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The Path to Become a Certified Hyperbaric Technologist (CHT)
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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Comments 4
Dear Sir or Madam. I have a background as a US Navy diver (SEAL Team) and I am a graduate of the Diver's Institute of Technology (Seattle, WA.). I worked for 4 years as the chief chamber operator at the University of Maryland Hospital's multi-place chamber in Baltimore, MD. While working there, I and a colleague served as the northeast regional coordinator for the DAN network. Work and business ventures took me to other lands and other fields for the past 15 years. I am soon returning to the US, however, and I realize the industry has changed and I lack, probably, any of the newer certifications. I am 60 years old and in excellent health. I simply love hyperbarics. I would be grateful if you can give me any direction/insight into what it would take to become certified? Ideally, I'd like to do it during my remaining months in Europe, so as to pursue work in the field immediately upon my return in October of this year. I plan on settling in the NYC area. Thank you for your time.
I would like to know the entry level for becoming certified to provide HBOT. I am not one of the qualifying pathways. Though I am a medical social worker, master degree in social work and I work in a hospital.
Good Day, Guest-SW: Thank you for your question. Although you have a background in healthcare and a hospital setting, you will still need to pursue one of the qualifying pathways to become a CHT - a common place where people start is earning their EMT certification. Once you earn your EMT, then you can start to pursue your CHT added qualification through attending the 40-hour basic training course (https://woundeducationpartners.com/live-courses/hbo-courses.html) and completing the clinic internship and preceptorship as specified in the CHT Certification Resource Manual (link is above).
Thank you for the kind reply Jaclyn. I will start there. Much appreciated.