Department of Respiratory Care

RC 2213. Introduction to Respiratory Care.

This course introduces students to the respiratory care profession, emphasizing the responsibilities of respiratory therapists within contemporary healthcare systems. Students examine the development of the profession, roles within the interdisciplinary team, and major clinical practices used in the assessment and management of cardiopulmonary conditions. Content includes foundational principles of respiratory physiology, medical gas therapy, airway management, and introductory therapeutic modalities. Learners analyze how professional standards, credentialing requirements, and clinical expectations influence respiratory care practice across different settings. Through inquiry-based activities and guided instruction, students develop a foundational understanding of respiratory care concepts that support progression into advanced coursework and clinical application.

RC 3112. Cardiopulmonary Pharmacology.

This course investigates key principles of pharmacology, emphasizing receptor theory, drug mechanisms, and the physiological basis of therapeutic effects. Students examine clinical applications across a range of medication categories and analyze historical factors that shaped early drug development. The course also evaluates contemporary patterns in medication use by reviewing current trends, evolving practice standards, and relevant scientific data. Through critical examination of research findings and clinical scenarios, students develop analytical skills for assessing drug actions, comparing treatment approaches, and interpreting pharmacologic information.

RC 3125. Pulmonary Function Testing.

This course examines the most common pulmonary function tests including patient preparation, acquisition, and interpretation of the results. The pathophysiology of the lungs that may be evaluated by each test will be addressed. Leaners also investigate the types of pulmonary function equipment used to measure lung volumes and flow rates. The American Thoracic Society guidelines for pulmonary function testing will be discussed as it relates to indications and contraindications for testing, obtaining acceptable and repeatable test results, and quality assurance practices such as calibration checks and equipment maintenance. Student laboratory practice in the performance of the most common tests will be provided to develop skills for testing patients.

RC 3313. RC Clinical Practice Preparation.

This course introduces students to essential respiratory care procedures through structured laboratory and simulation experiences. Learners practice core skills including infection control, vital signs measurement, respiratory assessment, oxygen therapy, aerosol delivery, airway clearance, and basic airway management using manikins and training equipment. Emphasis is placed on accurate equipment assembly, adherence to procedural steps, and application of introductory therapeutic techniques in a controlled environment without direct patient interaction. Weekly competency checkoffs allow students to demonstrate readiness for supervised clinical rotations. The course supports the development of workplace-relevant foundational skills needed for safe performance in future respiratory care practice.

RC 3314. Respiratory Care Instrumentation.

This course introduces the design, function, and operation of basic respiratory care equipment through progressive learning experiences in both didactic lecture and laboratory settings. Emphasis is placed on patient safety, proper equipment use, and the development of foundational clinical understanding essential to respiratory care practice. Students analyze the principles that guide the operation and clinical use of equipment commonly employed in respiratory care practice. Laboratory activities support the evaluation of equipment performance, operational procedures, and safety considerations outlined in professional standards. Emphasis is placed on proper equipment use, infection‑prevention practices, and interpretation of device characteristics. Through structured demonstrations and hands‑on practice, learners apply technical concepts that form the foundation for safe and effective respiratory care in clinical environments.

RC 3315. Cardiopulmonary - Renal Anatomy & Physiology.

This course explores the structure and function of the cardiac, respiratory, and renal systems with emphasis on their anatomical features and underlying physiological mechanisms. Students examine how these systems are organized, how they contribute to the maintenance of homeostasis, and how cardiovascular, pulmonary, and renal processes interact to support overall function. The course also introduces foundational concepts essential to clinical practice in respiratory care. An accompanying anatomy lab provides hands-on learning through anatomical identification. Together, the lecture and lab components build a strong physiological framework for advanced study in respiratory care.

RC 3316. Fundamentals of Respiratory Care.

This course examines foundational theories, techniques, and modalities used in delivery, monitoring, and evaluation of basic respiratory therapeutics for patients with impaired respiratory function. Students analyze clinical approaches to arterial blood gas interpretation, lung volume assessment, hyperinflation therapy, and introductory mechanical ventilation within structured patient scenarios. Emphasis is placed on evaluating diagnostic data, applying therapeutic modalities, and interpreting patient responses in alignment with established respiratory care competencies. Through inquiry-based exploration, the course provides an evidence-grounded framework for understanding the essential procedures and decision making processes required in respiratory care practice.

RC 3321. Cardiopulmonary Pathology.

This course examines the mechanisms, clinical presentation, and diagnostic evaluation of cardiopulmonary diseases encountered in respiratory care practice. Students analyze etiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, and diagnostic indicators associated with common and complex conditions. The course emphasizes interpretation of arterial blood gases, imaging, pulmonary function testing, and laboratory data to support evidence-based clinical reasoning. Case-based activities provide structured opportunities to evaluate disease progression and therapeutic approaches. Students assess treatment modalities and explore prognostic factors relevant to patient management. Writing-intensive activities support the synthesis of clinical concepts. (WI).

