Interventional Pulmonology Assistant

Earn a Certificate in Interventional Pulmonology Assistant

About the Program

Interventional Pulmonology (IP) is a new medical subspecialty that has radically changed the approach to evaluating and treating pulmonary conditions. The first Board Certification for Pulmonologists in this subspecialty was December 2013.

Foothill offers an 4-course, fully-online Certificate of Achievement program that  will take approximately 6-months to complete to become an IP assistant.

You will take two courses each quarter in sequence.  See course descriptions.

Role of the IP Assistant

IP assistants are trained respiratory therapists who assist with IP procedures. They assist physicians who perform a large number of procedures including,

• obtaining biopsies of pulmonary nodules,
• diagnosis, and staging of lung cancer,
• treatment of lung cancer
• diagnosis and treatment of pleural diseases. 

The majority of these procedures are minimally-invasive non-surgical procedures done with the use of a bronchoscope.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful  completion of the program:

• You will have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to assist with interventional pulmonology procedures.
• You will be able to demonstrate appropriate critical thinking skills, technical skills, and knowledge necessary to provide competent care in a multidisciplinary environment.

Next Steps

See our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about the program and how to apply.