Respiratory Care AAS Degree Courses

The first of a two-semester sequence especially designed for students pursuing careers in allied health fields as well as any student desiring an in-depth undergraduate transfer course. The course focuses on the interdependent relationships between the structure and functions of body systems and the ways these parts interact (homeostasis) to insure the survival of the organism. Major topics addressed include levels of organization, the chemistry of life, support/movement, integration/control, and coordination. Coordinated laboratory exercises focus on anatomical knowledge and physiological functions.

Lecture Hours: 48 Lab Hours: 32

Morphology, physiology, taxonomy, and relationship of microorganisms to disease. In-depth laboratory study and suitable lecture material with applications to agriculture, industry, and medicine.

Lecture Hours: 48 Lab Hours: 32

An introductory course which assumes a minimal student background in mathematics and chemistry. The course is intended to serve students in allied health programs and any student desiring an application-oriented, less theoretical approach to chemistry. The course introduces students to the practical aspects and basic concepts of chemistry including measurements, dimensional analysis, matter, energy, atoms, elements, the Periodic Chart, nuclear chemistry, chemical bonding, nomenclature, an introduction to organic chemistry, chemical quantities, formulas, gases, chemical calculations, balancing equations, solutions, acids and bases, chemical kinetics, and equilibrium. Coordinated laboratory exercises are intended to emphasize topics covered in the lecture as well as stress basic laboratory techniques. Elementary algebra is required as a prerequisite.

Lecture Hours: 48 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in MAT-063 or MAT-060. Or equivalent placement score.

This course presents the foundation necessary to develop a basic medical terminology vocabulary. Emphasis on the components of terms as related to each body system will be provided. The course further provides the student with the opportunity to properly spell, pronounce and utilize medical terms in relation to pathological conditions, tests, and procedures. Common medical abbreviations will also be discussed for each system.

Lecture Hours: 32

This course provides an introduction to the study of behavior and mental processes with emphasis in such areas as learning, cognition, motivation, personality, behavioral disorder, therapy, and social influence. An understanding of the impact of both theoretical perspectives and experimental evidence on the formulation of the science of human behavior is also stressed. Psychological theories and principles are utilized to explain and predict behavior.

Lecture Hours: 48

This course introduces students to the oral communication process and how it affects human interaction There will be an emphasis on developing interpersonal, small group, and public speaking skills. Students will be involved in activities that provide opportunity for the understanding and improvement of their oral communication skills.

Lecture Hours: 48

This course studies the fundamentals of public speaking, emphasizing the process of speech preparation and delivery in various contexts.

Lecture Hours: 48

The second of a two-semester sequence designed for students pursuing careers in allied health fields or wishing an in-depth undergraduate transfer course in the biological sciences. The course focuses on interdependent relationships between the structures and functions of body systems and the way these parts interact (homeostasis) to insure survival of the organism. Major topics addressed include systems associated with circulation, maintenance, elimination and continuity. Coordinated laboratory exercises focus on anatomical knowledge and physiological functions.

Lecture Hours: 48 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in BIO-168.

Morphology, physiology, taxonomy, and relationship of microorganisms to disease. In-depth laboratory study and suitable lecture material with applications to agriculture, industry, and medicine.

Lecture Hours: 48 Lab Hours: 32

An introductory course which assumes a minimal student background in mathematics and chemistry. The course is intended to serve students in allied health programs and any student desiring an application-oriented, less theoretical approach to chemistry. The course introduces students to the practical aspects and basic concepts of chemistry including measurements, dimensional analysis, matter, energy, atoms, elements, the Periodic Chart, nuclear chemistry, chemical bonding, nomenclature, an introduction to organic chemistry, chemical quantities, formulas, gases, chemical calculations, balancing equations, solutions, acids and bases, chemical kinetics, and equilibrium. Coordinated laboratory exercises are intended to emphasize topics covered in the lecture as well as stress basic laboratory techniques. Elementary algebra is required as a prerequisite.

