Major receives Asthma Educator Certification

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Kimberly Spencer
  • 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  A 59th Medical Wing major here is now one of only 1,600 certified asthma educators nationwide.

Maj. James Hurst, the Allergy and Immunizations Flight nurse manager at Wilford Hall Medical Center, recently passed the National Asthma Educator Certification Board exam, a voluntary testing program used to assess qualified health professionals' knowledge in asthma education.

"Major Hurst has been a tremendous addition to the Allergy and Immunology Flight since his arrival in the fall 2005," said Lt. Col. Michael Tankersley, 59th Medical Operations staff allergist. "When he arrived last year, I asked him to set the asthma education certification as a goal. He has worked hard in both areas of self-study and participation in our conferences to lay the foundational knowledge required to appropriately educate our asthma patient population."

"I wanted and needed to become as familiar as possible with the current asthma treatments, medications and education needs for two reasons," Major Hurst said.

"First, for our (patients), so they can trust the information they receive is correct and understandable. A patient who is informed and empowered to manage his asthma will have fewer events that affect his everyday life and give him a better quality of life," he said.

"Second, for our (providers and staff), so they'll know they are receiving the most up-to-date information and feel confident their patients will be given the consistent, quality asthma education they deserve," Major Hurst said.

The major received a passing score on his first attempt, which is very difficult according to allergy specialists.

"Major Hurst can now carry the AE-C designation after his name," Colonel Tankersley said. "He is among a very small group of certified asthma educators nationwide. To our knowledge, he is the first Wilford Hall Medical Center medic to carry this distinction. All of us in the Allergy and Immunology Flight are very proud of his accomplishment."

The mission of the NAECB is to promote optimal asthma management and quality of life among individuals with asthma, their families and communities, by advancing excellence in asthma education through the certified asthma educator process.

Certification is voluntary and is not required by law for employment in the field.

"It took approximately 11 months of hands-on learning in the clinic, while also attending a national review course and studying for approximately four months to prepare for the certification test," said Major Hurst.

He not only works one-on-one in asthma education with permanent party population, but he also cares for newly diagnosed asthmatic basic trainees.

"The certification does give me a sense of accomplishment," Major Hurst said. "In the big picture it is another opportunity afforded me by being a member of the Air Force."