Microcredential
Acute, Chronic and Other Respiratory Conditions
On this page: Overview | Scope of future study | Learning outcomes | Course structure | Entry requirements | Fees | Apply
Important dates
2025 | Applications close | Commences | Census Date | Academic Withdrawal** | Ends | Grade Release |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Term 1 | 15 January 2025 | 20 January 2025 | 3 February 2025 | 24 February 2025 | 30 March 2025 | 14 April 2025 |
Term 2 | 9 April 2025 | 14 April 2025 | 28 April 2025 | 19 May 2025 | 22 June 2025 | 7 July 2025 |
Term 3 | 2 July 2025 | 7 July 2025 | 21 July 2025 | 11 August 2025 | 14 September 2025 | 29 September 2025 |
Term 4 | 24 September 2025 | 29 September 2025 | 13 October 2025 | 3 November 2025 | 7 December 2025 | 19 January 2026 |
Overview
This microcredential will introduce some acute, chronic and other respiratory conditions.
It is important to remember that acute disease processes can lead to chronic illness and debilitation, and in turn, chronic illness can often have acute exacerbations requiring treatment. Irrespective of your practice area, improving your skills in observing and treating individuals presenting with acute and chronic conditions or respiratory distress is valuable. An awareness of possible diseases that these signs and symptoms may indicate will increase your ability and confidence to instigate appropriate action.
This microcredential will review the pathophysiology of the disease processes. You will aim to understand the psychosocial demands on the person and their family to identify and implement strategies to improve patient outcomes.
This microcredential is the second in a series of three that corresponds to the unit of study 336 Respiratory Nursing.
Scope of future study
This microcredential is the second in a series of three. Completing all three microcredentials in the series allows you to apply for credit towards unit 336 Respiratory Nursing (6 credit points) and build towards a full Graduate Certificate in Acute Care Nursing at ACN.
Which unit does this microcredential align with?
Learning outcomes
- review advanced physiology and pathophysiology of common respiratory conditions
- apply the principles of primary survey and focused respiratory assessment to clinical practice
Course structure
Topics
- Module 1: Acute respiratory conditions
- Module 2: Chronic and other respiratory conditions
- Module 3: Other respiratory conditions
Assessment
- Analysis of care
Entry requirements
Applicable to registered nurses caring for individuals with respiratory conditions regardless of the workplace setting.
Fees
Members: $881
Non-members: $979
Fees are GST inclusive and are subject to change without notice.
Meet your Nurse Educator

Melissa O’Loughlin, Nurse Educator – Higher Education
RN, BNurs, CertIVTAE40122, GradCertDiabEdM, GradDip NursScBu(Burns Nursing), MAdvN(Education)
e: melissa.oloughlin@acn.edu.au
» About me
Melissa has over 20 years of nursing experience, predominantly in burns nursing, operating theatres, and intensive care. She holds a Masters in Advanced Nursing Education, and has completed numerous higher education qualifications including a Graduate Diploma in Nursing Science (Burns Nursing), Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Education & Management, and has a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
Prior to joining the Australian College of Nursing, Melissa commenced her nursing education journey teaching undergraduate nursing students. She is passionate about creating supportive and engaging learning environments and strongly believes that ongoing nursing education is fundamental to high-quality patient care.
» Collapse
Apply now
Please ensure you read all course information and make sure you meet entry requirements prior to commencing the application form.
Application will not be progressed until all relevant documentation has been received by Customer Services.
We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health care professionals to study this course. If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person we encourage you to let us know in your application. If you require assistance with completing your application or support during the course, please don’t hesitate to let us know.
Application form will open in a new window. Your privacy is very important to us. To better serve you, the form information you enter is recorded in real time.
How microcredentials work
Start with a single course, build practical skills you can use immediately, and stack credits towards a graduate certificate when you’re ready.
1
Choose your first course
Start with any microcredential that fits your goals and interests. Each course is online, self-paced, and designed to make an impact in your practice right away.
2
Build your expertise
As you complete more courses, you build expertise in essential areas. Each microcredential you complete adds to your skills and prepares you for greater responsibility.
3
Stack towards a Graduate Certificate
Combine your completed courses to work towards a graduate certificate, creating a pathway to formal qualifications on your own schedule.
Why study with ACN
*The ACN Member discount cannot be applied to the Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Re-entry).
Virtual Open Day
Jump online for Virtual Open Day to learn more about studying with the Australian College of Nursing (ACN).
Whether you are a nurse ready to upskill with a specialty graduate certificate or immunisation course, seeking an entry pathway to Masters or want to explore continuing professional development opportunities, this interactive event will answer all your questions.
Connect directly with experienced nurse educators and academics and discuss your career goals. Learn about how postgraduate study can shape your career, gain tips and tricks on preparing for online study and student life, all from the comfort of your own home.

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For general information please contact:
Customer Services
t: (02) 9745 7500
e: customerservices@acn.edu.au
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