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 Clinical Exercise Physiology (PGDCEP)

1.2. Programme Objectives:

• To provide advanced training in exercise physiology for clinical populations
• To develop expertise in exercise testing and prescription for chronic diseases
• To enhance rehabilitation strategies for cardiopulmonary and metabolic conditions
• To promote evidence-based exercise interventions in healthcare

1.3. Expected Learning Outcomes:

Graduates will be able to:

• Conduct and interpret clinical exercise tests
• Design individualized exercise prescriptions
• Manage exercise programs for special populations
• Implement research in clinical exercise science

2. Programme Structure

8 months coursework + 4 months clinical practicum/research

2.1. Core Modules

Module 1: Foundations of Clinical Exercise Physiology (2 Months)

• Exercise physiology in health and disease
• Pathophysiology of chronic diseases (CVD, diabetes, COPD)
• Exercise immunology and endocrinology
• Pharmaco-exercise interactions

Module 2: Clinical Exercise Testing (3 Months)

• Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET): VO₂ max, anaerobic threshold, ventilatory efficiency
• Interpretation for heart failure, pulmonary diseases
• Electrocardiographic Stress Testing: Protocol selection, monitoring, risk stratification
• Musculoskeletal Functional Testing: Strength, flexibility, balance assessments

Module 3: Exercise Prescription & Rehabilitation (3 Months)

• Disease-Specific Interventions: Cardiac rehabilitation protocols
• Pulmonary exercise training
• Metabolic disease management
• Special Populations: Elderly, pregnant women, cancer survivors
• Emerging Technologies.

Module 4: Clinical Practicum & Research (4 Months)

• Supervised clinical rotations
• Research project in exercise interventions
• Community health program development

3. Teaching Methodology

• Laboratory sessions with metabolic carts and ECG systems
• Case-based learning for chronic disease management
• Clinical rotations in: Cardiac rehab centers
• Pulmonary clinics
• Diabetes management units
• Simulation of emergency scenarios during exercise

4. Assessment

• Practical competency evaluations
• Case study presentations
• Research

5. Career Pathways

• Clinical exercise physiologist in hospitals
• Cardiac/pulmonary rehabilitation specialist
• Corporate wellness consultant
• Researcher in exercise medicine

6. Accreditation and Quality Assurance

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

Approved by WACCPS

This program addresses West Africa's growing chronic disease burden through evidence-based exercise interventions.

The curriculum balances international standards with local healthcare needs, preparing graduates for both clinical practice and research roles in this emerging field.

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