RC 194. Individual Study. 1-5 Credits.

RC 200. Introduction to Respiratory Care. 1 Credit.

Introduction to the profession of respiratory care. Lectures, discussions, and field trips focus on professional traits and communication, ethical behavior of the health care provider, major curriculum requirements, and scope of practice.

RC 401. Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology. 4 Credits.

A detailed study of anatomy and physiology of the cardiopulmonary system. Principles of chemistry and physics, which are applicable to the pulmonary and cardiac systems, are covered. Special topics include renal anatomy & physiology, fetal growth & development, effects of aging, altitude, physiology of sleep and physiology of exercise. Prereq or Coreq: Respiratory Care majors only - student must be accepted into hospital-based program.

RC 402. Gas, Humidity and Aerosol Therapy. 3 Credits.

A detailed study of the production of medical gases, their storage, and delivery systems in the hospital. Medical gas outlets, regulators, and flowmeters are presented in detail. Techniques, equipment, and physical laws relative to the administration of medical gases for various medical conditions are present. A study of the terminology, concepts, operation, service, and maintenance of humidity and aerosol equipment will also be included in this course. Prereq or Coreq: Respiratory Care majors only - student must be accepted into hospital-based program.

RC 403. Pharmacology. 3 Credits.

Respiratory care pharmacology represents the application of pharmacology to the treatment of pulmonary disorders and critical care. Prereq or Coreq: Respiratory Care majors only - student must be accepted into hospital-based program.

RC 404. General Respiratory Care and Assessment. 3 Credits.

A survey of various aspects of medical care including: basic pulmonary assessment, lab and vital sign review and procedures completed by respiratory therapists. The theory and practice of utilizing noninvasive monitoring techniques, procedures for obtaining blood samples and blood sample analysis will be reviewed. Prereq or Coreq: Respiratory Care majors only and student must be accepted into hospital-based program.

RC 405. Respiratory Skills Lab I. 1 Credit.

Parallel instruction with the classes of general respiratory care and assessment and gas/humidity/aerosol therapy. The student is able to develop psychomotor skills necessary to become proficient in the previously named course areas. Prereq or Coreq: Respiratory Care majors only and student must be accepted into hospital-based program.

RC 406. Clinical I. 1 Credit.

Supervised clinical experience designed to introduce the student to the health care environment and gain a general understanding of the techniques, procedures, and equipment used in the treatment of adult patients with respiratory disease. Weekly clinical meetings will provide time for presentation and discussion of patient cases. Prereq or Coreq: Respiratory Care majors only - student must be accepted into hospital-based program.

RC 411. Respiratory Care in the Critical Care Setting. 3 Credits.

This course reviews key concepts in the care of the critically ill patient, including blood gas interpretation, acute respiratory failure, cardiac physiology, hemodynamic monitoring, shock recognition and management, and related pharmacology. Imaging studies commonly used in the ICU, such as chest X-ray interpretation and lung scans, are also examined. The course prepares respiratory care students to assist with and perform ICU special procedures, emphasizing safe and appropriate use of medical devices. Procedures include insertion and care of arterial lines and chest tubes, as well as thoracentesis and bronchoscopy. Prereq or Coreq: Respiratory Care majors only - student must be accepted into hospital-based program.

RC 412. Mechanical Ventilation I. 2 Credits.

A theoretical and practical study of the classification and operational principles of adult conventional mechanical ventilators. Common modes of ventilation will be reviewed. Using common ventilators and lung simulators in the laboratory setting students will also gain an understanding of ventilator settings, alarms, and monitoring capabilities, including airway graphics. Prereq or Coreq: Respiratory Care majors only - student must be accepted into hospital-based program.

RC 413. Pathology I. 2 Credits.

A study of the pathology of the respiratory system observed in obstructive pulmonary diseases. The etiology, pathology, clinical manifestations, methods of detection, methods of control, and complications of lung disease are emphasized. Prereq or Coreq: Respiratory Care majors only - student must be accepted into hospital-based program.

RC 414. Airway Clearance & Lung Expansion Therapies. 2 Credits.

A discussion of chest physiotherapy and demonstration of the use of equipment and techniques for this purpose. Also studied are techniques for expansion and hyperinflation of the lungs (i.e., IS, BiPAP, Mask CPAP, and PEP therapy). Prereq or Coreq: Respiratory Care majors only - student must be accepted into hospital-based program.

RC 415. Neonatal/Pediatrics I. 2 Credits.

A detailed study of cardiopulmonary growth and development of the neonatal and pediatric patient, including assessment and monitoring of patients and therapeutic modalities. Prereq or Coreq: Respiratory Care majors only - student must be accepted into hospital-based program.

RC 416. Respiratory Skills Lab II. 1 Credit.

