Academic Catalog

Respiratory Therapy (RESP)

RESP 1110    Cardiopulmonary & Renal Structure & Function  
Credits: 2  
Lecture hours: 2  
The Cardiopulmonary Renal Structure and Function course provides a detailed study of the anatomy and physiology of the cardiopulmonary system, with particular attention to its integration with renal function. Explores the structure and function of the heart, lungs, and kidneys and how these systems work together to maintain homeostasis. Emphasizes the physiological mechanisms behind respiratory and cardiovascular health and disease.
RESP 1150    Respiratory Care Foundations I  
Typically Offered: Spring  
Credits: 5  
Lecture hours: 5  
Respiratory Care Foundations I introduces essential principles of respiratory care, focusing on the foundational aspects of patient assessment, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and basic diagnostic techniques. It describes underlying disease processes affecting patients, identifies key pharmacological treatments used in respiratory therapy, and applies basic diagnostic tools and techniques for evaluating respiratory function.
RESP 1300    Respiratory Care Equipment & Procedures  
Typically Offered: Spring  
Credits: 4  
Lecture hours: 4  
This course introduces essential respiratory care equipment and procedures. Explores the principles, functions, and applications of respiratory care devices, focusing on the theoretical foundations required to safely and effectively support patients in clinical settings. Emphasizes respiratory treatment options, patient safety, infection control practices, and the identification and troubleshooting of common equipment issues.
Corequisites: RESP 1305  
RESP 1305    Respiratory Care Equipment & Procedures Lab  
Typically Offered: Spring  
Credits: 2  
Lab hours: 4  
Respiratory Care Equipment & Procedures Lab provides students with hands-on experience in using essential respiratory care devices and performing procedures in a lab setting. Engages students in practical exercises and simulations that emphasize the safe and effective application of respiratory care equipment, patient assessment, patient safety, infection control protocols, and troubleshooting common equipment issues.
Corequisites: RESP 1300  
RESP 1705    Clinical Rotation I  
Typically Offered: Spring  
Credits: 2  
Lecture hours: 2  
This course provides students with hands-on experience in patient assessment and the application of basic respiratory therapies in a real-world healthcare setting. It includes the use of respiratory devices and basic interventions for patients with cardiopulmonary conditions. The course emphasizes developing skills in patient evaluation, therapeutic techniques, and effective communication with patients and healthcare teams.
RESP 2220    Respiratory Care Foundations II  
Typically Offered: Summer  
Credits: 3  
Lecture hours: 3  
This course builds upon Respiratory Care Foundations I and explores advanced diagnostic techniques, pathophysiology, and pharmacotherapy. Develops critical thinking skills with a focus on making informed, evidence-based clinical decisions.
Prerequisites: RESP 1150  
RESP 2230    Critical Care I  
Typically Offered: Summer  
Credits: 3  
Lecture hours: 3  
Critical Care I focuses on the principles of noninvasive ventilation, mechanical ventilation, and airway management in critically ill patients. It includes modes of ventilation, patient-ventilator interaction, troubleshooting ventilators, and basic waveform monitoring/analysis. The course also explores airway management techniques, including intubation and tracheostomy care, in emergency, critical care, and long-term care settings.
Prerequisites: RESP 1150  
Corequisites: RESP 2235  
RESP 2235    Critical Care I Lab  
Typically Offered: Summer  
Credits: 1  
Lab hours: 3  
Critical Care I Lab engages students in hands-on practice and practical application of mechanical ventilation, airway management, and patient monitoring techniques for critically ill patients in lab and simulation settings.
Prerequisites: RESP 1305  
Corequisites: RESP 2230  
RESP 2260    Neonatal & Pediatric Respiratory & Critical Care  
Typically Offered: Fall  
Credits: 4  
Lecture hours: 4  
This course focuses on the respiratory care of perinatal and pediatric patients, emphasizing the unique anatomical and physiological differences in this population. It includes the study of fetal anatomy and physiology, neonatal resuscitation, management of congenital and pediatric respiratory diseases, and neonatal and pediatric mechanical ventilation.
