O2 Medical Certification is a 90-day programme that meets strict clinical standards (Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act HPCA). Our curriculum introduces hyperbaric medicine safely into everyday healthcare settings. Graduates become highly skilled clinical technicians trained thoroughly in patient safety, treatment protocols, and the specialised science of baromedicine, ready to enhance patient care.
Pathway
Our Programme
Operational Safety & Baromedicine Fundamentals
Core Competencies:
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Pneumatic Physics: Comprehensive application of Boyle’s, Henry’s, and Dalton’s Laws in a clinical setting.
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Risk Management: Strict adherence to NZS 8156 (Ambulance/Paramedical) and international pressure vessel standards.
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Emergency Protocols: Management of pneumothorax, oxygen toxicity (CNS/Pulmonary), and fire safety procedures.
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Infection Control: Sterilisation protocols for masks, hoods, and chamber environments.
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Contraindication Screening: Pre-screening for absolute (e.g., untreated pneumothorax) and relative contraindications.
Assessments
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Emergency decompression drills.
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Fire suppression simulation.
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Daily equipment safety checklists,
Applications
- Māori & Pacific carers looking to upskill
- People who’ve faced barriers to healthcare careers
- Those with lived experience of health inequity
Clinical Indications & Therapeutic Protocols
Core Competencies:
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Mechanism of Action: Mastering the Hyperoxic-Hypoxic Paradox (HHP) and its role in angiogenesis and neuroplasticity.
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Neurological Rehabilitation: Protocols for Stroke (CVA), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and Post-Concussion Syndrome.
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Wound Care & Ischemia: Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFU) and compromised grafts/flaps.
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Long-Term Conditions: Evidence-based approaches for Long-COVID (PASC) and Fibromyalgia.
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Dosing Strategy: Understanding the ‘u-shaped curve’ of hormesis, selecting the correct pressure (1.3–3.0 ATA) and duration for specific pathologies.
Assessments
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Case-based protocol design.
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Monitoring patient response to pressure variations.
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Recognising signs of barotrauma.
Applications
- Māori & Pacific carers looking to upskill
- People who’ve faced barriers to healthcare careers
- Those with lived experience of health inequity
Integrated Care Pathways & Patient Management
Core Competencies:
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Multidisciplinary Integration: Working as an adjuvant therapy provider alongside GPs, physiotherapists, and neurologists.
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Metabolic Support: Understanding the role of mitochondrial function and nutritional support in enhancing oxygen uptake.
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Patient Compliance: Strategies for managing anxiety and claustrophobia in patients with neurological deficits.
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Data Recording: Standardised clinical note-taking and adverse event reporting.
Assessments
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Simulated MDT meetings.
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Patient education and consent procedures.
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Developing ‘return to work’ plans.
Applications
- Māori & Pacific carers looking to upskill
- People who’ve faced barriers to healthcare careers
- Those with lived experience of health inequity
Clinical Governance & Research Literacy
Core Competencies:
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Scope of Practice: Clearly defined boundaries for technicians vs. prescribing clinicians.
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Audit & Quality Improvement: Implementing clinical audit cycles to measure efficacy and safety outcomes.
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Research Literacy: How to interpret new peer-reviewed data and update protocols accordingly.
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Ethical Considerations: Informed consent, privacy (Health Information Privacy Code), and vulnerable patient protections.
Assessments
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20 hours of supervised clinical floor time.
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Completion of a Clinical Audit Project.
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Final Competency Exam (Written & Practical).
Applications
- Māori & Pacific carers looking to upskill
- People who’ve faced barriers to healthcare careers
- Those with lived experience of health inequity
Programme FAQs
Is this recognised by the Medical Council?
Our training is designed to meet the rigorous standards expected of allied health professionals. We are actively working towards formal accreditation and align our curriculum with UHMS (Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society) guidelines.
Do you handle safety risks?
Safety is our primary directive. All graduates are certified in emergency decompression, fire safety, and oxygen toxicity management. Our facilities operate under strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Can I refer patients directly?
Yes. We operate on a referral basis and provide full clinical reports back to the primary care provider to ensure continuity of care.
Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes. Healthcare experience helpful but not required. We welcome all backgrounds.
Can I study part-time?
No. The 90-day model requires full-time commitment for best results.
How many students per cohort?
Maximum 4 for personalised mentorship and chamber access.
Which pathway should I choose?
On a benefit? Choose Pathway 1 (zero cost). Need childcare help? Pathway 2. Currently employed? Pathway 3. Book a call, we’ll help you decide.
How does Course Participation Assistance work?
If you’re on a benefit, Work and Income pays your course fees directly to us. You pay nothing and earn $9,000 during placement.
What is TIA?
Training Incentive Allowance: $138.77/week for 12 weeks to cover study costs like childcare, transport, materials, internet.
Will I need to repay student loans?
Only if you use Pathway 2. Loans are interest-free in NZ. Repayments start when you earn over ~$24K (graduates earn $55-75K).
Do I need my own chamber?
No. All training at our Auckland facility with multiple chamber types.
Will I experience HBOT myself?
Yes. Minimum 20 sessions—essential for understanding patient experience.
What equipment will I need?
Just a laptop and scrubs. All materials included.
Are there any physical requirements?
Must safely enter/exit chambers and respond to emergencies. Medical screening required.
Will I operate chambers independently?
Yes. Qualified across all pressure ranges upon certification.
Is the certificate recognised internationally?
Yes. Meets international standards. Pursuing formal UHMS accreditation.
What jobs are available?
Hospitals, sports clinics, wellness centres, private facilities. Starting salary $55-75K.
Do you help with job placement?
Yes. We link you to our Flexi-wage connections, partner clinics, and alumni network.
Where is training delivered?
At our new clinic in Auckland, NZ. International students welcome, visa assistance available
When do cohorts start?
Quarterly: February, May, August, November. Apply 6 weeks before start.
Can I defer or withdraw?
Yes. You can defer to the next cohort before Week 3 with no penalty. Refunds: 90% before Week 1, 50% before Week 3.
Can I visit first?
Absolutely. Our open house tour will be available from February 2026, with first cohorts starting in May.
Questions?
We're here to help
More Questions?
If you’d like to learn more about our programmes or discuss partnerships, we’d love to hear from you.
Head Office
2402/1 Courthouse Lane, Auckland 1010
Academy & Clinic
9 Alma Street, Auckland 1023 (tbc)