Respiratory Therapy

Course Requirements

First Year - Fall Semester

• ACA 115 Success & Study Skills

  This course provides an orientation to the campus resources and academic skills necessary to achieve educational objectives. Emphasis is placed on an exploration of facilities and services, study skills, library skills, self-assessment, wellness, goal-setting, and critical thinking. Upon completion, students should be able to manage their learning experiences to successfully meet educational goals.

• BIO 163 Basic Anatomy & Physiology

  This course provides a basic study of the structure and function of the human body. Topics include a basic study of the body systems as well as an introduction to homeostasis, cells, tissues, nutrition, acid-base balance, and electrolytes. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of the fundamental principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships.

• ENG 111 Writing and Inquiry

  This course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety of genres and formats using a recursive process. Emphasis includes inquiry, analysis, effective use of rhetorical strategies, thesis development, audience awareness, and revision. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed essays using standard written English.

• RCP 110 Intro to Respiratory Care

  This course introduces the role of the respiratory care practitioner within interprofessional teams and interacting with diverse populations. Topics include medical gas administration, basic patient assessment, infection control, and medical terminology using proper written and oral communication methods to prepare students for clinical practice. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in respiratory therapy concepts and procedures through written and laboratory evaluations.

• RCP 113 RCP Pharmacology

  This course covers the drugs used in the treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases. Emphasis is placed on the uses, actions, indications, administration, and hazards of pharmacological agents. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence though written evaluations.

First Year - Spring Semester

• ENG 112 Writing and Research in the Disciplines

  This course, the second in a series of two, introduces research techniques, documentation styles, and writing strategies. Emphasis is placed on analyzing information and ideas and incorporating research findings into documented writing and research projects. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate and synthesize information from primary and secondary sources using documentation appropriate to various disciplines.

• PSY 150 General Psychology

  This course provides an overview of the scientific study of human behavior. Topics include history, methodology, biopsychology, sensation, perception, learning, motivation, cognition, abnormal behavior, personality theory, social psychology, and other relevant topics. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the science of psychology.

• RCP 111 Therapeutics/Diagnostics

  This course provides emphasis on therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. Topics include applying problem solving strategies in the patient care setting, applying ethical principles in decision making, and practicing professional responsibilities, which will prepare students for clinical practice. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in respiratory therapy concepts and procedures through written and laboratory evaluations.

• RCP 115 C-P Pathophysiology

  This course introduces the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical signs and symptoms, diagnoses, prognoses, complications, and management of cardiopulmonary diseases. Emphasis is placed on developing, evaluating, and modifying respiratory care plans based on evidence-based medicine protocols and clinical practice guidelines. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in cardio-pulmonary disease concepts through written evaluations.

• RCP 135 RCP Clinical Practice I

  This course provides entry-level clinical experience. Emphasis is placed on therapeutic and diagnostic patient care. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate clinical competence in required performance evaluations.

First Year - Summer Term

• RCP 112 Patient Management

  This course provides entry-level skills in respiratory care procedures in acute and non-acute care settings. Emphasis is placed on therapeutic modalities and physiological effects, monitoring mechanical ventilation, and problem-solving strategies based on evidence-based medicine protocols and clinical practice guidelines. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in respiratory therapy concepts and procedures through written and laboratory evaluations.

• RCP 144 RCP Clinical Practice II

  This course provides entry-level clinical experience. Emphasis is placed on therapeutic and diagnostic patient care. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate clinical competence in required performance evaluations.

Second Year - Fall Semester

• PHI 240 Introduction to Ethics

  This course introduces theories about the nature and foundations of moral judgments and applications to contemporary moral issues. Emphasis is placed on moral theories such as consequentialism, deontology, and virtue ethics. Upon completion, students should be able to apply various ethical theories to moral issues such as abortion, capital punishment, poverty, war, terrorism, the treatment of animals, and issues arising from new technologies.

• RCP 155 RCP Clinical Practice III

  This course provides entry-level clinical experience. Emphasis is placed on therapeutic and diagnostic patient care. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate clinical competence in required performance evaluations.

• RCP 210 Critical Care Concepts

  This course provides further refinement of acute patient care and underlying pathophysiology. Topics include a continuation in the application and management of mechanical ventilation, assessment underlying pathophysiology, and introduction of critical care monitoring. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in respiratory therapy concepts and procedures through written, laboratory and/or clinical simulation evaluations.

• RCP 214 Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care

  This course provides comprehensive coverage of the concepts of neonatal and pediatric respiratory care. Emphasis is placed on pathophysiology, patient assessment and special therapeutic needs of neonates and children based on evidence-based medicine protocols and clinical practice guidelines. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in the neonatal and pediatric respiratory care concepts through written, laboratory and/or clinical simulation evaluations.

Second Year - Spring Semester

• COM 120 Intro to Interpersonal Communication

  This course introduces the practices and principles of interpersonal communication in both dyadic and group settings. Emphasis is placed on the communication process, perception, listening, self-disclosure, speech apprehension, ethics, nonverbal communication, conflict, power, and dysfunctional communication relationships. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate interpersonal communication skills, apply basic principles of group discussion, and manage conflict in interpersonal communication situations.

• RCP 211 Adv Monitoring/Procedures

  This course includes advanced information gathering and decision making for the respiratory care professional using evidence-based respiratory care protocols. Topics include advanced cardiac monitoring, special procedures, respiratory care protocols, and disease management. Upon completion, students should be able to assess, recommend, and independently modify respiratory care protocols through written, laboratory and/or clinical simulation evaluations.

• RCP 215 Career Preparation

  This course provides an overview of respiratory therapy concepts in preparation for credentialing exam. Emphasis is placed on registry preparation. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of respiratory therapy and be prepared for successful completion of the credentialing process.

• RCP 237 RCP Clinical Practice IV

  This course provides advanced practitioner clinical experience. Emphasis is placed on therapeutic and diagnostic patient care. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate clinical competence in required performance evaluations.