Home > Academics > Course Descriptions > Respiratory Care

RESPIRATORY CARE - RESP

RESP 100 Introduction to RT Profession
2 credits
This introductory course will provide insight into the evolution of the respiratory therapist occupation. Students will learn about the credentialing and licensing bodies associate with the profession. The concepts of professionalism, confidentiality, teamwork, legal issues, ethical, cultural issues, and communication techniques will be integrated throughout the course.

RESP 101 Introduction to Respiratory Care and Equipment
Prerequisite: Admission to the Respiratory Program
Corequisite: RESP 102 and PHYS 140
4 credits
An introductory course to the profession of respiratory therapy, basic clinical assessment skills, and care of the respiratory patient. Professional aspects relating to the duties and responsibilities of respiratory care personnel will be discussed. Principles and skills of basic patient care including patient assessment, vital signs, pulse oximetry, charting, and oxygen administration will also be included.

RESP 102 Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology
Prerequisite: Acceptance into Respiratory Care Program
Corequisite: RESP 101 and PHYS 140 4 credits This introductory course will provide a solid foundation in cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology as it related to the profession of respiratory care. Knowledge in this course is essential for successfully completing respiratory therapy courses.

RESP 107 Pharmacology for the Respiratory Therapist
Prerequisite: RESP 101, RESP 102
Corequisite: RESP 110 & RESP 120
1 credit
This course will provide a strong foundation of the drugs presently pertaining to the field of respiratory care. General principles of pharmacology as those applied to aerosol drug therapy, IV, and instilled drugs will be taught along with calculations of drug doses. Non-aerosol drugs such as antibiotic therapy, diuretics and cardiovascular drugs will also be covered.

RESP 110 Respiratory Therapeutics I
Prerequisite: RESP 101, RESP 102, and PHYS 140
Corequisite: RESP 107 & RESP 120
3 credits
This course will be a continuation of oxygen therapy, with the addition of aerosol and humidity aspects. Various therapeutic modalities of respiratory care will be covered. Also, the pharmacology most commonly used in respiratory care will be discussed, along with the route of administration.

RESP 111 Respiratory Therapeutics II
Prerequisite: RESP 101, 102, 110, 120
Corequisite: RESP 121, 201, and 206
4 credits
A continuation of the airway clearance techniques covered in RESP 110. Multiple lung expansion devices will be presented. Students will learn about the technique, preparation, attainment, and interpretation of arterial blood gases (ABG). Airway management will be the final topic--identifying, inserting, and removing each. Therapist driven protocols and evidence based medicine will be integrated throughout the course.

RESP 120 Clinical I
Prerequisites: RESP 101, RESP 102, and PHYS 140
Corequisite: RESP 110
2 credits
The clinical time will expose students to the respiratory care industry first hand. Students will actively perform therapeutic skills they have acquire through lab skills evaluations, under the supervision of a staff respiratory therapist at local medical facilities. Also, they will observe therapists performing more advanced-level therapy.

RESP 121 Clinical II
Prerequisites: RESP 101, RESP 102, RESP 110 and RESP 120
Corequisite: RESP 111, RESP 201, and RESP 206
3 credits
The clinical time will allow the student to continue their hands-on learning. Students will actively perform therapeutic skills they have acquired through lab skills evaluations, under the supervision of a staff respiratory therapist at local medical facilities. Also, they will observe therapists performing more advanced-level therapy.

RESP 201 Cardiopulmonary Disease I
Prerequisite: RESP 101, 102, 110, 120
Corequisite: RESP 206, 111, 121
3 credits
This is an intermediate course to the profession of respiratory therapy, which covers the underlying pathophysiology of the cardiopulmonary diseases. A systems approach will be utilized that will emphasize abnormal physiological processes, which result in the signs and symptoms of each cardiopulmonary disorder. There will be an emphasis in diagnosis, selection and implementation of therapeutic modalities, and the role of the respiratory therapist in treatment.

RESP 202 Cardiopulmonary Disease II
Prerequisite: RESP 101, RESP 102, RESP 110, RESP 111, RESP 120, RESP 121, RESP 201, RESP 206
Corequisite: RESP 205, RESP 220
4 credits
This is an intermediate course to the profession of respiratory therapy and a continuation of RESP 201, Cardiopulmonary Disease I, which covers the underlying pathophysiology of cardiopulmonary diseases. A systems approach will be utilized that will emphasize abnormal physiological processes, which results in the signs and symptoms of each cardiopulmonary disorder. There will be an emphasis in diagnosis, selection and implementation of therapeutic modalities, and the role of the respiratory therapist in treatment.

RESP 204 Pediatrics and Neonatal
Prerequisite: RESP 101, RESP 102, RESP 110, RESP 111, RESP 120, RESP 121, RESP 201, RESP 202, RESP 205, RESP 206, RESP 220
Corequisite: RESP 208 and RESP 221
3 credits
Students will learn the pathology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of the cardiopulmonary diseases unique to the newborn and pediatric. There will be discussion of the development of the fetus, high-risk pregnancies, and finally the role respiratory therapists play in labor and delivery.

