What a Certified Asthma Educator (AE-C)?

 

Do you want to learn more about asthma? 

And want to learn from the best people in the profession?

You're in luck!

There is a national certification for asthma education in the U.S.

It's a tough exam (in my opinion). It took me 3 hours, cost $350, and has a low pass rate. I studied hard and passed the exam in 2016.

It's also a voluntary certification. 

So those who take and pass the exam do so because they are passionate about asthma education and evidence based care. 

What is the certification? 

The Asthma Educator Specialist (AE-C) is managed by the National Board for Respiratory Care. (Previously, it was managed by NAECB - National Asthma Educator Certification Board.)

To pass this national certification exam, candidates must have: 

".....comprehensive, current knowledge of asthma pathophysiology and management including developmental theories, cultural dimensions, the impact of chronic illness, and principles of teaching-learning. "

Passing this exam shows to employers, colleagues, and patients that your skills are highly specialized.

 Who is eligible?

Currently licensed or credentialed professional. Such as:

• Doctors (MD, DO)
• Physician Assistant (PA-C)
• Nurse (RN, LPN or NP)
• Respiratory Therapist (RRT, CRT)
• Pulmonary Lung Function Technologist (RPFT, CPFT)
• Pharmacist (RPh)
• Physical Therapist (PT)
• Occupational Therapist (OT)
  
• Health Educator (CHES)
• Social Worker (CSW)
• Paramedic
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT, AEMT)

                       OR

You can also have 1,000 hours of 1 on 1 patient education, counseling, or coordinating services.

 (Public) Health Educators 

My profession is often overlooked, because it's not part of the medical field

Health Educators complement the medical profession by providing evidence based education to their patients. 

To earn a degree in Public Health, the courses are rigorous and include: anatomy & physiology, biology, physical science, behavioral science, epidemiology, human diseases, medical terminology, ethics, health & diversity, environmental health, modifying health behavior, research methods, bio statistics, etc. 

After passing those grueling courses, you can sit for the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam. 

It's also costs $350, takes 3 hours, and has a low pass rate. (I also passed that exam in 2011.)

To keep my certification, I must have 75 continuing education (CE) credit hours every 5 years. 

For the AE-C credential, I have to earn 35 hours of CE credits every 5 years. 

Add that up and I have to earn 110 CE credits every 5 years!

That means attending national asthma conferences, summits, listening to asthma webinars, reading up on the latest research, medication changes, and any updates to the national or global asthma guidelines.

If you are lucky enough to work with a Certified Asthma Educator that works in Public Health - know that they are in the Top 5% of their profession. And extremely knowledgeable. 

Extra help

 They can also help you find other resources you need - such as help with rent, utilities, transportation, food banks, low cost clinics, tobacco cessation, speech therapy, assisted living, etc .

We are experts in our communities and coordinate with other agencies to help people find the resources they need for a better quality of life. We know asthma won't be a priority if people are hungry, cold, and about to be evicted.

Check your local or state health department's Asthma Program if you need a little extra help.