RC 3322. Critical Care Concepts.

This course examines respiratory care techniques used in adult critical care environments, emphasizing analytical evaluation of patients with acute respiratory failure and related disorders. Students analyze mechanical ventilation concepts, bedside diagnostic approaches, and physiologic monitoring data through case-based discussions, simulations, and waveform interpretation. The course focuses on evaluating indications, contraindications, and potential risks for commonly used interventions. Students compare management strategies, interpret ventilator and monitoring information, and assess therapeutic implications using evidence-informed reasoning. By the end of the course, students apply structured clinical analysis to justify respiratory care decisions in complex critical care scenarios.

RC 3323. RC Clinical Practice I.

This course provides supervised clinical and laboratory instruction in foundational respiratory care procedures within healthcare and campus-based environments. Students perform patient assessments, therapeutic interventions, equipment setup, and documentation under the supervision of licensed respiratory therapists. Clinical experiences emphasize the care of adult medical and surgical patients, while laboratory activities include competency‑based training in electrocardiographic interpretation, airway management skills, ventilator setup, and ICU preparation procedures. Instruction integrates relevant protocols, safety standards, and preparatory content for subsequent advanced clinical rotations. These combined experiences support the development of essential competencies aligned with accreditation expectations and professional practice standards.

RC 3324. Critical Care Instrumentation.

This course examines equipment and technologies commonly used in critical care and laboratory environments relevant to respiratory care. Topics include hemodynamic monitoring systems, oxygen delivery devices, noninvasive and invasive ventilation technologies, and instrumentation used for blood gas analysis. Instruction also addresses procedures for quality control and quality assurance to support accurate and reliable diagnostic testing. Additional content covers hardware components, operational principles, and performance characteristics associated with mechanical ventilators and related diagnostic equipment. The course provides a technical foundation for understanding the function, application, and evaluation of critical care instrumentation used in respiratory care practice.

RC 3332. Hemodynamics.

This course provides an advanced examination of cardiovascular hemodynamic measurements and their applications in clinical settings. It explores the principles of normal cardiovascular physiology and common quantitative indicators used to assess blood flow and circulatory function. The course also describes how various health conditions can influence hemodynamic parameters and the interpretation of those measures. In addition, learners review current procedures, technologies, and trends used in hemodynamic assessment across contemporary practice environments. Emphasis is placed on understanding measurement techniques, data analysis, and the role of hemodynamics in supporting evidence-based decision making.

RC 3333. RC Clinical Practice II.

This course builds advanced clinical proficiency in respiratory care through supervised practice in adult critical care units. Students perform respiratory assessments, initiate and monitor advanced therapeutic procedures, and interpret diagnostic data within established safety and regulatory standards. Instruction focuses on developing analytical clinical decision-making, ventilator management skills, and effective collaboration with healthcare teams. Clinical responsibilities increase as competency is demonstrated. Neonatal and pediatric observation experiences introduce foundational principles relevant to upcoming specialized clinical training. The course reinforces integration of classroom knowledge, technical skills, and professional conduct in preparation for advanced practice expectations.

RC 3334. Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care.

This course examines neonatal and pediatric respiratory physiology, including fetal development, pulmonary maturation, circulatory transitions, and age specific cardiopulmonary characteristics. Students analyze common neonatal and pediatric respiratory disorders, congenital anomalies, and clinical emergencies encountered across acute and specialized care settings. The course evaluates approaches to respiratory assessment and evidence-informed therapeutic procedures used in neonatal and pediatric practice. Learners investigate principles of mechanical ventilation for infants and children and compare ventilation strategies using case-based clinical data. Through structured inquiry, students interpret diagnostic findings and assess therapeutic options relevant to neonatal and pediatric respiratory support and clinical decision making.

RC 4211. Respiratory Care Research.

This course introduces the fundamental principles of applied experimental design, research ethics, and data analysis specifically tailored to the respiratory care profession. Students examine the structural components of clinical inquiry, beginning with the development of a formal research hypothesis and the selection of appropriate methodology. The curriculum requires students to evaluate ethical standards in human subject research and analyze the administrative requirements for Institutional Review Board (IRB) submission. Throughout the term, students engage in the systematic steps of the research process, investigating how evidence-based practices are formulated and validated within a clinical context. By focusing on quantitative and qualitative frameworks, the course provides a descriptive overview of how data-driven decisions inform and improve respiratory therapy protocols. Prerequisite: HP 3302 or HP 3325 or SOCI 3307 or PSY 3301 or PSY 2301 or CJ 3347 or MATH 2328 with a grade of "D" or better.