Lecture Hours: 48 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in MAT-063 or MAT-060. Or equivalent placement score.

This is a one semester, liberal arts mathematics course that satisfies the minimum general education requirement for math. The course is designed to impart math skills which are helpful in everyday life as well as to expose students to areas of mathematics they may not have seen before. Topics include problem-solving skills, set theory, algebra, consumer mathematics, probability, and statistics. Other topics may be included.

Lecture Hours: 48

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of D- in MAT-060 or MAT-063. Or equivalent placement score.

This course is a study of descriptive statistics including graphical representation, central tendency, correlation and regression, intuitive treatment of probability and inferential statistics including hypothesis testing.

Lecture Hours: 48

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in MAT-060 or MAT-063. Or equivalent placement score.

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 also be studied.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s):

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, airway clearance techniques, and suctioning. The insertion, maintenance, and removal of artificial airways, including endotracheal and tracheostomy tubes, will be discussed in detail.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 64

Pre/Co-requisite(s): Minimum grade of C in RCP-100

This course expands patient data evaluation, covering advanced assessment results, including diagnostic imaging and laboratory tests. The main focus will be on obstructive and infectious disorders and their effect on the cardiopulmonary system; including disorder etiology, anatomic changes, and clinical presentation. Evaluation of signs and symptoms will allow the student to generate a diagnosis and an evidence-based multidisciplinary treatment plan. Patient case studies will be a major focus.

Lecture Hours: 32

This course provides a study of the drugs affecting the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and renal systems.

Lecture Hours: 32

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

Pre/Co-requisite(s): Minimum grade of C in RCP-345

This course introduces the student to the hospital setting to develop important skills in communicating with patients and other healthcare 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, and airway clearance therapy.

Clinic Hours: 96

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

Pre/Co-requisite(s): Minimum grade of C in RCP-401

Composition I emphasizes fluency, thesis-driven organization, the use of supporting details, and research techniques. Writing is approached as a recursive process that includes prewriting strategies, drafting, revising, and editing. The course helps students shape writing to serve readers' needs and define a sense of purpose in their writing. It also gives students strategies for reading college-level material.

Lecture Hours: 48

Prerequisite(s): Appropriate placement score or equivalent.

This course examines common medical disorders that affect the cardiopulmonary system, including disorder etiology, anatomic changes, and clinical presentation. Evaluation of signs and symptoms will allow the student to generate a diagnosis and an evidence-based multidisciplinary treatment plan. Patient case studies will be a major focus.

Lecture Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade C in RCP-345

This course will cover the procedure and analysis of arterial blood gas sample collection. It will also cover blood and gas analyzer care and arterial catheters.

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-561

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: 32 Lab Hours: 32

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

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.

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 and RCP-670

Pre/Co-requisite(s): Minimum grade of C in RCP-401

Principles and techniques of pulmonary function testing will be learned with an emphasis on the evaluation and interpretation of the test results. Principles of polysomnography testing and other advanced concepts will be learned.

Lecture Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in RCP-345 and RCP-355

This course expands on ventilator management and advanced care to support oxygenation and ventilation in special circumstances. Ventilator graphics, calculations, advanced monitoring, and ventilator-associated events will be covered.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

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

This course will focus on the cardiac side of the cardiopulmonary system. The student will learn about electrocardiograms, and their importance as a part of Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). Hemodynamics will also be covered.

Lecture Hours: 32 Lab Hours: 32

Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C in RCP-600 and RCP-401

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-430 and RCP-561 and RCP-680

Pre/Co-requisite(s): Minimum grade of C in RCP-405 and RCP-571 and RCP-580

A comprehensive summary of the Respiratory Therapy program with an emphasis on the NBRC content outline will be reviewed.

Lecture Hours: 32

Pre/Co-requisite(s): Minimum grade of C in RCP-405 and RCP-571 and RCP-580