How to become certified in hyperbaric medicine

How to become certified in hyperbaric medicine.

We get a lot of calls each week about how to become certified in Hyperbaric Medicine.  Below are steps you could follow if you are interested in seeking privileges to practice hyperbaric medicine at your facility and/or to earn a certification. 

Step 1

Attend a hyperbaric basic training, Introduction to Hyperbaric Medicine - a 40-hour basic training course. This course provides you with basic training in hyperbaric medicine. You are not "certified" at the end of the basic training course, you will receive a certificate of course completion.

Our Introduction to Hyperbaric Medicine basic training course is approved by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS). 

The hyperbaric basic-training course that we provide also meets the CMS requirements for physician supervision and billing.

To pursue a board certification (UHM) or a certificate of added qualification, please read on for more details.

Step 2 (Providers)

Privileges to practice hyperbaric medicine are granted by your facility. Always check your specific facility's requirements to earn privileges. 

Hyperbaric Oxygen Medicine Certifications for Providers

1. Board Certification in Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine. Sponsored by: American Board of Preventive Medicine and American Board of Emergency Medicine Accredited by: American Board of Medical Specialties
   Open to: MD, DO
   Initial Requirements: Active current medical license in US or Canada, Primary board certification (ABMS, AOA, RCPSC, or CFPC), completion of 1- year ACGME accredited fellowship.
   Links: https://www.theabpm.org/become-certified/subspecialties/undersea-and-hyperbaric-medicine/, https://www.abem.org/public/become-certified/subspecialties/undersea-and-hyperbaric-medicine
2. Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine Subspeciality Certification
   Sponsored by: American Osteopathic Board of Preventive Medicine
   Accredited by: American Osteopathic Association
   Open to: DO
   Initial Requirements: AOA board eligible, completion of 1-year AOA or ACGME accredited fellowship
   Links: https://certification.osteopathic.org/undersea-hyperbaric-medicine/certification-process/undersea-hyperbaric-medicine/
3. Program for Advance Training in Hyperbaric Medicine (PATH)
   Sponsored by: Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society
   Accredited by: UHMS
   Open to: MD, DO, MBBS, NP, APRN, PA
   Initial Requirements: Completion of UHMS approved 40-hour Introductory Course in Hyperbaric Medicine, be a UHMS member, completion of self-directed learning modules (9), completion of UMHS approved in-person Hyperbaric skills and emergency management course or completion of UHMS Physicians Training in Diving Medicine course
   Links: https://www.courses-uhms.org/courses/uhms-path.html#what-is-the-skills-lab-ptdm-course

Step 2 (Nurses and Allied Health)

1. Decide if you want to pursue CHT/CHRN or CHS/CHWS
   1. If CHS or CHWS: visit the ABWH website for more details. 
   2. If CHT or CHRN: visit the NBDHMT website for more details. 
2. Enroll in an Introduction to Hyperbaric Medicine 40-hour basic training course. CLICK HERE to see the list of upcoming courses. IMPORTANT NOTE: You are not "certified" at the end of this or any basic training course, you will receive a certificate of course completion.
3. Questions about our Introduction to Hyperbaric Medicine basic training course, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Additional Notes:

The UHMS recognizes CHS, CHWS (ABWH) - you can find the UHMS position statement here.

The American Board of Wound Healing (ABWH) offers added qualifications similar to those offered by the National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology (NBDHMT).

An "added qualification" is not an entry-level qualification, rather an additional certification beyond the applicant's qualifying profession.

Step 3 - Take Action Now!

If you are ready to take action now, register for an Introduction to Hyperbaric Medicine 40-hour basic training course. Learn more here http://bit.ly/WCEP_IHM

Find an upcoming course on our Upcoming Courses page here http://bit.ly/WCEPUpcomingCourses

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