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NIOSH Spirometry Initial Training

See also, NIOSH Spirometry Refresher Courses.

Workplace INTEGRA, in association with OccuHealth, Inc., is pleased to offer NIOSH-approved Spirometry Courses held at the Workplace INTEGRA corporate office in Greensboro, NC.

The OSHA Cotton Dust Standard (29CFR1910.1043) states that persons other than licensed physicians who administer pulmonary function tests required by that standard shall have completed a NIOSH-approved training course in spirometry. Completion of this course has now become the de facto requirement for all individuals conducting pulmonary function testing for respirator medical clearance, medical surveillance, and other work-related purposes. The course teaches physicians, nurses, and all other persons conducting pulmonary testing in industrial and clinical settings how to design, implement, and supervise respiratory surveillance programs.

No prior spirometric experience is necessary. The course teaches spirometric theory and technique at a level appropriate for beginners. Those already experienced in Spirometry will gain greater insight into:

Pulmonary anatomy and physiology
Types of spirometers (ATS Standards)
Calibration procedure
Active coaching to obtain the best results
Recognizing testing error
Interpreting test results
Recordkeeping requirements

In addition, OSHA regulations and the 2005 American Thoracic Society (ATS) Spirometry guidelines are reviewed. The emphasis is not just on how to do a pulmonary function test, but what constitutes a best practice approach to spirometry and why.

Class size is restricted to maximize learning and maintain an informal atmosphere. Course content is delivered by lecture, demonstration, and supervised student practice in pulmonary testing technique using a variety of spirometers. Attendees are provided a copy of course materials. As required by NIOSH, a practical and written exam is given and a certificate awarded for satisfactory performance. The instructors have extensive experience in Occupational Health, particularly in Respiratory Surveillance Programs.

Course Information
Initial course duration is 2 days from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.   

All courses are held at the Workplace INTEGRA corporate office in Greensboro, NC.

Workplace INTEGRA provides free continental breakfast, water and afternoon snacks for these courses!

NIOSH Requirement for Spirometry Refresher Course

Effective January 1^st 2009, an important change to the NIOSH Spirometry Training Program took effect.

Prior to January 1^st 2009, NIOSH did not require a Refresher course in order to maintain certification.  Refresher courses were offered primarily for educational purposes.  This has changed.  NIOSH now requires that Technicians who wish to maintain a valid NIOSH-Approved Spirometry Course certificate must complete a NIOSH-Approved Refresher Course (or repeat the full two-day Course) every 5 years.

New Program Change: Extension of Spirometry Refresher Training Deadline

Technicians whose NIOSH-Approved Spirometry Course certificates are dated January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2007, are eligible to complete a NIOSH-Approved Spirometry Refresher Course by December 31, 2012, to maintain a valid NIOSH-Approved Spirometry Course certificate.

Technicians with NIOSH-Approved Spirometry Course certificates dated prior to January 1, 2000, are not eligible to take a NIOSH-Approved Spirometry Refresher Course.

Effective January 1, 2009, NIOSH changed the time limits on all certificates to 5 years from the course date. Previously awarded certificates are no longer valid indefinitely. Individuals who choose to have a valid NIOSH certificate must either take a NIOSH-Approved Spirometry Refresher Course before the certificate is invalidated or retake the initial Course.