDHMT's free PDF Resource manual, the manual on how to become CHT. The manual will outline everything you need to know to become CHT and it describes the training and competencies that are necessary to earn certification. http://www.nbdhmt.org/forms/CHT_Resource_Manual.pdf
Or, visit the ABWH website to read how to become CHS or CHWS . The ABWH website describes the training and competencies that are necessary to earn the added qualification.
Step #2
CHT® is not an entry-level qualification, rather an additional certification beyond the applicant's qualifying profession (refer to qualifying pathway list below).
Qualifying Pathways
1. Respiratory Therapist
2. Physician Assistant
3. Active Duty Military Corpsman
4. EMT/Paramedic
5. Registered Nurse or LPN
6. Nurse Practitioner
7. Physician
Certified Hyperbaric Specialist (CHS)
Positions Eligible to Apply for Examination:
- Hyperbaric Technician
- Diver Medical Technician
- Medical Assistant
- Respiratory Therapist
- Certified Nurse Aide
- EMT Paramedic
- Life Support Technician
- Physician Assistant
- Registered Nurse or LPN
- Nurse Practitioner
- Physician
- Veterinarian
- Podiatrist
Both the NBDHMT and ABWH websites list the full criteria that candidates need to meet in order to sit for the respective candidate examination.
Step #3
Attend an Introduction to Hyperbaric Medicine.
Wound Care Education Partners offers a number of introductory courses throught the year and accross the U.S. Visit our Upcoming Events calendar to see find a course that meets your needs https://woundeducationpartners.com/live-courses/upcoming-courses.html
Step #4
Questions? Contact the National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology (NBDHMT) http://www.nbdhmt.org/cht.asp or the American Board of Wound Healing (ABWH) https://abwh.net
Have more questions? Tell us in the comments below. We are listening!
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