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.

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.

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

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.

Prerequisite(s): Appropriate placement scores or equivalent.

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.

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.

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

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.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of C- in MAT-063.

This course introduces the student to the healthcare system and provides an opportunity to explore a wide variety of health careers/professions. Students will explore ethical and legal responsibilities within the healthcare system including expectations for professional behavior. This course will allow for certification in common healthcare requirements.

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.

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.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of D- in MAT-063 or appropriate 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): MAT-063.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

Pre/Co-requisite(s): A minimum grade of C in RCP-315 or RCP-680.

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.

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

Pre/Co-requisite(s): A 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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.