Prerequisites: RESP 2220  
Corequisites: RESP 2265  
RESP 2265    Neonatal & Pediatric Respiratory & Critical Care Lab  
Typically Offered: Fall  
Credits: 1  
Lab hours: 3  
Neonatal & Pediatric Respiratory & Critical Care Lab complements the theoretical framework established in the Perinatal & Pediatric Respiratory & Critical Care course. Engages students in practical to develop skills in assessing and managing the unique respiratory needs of perinatal and pediatric patients. Emphasizes neonatal resuscitation techniques, management of neonatal and pediatric respiratory disorders, and mechanical ventilation strategies. Includes certification in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP).
Prerequisites: RESP 2725  
Corequisites: RESP 2260  
RESP 2280    Specialty Practice in Respiratory Care  
Typically Offered: Summer  
Credits: 2  
Lecture hours: 2  
Specialty Practice in Respiratory Care explores specialized areas of respiratory care, including durable medical equipment (DME), long-term acute care (LTAC), pulmonary rehabilitation, flight medicine, hyperbaric medicine, and sleep medicine. It teaches the unique respiratory care needs in these diverse settings and emphasizes the role of respiratory therapists in multidisciplinary teams, providing comprehensive care across various healthcare environments.
Prerequisites: RESP 1150  
RESP 2320    Critical Care II  
Typically Offered: Fall  
Credits: 3  
Lecture hours: 3  
This course builds on the knowledge from Critical Care I, focusing on advanced mechanical ventilation strategies and comprehensive adult critical care. It teaches advanced topics such as arterial line insertion, hemodynamic monitoring, and critical care pharmacology. The course emphasizes managing complex patients and implementing evidence-based critical care practices.
Prerequisites: RESP 2230  
Corequisites: RESP 2325  
RESP 2325    Critical Care Lab II  
Credits: 1  
Lab hours: 3  
This lab course provides students with hands-on and simulation experiences to complement the theoretical knowledge gained in Critical Care II. Focuses on advanced mechanical ventilation techniques, patient monitoring, and the implementation of critical care pharmacology.
Prerequisites: RESP 2235  
Corequisites: RESP 2320  
RESP 2330    Respiratory Care Seminar  
Typically Offered: Spring  
Credits: 3  
Lecture hours: 3  
Respiratory Care Seminar prepares students for professional certification exams and the job market. Includes a comprehensive review and test preparation for the NBRC exams, resume building, and interview techniques.
Prerequisites: RESP 2320  
RESP 2610    Critical Care III  
Typically Offered: Spring  
Credits: 3  
Lecture hours: 3  
This course builds upon the knowledge and skills gained in Critical Care II, focusing on comprehensive patient assessment, advanced mechanical ventilation strategies, and specialized care for critically ill patients. Integrates advanced respiratory care concepts into complex clinical scenarios, including the management of high-acuity patients across the lifespan. Emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving.
Prerequisites: RESP 2320  
RESP 2615    Critical Care Simulation  
Typically Offered: Spring  
Credits: 1  
Lecture hours: 3  
Critical Care Simulation provides an immersive, hands-on learning experience in critical care through low and high-fidelity simulation integrated with the principles of evidence-based medicine. Applies knowledge of mechanical ventilation, airway management, and advanced respiratory care in simulated ICU settings. Emphasizes clinical decision-making, teamwork, and crisis management skills under realistic, high-pressure conditions.
Prerequisites: RESP 2325  
RESP 2725    Clinical Rotation II  
Typically Offered: Summer  
Credits: 5  
Lecture hours: 5  
Clinical Rotation II provides students with hands-on clinical experience as they rotate through general respiratory and intensive care units, gaining practical skills in patient management. Includes diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, mechanical ventilation, and specialty rotations.
Prerequisites: RESP 1705  
RESP 2745    Clinical Rotation III  
Typically Offered: Fall  
Credits: 5  
Lecture hours: 5  
Clinical Rotation III focuses on intensive care units (ICU) and long-term acute care rotations, where students will gain hands-on experience in critical respiratory care. It emphasizes ventilator management, weaning protocols, and the care of intubated and trached patients in the adult, pediatric, and neonatal settings.
Prerequisites: RESP 2725  
RESP 2775    Clinical Rotation IV  
Typically Offered: Spring  
Credits: 5  
Lecture hours: 5  
This course provides students with another opportunity to rotate through neonatal and pediatric intensive care units (NICU/PICU) as well as adult ICUs. Students will learn to manage critically ill patients, including premature infants and children with complex respiratory disorders, while applying advanced ventilator strategies and patient-centered care techniques.
Prerequisites: RESP 2745