ACHRN - Advanced Certified Hyperbaric Registered Nurse

Advanced Certified Hyperbaric Registered Nurse (ACHRN) certification is granted through the Baromedical Nurses Association Certification Board (BNACB). The National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology (NBDHMT) administers the training and exam. Certification is designed to represent a degree of competence and education in the field and a standard baseline knowledge base. Registered Nurses who have graduated from an accredited nursing school and licensure must be unrestricted. RNs must obtain a minimum of two years clinical experience in a hospital or hospital-based clinic setting or one year of critical care experience before applying for ACHRN. RNs must hold a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate.

Nurses seeking a hyperbaric chamber certification have working experience in intensive care, emergency care, or medical/surgical care. They desire to play an active role in caring for and monitoring patient responses to a hyperbaric environment.

Cost

• BNA Members $250

• UHMS/ACHM Members $300

• Non-members $250

• Advanced certification (additional to certification fees) $20

The initial application is to receive the Certified Hyperbaric Registered Nurse designation, and then after three years in this status, may apply for the Advanced CHRN. 

CHRN Candidates must attend an entry-level 40-hour course approved by the National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology (NBDHMT), within five years of application. Additionally, the nurse must possess one year of active hyperbaric medicine experience within the last two years, including a minimum of 480 hours of direct hyperbaric patient care performed. This experience must take place after the initial 40-hour course is taken. Hours must be validated and signed by the medical director. The nurse should then procure a letter of recommendation from his/her employer, including validation of the hyperbaric experience. 

ACHRN candidates must meet all of the above qualifications, plus:

1. A minimum of three years’ experience in the field of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and is currently working at least 480 hours per year in the clinical and or administrative areas of hyperbaric nursing. 

2. Written documentation of two of the following:

• Contributes to the administrative activities of the Hyperbaric Unit Department.

• Taught BNABNACB or NBDHMT and UHMS approved entry level hyperbaric oxygen therapy courses and/or classes or lectures.

• Have primary responsibility for planning/coordinating nursing care for patients receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy. 

ACHRN certification is valid for four years, after which the certified nurse will need to be recertified. The recertification process includes the following steps:

1. Complete a recertification application

2. Certification in Basic Life Support by American Heart Association.

3. Document a minimum of three years’ experience in the field of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

4. Complete sixty hours (60) of continuing education credits per previous four years, with at least thirty of those credits in the field of hyperbaric oxygen therapy – Category A. 

5. Provide written documentation of at least two of the following:

• Contributes to the administrative activities of the Hyperbaric Unit/Department

• Taught BNACB approved entry level hyperbaric oxygen therapy courses and/or classes or lectures on hyperbaric oxygen therapy. 

• Have primary responsibility for planning/coordinating nursing care for patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Renewal Fees

• BNA Members $150

• UHMS/ACHM Members $200

• Non-members $250

• Advanced Certification in addition to recertification fee $20

The NBDHMT offers a exam candidates a resource manual and list of approved training courses.

The Baromedical Nurses Association Certifying Board (BNACB) also oversees the Certified Hyperbaric Registered Nurse (CHRN).