Accredited Courses
Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy – the fundamentals
A continuing professional development course accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council
The Course Content has been accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council.
Course Introduction
Purpose of the course
This course is designed for:
1. Practicing physiotherapists –
As refresher material for physiotherapists who have not been working in the cardiopulmonary physiotherapy discipline for a prolonged period.
2. Physiotherapy educators –
As a guide for development or delivery of a contemporary cardiopulmonary physiotherapy curriculum.
3. Physiotherapy students –
As supplementary material to enhance their understanding of the concepts of cardiopulmonary physiotherapy and appreciate the role of a contemporary practicing physiotherapist in countries where physiotherapy is a developed profession.
About this course
This course is delivered as a lecture series available in a) English and b) Putonghua (Mandarin Chinese), as pre-recorded video PowerPoint presentations. There are 30 topics in 5 sections, presenting essential knowledge in various aspects of cardiopulmonary physiotherapy. The topics cover a concept-review of respiratory physiology, oxygen therapy, inhalation therapy, physiotherapy assessment and intervention, the role of the physiotherapist in pulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation, the management of patients before and after surgery, and patient management in the intensive care unit.
This course provides participants an opportunity to gain the essential theoretical knowledge required for the practice of cardiopulmonary physiotherapy. Upon completion of this course, participants who pass the associated assessment should understand the theoretical knowledge base necessary for a cardiopulmonary physiotherapist to deliver both preventative and definitive contemporary management of a client who is either, at risk of, or enduring a cardiopulmonary disorder.
Delivery & assessment format
1. Content: - online delivery of recorded lectures. Estimated duration 28-30 hrs. All participants are expected to complete the course in about 4 months.
2. Discussion: - a monthly online seminar will be organised for discussion purposes. The seminars will also permit progress monitoring and solicit feedback.
3. Assessment:- after registering for the course, an assessment of understanding of the material covered in each of the 5 sections will be conducted at the end of the 4th month. The assessment will include MCQ format and case-based questions.
Course Topics
Section 1 (Introduction and review of respiratory physiology)
- Introduction
- Overview of the role of a cardiopulmonary physiotherapist
- Review of respiratory physiology: mechanics of breathing
- Review of respiratory physiology: ventilation and perfusion relationship
- Oxygen therapy
- Humidification and inhalation therapy
Section 2 (Physiotherapy assessment and cardiopulmonary physiotherapy intervention)
- Understanding spirometry
- Review of auscultation techniques
- Assessment of respiratory function
- An overview of objective data which reflect the level of respiratory function
- Airway Clearance Techniques
- Techniques to improve lung volume and ventilation
Section 3 (Management of COPD, pulmonary rehabilitation and paediatric care)
- Management of patients with COPD
- Management of patients with lung cancer
- Physiotherapy in thoracic surgery
- Pulmonary rehabilitation and exercise prescription
- Role of physiotherapy in paediatric respiratory care
- Role of physiotherapy in pre- and post-surgical care
- Prescribing breathing devices in respiratory care
Section 4 (Cardiac rehabilitation)
- Interpretation of ECG
- Management of Cardiovascular disease
- Cardiac Surgery - implications for physiotherapists
- Overview of cardiac rehabilitation
- Role of physiotherapy in phase I cardiac rehabilitation
- Role of physiotherapy in Phase II cardiac rehabilitation
Section 5 (Physiotherapy in ICU care & documentation)
- Introduction to critical care and monitoring in an ICU
- Management of the critically ill
- Principle of mechanical ventilation
- Manual hyperinflation (MHI), ventilator hyperinflation (VHI) and non-invasive ventilation (NIV)
- Role of physiotherapy in ICU care
- Role of physiotherapy in management of acute and long- COVID-19
- Physiotherapy documentation
Who can join the course?
