Respiratory Therapist

An in-depth study of the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems. The student will learn the mechanics and the neuromuscular control of ventilation. The student also will become familiar with the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide via the blood.

The student will participate in respiratory therapy situations emphasizing patient assessment, oxygen therapy, bronchial hygiene skills, and aerosol medications. Each student in this course must have a physical exam, criminal background check without any disqualifying convictions and a negative drug screen.

This course provides students with an introduction to respiratory care and the basic skills and equipment associated with this health care field. The respiratory skills that will be learned are patient assessment, diagnostic testing and interpretation, humidity and aerosol therapy, medical gas therapy and professional behavior. Basic physics for the respiratory therapist will be introduced. The student also will learn the function, application, and maintenance of common respiratory equipment. Emphasis will be on production, storage, and delivery of medical gases, humidifiers, nebulizers, and oxygen appliances.

This course emphasizes hands-on learning experiences with respiratory equipment and procedures. The didactic portion of this material is presented in RESP 1324. Students will practice and demonstrate competency of the skills associated with this information.

This course will provide the student with an in-depth understanding of airway pharmacology and a general knowledge of the most common drugs used in the care of cardiopulmonary patients. The student will be instructed in the proper protective procedures both for the patients and themselves. This includes a general understanding of clinical microbiology as well as specific skills in a variety of infection control procedures.

This course stresses interpretation of the findings of the respiratory assessment. The theory and administration of all therapies will be presented. The lab portion of this course will teach the student the technical skills needed to apply theory in a clinical situation. The student will be introduced to acid-base balance factors and how they will affect the patient. A clinical approach to interpretation of arterial blood gases will be discussed. Application of blood gas interpretation as it relates to patient care and treatment will be emphasized.

This course is designed to provide students with the basic knowledge and understanding to assess and treat patients with respiratory disease.

Increased proficiency in skills and knowledge covered in RESP 1224 will be expected of students in this course. Airway management, arterial blood gases and mechanical ventilation will be stressed.

The student will study and work in a clinical setting for 16 hours per week to gain knowledge and experience. Emphasis will be in the following respiratory areas: management of the neonate and pediatric patient, practice in the home setting, practice in skilled, sub-acute care, long-term mechanical ventilation settings, ECG, and stress and sleep testing, and critical care.

This course will provide the student with the information to interpret basic cardiac monitoring and drug interventions for treatment of arrhythmias. Current "Advanced Cardiac Life Support" (ACLS) guidelines will be introduced. This course will also introduce the respiratory therapy student to opportunities in areas other than the acute care setting. In will include home care, nutrition for the pulmonary patient, pulmonary rehabilitation, cardiopulmonary stress testing, and sleep and breathing disorders.

This course will stress the non-technical skills expected of a respiratory therapist. Verbal and written communication skills will be stressed.

The student will be introduced to acid-base balance factors which affect the pH and a clinical approach to interpretation of arterial blood gases. Applying blood gas values to patient care will be emphasized.

This course includes assessment of the critically ill, and in-depth study of airway management, and an in-depth study of mechanical ventilation. The lab portion of the course will reinforce material presented in lecture and will require the student to demonstrate competency in the technical skills expected for each topic.

Hemodynamic monitoring and management of the critically ill patient will be studied. An overview of the neonate and pediatric patient will be presented with emphasis on the treatment and management of those with cardiopulmonary disease. Advanced pulmonary function testing and the interpretation of the test results, bronchoscopy and chest tubes also will be covered.

This course will provide a comprehensive review of all material presented in the program to prepare the student for the National Board for Respiratory Care credentialing exams. Some of the material will be new. The clinical simulation exams will be stressed as well as test-taking skills. The NBRC Entry-Level and Advanced-Level Self-Assessment Exams will be administered. Computerized "mock" board exams must be passed before the student is eligible to complete the course.