RC 4216. Disease Management.

This course evaluates therapeutic modalities and treatment protocols commonly used in respiratory disease management by examining underlying anatomy and pathophysiology. Students analyze how selected disorders alter pulmonary structure and function and assess mechanisms by which therapies aim to modify gas exchange, ventilation, secretion clearance, and work of breathing. Instruction uses lectures, guided reading of clinical sources, and case-based applications to compare indications, limitations, and expected physiologic effects across interventions. Analytical outcomes include relating therapies to specific pathophysiologic mechanisms, appraising protocol choices against patient presentations, and articulating evidence-informed rationale for clinical recommendations within scope of practice. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

RC 4221. Leadership and Management for Respiratory Care Professionals.

This course examines the evolving professional landscape of respiratory care with emphasis on leadership, management, and organizational responsibilities within contemporary healthcare systems. Students analyze the operational, regulatory, and administrative dimensions of respiratory care practice, including workforce planning, resource allocation, quality improvement, and professional ethics. The course evaluates how respiratory care professionals contribute to policy development, accreditation compliance, and interprofessional decision making. Through inquiry-based study, students explore evidence-informed leadership practices and management frameworks that align with national expectations for advancing the professional role of the respiratory therapist. (WI).

RC 4223. ICU Internship.

This course offers structured clinical immersion in adult intensive care units, emphasizing the application of advanced respiratory care procedures and monitoring techniques. Students perform comprehensive patient assessments, administer respiratory therapies, and manage ventilatory support under supervision. Clinical activities include interpreting blood gas results, utilizing bedside monitoring systems, and operating mechanical ventilation technologies consistent with ICU practice standards. Through participation in multidisciplinary rounds and supervised clinical decision making, students develop proficiency in communication, equipment management, and patient specific intervention planning. The course provides essential preparation for higher level clinical responsibilities within the respiratory care curriculum.

RC 4224. Research Seminar.

This course examines the research process through systematic analysis of research design, methodology, data collection, and statistical techniques relevant to respiratory care. Students evaluate published studies, synthesize evidence from multiple scholarly sources, and apply research principles to formulate an original research proposal within the discipline. Instruction emphasizes appraising research quality, analyzing methodological rigor, and interpreting statistical outcomes. Learners examine ethical considerations in human‑subjects research and evaluate how research questions, design choices, and data interpretation influence evidence generation in respiratory care. Through guided inquiry and structured assignments, students construct evidence‑based arguments and develop a scientifically grounded proposal suitable for academic or clinical dissemination.

RC 4225. Specialization Internship.

This course provides supervised clinical experience across a variety of respiratory care specialty areas. Depending on placement, students may participate in pediatrics, neonatal or adult intensive care, pulmonary diagnostics, home care, pulmonary rehabilitation, durable medical equipment services, subacute care, polysomnography, education, or research. Learning activities emphasize specialty-specific procedures, patient assessment techniques, and interpretation of diagnostic and monitoring data. Students engage with clinical protocols, equipment operation, and documentation standards relevant to the assigned setting. Through these diverse experiences, students expand their adaptability, technical proficiency, and understanding of advanced roles within the respiratory care profession.

RC 4309. Pulmonary Diagnostics.

This course explores foundational and emerging concepts in pulmonary diagnostic evaluation, emphasizing the interpretation of respiratory measurements and the physiologic principles that inform them. Students analyze how different categories of diagnostic approaches are used to assess respiratory function, identify patterns of impairment, and support clinical decision-making in diverse care settings. Instruction occurs through online modules, multimedia resources, case discussions, and evidence-informed activities designed for degree-completion respiratory therapists. The course focuses on understanding diagnostic reasoning, evaluating test quality, and applying professional standards without requiring mastery of any specific technology or device. Content remains adaptable to reflect developments in respiratory assessment and diagnostic practice. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

RC 4310. Fundamentals of Polysomnography.

This course examines the basic physiology of sleep, including the neurological processes that regulate sleep, the organization of normal sleep stages, and the classification of major sleep disorders. Students explore foundational cardiac physiology and review common ECG arrhythmias encountered in sleep diagnostics. The course introduces factors that contribute to sleep disorders and explains how symptoms and physiologic patterns relate to diagnostic approaches. Through lectures, demonstrations, and introductory case-based examples, students analyze recorded sleep and cardiac signals to understand characteristic patterns associated with normal and disordered sleep. The course provides a broad conceptual foundation for subsequent study in polysomnographic technology. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

RC 4311. Interdisciplinary Healthcare.