Participants in this course must be either:
- Physiotherapists who have graduated in countries who are member organisations of World Physiotherapy
or
2. Physiotherapists recognised by World Physiotherapy (previously known as WCPT) as ‘a physiotherapist in China’, i.e.
- a graduate of physiotherapy programs accredited by WCPT (Kunming Medical University, Shanghai University of TCM, Fujian University of TCM, Capital Beijing University, Shanghai Tongji University, Binzhou Medical University, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences );
- a graduate of the MPT programs conducted by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan;
- a graduate of the MPT program conducted by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Sichuan University;
- graduates of the ‘one-off’ 2015 Chinese Physical Therapist Online Course organised by CARM and endorsed by WCPT.
or
3. Graduates of ‘Rehabilitation Physiotherapy’ programmes in China or staff teaching a programme with the title ‘Rehabilitation Physiotherapy’
or
4. Students registered in a university with ‘Physiotherapy’ in the programme title
NB. Proof of status as mentioned above must be produced, i.e. a copy of the graduate certificate or certificate of the 2015 Chinese Physical Therapist online Course.
Course Fees
Individual participants
Chinese version: AUD$1,000 per person for the full package. Full certificate upon passing the assessment.
English version:
a) AUD$1,000 per person for the full package. Full certificate upon passing the assessment. Or
b) AUD$200 per section. A certificate of attendance will be provided for the completed sections.
Features
- A full set of recorded lectures will be provided
- Eligible to participate in the monthly online discussion
- Eligible to participate in the assessment if completed all 5 sections
- A full certificate will be provided upon passing the assessment
Academic staff package
Please contact Alice Jones at alice@ajhealthed.com.au for the group package pricing
Features
- For eligible physiotherapy educators engaged in a physiotherapy program with the program title "BSc in Rehabilitation Physiotherapy"
- Online discussion will be in a group format
- A full certificate will be provided to the registered physiotherapy educator by AAJ Health Education Pty. Ltd. upon passing the assessment
Certificate
A certificate will be awarded to those who pass assessments in all 5 sections, indicating that the participant has understood the necessary theoretical knowledge required to practice cardiopulmonary physiotherapy.
Successful Candidates
The candidates listed have completed the course and successfully passed the exit examination
- 2022
- 2023
- 2024
- 2025
- 2026
The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital)
Liu FANG
Affiliated Hospital of YunNan University
Wei ZHANG
Shanghai University of Chinese Traditional Medicine
Yiwen BAI
Xianli ZHAO
School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Binzhou Medical University
Ying JIANG, Jane
Qi SONG
The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University
Jianing KOU, Coco
Lingling XU
The Clinic by International Rehabilitation Specialists
Zhou SHEN, Joyce
Yunzi XUE, Nicole
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University
Yan Mei LI, Jenny
Xue Mei LI, Snow
Wen Li WANG, Lucy
Rong THANG, Don
Yu SUN, Aires
Yun Hao ZHANG, Jack
Xiao Yi LI, Ivy
Rong LI, Zoe
Liang Jiang HU, Gina
Jun Tao XU, Victor
Shantou Central Hospital
Zhi Fan HONG, Frank
LIH Rehabilitation Center
Yan Rui WANG
Gai Neng ZHANG
Capital Beijing University
Ting Ting MA
Miao YE
Beijing Sports University
Yu Tong ZHU, Peter
Yu ZANG
Physiotherapist in Australia
Kayla NORWELL
Physiotherapist in Nigeria
Oshomoji Olawale Isreal
Guangzhou Medical University
Cui Ling CHEN
Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center
En WU, Ann
Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital
Yi LI, Chole
Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University
Xiao Meng, LIU
Comments from Participants
Dr. Lucy WANG - In charge of Department of Rehabilittion. Associate Professor, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University
(Translated from Chinese) -The course, designed and presented by Alice Jones, is very well taught and the content is very comprehensive. A total of 10 colleagues from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University participated in this course. The feedback from each colleague was that the course is useful because it guided us to consider both the practical and philosophical rationale for clinical care that we previously neglected, but now realise that these principles are essential to underpinning our clinical practice. A logical scheme of patient assessment, followed by problem analysis and selection of the most appropriate and effective treatment strategy, has meant that each step has guided us through a systematic process which facilitates a necessary intervention modification, rather than delivery of a rigid protocol of treatment. Some colleagues found they had some knowledge gaps that required filling to maximise their skills in delivery of high-quality cardiopulmonary care, particularly in the principles that underpin practice. The course also inspired us to consider that successful clinical practice requires effective communication with other health professionals. As physiotherapists, we need to strengthen the evidence supporting our clinical practice and accumulate experience, and gain the trust of the medical profession through effective and confident communication. We very much value the opportunity to participate in this course.
