Course Details

West African College of Clinical Physiology Sciences (WACCPS)

Duration: 12 Months

Target Audience: Graduates of Human Physiology and recognized health related disciplines

1. Programme Overview

1.1. Programme Title:

Professional Certification in Cardiopulmonary Physiology

1.2. Programme Objectives:

• To integrate knowledge of cardiovascular and respiratory physiology
• To develop expertise in diagnostic and therapeutic cardiopulmonary technologies
• To enhance clinical management of cardiopulmonary disorders
• To promote research in cardiopulmonary sciences

1.3. Expected Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the Programme, graduates will be able to:

• Perform and interpret cardiopulmonary function tests
• Operate critical care monitoring systems
• Manage patients with cardiopulmonary comorbidities
• Conduct evidence-based research

2. Programme Structure:

8 months coursework + 4 months clinical/research

2.1. Core Modules

Module 1: Integrated Cardiopulmonary Physiology (2 Months)

• Cardiopulmonary coupling mechanisms
• Oxygen transport and utilization
• Pathophysiology of:
• COPD-heart disease interactions
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Cardiopulmonary failure

Module 2: Diagnostic Technologies (3 Months)

• Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET)
• Pulmonary function tests with cardiac correlates
• Echocardiography for pulmonary hypertension assessment
• Arterial blood gas and hemodynamic monitoring

Module 3: Critical Care Management (3 Months)

• Mechanical ventilation strategies for cardiac patients
• ECMO principles and monitoring
• Hemodynamic support in respiratory failure
• Weaning protocols for complex cases

Module 4: Clinical Research (4 Months)

• Design of cardiopulmonary studies
• Analysis of integrated physiological data
• Dissertation on cardiopulmonary interactions

3. Teaching Methodology

• Simulation-based learning (CPET, ventilator management)
• Rotations in:
• Pulmonary function labs
• Cardiac catheterization units
• ICU/CCU settings
• Case discussions of complex comorbidities

4. Assessment

• Combined cardiopulmonary case analyses
• Practical competency assessments
• Research and defense

5. Professional Career Pathways

• Cardiopulmonary diagnostic specialist
• Cardiopulmonary Physiologist
• Critical care physiologist
• Researcher in cardiopulmonary diseases
• Rehabilitation program developer

6. Accreditation and Quality Assurance

The curriculum aligns with International Education Accreditation Council (IEAC).

Approved by WACCPS

This program addresses the growing burden of cardiopulmonary diseases in West Africa through an integrated physiological approach.

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