Master of Science in Respiratory Care (M.S.R.C.) Major in Respiratory Care (Clinical Specialist Concentration)

RC 5211. Polysomnography Instrumentation.

This course examines the design, function, and operation of instrumentation used in polysomnography and advanced respiratory care practice. Students analyze data acquisition systems, signal pathways, and hardware components involved in monitoring physiological parameters during sleep studies. The course evaluates electrode and sensor application methods, montage configuration, and procedures that influence recording accuracy and patient interface quality. Students investigate calibration processes, artifact sources, and system performance characteristics to better understand how instrumentation supports diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making. Through structured inquiry and applied analysis, students develop the technical and interpretive skills necessary for safe and effective practice in polysomnography and advanced respiratory care. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

RC 5214. Sleep Staging and Diagnostics.

This course examines the physiological foundations of sleep and the principles used in sleep staging and diagnostic interpretation in sleep studies. Students analyze electrophysiological and physiological signals used to evaluate sleep, including brain activity, eye movements, muscle activity, respiratory events, movement events, arousals, and cardiac activity. Emphasis is placed on applying standardized approaches used to classify sleep stages and identify clinically significant events across adult, pediatric, and infant populations. Through applied exercises and case-based analysis, students develop skills in interpreting sleep study data and evaluating diagnostic findings relevant to sleep medicine and respiratory care practice. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

RC 5215. Advanced Sleep Staging and Polysomnographic Analysis.

This course examines advanced concepts in sleep staging and the interpretation of polysomnographic data. Students analyze electrophysiological and physiological signals recorded during sleep studies, including brain activity, eye movements, muscle activity, respiratory events, and cardiac activity. Emphasis is placed on identifying sleep stages, recognizing abnormal patterns, and interpreting findings associated with sleep-related disorders. Students evaluate sleep study data using standardized analytical approaches and apply diagnostic reasoning to case-based scenarios. Through applied exercises and discussion, students develop skills in analyzing sleep recordings and interpreting findings relevant to sleep medicine and respiratory care practice. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

RC 5301. Advanced Cardiopulmonary Physiology.

This course examines advanced cardiovascular and respiratory physiology with emphasis on pathologic physiological changes, adaptive mechanisms, and cardiopulmonary system interrelationships. Students analyze complex physiological concepts and evaluate their clinical implications for managing critically ill patients requiring advanced respiratory care interventions. Drawing on current evidence and clinical experience, students investigate cardiopulmonary dysfunction across various patient populations, applying advanced physiological principles to assess, interpret, and optimize patient management strategies. The course emphasizes critical synthesis of current research literature to evaluate emerging developments in cardiopulmonary physiology and their application to advanced respiratory care practice.

RC 5302. Clinical Practice Guidelines and Respiratory Care Protocols.

This course examines the role of clinical practice guidelines and respiratory care protocols in supporting evidence-informed clinical decision making across healthcare settings. Students analyze the processes used to develop, evaluate, and implement clinical practice guidelines using established methodological frameworks and research evidence. Emphasis is placed on critical appraisal of existing guidelines, identification of areas in respiratory care practice where protocols may be needed, and application of guideline development principles. Students also explore factors that influence implementation and clinical outcomes associated with protocol-driven care. Through literature review and applied projects, students develop and evaluate guideline-based protocols relevant to respiratory care practice.

RC 5303. Respiratory Care Research Methods and Design.

This course introduces research methods tailored to respiratory care. Content includes analysis of peer-reviewed literature to evaluate research design and methodology, as well as foundational concepts such as hypothesis development, variables, sampling, and measurement. The course incorporates research ethics training aligned with Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) standards to address ethical and regulatory requirements for human subjects research. Students develop researchable questions and examine appropriate study designs and variables. The course culminates in the development and presentation of a structured research proposal aligned with Institutional Review Board (IRB) requirements. Emphasis is placed on rigor, ethical integrity, and the application of research to respiratory care practice.

RC 5304. Cardiopulmonary Disease Patient Education.

This course examines principles and strategies used in patient education for individuals with cardiopulmonary disease. Students analyze educational approaches that support disease management, prevention, and treatment adherence across diverse healthcare settings. Emphasis is placed on evaluating educational resources, developing structured patient education plans, and applying evidence-based methods to support patient self-management of cardiopulmonary conditions. Students also examine factors that influence health behaviors, including medication adherence, lifestyle modification, and tobacco cessation. Through applied assignments and project development, students design and evaluate patient education materials and programs that support improved understanding, self-monitoring, and clinical outcomes for individuals with cardiopulmonary disease.

RC 5305. Respiratory Care Applied Research.

This course prepares students to design, analyze, and communicate research within the respiratory care discipline. Students learn to align research questions with appropriate study designs, measurement strategies, and statistical methods. Instruction emphasizes data collection techniques, quantitative analysis, and interpretation of statistical findings relevant to clinical and academic inquiry. Learners evaluate published studies, identify methodological strengths and limitations, and apply research principles to the development of an original study plan. The course also includes structured activities in scholarly writing, peer review, and oral presentation, culminating in the preparation of a research manuscript suitable for academic dissemination. Prerequisite: RC 5303 with a grade of "B" or better and instructor approval.

RC 5306. Academic Leadership in Respiratory Care.