Ms Even BAI - Lecturer at Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Senior Physiotherapist, 7th People’s Hospital, Shanghai
(Translated from Chinese) - In the past few months, I have studied the online continuing education course on cardiopulmonary physical therapy taught by Professor Alice Jones. I wish to express that I have gained in many respects while taking this course. The content helped me to review the rationale which supports clinical practice and was particularly useful for my own teaching of cardiopulmonary physical therapy. As a cardiopulmonary physiotherapist, this course helped me consolidate my basic knowledge, enhanced my clinical thinking, and cultivate evidence-based thinking. Further, this course inspired me to learn from Alice's teaching ideas, online teaching methods and rigorous and serious attitude towards academic research. This is really a bonus for me as an academic. What moved me the most was that every time I listen to teacher Alice's talk, I gain something new. Alice’s lectures are supported by the latest evidence with lots of references provided. As a cardiopulmonary physiotherapist, I know I must continue to learn and constantly improve myself. Thank you very much Alice for your course and zoom discussions to help me to understand the content. Thank you for providing us with this valuable platform and the opportunity to continue learning! Lastly, I found it very fulfilling that I have successfully completed this professionally-run course and received a certificate which states that the course is accredited by the Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC).
Ms Liu FANG, Janine - Senior Physiotherapist, Shenzhen 2nd People hospital
(Translated from Chinese) - After 4-5 months engaging in this systematically organised cardiopulmonary course, my theoretical knowledge and clinical work have been qualitatively supplemented, which has greatly increased my confidence in this field. While the video was delivered in Chinese, I can see the use of bilingual slides was a special consideration dedicated to support the Chinese participants. The bilingual slides not only helped me learnt a lot of professional vocabulary, but also made me realise the educational outcomes that Professor Jones expects of her students. Although this learning activity is a self-paced course based on recorded videos, the selection and arrangement of the course content is very appropriate to clinical practice and I found it exciting. The course starts from basic theories of physiology and then illustrates how these theories are linked and integrated into clinical practice. The way the contents are elucidated greatly strengthened my clinical thinking, and allowed me to truly understand the basics principles and how to apply those principles. I very much enjoy the monthly online seminars, listening to other participant's questions and understanding of the course and sharing of clinical applications. I feel deeply that this course has led my thinking to become broader, more flexible, rich and colourful. As has been said in some martial arts novel: “once you are cultivated to the "Happy Realm", all your thoughts become so clear and transparent”. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to participate in this course and to recognize such a selfless, responsible and caring teacher!"
Joyce SHEN - PT / SPT, MLDV,CKTP, the clinic, partner & Chief Medical officer, Senior Physical therapist
(Translated from Chinese) - After 4-5 months engaging in this systematically organised cardiopulmonary course, my theoretical knowledge and clinical work have been qualitatively supplemented, which has greatly increased my confidence in this field. While the video was delivered in Chinese, I can see the use of bilingual slides was a special consideration dedicated to support the Chinese participants. The bilingual slides not only helped me learnt a lot of professional vocabulary, but also made me realise the educational outcomes that Professor Jones expects of her students. Although this learning activity is a self-paced course based on recorded videos, the selection and arrangement of the course content is very appropriate to clinical practice and I found it exciting. The course starts from basic theories of physiology and then illustrates how these theories are linked and integrated into clinical practice. The way the contents are elucidated greatly strengthened my clinical thinking, and allowed me to truly understand the basics principles and how to apply those principles. I very much enjoy the monthly online seminars, listening to other participant's questions and understanding of the course and sharing of clinical applications. I feel deeply that this course has led my thinking to become broader, more flexible, rich and colourful. As has been said in some martial arts novel: “once you are cultivated to the "Happy Realm", all your thoughts become so clear and transparent”. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to participate in this course and to recognize such a selfless, responsible and caring teacher!"
