How to become a Certified Diabetes Instructor

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I will be starting an associates degree nursing program this fall. I eventually want to become a CDE. My son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes almost two years ago. I have looked at some of the websites regarding getting certification and I got a little confused. Can anyone share with me how they did it? How do you get the required hours teaching someone if you aren't a CDE?

Thanks

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

The teaching hours can be obtained by working as a nurse and educating your patients. If you can, get affiliated with a CDE in the hospital or elsewhere. You might be able to work part-time helping them, till they need you full time. Check out the AADE site for more information.

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That great Klimpys! It will mean so much to the parents of newly diagnosed type 1s to have you as an educator.

I've had type 1 since age 4 and am pursuing a nursing degree with the same goal. Companies will hire you to work as a Diabetes Educator if you're pursuing the certification. You just need a paying job that gives you the contact hours with diabetic patients.

In the past the American Association of Diabetes Educators changed the degree requirement from just an Associates in Nursing to a BSN. They've reconsidered in the past few years, but I still encourage you to pursue a BSN in the future. Think there's a good chance they will require the BSN again at some point.

Take care. -Jenna

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