Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP)

Provides an in-depth analysis of the respiratory and circulatory systems with emphasis on the interaction of systems in gas exchange and acid-base balance as well as the structure and function of the chest cage, mechanics of breathing and control of respiration. Completion of BIO 137 and ENG 101 with a grade of C or better. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours).

Presents the principles and techniques of therapeutic procedures used in respiratory care, including an emphasis on medical asepsis, safe handling and administration of medical gases, uses of humidity, aerosol therapy, lung inflation techniques, bronchial hygiene therapy and airway care. Completion of BIO 137 and ENG 101 with a grade of C or better. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours). Laboratory: 1 credit (60 contract hours).

Emphasizes the health care team and the practice and or performance of techniques of basic respiratory care including airway management and bronchial hygiene. Clinical: 1 credit (60 contact hours).

Introduces respiratory care including chest physical assessment, medical gas therapy, humidity and aerosol therapy, bronchial hygiene, airway management, medical asepsis and development of the respiratory care plan. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours). Laboratory: 1 credit (60 contact hours).

Examines cardiopulmonary assessment with in-depth coverage of invasive and non-invasive arterial blood gas interpretation, electrocardiography and assessment of chest and neck imaging. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours). Laboratory: 1 credit (60 contact hours).

Provides an overview of respiratory pharmacological agents and their use in the clinical practice of a respiratory therapist. Lecture: 1 credit hour (15 contact hours).

Emphasizes blood gas analysis, pulmonary function studies, electrocardiography and chest radiography. Lecture: 1.5 credits (22.50 contact hours). Laboratory: 0.5 credit (15 contact hours).

Provides an opportunity for observation and/or performance of techniques for chest physical assessment, medical gas administration, humidity and aerosol therapy and bronchial hygiene in the assigned clinical setting. Clinical: 2 credits (120 contact hours).

Provides an opportunity to participate in the health care team while practicing techniques of respiratory care including airway management and bronchial hygiene in the assigned setting.

Emphasizes participation in the health care team while practicing techniques of basic respiratory care including airway management and bronchial hygiene. ). Clinical: 2 credits (120 contact hours).

Covers the technological and physiological aspects of mechanical ventilation including the theory of operation, classification, and management of the patient ventilator system. Lecture: 2 credits (30 contact hours); Laboratory: 1 credit (60 contact hours).

Introduces the technological aspects of mechanical ventilation including the theory of operation, classification and patient-ventilator system checks. Lecture: 1.5 credits (22.5 contact hours). Laboratory: 0.5 credit (15 contact hours).

Addresses advanced concepts in ventilatory support, including physiologic effects, indications, monitoring and management of the patient-ventilator system. Lecture: 1.5 credits (22.5 contact hours); Laboratory: 0.5 credits (30 contact hours).

Addresses advanced concepts in ventilatory support including monitoring and management of the patient-ventilator system. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours). Laboratory: 1 credit (60 contact hours).

Provides practice in adult mechanical ventilation procedures and airway management in the critical care setting and performance of other respiratory care skills. Clinical: 3 credits (180 contact hours).

Provides practice in adult mechanical ventilation procedures and airway management in the critical care setting in addition to continued performance of the basic respiratory care skills. Clinical: 2 credits (120 contact hours).

Prepares students to participate in advanced emergency life support and special procedures. Lecture: 2.5 credits (37.5 contact hours). Laboratory: 0.5 credit (30 contact hours).

Addresses the etiology, diagnosis, clinical manifestations and management of cardiopulmonary disorders as related to respiratory care including the fundamental microbiological principles and their relation to health and disease. Lecture: 3 credits (45 contact hours).

Provides a study of the special needs of the neonatal and pediatric patient with focus on fetal cardiopulmonary development, evaluation, assessment and treatment of cardiopulmonary conditions and diseases of the neonatal and pediatric patient, as well as equipment unique to this population. Lecture: 2.5 credits (37.5 contact hours). Laboratory: 0.5 credits (30 contact hours).

Prepares students to assist physician in advanced diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures. Lecture: 2.5 credits (37.50 contact hours). Laboratory: 0.5 credits (30 contact hours).

Provides observation and practice of advanced cardiopulmonary evaluation techniques while improving efficiency in the ventilatory management of patients. Clinical: 3 credits (180 contact hours).

Provides observation and practice in advanced cardiopulmonary evaluation techniques while improving efficiency in the ventilatory management of adult patients. Clinical: 4 credits (240 contact hours).

Covers prevention of cardiopulmonary disorders and care of individuals with long term cardiopulmonary disability. Addresses psychosocial and physical needs of clients with emphasis on improving the quality of life and cardiopulmonary reserve. Lecture: 2 credits (30 contact hours).

Addresses cardiopulmonary assessment including hemodynamic monitoring, pulmonary and cardiac exercise/stress testing, advanced cardiac procedures, blood chemistry and fluid and electrolyte balance. Lecture: 2.75 credits (41.25 contact hours). Laboratory: .25 credit (15 contact hours).

Focuses on managing acute cardiovascular emergencies including cardiac arrest, acute myocardial infarction and stroke. Students demonstrating essential knowledge and skills and obtaining 85% or greater on the written exam will receive an American Heart Association ACLS provider card. Lecture: 1.5 credits (22.50 contact hours). Laboratory: 0.5 credit (30 contact hours).

Prepares students to participate in effective and efficient planning, managing and delivering respiratory care to diverse client populations in various settings. Clinical: 3 credits (180 contact hours).

Prepares students to plan, manage, and deliver respiratory care to diverse client populations in various settings. Enables students to practice mechanical ventilation techniques and observe/practice techniques of advanced life support. Clinical: 4 credits (240 contact hours).

Analyzes material previously studied in the program and prepares students for the National Board for Respiratory Care examination. Addresses job seeking skills. Lecture: 1 credit (15 contact hours).

A special project or experience in Respiratory Care will be selected to enhance core material in the Respiratory Care Program. It provides the student and opportunity for independent study and specialized instruction as approved by the instructor. This course may be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours. Lecture: varies.