The American Board of Wound Healing (ABWH) provides certification pathways for healthcare professionals seeking to demonstrate advanced knowledge, clinical expertise, and professional competency in wound care and hyperbaric medicine.
ABWH certification is available to qualified healthcare professionals who meet established educational, clinical, professional, and examination requirements. Certification serves as recognition of advanced knowledge and commitment to excellence within the specialties of wound care and hyperbaric medicine.
While APWCA supports professional education and advancement within the wound care community, certification examinations and credentialing decisions are administered independently by the American Board of Wound Healing.
The American Board of Wound Healing (ABWH) is an independent certification organization dedicated to promoting excellence in wound care and hyperbaric medicine through rigorous certification and recertification standards.
ABWH certification is available to a variety of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, technicians, and allied health professionals who meet eligibility requirements and successfully complete the certification process.
The organization serves healthcare professionals, employers, credentialing committees, licensing boards, and the public by recognizing practitioners who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and clinical competency within their specialty.
The Purpose of ABWH
Professional certification can play an important role in demonstrating clinical expertise, supporting career advancement, and reinforcing a commitment to ongoing learning and professional excellence.
APWCA supports healthcare professionals throughout their educational and professional development journey by providing access to conferences, webinars, review courses, continuing education opportunities, and professional networking designed to strengthen wound care knowledge and clinical practice.
Healthcare professionals interested in pursuing certification may also benefit from APWCA educational programs, including the Wound Care Review Course and other educational resources that support continuing education and certification preparation.
Helpful Resources
No. Certification examinations, eligibility requirements, applications, and credentialing decisions are administered by the American Board of Wound Healing (ABWH).
ABWH and APWCA are separate organizations. APWCA is a professional association focused on education, advocacy, and multidisciplinary collaboration, while ABWH is an independent certification organization.
Eligibility requirements vary based on certification pathways and professional credentials. Individuals should consult the ABWH website for current requirements and application information.
Certification applications, eligibility requirements, examination information, and recertification details are available directly through the American Board of Wound Healing.
Learn more about certification pathways, professional development opportunities, and educational programs that support healthcare professionals involved in wound care and hyperbaric medicine.
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.
