Diabetes educators specialize in the provision of diabetes self-management education for people with diabetes.
Below are steps to Become A Diabetes Educator In South Africa
Choose the certification that is right for you.
Decide if you want to become certified by the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) or the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE). Both organizations are reputable and have nearly identical requirements.
The NCBDE certification is strictly focused on education. The AADE’s Board Certified-Advanced Diabetes Management certification, however, allows you to not only educate patients with diabetes, but also to participate in research.
Obtain relevant work experience.
Relevant jobs include pharmacist, occupational or physical therapist, Dietitian, nurse, or other medical professional who provides diabetes self-management education (DSME) as part of their routine duties. You might also qualify if you have an advanced degree in a health-related field or concentration.
DSME is defined as any activity by a healthcare professional that helps patients with diabetes understand and manage their condition.[3]
Meet your continuing education requirements.[
7] While AADE certification has no continuing education requirement, the NCBDE certification does. In addition to relevant work experience, you’ll need at least 15 clock hours (not credit hours) of continuing education within the two years prior to submitting your application.
These courses must be provided by an organization or institution approved by the NCBDE.
Unlike credit hours, clock hours are counted in a simple, linear way. For instance, attending a class for two hours will earn you two clock hours.
How do I become a diabetes health educator?
The professional practice experience requirement calls for at least two years of professional experience, plus 1,000 hours of diabetes education over the previous four years. Complete at least 15 hours of continuing education from a provider recognized by the CBDCE within two years of applying for the exam.
Are certified diabetes educators in demand?
In a workforce analysis recently commissioned by the AADE, researchers projected a substantial increase in the demand for diabetes care and educators specialists through 2025.
Can a pharmacist be a diabetes educator?
Studies indicate that patients interact with their pharmacists more than all other health care providers. With the most frequent face-to-face encounters, pharmacists have the greatest opportunity to give expert clinical support to patients with questions.
Can a nurse be a diabetes educator?
Most Diabetes Educators are Division 1 Registered Nurses with additional diabetes education qualifications but this is gradually changing as more clinical disciplines gain the qualifications required to become Diabetes Educators.
How long does it take to become a diabetes doctor?
They go to college for 4 years, then medical school for 4 more years. Afterward, they work in hospitals and clinics as residents for 3 years to get experience treating people. They’ll spend another 2 or 3 years training specifically in endocrinology. The whole process usually takes at least 10 years.
Is a diabetes educator a doctor?
Diabetes educators are licensed healthcare professionals–registered nurses, registered dietitians and pharmacists, among others–who specialize in educating people with diabetes about their condition.
How do I get diabetes educator certification hours?
You must complete a minimum of 1000 hours of practice in diabetes education over a maximum period of 4 years prior to application. 60% of these hours need to be within 12 months prior to application. Practice hours can be accrued from the day that you commence your post graduate certificate in diabetes education.