The American Lung Association's COPD Basics is a free, self-paced online course designed to help people learn more about COPD. This course is divided into two 30-minute parts and includes comprehensive resources, such as COPD Action Plan and COPD medication device demonstration videos and downloads.
Who should take the course?
The course is ideal for people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, and their caregivers and families. COPD Basics can serve as an introductory course for public health and healthcare professionals, such as respiratory therapists, community health workers, and nurses, to learn more about supporting patients living with COPD.
COPD Basics will help you:
- identify COPD causes and risk factors,
- recognize the signs and symptoms of COPD,
- prevent and respond to COPD exacerbations or flare ups, and
- understand the latest medications and treatment for the disease.
Feedback from COPD Basics Participants:
“All information in this course was valuable and helped me improve my knowledge regarding COPD to better educate patients and families.”
COPD Basics: Steps to Take when Living with COPD Booklet
In addition to the on-demand course, COPD Basics is available as a free, downloadable 24-page booklet. The booklet is available in English and Spanish. Get your copy:
If you have any questions about registering for the online course, visit Online Learning Course Support to see potential solutions or to request more help.
Page last updated: April 17, 2026
