Pulmonary function tests (also called PFTs) are noninvasive tests that show how well the lungs are working. Spirometry is the most common test method used to measure pulmonary function. Greenville Technical College offers spirometry testing training approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). This training is required in the occupational health setting for technicians performing spirometry tests on workers exposed to cotton dusts, respirable coal dust, and respirable silica. NIOSH-approved spirometry training courses are also widely accepted for training healthcare professionals in other occupational settings, and some companies require staff administering spirometry tests to have a NIOSH-approved certificate.
Greenville Technical College also has an academic program in Respiratory Care for students seeking to become a respiratory therapist. This associate degree program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. Graduates of the Respiratory Care program are eligible to take the entry level practitioner credentialing examinations offered by the National Board of Respiratory Care and to apply to the South Carolina State Board of Medical Examiners for state licensing. Respiratory Therapists may also become eligible to apply for an advanced Pulmonary Function Technologist credential after obtaining at least six months of clinical experience.NIOSH-approved spirometry training is useful for any occupational health technicians conducting spirometry testing, but it is currently mandated for technicians performing spirometry tests on workers exposed to cotton dusts, respirable coal dust, and respirable silica. Though not limited to healthcare workers, all healthcare professionals who perform or interpret spirometry are eligible and encouraged to take a NIOSH-approved spirometry training course. Course participants receive a strong foundation of the knowledge and practical skills to collect accurate and valid spirometry results. Upon successful completion of the training, you will receive a course certificate that is valid for five years after which time recertification through refresher (or initial) training will be required.
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