Microcredential
Acute, Chronic and Other Respiratory Conditions
On this page: Overview | Entry requirements | Scope of future study | Learning outcomes | Course structure | Fees | Apply
Important dates
| 2026 | Applications close | Commences | Census Date | Academic Withdrawal** | Ends | Grade Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 14 January 2026 | 19 January 2026 | 2 February 2026 | 23 February 2026 | 29 March 2026 | 13 April 2026 |
| Term 2 | 8 April 2026 | 13 April 2026 | 27 April 2026 | 18 May 2026 | 21 June 2026 | 6 July 2026 |
| Term 3 | 1 July 2026 | 6 July 2026 | 20 July 2026 | 10 August 2026 | 13 September 2026 | 28 September 2026 |
| Term 4 | 23 September 2026 | 28 September 2026 | 12 October 2026 | 2 November 2026 | 6 December 2026 | 18 January 2027 |
| 2027 | Applications close | Commences | Census Date | Academic Withdrawal | Ends | Grade Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 13 January 2027 | 18 January 2027 | 1 February 2027 | 22 February 2027 | 28 March 2027 | 12 April 2027 |
| Term 2 | 7 April 2027 | 12 April 2027 | 26 April 2027 | 17 May 2027 | 20 June 2027 | 5 July 2027 |
| Term 3 | 30 June 2027 | 5 July 2027 | 19 July 2027 | 9 August 2027 | 12 September 2027 | 27 September 2027 |
| Term 4 | 22 September 2027 | 27 September 2027 | 11 October 2027 | 1 November 2027 | 5 December 2027 | 4 January 2028 |
| 2028 | Applications close | Commences | Census Date | Academic Withdrawal | Ends | Grade Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 12 January 2028 | 17 January 2028 | 31 January 2028 | 21 February 2028 | 26 March 2028 | 10 April 2028 |
| Term 2 | 5 April 2028 | 10 April 2028 | 24 April 2028 | 15 May 2028 | 18 June 2028 | 3 July 2028 |
| Term 3 | 28 June 2028 | 3 July 2028 | 17 July 2028 | 7 August 2028 | 10 September 2028 | 25 September 2028 |
| Term 4 | 20 September 2028 | 25 September 2028 | 9 October 2028 | 30 October 2028 | 3 December 2028 | 2 January 2029 |
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.
Entry requirements
Applicable to registered nurses caring for individuals with respiratory conditions regardless of the workplace setting.
Pre-requisite
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
Fees
Members: $881
Non-members: $979
Fees are GST inclusive and are subject to change without notice.
Meet your Nurse Educator

Sharron Smyth-Demmon, Nurse Educator – Higher Education
RN, MCN, B.Ed (Prof. Hons), DPSN, Cert IV TAE, MACN, MACORN, NSWOTA, ACPAN
e: sharron.smyth-demmon@acn.edu.au
» About me
Sharron coordinates our Graduate Certificate in Perioperative Nursing. She began her nursing career in the United Kingdom where she worked in primarily in the field of women’s health, both in an acute gynaecological setting and in primary health as a qualified family planning nurse. Sharron has several years of experience within the perioperative setting, mainly in anaesthetics and recovery. She also has extensive experience in the day surgery environment. Sharron has 30 years of nursing experience and sees nursing as not only a science but also an art, with compassion, humanity and empathy at its core.
» 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.
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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).
Discover more course options from ACN
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For general information please contact:
Customer Services
t: (02) 9745 7500
e: customerservices@acn.edu.au
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