This graduate course introduces foundational principles of academic administration within respiratory care programs, including curriculum development, fiscal planning, faculty support, and assessment strategies. Students examine regulatory expectations, accreditation procedures, and the preparation of mandatory institutional and programmatic reports. Emphasis is placed on organizing clinical practice rotations, utilizing advisory committees, and integrating didactic, laboratory, and clinical learning experiences. Through inquiry-driven analysis and application of evidence-based educational practices, students evaluate structures that support program quality, sustainability, and compliance with accreditation standards, preparing them for leadership roles within academic respiratory care settings.

RC 5307. Advanced Respiratory Care Seminar.

This course examines advanced topics in respiratory care through a seminar-based format emphasizing scholarly inquiry and professional discourse. Students analyze contemporary clinical issues and specialized practices relevant to respiratory care. Emphasis is placed on the evaluation of peer-reviewed literature, synthesis of evidence-based findings, and critical discussion of advanced respiratory care concepts. Students select an advanced practice topic to investigate, develop a scholarly manuscript, and deliver a professional presentation. The course supports the integration of research evidence, clinical expertise, and academic communication within advanced respiratory care practice.

RC 5308. Advanced Cardiopulmonary Diagnostics and Therapeutics.

This course examines advanced diagnostic and therapeutic approaches used in cardiopulmonary care, emphasizing the integration of evidence‑informed frameworks. Students analyze scientific literature, clinical guidelines, and technical standards relevant to evaluating respiratory mechanics, gas‑exchange processes, and cardiopulmonary function. Instruction focuses on interpreting complex diagnostic data, assessing physiologic patterns, and comparing therapeutic options across a range of clinical scenarios. Learners apply professional standards from organizations such as ATS, CHEST, and AARC to support advanced clinical reasoning and evaluate treatment effectiveness. Through case‑based activities, students explore factors influencing diagnostic accuracy, therapeutic selection, and outcome assessment in acute and chronic cardiopulmonary conditions.

RC 5309. Advanced Respiratory Care Practice.

This course examines advanced concepts in respiratory care through a translational medicine framework that connects emerging scientific evidence to clinical decision-making. Students investigate best practice recommendations, evolving professional roles, and innovations that enhance respiratory therapy practice in complex acute and critical care environments. Emphasis is placed on performing systematic literature searches, appraising scientific evidence, and synthesizing research to inform advanced practice. Through the development of an evidence-based literature review and scholarly presentation, students evaluate how contemporary research advances the scope and impact of respiratory therapists while aligning professional practice with current standards and evolving patient care needs. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

RC 5310. Fundamentals of Polysomnography.

This course explores mechanisms of normal and disordered sleep by evaluating neurological processes, sleep staging, and accepted models of sleep architecture. Students assess connections between sleep physiology and cardiac function, including foundational concepts in ECG interpretation and arrhythmia recognition. The course analyzes sleep-related pathologies through a systematic review of contributing factors, physiological disruptions, symptom patterns, diagnostic criteria, and treatment strategies. Learners engage with contemporary research and clinical guidelines to develop an evidence-based understanding of sleep disorders within cardiopulmonary practice. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

RC 5311. Advanced Mechanical Ventilation Practice.

This course examines advanced concepts of mechanical ventilation within the context of contemporary respiratory care practice. Students analyze invasive and non-invasive ventilation strategies, evaluate protocol-based approaches, and examine physiologic responses across adult, pediatric, and neonatal populations. The course incorporates waveform interpretation, case-based decision making, and appraisal of evidence-based literature to strengthen clinical reasoning. Students investigate emerging ventilation modalities and adjunctive therapies used in high acuity care environments. By integrating research, applied analytics, and ventilator management principles, the course supports the development of advanced competencies required for graduate-level respiratory therapists practicing in complex clinical settings. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

RC 5313. Polysomnographic Therapeutic Intervention.

This course evaluates the therapeutic, procedural, and technological components of polysomnographic practice with attention to supporting the diagnosis and treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders. Students examine PAP titration methods, oxygen therapy integration, patient interface optimization, and clinical considerations related to polysomnographic interventions. The course further analyzes algorithms for titration, assessment processes for REM behavior disorders, and standardized procedures for MSLT and MWT protocols. Emphasis is placed on synthesizing physiological data, appraising current evidence, and applying systematic reasoning to patient management. Students develop the analytical skills needed to support interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-informed decision-making in sleep medicine and advanced respiratory care practice. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

RC 5316. Respiratory Care Curriculum Development.

This course examines the principles and practices of curriculum development within the respiratory care profession and prepares students for educational roles in academic and clinical environments. Students analyze adult learning theory, instructional design models, assessment strategies, and methods for aligning curriculum with national organizational recommendations in respiratory care. They evaluate approaches to writing learning objectives, developing instructional materials, and conducting exam preparation and item analysis. The course also explores strategies for delivering online and in-person instruction and providing feedback to diverse learners. Through applied inquiry and reflective analysis, students integrate educational theory with advanced respiratory care practice to support effective teaching and curriculum planning.

RC 5317. Independent Study in Respiratory Care.

This course explores individualized research topics in respiratory care through a combination of independent study, faculty mentorship, and structured scholarly development. Students investigate a topic of professional relevance, review current research trends, and evaluate scientific literature using systematic methods. Emphasis is placed on appraising study quality, synthesizing findings, and producing a comprehensive systematic review research paper. Students develop a research poster and oral presentation to communicate their results effectively. Through guided inquiry and progressive project development, the course cultivates analytical reasoning, evidence-based practice skills, and scholarly competencies essential to graduate-level respiratory care.