Interventional Pulmonology

The Certificate of Achievement in Interventional Pulmonology is an interprofessional education program, which provides respiratory therapists, physician assistants and nurses with advanced training in interventional pulmonology, including diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

In summer of 2017, the first two Interventional Pulmonology courses, RSPT 82 and 83, were offered. Enrollment was 27 in each course with a productivity at census of 409 each. In fall 2017, RSPT 84 and 85 were offered with 25 and 23 students, respectively. There was only “word of mouth” marketing done for this initial launch, therefore with marketing and outreach, we suspect the enrollment could be much higher. All courses are offered online with the exception of the clinic rotations in winter and spring (RSPT 87A and 87B). With effective marketing the projected enrollment for courses in this certificate program to grow as high as 35. As the field grows, the program could take as many as 100 students per year if marketed nationally. Year 1 Year 2 Course # Course Title Annual Sections Annual Enrollment Annual Sections Annual Enrollment RSPT 82 Orientation to Interventional Pulmonology 1 35 1 35 RSPT 83 Case-Based Analysis & Critical Thinking in Diagnostic Interventional Pulmonology 1 35 1 35 RSPT 84 Fundamentals of Pulmonary Disease 1 35 1 35 RSPT 85 Interventional Pulmonology Theory & Application 1 35 1 35 RSPT 86 Interventional Pulmonology Procedures 1 35 1 35 RSPT 87A Interventional Pulmonology Clinical Internship I 1 35 1 35 RSPT 87B Interventional Pulmonology Clinical Internship II 1 35 1 35 RSPT 88 Interventional Pulmonology Research Project 1 35 1 35

The goal of the Certificate of Achievement in Interventional Pulmonology is to provide advanced skill building for appropriate allied health professionals in the new field of interventional pulmonology. Upon completion of the program, the successful student will work in an interdisciplinary team led by a pulmonologist during diagnostic and therapeutic interventions involving the airway, lungs and pleura. These interventions help in the diagnosis and treatment of individuals with lung cancer, pleural diseases and management of central airway obstruction. Appropriate allied health professionals for this training include respiratory therapists, nurses and physician assistants. This program is consistent with the mission of community colleges in that it provides workforce training. Program Learning Outcomes: • Upon successful completion of the program, the student will have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to assist with interventional pulmonology procedures. • Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to demonstrate appropriate critical thinking skills, technical skills, and knowledge necessary to provide competent care in a multidisciplinary environment.

The sequence of courses for this certificate are outlined below. The requirements include a research project and clinical rotations. Requirements Crse # Name Units Sequence Core Courses (18 Units) RSPT 82 RSPT 83 RSPT 84 RSPT 85 RSPT 86 RSPT 87A RSPT 87B RSPT 88 Orientation to Interventional Pulmonology Case-Based Analysis & Critical Thinking in Diagnostic Interventional Pulmonology Fundamentals of Pulmonary Disease Interventional Pulmonology Theory & Application Interventional Pulmonology Procedures Interventional Pulmonology Clinical Internship I Interventional Pulmonology Clinical Internship II Interventional Pulmonology Research Project 2 2 3 3 3 2 2 1 Year 1, Summer Year 1, Summer Year 1, Fall Year 1, Fall Year 1, Winter Year 1, Winter Year 1, Spring Year 1, Spring TOTAL UNITS: 18 units Proposed Sequence: Year 1, Summer = 4 units Year 1, Fall = 6 units Year 1, Winter = 5 units Year 1, Spring = 3 units TOTAL UNITS: 18 units

Foothill College currently has a Respiratory Therapy program. This program graduates approximately 26-28 students per year. These graduates move quickly into the workforce (local hospitals or clinics) and are earning living wage jobs within six months of graduation. The Certificate of Achievement in Interventional Pulmonology would be taken by licensed respiratory therapists working in a hospital or clinic setting. It would provide upscaling or skill builder training by provided advanced training in the field of respiratory therapy.