Monthly Briefing February 2023

The primary function of the NBDHMT is to approve training courses that serve as a pathway for diving and hyperbaric medicine certification. The approval process is multifactorial and begins with the Board’s development of curriculum guidance based upon minimum educational standards. It extends to a review of teaching materials submitted by those seeking approval, and here the Board is prepared to spend all necessary time to overcome any considered shortcomings. Examples might include poor quality audiovisuals, outdated information, insufficient focus on current era clinical practice, operational and safety standards, misstated data, topics inconsistent with the required curriculum, and densely packed slides that presenters would presumably narrate verbatim rather than using them as teaching prompts. Once all materials are in order, the Board schedules a live audit of each course’s first offering. This is quite unique and something we are proud of as the Board is unaware of any other credentialing organization that commits such resources to confirm courses are being taught in a professional and effective manner.

Successfully delivered courses are provisionally approved, pending any final edits, and subsequently approved typically for a period of three years. At the time of re-approval, the Board will review the current program outline and likely to audit selected topics prior to ensure ongoing compliance.

Almost without exception, course directors express gratitude for the available expertise and comprehensive manner in which the NBDHMT undertakes course oversight and accreditation.

Most importantly, this review and oversight commitment strengthens the Board’s mission “To ensure that the practice of diving medicine and hyperbaric oxygen therapy is supported by appropriately qualified technologists and nurses, through respective board certification pathways”.

Dick Clarke, President

National Board of Diving & Hyperbaric Medical Technology