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COPD Educator Course

COPD Educator Course On-Demand

Over 16 million people in America are diagnosed with COPD and millions more are living with the disease without knowing it. As a healthcare professional, you play a key role in screening, diagnosing, treating and supporting people living with all types of lung disease.  Since each lung disease is different, it can be helpful to dive deep into one of the most common ones – COPD.

The American Lung Association’s on-demand COPD Educator Course is a comprehensive, 14-hour professional development course, designed for healthcare professionals like you. This course is designed to expand your knowledge of COPD, improve your understanding of evidence-based guidelines and increase your confidence when providing patient education and support.

The course is a good fit for professionals working with patients living with COPD and may include but is not limited to respiratory therapists, nurses, pharmacists, primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and social workers.  Whether you are new to the respiratory field or looking to advance your career, the knowledge you gain from the course can help support your goals.

The American Lung Association’s on-demand COPD Educator Course is self-paced and offers flexible access for you to complete the course on your schedule. Each of the 11 modules include a mixture of video lectures from COPD experts, text, visuals, and knowledge-based quizzes.  

The course registration is $300. Included in this registration is a Certificate of Completion, access to the entire course for 6 months, digital access to downloadable course materials and 14 CMEs/CEUs.   

Important: The completion of this course does not result in a credential, designation, or accredited certification. 

Course Topics & Objectives:

Recognize that COPD is preventable and treatable and increasing in prevalence.

Discuss and understand the pathophysiology of COPD.

Understand key components of spirometry and its role in diagnosis and management

Recognize COPD risk factors, specifically smoking; discuss prevention strategies, including cessation programs

Explain how pulmonary rehabilitation and self-management skills can improve quality of life for a COPD patient.

Utilize shared decision making and engagement strategies to help patients improve medication adherence, reduce health care burden, and be active in their healthcare.

Observe and practice correct inhaler device technique.

Understand principles for selection of appropriate oxygen therapy devices.

Review risk factors and discuss interventions to reduce readmissions.

Understand the role of palliative care and hospice for COPD patients.

Identify medications used in COPD management and differentiate between action pathways of common COPD pharmacological therapies, dosing regimens.

Learn more and get started!

Whether your goal is to develop as a professional, earn CME or CEU’s or build your organization’s capacity to provide quality, COPD care and management, this course can help you reach your goals. 

99% would recommend the course to others.
96% reported the course was “useful” to their work.
95% reported learning new information.

Download the impact report

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Page last updated: February 18, 2026

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