RESP 205 Mechanical Ventilation
Prerequisite: RESP 101, RESP 102, RESP 110, RESP 111, RESP 120, RESP 121, RESP 201, and RESP 206
Corequisite: RESP 202 and RESP 220
4 credits
This course will further the student's knowledge of artificial airway management and the implementation of mechanical ventilation. Various modes and types of ventilation will be discussed. The course will conclude with the process of weaning or terminating the use of mechanical ventilation support.

RESP 206 Electrocardiography
Prerequisite: RESP 101, 102, 110, 120
Corequisite: RESP 111, 201, 121
2 credits
Students will gain an understanding of the basic principles of electrophysiology and the conduction system. A detailed study of the electrocardiogram (ECG) procedure, including indications, performing, troubleshooting, and interpretation of the test will be discussed. Students will be able to recognize and distinguish between normal and abnormal ECG tracings.

RESP 207 Pulmonary Function Testing
Prerequisite: RESP 101, RESP 102, RESP 110, RESP 111, RESP 120, RESP 121, RESP 201, RESP 202, RESP 204, RESP 205, RESP 206, RESP 220, RESP 221 Corequisite: RESP 222
3 credits
This course will provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills necessary to work effectively in a pulmonary function laboratory. Specific topics including: various tests utilized, testing standards and techniques, equipment set up and utilization, analyzing test results and applying them in clinical situations will be emphasized.

RESP 208 Critical Care
Prerequisite: RESP 101, RESP 102, RESP 110, RESP 111, RESP120, RESP 121, RESP 201, RESP 202, RESP 205, RESP 206, RESP 220
Corequisite: RESP 204 and RESP 221
4 credits
This is an advanced course in the profession of respiratory therapy, which covers the underlying pathology and pathophysiology and management of respiratory failure, sepsis, shock, trauma, and cardiovascular collapse. This course is designed to provide a broad understanding of how to manage patients in the intensive care units utilizing ventilators, pharmacology, and fluid filled monitoring systems by indwelling catheters. In addition, students will be prepared to perform hemodynamic and metabolic measurements, interpret and apply data, and learn advanced techniques of cardiopulmonary life support.

RESP 210 Capstone Course
Prerequisite: RESP 101, RESP 102, RESP 110, RESP 111, RESP 120, RESP 121, RESP 201, RESP 202, RESP 204, RESP 205, RESP 206, RESP 207, RESP 208, RESP 220, RESP 221, RESP 222
Corequisite: RESP 223
3 credits
This is an advanced course to the profession of respiratory care, which includes a comprehensive review of the respiratory care curriculum to prepare students for their credentialing examinations. Students will be expected to pass mock certification and registry examinations, as well as the CWRRT SAE in order to pass this course.

RESP 220 Clinical III
Prerequisite: RESP 101, RESP 102, RESP 110, RESP 111, RESP120, RESP 121, RESP 201, and RESP 206
Corequisite: RESP 202 and RESP 205
3 credits
The clinical time will allow the students to continue their hands on learning. Students will actively perform therapeutic skills they have acquired through lab skills evaluations, under the supervision of a staff respiratory therapist at local medical facilities. Also, they will observe therapists performing more advanced level therapy.

RESP 221 Clinical IV
Prerequisite: RESP 101, RESP 102, RESP 110, RESP 111, RESP 120, RESP 121, RESP 201, RESP 202, RESP 205, RESP 206, RESP 220
Corequisite: RESP 204 and RESP 208
3 credits
The clinical time will allow the students to continue their hands on learning. Students will actively perform therapeutic skills they have acquired through lab skills evaluations, under the supervision of a staff respiratory therapist at local medical facilities. Also, they will observe therapists performing more advanced level therapy in the adult, pediatric, and neonatal critical care setting.

RESP 222 Clinical V
Prerequisite: RESP 101, RESP 102, RESP 110, RESP 111, RESP 120, RESP 121, RESP 201, RESP 202, RESP 204, RESP 205, RESP 206, RESP 208, RESP 220 Corequisite: RESP 207
5 credits
This clinical time will allow the student to continue their hands on learning. Students will actively perform therapeutic skills they have acquired through lab skills evaluations, under the supervision of a staff respiratory therapist at local medical facilities. Also, they will observe therapists and perform more advanced level therapy in the adult, pediatric, and neonatal critical care setting.

RESP 223 Clinical VI
Prerequisite: RESP 101, RESP 102, RESP 110, RESP 111, RESP 120, RESP 121, RESP 201, RESP 202, RESP 204, RESP 205, RESP 206, RESP 207, RESP 208, RESP 220, RESP 221, RESP 222
Corequisite: RESP 210
5 credits
The clinical time will allow the student to continue their hands on learning. Students will actively perform therapeutic skills they have acquired through lab skills evaluations, under the supervision of a staff respiratory therapist at local medical facilities. In addition, students will be able to choose an area of respiratory care that they wish to specialize in. This can involve gaining further knowledge and skills in an area they have already worked, or an ancillary service like Home Care, Polysomnography, Pulmonary Function Testing, Stress Testing, etc.

  My SSCC Portal  |  Faculty & Staff  |  Admissions   |   Learning Resources Center   |  Contact Us