Frank Hong Chi-fan - Shantou Central Hospital
Professor Alice is an expert in the field of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. Her courses are comprehensive, rigorous, and very practical for all cardiopulmonary physiotherapists. Through four months of study, I have gained a lot of comprehensive and systematic knowledge of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, which has strengthened my confidence and courage in the professional field of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. She provides us with new ideas and methods for patient assessment and treatment, and guides us to evaluate and treat our patients with evidence-based, clinical, and rigorous thinking. I am very grateful to Professor Alice and AAJ for introducing the course to China, which has played an important role in promoting the development of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation in China.
Zhu Yue Tong Peter - Beijing Sport University
I am very honoured to have had the opportunity to study this international certification course in Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy. Through this course, I have gained a lot and have once again systematically learnt the professional knowledge of Cardiorespiratory Physical Therapy, which has given me a deeper understanding of this subject. This course not only focuses on cardiorespiratory physiotherapy techniques, but also includes basic cardiorespiratory medicine courses (such as anatomy, physiology, exercise physiology, pathology), cardiorespiratory physiotherapy assessment and specific implementation of cardiorespiratory physiotherapy plans. The patient population includes children, adults and the elderly. The disease coverage is broad and can be directly used for professional educational guidance and clinical PT implementation. The course knowledge is very specific and fruitful. The most important thing is that this course is from the perspective of a cardiorespiratory physiotherapist, which made me realise that being a PT is not just about learning specific techniques or treatment methods, but about treating patients as a whole, combining their needs and systematically analysing their problems and needs. I think this is the most important concept.
Zhang Yu -Beijing Sport University
Very wonderful course! I am a DPT graduated from US. I felt I can grasp the cardiopulmonary knowledge more systematically and clinically. And also the way Dr. Jones lectured in the course had given me more thoughts about teaching methods which will benefit my future career a lot! I would definitely encourage more PTs and rehabilitation therapists to learn this course which will promote cardiopulmonary rehabilitation very well in China!
Oshomoji Olawale - Physiotherapist in Nigeria
Completing this program has further strengthened my understanding of evidence-based physiotherapy practice and multidisciplinary patient management across acute, rehabilitation, and critical care settings.
I’m also honoured to have my name featured among successful participants on the AAJ Health Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy course page.
A special thank you to Prof Alice Jones for the teaching, mentorship, and commitment to advancing physiotherapy education internationally, Prof Rufus Adedoyin for his recommendation, and to AAJ Health Education Pty Ltd for creating valuable professional development opportunities for physiotherapists.
Thank you as well to Australian Physiotherapy Association and Australian Physiotherapy Council for supporting continued professional development and excellence in physiotherapy education.
Yi LI, Chole - Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital
Dear Professor Alice,
I want to express my deepest respect to you: you are truly an outstanding teacher. Every one of your lectures is clearly structured, engaging, and lively—even the foundational material never feels dull. I truly admire your exceptional teaching skills!
After attending your course, I now clearly understand why we, as physical therapists, need to have a deep understanding of foundational clinical knowledge. Before this training, I knew I needed to master clinical knowledge, but I never realized just how profoundly it connects to my daily work. Thank you for giving me a much clearer vision of my profession.
In the past, there weren't many opportunities in China to study cardiopulmonary physical therapy so systematically. Most of the time, it was through self-study and attending some short-term trainings (1–2 days).
Now, having had the privilege of participating in the training program you organized, I consider it a true fortune in my career!
Once again, thank you for giving me this learning opportunity!
Still Thinking?