Parallel instruction with the classes of adult intensive care, mechanical ventilation, neonatal/pediatric respiratory care, and CPT/Hyperinflation. The student is able to develop psychomotor skills necessary to become proficient in the above-named course areas. Prereq or Coreq: Respiratory Care majors only - student must be accepted into hospital-based program.

RC 417. Clinical II. 3 Credits.

Supervised clinical experience designed to give the student practice in patient assessment, arterial puncture, oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy, chest physiotherapy, positive pressure devices, incentive spirometry, and mechanical ventilation. Additional experience includes exposure to the clinic and pulmonary rehabilitation settings. Prereq or Coreq: Respiratory Care majors only - student must be accepted into hospital-based program.

RC 421. Airway Management. 2 Credits.

Study of equipment and techniques utilized for placement and management of artificial airways in various medical/surgical situations. Prereq or Coreq: Respiratory Care majors only - student must be accepted into hospital-based program.

RC 422. Respiratory Care in Emergency Settings. 1 Credit.

This course will review concepts of Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). EKG monitoring & interpretation, cardiovascular pharmacology, myocardial infarction, airway adjuncts, adjuncts to artificial circulation, IV techniques, and electrical therapy will be reviewed. Sanford Medical Center Emergency Response Educators will assist in instruction of this course. Prereq or Coreq: Respiratory Care majors only - student must be accepted into hospital-based program.

RC 423. Mechanical Ventilation II. 3 Credits.

This course will review topics related to the management of patients receiving mechanical ventilatory support, with emphasis in related items on the NBRC exam matrix. General categories to be covered include: Indications, Physiologic Effects, Complications and Hazards, Initial settings & assessment, Patient-Ventilator System Management, Patient Monitoring, Management by disease process, Patient-Ventilator System Checks, Ventilator Discontinuance, and Mechanical Ventilation Protocols. Laboratory exercises will focus on simulated ventilator management of patients with various lung diseases. Prereq or Coreq:Respiratory Care majors only - student must be accepted into hospital-based program.

RC 424. Pathology II. 2 Credits.

A study of the pathology of the respiratory system observed in restrictive and other pulmonary diseases. The etiology, pathology, clinical manifestations, methods of detection, methods of control, and complications of lung disease are emphasized. Prereq or Coreq: Respiratory Care majors only - student must be accepted into hospital-based program.

RC 425. Neonatal/Pediatrics II. 2 Credits.

Neonatal/Pediatrics II is designed to introduce you to neonatal disorders and mechanical ventilation in the neonatal and pediatric area. Prereq or Coreq: Respiratory Care majors only - student must be accepted into hospital-based program.

RC 426. Pulmonary Diagnostics. 1 Credit.

Detailed study of the methods of measurement of lung volumes, capacities, and flows. Testing methods and the use of pulmonary function testing equipment are included. Interpretation of the results and application to various diseases are emphasized. Prereq or Coreq: Respiratory Care majors only - student must be accepted into hospital-based program.

RC 427. Respiratory Care in Alternative Settings. 1 Credit.

Techniques, procedures, and equipment used in extended care of patients in the home or alternate sites are discussed. Alternate sites include Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Sleep Clinic, and Disease management. Prereq or Coreq: Respiratory Care majors only - student must be accepted into hospital-based program.

RC 428. Respiratory Skills Lab III. 1 Credit.

Parallel instruction with the classes of mechanical ventilation, neonatal/pediatric respiratory care and airway care. The student can develop psychomotor skills necessary to become proficient in the above-named course areas. Prereq or Coreq: Respiratory Care majors only - student must be accepted into hospital-based program.

RC 431. Clinical III. 5 Credits.

Supervised clinical experience designed to give the student clinical experience to complete proficiencies in respiratory care modalities. Other clinical experiences include operating room, pulmonary function testing, home care, and sleep medicine. Through participation in ICU Interdisciplinary Rounds, the student will gain an understanding of the team approach to medical management of patients with respiratory disease. Weekly clinical meetings will provide time for presentations, and discussion of patient cases. Prereq or Coreq: Respiratory Care majors only and student must be accepted into hospital-based program.

RC 432. Professionalism in Respiratory Care. 3 Credits.

Leadership, research and professionalism related competencies are expected, above and beyond the technical and behavioral skills mandated by the NBRC detailed content outlines. To achieve these additional competencies, a series of topics related to functioning as an effective healthcare team member are addressed. Topics reviewed include legalities, professionalism, budget, quality improvement, death and dying, communication, board exam preparation and leadership. Prereq or Coreq: Respiratory Care majors only and student must be accepted into hospital-based program.

RC 494. Individual Study. 1-5 Credits.

Respiratory Care majors only.

RC 496. Field Experience. 1-15 Credits.

Respiratory Care majors only.