RCP: Respiratory Therapy

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RCP-100 Introduction to Respiratory Care

3 credits—This course introduces the student to the fundamentals of Respiratory Care. The field of Respiratory Care will be examined to determine opportunities and policies in the profession. It will establish a strong foundation in bedside assessment including vital signs, chest assessment, evaluating work of breathing, and patient history. Also covered will be the therapeutic uses of medical gases, infection control procedures, and proper maintenance of records. Humidity and aerosol therapy will be studied in detail.

Must complete all Pre-Respiratory courses with a cumulative GPA of 2.75.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Course Type: Technical

2025–2026 Course Cost: $1,544.00

RCP-260 Airway Maintenance Procedures

4 credits—This course will develop the skills required to assess, diagnose, and manage a patient's airway. It specifically describes the Respiratory Therapist's role in maintaining a patent airway by using lung expansion therapy, bronchial hygiene techniques, and suctioning. The insertion, maintenance, and removal of artificial airways, which include endotracheal tubes and tracheostomy tubes, will be discussed in detail.

Lecture Hours: 48 Lab Hours: 32

Co-requisite(s): A minimum grade of C in RCP-100.

Course Type: Technical

2025–2026 Course Cost: $1,091.00

RCP-315 Cardiopulmonary Therapeutics

4 credits—This course is a general review of the respiratory, circulatory, and renal systems as they apply to respiratory care. The procedure and analysis of arterial blood gas sampling will be discussed in detail along with the pharmacologic interventions used to ease the work of breathing. This course provides a foundation for the study of respiratory and cardiovascular disorders and the interventions made to alleviate them.

Lecture Hours: 48 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in RCP-100 and RCP-260.

Co-requisite(s): Minimum grade of C in RCP-680.

Course Type: Technical

2025–2026 Course Cost: $1,141.00

RCP-350 Pulmonary Pathology

3 credits—This course examines common medical disorders and the effect on the cardiopulmonary system. It includes disorder etiology, anatomic changes, and clinical presentation. Evaluation of signs and symptoms will allow the student to generate a diagnosis and design a multidisciplinary treatment plan. Patient case studies and clinical simulations will be a major focus.

Lecture Hours: 48

Pre/Co-requisite(s): A minimum grade of C in RCP-315.

Course Type: Technical

2025–2026 Course Cost: $702.00

RCP-410 Cardio/Pulmonary Diagnostics

3 credits—This course covers advanced cardiopulmonary diagnostic tests. It includes pulmonary function tests, stress tests, imaging studies, noninvasive monitors, bronchoscopies, cardioversions, polysomnography, indwelling lines, and pulmonary rehabilitation. Ethical issues for Respiratory Therapists will also be discussed.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Co-requisite(s): A minimum grade of C in RCP-565 or RCP-690.

Course Type: Technical

2025–2026 Course Cost: $702.00

RCP-561 Introduction to Ventilator Support

3 credits—This course prepares the student to initiate and manage invasive and noninvasive mechanical ventilation. Discussion topics will include modes of ventilation, ventilator settings, and ventilator alarm limits. Principles of mechanical ventilation and the effects of positive pressure will also be studied.

Lecture Hours: 16 Lab Hours: 64

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in RCP-100 and RCP-260.

Pre/Co-requisite(s): Minimum grade of C in RCP-315 and RCP-680.

Course Type: Technical

2025–2026 Course Cost: $702.00

RCP-565 Intensive Respiratory Care

3 credits—This course expands the student's ability to oxygenate and ventilate a patient while managing a mechanical ventilator. The student will utilize ventilator graphics to change settings and troubleshoot problems as the patient improves or deteriorates. Special monitoring systems will be discussed, including indwelling arterial lines, cardiac monitors, hemodynamic monitors, transcutaneous monitors, and capnographs. Performance and interpretation of electrocardiograms are highlighted. Medications commonly given to critical patients in the Intensive Care Unit will also be discussed.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in RCP-315 and RCP-561.

Co-requisite(s): Minimum grade of C in RCP-690.

Course Type: Technical

2025–2026 Course Cost: $1,262.00

RCP-600 Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Therapy

3 credits—This course provides in-depth knowledge into the complex problems associated with the neonatal and pediatric population. Neonatal and pediatric assessment, monitoring, and respiratory intervention will be a major focus. Abnormal conditions that occur during the transition from fetal development, to the perinatal period, to the pediatric stages of life will also be discussed. Simulation will be used to demonstrate the ability to identify and treat common abnormalities found in this population.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in RCP-100 and RCP-260.

Pre/Co-requisite(s): Minimum grade of C in RCP-680.

Course Type: Technical

2025–2026 Course Cost: $747.00

RCP-680 Clinical Respiratory Care

4 credits—This course introduces the student to the hospital setting to develop important skills in communicating with patients and other health care personnel. The student will perform valuable patient assessments as well as basic respiratory care modalities. The modalities included are: oxygen therapy, lung expansion therapy, medication delivery, bronchial hygiene, intubation, extubation, suctioning, tracheostomy care, and ABG sampling.

Clinic Hours: 192

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in RCP-100 and RCP-260.

Course Type: Technical

2025–2026 Course Cost: $1,086.00

RCP-690 Clinical Intensive Care

8 credits—This course expands clinical situations into the intensive care units, which includes invasive and noninvasive ventilators and hemodynamically unstable patients. There will be a specialty rotation to develop awareness of different aspects of neonatal, pediatric, and adult ICUs, and other special procedures.

Clinic Hours: 384

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in RCP-350, and RCP-561, and RCP-680.

Pre/Co-requisite(s): Minimum grade of C in RCP-565.

Course Type: Technical

2025–2026 Course Cost: $2,352.00

RCP-875 Respiratory Care Applications

2 credits—This course is a summary course to combine textbook knowledge with application skills. It will test the student's ability in turning recalled information into better decision-making processes.

Lecture Hours: 16 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in RCP-315, and RCP-350, and RCP-561, and RCP-600.

Pre/Co-requisite(s): Minimum grade of C in RCP-410, and RCP-565, and RCP-690.

Course Type: Technical

2025–2026 Course Cost: $828.00

RCP-900 Clinical Preceptor

4 credits—This course prepares the student for real-life hospital situations. The student will be expected to complete a full work day doing the full workload of an assigned Staff Therapist (preceptor). The student is expected to handle all aspects of respiratory care including interruptions and new situations. The preceptor will monitor the student at all times and will offer support if needed.

Co-op Hours: 256

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C in RCP-680 and RCP-690.

Course Type: Technical

2025–2026 Course Cost: $936.00

RCP-910 Respiratory Care RRT Review

2 credits—This course is designed to test the student's ability to successfully earn passing scores on advanced-level examinations. Although advanced-level examinations will be the focus of this course, review of entry-level examination concepts will also be provided. Mock Board examinations will be administered after completion of a comprehensive review seminar.

Lecture Hours: 32

Course Type: Technical

2025–2026 Course Cost: $1,118.00