Course Details

West African College of Clinical Physiology Sciences (WACCPS)

Duration: 12 Months

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

1. Programme Overview

1.1. Programme Title:

Professional Certification in Clinical Respiratory Physiology

1.2. Programme Objectives:

• To provide specialized training in respiratory physiology and diagnostic techniques.

• To develop expertise in pulmonary function testing, sleep studies, and critical care respiratory monitoring.

• To promote research and evidence-based practice in respiratory physiology.

1.3. Expected Learning Outcomes:

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

• Perform and interpret spirometry, lung volume measurements, diffusion capacity tests, arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET).
• Conduct sleep studies (polysomnography) and manage sleep-disordered breathing.
• Assist in mechanical ventilation and critical care respiratory management.
• Conduct research in respiratory diagnostics and therapeutics.

2. Programme Structure

The 12-month programme consists of:

• 8 months of didactic lectures, practical sessions, and clinical rotations
• 4 months of research and oral defense

2.1. Course Modules

Module 1: Respiratory Physiology & Pathophysiology (2 Months)

• Anatomy and mechanics of the respiratory system

• Gas exchange and transport

• Control of breathing and acid-base balance

• Pathophysiology of respiratory diseases (COPD, asthma, restrictive lung diseases, sleep apnea)

Module 2: Pulmonary Function Testing (3 Months)

• Spirometry and Bronchodilator Response Testing
• Techniques, interpretation, and quality control
• Lung Volumes and Diffusion Capacity (DLCO)
• Body plethysmography, nitrogen washout, and helium dilution methods
• Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Analysis
• Sampling techniques, interpretation, and clinical correlations
• Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET)
• Indications, protocols, and interpretation

Module 3: Sleep Studies & Critical Care Respiratory Physiology (3 Months)

• Polysomnography (PSG) & Sleep Disorders

• Setup, monitoring, and interpretation of sleep studies

• Management of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and other sleep-related breathing disorders

• Mechanical Ventilation & Critical Care Monitoring

• Modes of ventilation, weaning protocols, and troubleshooting

• Respiratory monitoring in ICU (ventilator graphics, waveforms)

Module 4: Research & oral defense (4 Months)

• Research methodology in respiratory physiology

  Data collection and statistical analysis

  Writing and defense

  3. Teaching and Assessment Methods

  3.1. Teaching Methods:

  Lectures, seminars, and case-based discussions

  Hands-on training with pulmonary function equipment, ABG analyzers, and polysomnography devices

  Clinical rotations in pulmonology departments, sleep labs, and ICUs

  Research supervision

  3.2. Assessment Methods:

  Written Examinations (MCQs, Short & Long Essays)

  Practical Examinations (Spirometry interpretation, ABG analysis, ventilator management)

  Clinical Case Presentations

  Research Dissertation & Oral Defense

  4. Entry Requirements

  Bachelor’s degree in Human Physiology or recognized health related fields

  Registration with a relevant professional body (where applicable)

  Passing an entrance examination/interview (if required)

  5. Certification

  Successful candidates will be awarded:

  Professional Certification in Clinical Respiratory Physiology by WACCPS

  6. Accreditation and Quality Assurance

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

  7. Professional Career Prospects

  Graduates can work as:

  Respiratory Physiologists/Scientists in hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centers

  Pulmonary Function Technologists

  Sleep Technologists

  Critical Care Respiratory Specialists

  Researchers/Academics in respiratory sciences

  Conclusion

  This curriculum ensures that graduates acquire globally competitive skills in clinical respiratory physiology, addressing pulmonary healthcare needs in West Africa and beyond.

  Approved by:

  West African College of Clinical Physiology Sciences (WACCPS)

  Apply Now