Respiratory Therapy (RES)

RES-101. Foundations of Respiratory Care. (3 Credits)

This is a lecture course providing an introduction to respiratory care and governing agencies. There is an emphasis on professionalism, ethics, physical science principles, cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology, patient care, and concepts of illness. Fee is required (3 contact hours)

RES-102. Fundamentals of Medical Gas Therapy. (5 Credits)

This is a lecture and laboratory course that examines the rationale, indications, hazards, and safe administration of oxygen therapy and various medical gas therapies. Theory and application and regulation of gas flow, cylinders, regulators, and flowmeters. Patient isolation techniques and sterilization of respiratory therapy equipment. The indications and use of pulse oximetry and oxygen analyzers. This course also will introduce the etiology, diagnosis, pathology, symptoms, and treatment of pulmonary diseases. Fee is required. (7 contact hours)

RES-103. Pharmacology for Respiratory Therapy. (3 Credits)

This course is a study of drugs affecting primarily the respiratory, circulatory, nervous, and renal systems. Categories of drugs discussed include bronchodilators, corticosteroids, nonsteroidal antiasthma agents, mucokinetics, surfactants, xanthines, central nervous stimulants and depressants, antidysrhythmics, antithrombotics, diuretics, antihistamines, vasopressors, antibiotics and a brief review of neonatal and pediatric aerosolized drug therapy. The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system also will be discussed. Drug calculations also will be covered. Fee is required. (3 contact hours)

RES-104. Airway Care and Gas Exchange. (4 Credits)

This course is a lecture course which presents advanced concepts in the anatomy and physiology of the cardiopulmonary system, the indications and hazards of artificial airways, emergency airway care, and life support techniques in respiratory and cardiac failure. The study includes theory and equipment demonstrations. The course also covers acid-base balance and a comprehensive study of blood gases, renal system anatomy, and physiology. Fee is required. (4 contact hours)

RES-105. Respiratory Therapeutic Modalities. (5 Credits)

This is a lecture and laboratory course that studies the application of various forms of medication, aerosol therapy, hyperinflation therapy, and special procedures used in the practice of respiratory care. Indications and use of non-invasive monitors and pulmonary clearance techniques are presented. Advanced assessment of etiology, diagnosis, pathology, symptoms, and treatment of various pulmonary and related disease entities and therapeutic medical gases and pulmonary functions are discussed. Fee is required. (7 contact hours)

RES-106. Patient and Ventilator Management. (3 Credits)

This is a lecture course providing in-depth study of the operational principles, application, physiological effects, and management of ventilators. Emphasis is placed on the appropriate management of patients requiring mechanical ventilation. Fee is required. (3 contact hours)

RES-107. Managing the Critically Ill Patient. (2 Credits)

This is a lecture course which provides a study of cardiac and cardiovascular monitoring, advanced cardiac life support protocols, and advanced pharmacology involved in managing the critically ill patient. Fee is required. (2 contact hours)

RES-154. Respiratory Clinical Practice I. (1 Credit)

This course provides practical experience conducted at a hospital affiliated with the respiratory therapy program under the direct supervision of a respiratory therapist for 8 hours per week. Emphasis is on providing care to non-critically ill patients. Fee is required. (8 contact hours)

RES-157. Respiratory Clinical Practice II. (1 Credit)

This course is practical experience conducted at a hospital affiliated with the respiratory therapy program under the direct supervision of a respiratory therapist for 16 hours per week. Emphasis is on increasing skill level and critical thinking skills developed in Respiratory Clinical Practice I, time management and prioritizing respiratory care to non-critically ill patients, followed by an introduction to critical care respiratory therapy. Fee is required. (10 contact hours)

RES-200. Basic EKG Application and Theory. (2 Credits)

This course provides a basic understanding of electrocardiography (EKG) theory and application. (3 contact hours)

RES-201. Neonatal/Advanced Respiratory Care. (3 Credits)

This is a lecture course providing in-depth study of neonatal and pediatric anatomy and physiology with an emphasis on respiratory therapies for newborns and pediatric patients with cardiopulmonary disorders. Advanced management of patients requiring mechanical ventilation also is addressed. Ventilator waveforms, current concepts in mechanical ventilation such as high frequency ventilation and alternative and home care therapies are explored. Fee is required. (3 contact hours)

RES-202. Respiratory Care Capstone. (3 Credits)

This course is designed to prepare students to take the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Therapist Multiple-Choice examination (TMC) leading to the CRT credential and the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) examination through discussion, case studies, computer software and mock examinations. The primary goal of this course is to focus on the complex subjects of the CRT and RRT content outline. Therefore, to enhance performance on the mock examination, outside resources such as computer examinations and exam matrices must be utilized. Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support training and certification are also included. Fee is required. (3 contact hours)

RES-250. Respiratory Clinical Practice III. (2 Credits)

This course provides students with practical experience conducted at a hospital affiliated with the respiratory therapy program under the direct supervision of a respiratory therapist for 16 hours per week. Emphasis is on increasing skill level, critical thinking skills and cognitive abilities in ventilator management for the critically ill patient developed in Respiratory Clinical Practice II. This course will also include an introduction to neonatal and pediatric care with cardiopulmonary diseases. Fee is required. (16 contact hours)

RES-251. Respiratory Clinical Practice IV. (4 Credits)

This course provides students with a clinical experience conducted at a hospital affiliated with the respiratory therapy program under supervision of a respiratory therapist. This is the last clinical course in the Respiratory Therapy A.A.S. degree program and will prepare the student to enter the workforce. Emphasis is on increasing skill level, critical thinking skills and cognitive abilities consistent with entry level into the profession. Advanced ventilator management of the critically ill adult and neonatal patient will be emphasized. Emphasis is on increasing skill level, critical thinking skills and cognitive abilities in ventilator management for the critically ill patient developed in Respiratory Clinical Practice III (RES-250). Fee is required. (20 contact hours)