Respiratory Therapy (RESP)

RESP 1000  - Introduction to Respiratory Therapy  
(3 Credits)  
In this course, students explore current concepts in health care including patient/client care issues such as effective communication, cultural and age-specific concerns and disease management models. Health care provider topics such as professionalism, ethical and legal considerations, including credentialing and licensure are addressed. A brief overview of the U.S. health care system is discussed, addressing past and present payment structure, care settings and delivery models. An introduction to medical terminology is also included.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
RESP 1010  - Respiratory Care I  
(4 Credits)  
This course introduces students to the hospital and patient environment in the classroom and the laboratory. Students learn an array of respiratory therapy procedures. An overview of the structure and function of the cardio-respiratory system is examined as well as physical principles of gas flow and lung mechanics. Principles of breathing and gas exchange, including oxygen and carbon dioxide transport and arterial blood gas values and interpretation are addressed. Laboratory practice is included. (Admission to the Respiratory Therapy program)

Lecture: 3 hours, Lab: 3 hours
  
RESP 1012  - Pre-Clinical Practice  
(2 Credits)  
This course is designed to prepare students for the initial clinical experience in the program. It will emphasize students’ ability to identify and follow protocols in order to carry out commonly ordered respiratory therapy procedures. Students will recognize and interpret basic findings in patient assessment, including vital signs, chest assessment, and values for blood chemistry testing. Students will be introduced to the electronic medical record and tracking system, and will participate in case simulations.

Lecture: 2 hours
  
RESP 1100  - Respiratory Care II  
(4 Credits)  
This course offers a detailed review of therapeutic and diagnostic techniques in respiratory care. It includes the study of both invasive and noninvasive diagnostic techniques for assessing oxygenation, ventilation, pulmonary function and electrocardiography. Students interpret graphics from these techniques, and are able to classify specific findings. Management of airway emergencies and artificial airways is included. Laboratory practice is provided

Lecture: 3 hours, Lab: 3 hours
  
Prerequisite(s): RESP 1010
  
RESP 1800  - Clinical Practicum I^  
(1 Credit)  
This clinical experience introduces students to the hospital environment. Emphasis is on orientation, becoming familiar with respiratory therapy department structure and procedures and use of the medical record. Medical gas therapy and incentive spirometry are applied with direct bedside teaching.

Other: 8 hours
  
Prerequisite(s): RESP 1010
  
RESP 2020  - Cardiopulmonary Diseases I  
(3 Credits)  
This course emphasizes the study of microorganisms and control of pathogens related to cardiopulmonary disorders, the study of common cardiopulmonary disorders with emphasis on characteristics, application of diagnostics and determining appropriate therapeutic regimens.

Lecture: 4 hours
  
RESP 2030  - Cardiopulmonary Diseases II  
(3 Credits)  
This course continues the study of the pathophysiology of cardiopulmonary disorders and their treatment. A portion of this course emphasizes the study of cardiopulmonary disorders in pediatric patients and in the neonate.

Lecture: 4 hours
  
Prerequisite(s): RESP 2020
  
RESP 2110  - Respiratory Critical Care  
(3 Credits)  
This course offers an introduction to critical care concepts and application of physiologic measures to patient care in the acute care setting.

Lecture: 3 hours
  
RESP 2120  - Respiratory Care III  
(4 Credits)  
Students continue their study of critical care modalities including the principles of positive pressure breathing devices, their clinical applications and alternatives with emphasis on artificial airway management, ACLS protocols, mechanical ventilation principles of operation, management and terminology. Critical care monitoring, including hemodynamic monitoring and pharmacological control, are discussed. Laboratory practice is part of this course.

Lecture: 3 hours, Lab: 3 hours
  
Prerequisite(s): RESP 1100
  
RESP 2130  - Respiratory Care IV  
(4 Credits)  
Specialized respiratory therapy is studied in-depth with emphasis on nonconventional mechanical ventilation including indications, equipment, procedures and precautions. A portion of this course focuses on pediatric and neonatal critical care modalities. Advanced cardiopulmonary diagnostics, including arrhythmia interpretation and ACLS support, rehabilitation practices, medical ethics and laws pertaining to the care of patients with cardiopulmonary disorders, are discussed. Laboratory practice is included.

Lecture: 3 hours, Lab: 3 hours
  
Prerequisite(s): RESP 2120
  
RESP 2140  - Basics of Electrocardiography  
(1 Credit)  
This course is designed to provide the health care practitioner with the knowledge and skills needed to accurately identify basic cardiac arrhythmias. A review of cardiac terminology, cardiac physiology and patient interaction before, during and after testing is included. Laboratory instruction provides hands-on practice of electrode placement, equipment set-up and troubleshooting of the electrocardiograph and practice reading ECG rhythm strips for arrhythmias. Note: Phlebotomy students - see prerequisites under program requirements

Lecture: 2 hours, Lab: 2 hours
  
Corequisite(s):PHLE 1020  
RESP 2800  - Clinical Practicum II^  
(2 Credits)  
This clinical experience allows students to apply knowledge developed through previous and current study. Students are guided and evaluated through bedside teaching. They are exposed to the diagnostic procedure of respiratory therapy and perform specific diagnostic procedures under direct supervision by the clinical director and affiliate staff. Experience in all areas of the hospital with emphasis on respiratory therapeutics, as well as home care are provided. Interpersonal skills are practiced and assessed.

Other: 24 hours
  
RESP 2810  - Clinical Practicum III^  
(4 Credits)  
This clinical experience allows students to apply the techniques and skills of previous and current study to hospitalized patients under direct supervision. Students are introduced to the clinical application of mechanical ventilation as well as to specialized areas of patient care through bedside teaching. In addition, students prepare a case presentation of patients in these areas. Pulmonary function training is also provided.

Other: 24 hours
  
RESP 2820  - Clinical Practicum IV^  
(3 Credits)  
In this clinical experience, students will apply all the techniques and skills of the respiratory therapist to hospitalized patients under direct and indirect supervision by the clinical director and affiliate staff. Clinical study of mechanical ventilation is completed. Students also examine neonatal and pediatric procedures.

Other: 24 hours