Professional certification demonstrates advanced clinical knowledge, reinforces a commitment to evidence-informed patient care, and recognizes excellence in wound care and hyperbaric medicine.
Whether you are exploring certification for the first time or preparing for your next professional milestone, APWCA provides educational resources designed to help you build confidence throughout the certification journey. Certification examinations, eligibility requirements, and credentialing decisions are administered independently by the American Board of Wound Healing (ABWH).
Certification demonstrates advanced knowledge and clinical competency while reinforcing your commitment to excellence in wound care.
Professional certification may strengthen career opportunities, leadership potential, and professional credibility across healthcare settings.
Continuing education and certification support evidence-informed decision making that contributes to improved patient outcomes.
Whether you're exploring certification options or preparing to sit for an examination, understanding the process can help you confidently take the next step.
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Explore Your Certification Options
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Prepare with APWCA
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Prepare with APWCA
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Continue Professional Growth
Professional certification demonstrates advanced clinical knowledge, reinforces a commitment to evidence-informed patient care, and recognizes expertise in wound care and hyperbaric medicine. Certification may also support professional credibility, career advancement, and continued clinical development.
No. The American Board of Wound Healing (ABWH) independently administers certification examinations, establishes eligibility requirements, and awards professional credentials. APWCA supports healthcare professionals by providing education, certification preparation resources, and continuing professional development opportunities.
APWCA and ABWH serve complementary roles. APWCA focuses on clinician education, professional development, and certification preparation, while ABWH independently administers certification examinations and credentialing.
The appropriate certification depends on your professional background, clinical role, and experience. ABWH offers certification pathways for physicians and other qualified healthcare professionals involved in wound care and hyperbaric medicine. Visit the Certification Exams page to explore the available credentials.
APWCA offers several educational resources designed to support certification preparation, including the Wound Care Review Course, Quarterly Webinars, continuing education opportunities, and recommended study materials. Additional preparation guidance is available on the Exam Preparation page.
Certification applications, eligibility requirements, examination schedules, and credentialing decisions are managed directly by the American Board of Wound Healing (ABWH). Visit the ABWH website for the most current certification information and application requirements.
No. APWCA membership is not required to pursue certification through ABWH. However, many clinicians choose to become members to take advantage of educational resources, certification preparation programs, webinars, conferences, advocacy initiatives, and professional networking opportunities that support long-term career growth.
Certification maintenance requirements are established by ABWH. APWCA supports ongoing professional development through continuing education programs, conferences, webinars, and educational resources that help clinicians remain current with advances in wound care and hyperbaric medicine.
Advance your knowledge, strengthen your clinical expertise, and prepare for professional certification through APWCA's educational programs, webinars, review courses, and multidisciplinary community.
Dr. Jeffrey Niezgoda is a nationally recognized leader in wound care, hyperbaric medicine, limb preservation, and regenerative medicine with more than 30 years of clinical experience. He is the Past President of the American Professional Wound Care Association (APWCA) and the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine.
Dr. Niezgoda has directed advanced wound care and hyperbaric programs, contributed to medical device development and clinical research, and served in leadership roles supporting innovation in wound management technologies and patient care. His expertise includes wound healing, vascular care, hyperbaric medicine, and regenerative clinical services.
Dr. Barbara Delmore is a board-certified wound care nurse, researcher, educator, and Senior Nurse Scientist at NYU Langone Health. With more than 35 years of nursing experience, she specializes in pressure injury prevention, chronic wound management, and evidence-based wound care practices.
Dr. Delmore has authored numerous publications, served on professional advisory boards, and received national recognition for her contributions to wound care research, education, and clinical innovation.
Dr. Jeffrey Lehrman is a nationally recognized expert in wound care documentation, coding, compliance, and podiatric medicine. Through Lehrman Consulting, LLC, he provides education and guidance related to healthcare coding, reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.
Dr. Lehrman serves as a staff liaison at the AMA CPT® Editorial Panel meetings and has held leadership positions within APWCA and other professional organizations focused on wound care and podiatric surgery.
Dr. Mark Melin is a Senior Associate Consultant at the Mayo Clinic specializing in wound care, vascular medicine, and advanced wound healing technologies. His clinical expertise includes vascular assessment, chronic wound management, and emerging technologies in wound care.
Dr. Melin actively contributes to research, education, and advancements in wound healing practices focused on improving patient outcomes and interdisciplinary care.
Dr. Kathya Zinszer is a podiatric physician specializing in diabetic foot care, wound management, limb preservation, and public health advocacy. She currently serves at Geisinger Medical Center and has extensive experience in both clinical practice and wound care education.
Dr. Zinszer has contributed to wound care publications, professional organizations, and clinical guideline initiatives related to diabetic foot management and wound prevention strategies.
Dr. Thomas Serena is an internationally recognized wound care specialist, researcher, educator, and founder of The SerenaGroup®. He has established wound care centers throughout the United States and internationally and has led more than 100 clinical trials focused on wound healing and advanced therapies.
Dr. Serena has authored hundreds of scientific publications, delivered lectures worldwide, and held leadership positions within multiple wound care organizations, including APWCA, the Wound Healing Society, and the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine.
