Summary
Understand what goes into becoming a Certified Hyperbaric Technologist. Learn why it's important to the safety and overall experience of the patient.
Hyperbaric oxygen treatments are fairly new and somewhat unknown for many people, especially in this part of the country. The benefits are well documented, but do you know who guiding you through that service? If it’s a Certified Hyperbaric Technologist, you know you have the most experienced and trained expert guiding you. This will help explain what a Certified Hyperbaric Technologist, or CHT is and why it matters.
A Certified Hyperbaric Technologist goes through extensive training to make your hyperbaric oxygen treatment a safe and comfortable experience. This is not an entry-level position. A CHT must first have a previous qualification, such as: Respiratory Therapist, Paramedic/EMT, RN or LPN, Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner or Physician.
A CHT applicant must pass a criminal background check. Applicants must also complete the science of oxygen and pressure and how they apply to the human body. In addition, they must understand mechanics of the oxygen systems from the main tank up to the individual chamber.
After the approved training courses, the next step is on-the-job training. A future CHT needs a minimum of 480 hours of clinical internship, including 40 hours of supervised preceptor-based training. The NBDHMT Board must be notified of the preceptor, which must be a current CHT, or Certified Hyperbaric Registered Nurse with a minimum of two years experience. During the internship, the trainee will continue to learn chamber equipment, patient assessment, and patient care. The CHT applicant must also be proficient in fire safety guidelines outlined by the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA).
Finally, the applicant must pass the NBDHMT Certification Exam at a recognized testing site. Certification is good for two years, with continuing education credits and workplace experience needed for re-certification going forward.
Earning the CHT certification is purposely not an easy or quick process. It ensures that you receive the most skilled and trained professional during your hyperbaric oxygen treatments. CHTs are experts in patient safety and trained to recognize potential safety or health issues before they happen.
Swanson Hyperbarics is proud to have two of the only four Certified Hyperbaric Technologists in the state of North Dakota.
Paul and Earl bring more than three decades of Hyperbaric experience and knowledge to the clinic. Their training ensures the patient is in the best hands when it comes to their safety and comfort throughout their Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatments. Both Paul and Earl have also achieved the title of Hyperbaric Facility Safety Director. A Hyperbaric Facility Safety Director requires a three day course through International ATMO.
Under NFPA’s Health Care Facilities Code, ‘each hyperbaric facility shall designate an on-site safety director to be in charge of all hyperbaric equipment…’