The National Asthma Educator Certification Board (NAECB) website defines the asthma educator as “an expert in teaching, educating, and counseling individuals with asthma and their families in the knowledge and skills necessary to minimize the impact of asthma on their quality of life.” A Certified Asthma Educator (AE-C) demonstrates excellence in asthma education and competence in the asthma condition, patient and family assessment, asthma management, and organizational issues.
A few years ago I decided to take the 3-hour NAECB examination to earn my AE-C credential. Why, you ask? Because I wanted to bring this quality of education, care, and management expertise to our children with asthma, their parents/guardians, and anyone who is in a position to interact with these children. The certification is another way that we demonstrate just how good Breathe PA’s asthma education programs are.
While the exam was a bit intimidating and the time needed to invest in studying and preparing for the examination felt overwhelming at times, it was well worth it.
An important part of my success in taking and passing the exam was studying together with my coworker, Jessica Schuman, RN, BSN, AE-C. We studied and prepared together and both passed the examination! Now in addition to Breathe PA having two AE-C’s, we offer a preparatory course to help others prepare for and pass the examination.
So if you are asking, “is it really worth all the time it takes?”, I say yes- go for it! And if you are looking to earn the AE-C credential and are interested in a training, call our office at (724) 772-1750 or email info@breathepa.org