Respiratory Therapy (RCP)

Provides entry level Respiratory Therapist students with the necessary A&P knowledge of the cardiopulmonary system. Emphasizes concepts and systems introduced in BIO-161, enabling students to better recognize, assess, and identify those systems vital to Respiratory Therapy. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Prerequisite: Minimum C- in BIO-161.

Provides the student with the necessary competencies to conduct a general head-to-toe integumentary assessment as well as a more detailed cardiovascular and chest/pulmonary assessment, enabling the student to identify and document any abnormalities. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Prerequisite: Minimum C- in BIO-161, or in both BIO-168 and BIO-173.

Provides the theory, equipment operation and application with laboratory exercises in airway management techniques, humidity therapy and physiologic changes associated with patient needs. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Prerequisite: Minimum C- in BIO-186. Minimum C- in CHM-110 or CHM-165.

Provides the theory, equipment operation and application with laboratory exercises in oxygen and other gas therapy; and aerosol drug therapy, with an introduction to respiratory pharmacology and airway clearance modalities. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Prerequisite: Minimum C- in HSC-115. Take ENG-105, ENG-106, ENG-108 or ENG-120. Take HSC-107. Take RCP-212.

Provides the essential concepts of cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology with an emphasis on pulmonary homeostasis. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Prerequisite: Take BIO-161, or both BIO-168 and BIO-173. Take MAT-102. Minimum C- in HSC-115. Minimum C- in RCP-101.

Provides an introduction to the study of disease with an emphasis on terminology and basic disease processes. Examines common infectious diseases, acute and chronic respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular disorders. Concentrates on etiology, pathophysiology, signs and symptoms. Provides an overview of respiratory care for the surgical patient, as well as specific management of traumatic chest injury and head trauma. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Prerequisite: Minimum C- in RCP-300. Minimum C- in BIO-186.

Offers an in-depth study of pulmonary disorders relating the respiratory therapist's role in diagnosis, treatment, pharmacologic management and support; provides practice in gathering appropriate information and making prompt and correct patient care decisions. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Prerequisite: Minimum C- in RCP-370. Minimum C- in RCP-420. Take SPC-101, SPC-112 or COM-222.

Provides theory and operation of equipment in pulmonary function testing with interpretation of test results. Laboratory exercises include gathering data from bedside spirometry, measuring weaning parameters, as well as standard pulmonary function laboratory testing. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Prerequisite: Minimum C- in RCP-220. Minimum C- in RCP-300.

Surveys the theory and application of specialized diagnostic procedures, equipment and monitoring techniques in cardiac medicine. Includes ECG and monitoring leads, basic interpretation and dysrhythmia recognition, thermodilution cardiac output and oxymetrix-mixed venous oxygen measurements, pulmonary artery catheters, hemodynamics and clinical application. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Prerequisite: Minimum C- in BIO-161, or in both BIO-168 and BIO-173. Minimum C- in RCP-101. Minimum C- in RCP-220. Minimum C- in RCP-300. Minimum C- in RCP-420. Minimum C- in RCP-511. Minimum C- in RCP-512.

Provides theory and laboratory practice in managing specific life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias resulting from myocardial infarction. Includes review of basic life support, use of mechanical aids to establish an airway and maintain ventilation, ECG monitoring and recognition of life-threatening dysrhythmias, cardiac defibrillation, establishing an intravenous drug access, and initiating appropriate cardiac drug therapy. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Prerequisite: Minimum C- in RCP-470. Minimum C- in RCP-736.

Explores the theory, equipment operation and application with laboratory exercises in adult and pediatric/neonatal mechanical ventilation, IPPB and arterial blood gas analysis. Examines the effect of mechanical ventilation on acid base balance. Laboratory emphasis on the operation and application of adult and pediatric/neonatal ventilators. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Prerequisite: Minimum C- in RCP-220. Minimum C- in RCP-300.

Builds upon concepts introduced in Respiratory Care II-A. Explores the theory, equipment operation and application with laboratory exercises in adult and pediatric/neonatal mechanical ventilation, IPPB and arterial blood gas analysis. Examines the effect of mechanical ventilation on acid base balance. Laboratory emphasis on the operation and application of adult and pediatric/neonatal ventilators. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Prerequisite: Minimum C- in RCP-220. Minimum C- in RCP-300. Minimum C- in RCP-511.

Explores fetal growth and development, assessment of the high-risk newborn and respiratory care of the perinatal/pediatric patient. Reviews specific medical/surgical pathology in the newborn and pediatric patient. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Prerequisite: Minimum C- in RCP-370. Minimum C- in RCP-511. Minimum C- in RCP-512.

Provides students with clinical practice in order to demonstrate proficiency in physical assessment, oxygen therapy, airway care and IPPB skills. Students observe and practice mechanical ventilation and arterial blood gas analysis skills. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Prerequisite: Minimum C- in RCP-212.

Demonstrates proficiency in RC Clinic I skills and ventilation and arterial blood gas analysis. Provides practice in pediatric respiratory care, hemodynamic monitoring and proficiency in pulmonary function testing. Integrates observation of diagnostic techniques in ECG, cardiac catheterization lab and bronchoscopy lab. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Prerequisite: Minimum C- in RCP-420. Minimum C- in RCP-511. Minimum C- in RCP-512. Minimum C- in RCP-730.

Provides students an opportunity to maintain proficiency in RC Clinics I and II skills, demonstrate proficiency in pediatric/perinatal respiratory care, practice clinical education techniques and observe management skills. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Prerequisite: Minimum C- in RCP-736.

Surveys the theory and application of specialized diagnostic procedures, equipment and monitoring techniques in pulmonary medicine and critical care. Includes bronchoscopy, oximetry, capnography and transcutaneous monitoring. Explores the elements of pulmonary rehabilitation with laboratory exercises in breathing retraining. Examines the theory and operation of pleural drainage systems. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Prerequisite: Minimum C- in RCP-370. Minimum C- in RCP-511. Minimum C- in RCP-512.

Culminates the learning activities of the previous five semesters of study in respiratory care. Integrates the theory and application of respiratory care to focus on case management, clinical problem solving, clinical simulation, and boards testing. Case discussions, activities, and understanding of case study managements, will selectively cover the spectrum of cardiopulmonary disorders for neonatal, pediatric, adult, and geriatric, along with outpatient protocols and application for all patients. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B

Prerequisite: Minimum C- in RCP-380. Minimum C- in RCP-470. Minimum C- in RCP-610. Minimum C- in RCP-736.

Allows a qualified honors student to pursue a special concentration of study under the guidance of a faculty member. Requires completion of an honors project contract. May be taken more than once. Arts & Sciences Elective Code: B; Comments: Requires approval of supervising professor and dean