This course examines the role of respiratory therapists within interdisciplinary healthcare environments, emphasizing communication, coordination, and shared decision-making across professional teams. Students analyze how responsibilities, scopes of practice, and organizational structures influence collaborative care. Course content is delivered asynchronously online through readings, recorded lectures, case discussions, and structured interaction within lesson forums. Learners evaluate how healthcare professionals contribute distinct perspectives to patient management and explore approaches for effective team-based collaboration. Activities emphasize inquiry, professional reasoning, and interpretation of team dynamics rather than prescriptive viewpoints. Designed for degree-completion respiratory therapists, the course strengthens understanding of interprofessional processes that support practice in contemporary healthcare settings. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

RC 4312. Respiratory Care Exam Preparation.

This course prepares students for national credentialing examinations by providing an in-depth review of advanced respiratory care concepts. Students analyze therapist-level examination content in areas such as patient assessment, equipment operation, infection control, and therapeutic decision making. Instruction emphasizes evidence-informed reasoning, interpretation of clinical information, and application of respiratory care principles needed for professional credentialing. Learners engage in guided review sessions, online assessments, and structured practice activities designed to reinforce cumulative knowledge from the respiratory care curriculum. The course also prepares students to evaluate their exam readiness and identify domains requiring further study. Emphasis is placed on developing the analytical thinking, content mastery, and professional competencies expected of entry-level respiratory therapists entering the workforce.

RC 4313. Polysomnographic Therapeutic Intervention.

This course examines the principles and practices associated with therapeutic intervention in polysomnography. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation of sleep study data, the application of established professional standards, and the evaluation of treatment strategies for sleep-related breathing and movement disorders. Students explore sleep architecture, event recognition, diagnostic and therapeutic protocols, and patient-centered considerations relevant to clinical practice. The course integrates case-based learning, data analysis, and simulated scenarios to support clinical reasoning and evidence-informed decision-making in sleep medicine. Attention is also given to safety and equipment management within therapeutic environments. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

RC 4314. Advanced Ventilator Concepts.

This course presents advanced concepts in adult mechanical ventilation, including ventilator classification, mode structure, control strategies, and patient monitoring methods. Students examine the operation of contemporary ventilators and learn to evaluate patient–ventilator interactions through waveform and data analysis. Instruction includes the application and assessment of advanced ventilator modes used in managing complex respiratory conditions. Emphasis is placed on interpreting displayed parameters, identifying changes in system performance, and applying systematic approaches to monitoring and troubleshooting. The course provides the theoretical framework needed to support safe and effective ventilatory management in respiratory care practice.

RC 4316. RC Clinical Practice IV.

This course provides supervised clinical education in adult, pediatric, and neonatal intensive care environments. Students apply respiratory care principles to real-time clinical situations under the guidance of licensed clinical instructors. Learning activities include performing respiratory assessments, implementing therapeutic procedures, evaluating patient responses, operating equipment used in critical care, and participating in interdisciplinary communication. Emphasis is placed on integrating classroom knowledge with clinical practice, adhering to professional standards, and interpreting clinical indicators that guide respiratory interventions. Students gain experience with mechanical ventilation, airway management, monitoring techniques, and other critical care practices appropriate to their level of training. The course prepares learners for advanced clinical responsibilities and reinforces competencies required for progression within the respiratory care curriculum.

RC 4317. Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

This course introduces students to medical, ethical, and insurance reimbursement considerations relevant to pulmonary rehabilitation, homecare, and sleep diagnostic facilities. Students examine how clinical, administrative, and regulatory factors shape professional practice across these settings. The course presents ethical questions, legislation, regulations, and political influences as subjects for analysis rather than as prescriptive positions. Emphasis is placed on understanding the roles of therapists in case management, treatment planning, documentation, and discharge processes. Through inquiry-based study, students evaluate how professional standards, reimbursement structures, and policy environments interact to affect patient care. The course supports objective reasoning and helps students develop the analytical tools needed for effective clinical decision making.

RC 4318. Independent Study in Respiratory Care.

This course offers an online, self directed exploration of a focused issue impacting respiratory care practice or the healthcare system. Students select a topic in consultation with faculty and investigate it through structured literature review, critical analysis, and scholarly synthesis. The course emphasizes evaluating evidence, examining implications for professional practice, and applying analytical reasoning to problem-solving frameworks. Instruction occurs through individualized guidance, progress checkpoints, and completion of a major written assignment. Because emphasis varies by semester based on student interest, the course may be repeated for credit with approval.

RC 4322. RC Practitioner Seminar.

This course examines current professional issues, practices, and advancements relevant to respiratory care practitioners. Students analyze contemporary clinical, regulatory, and professional topics that influence the delivery of respiratory care across diverse settings. Emphasis is placed on evaluating emerging evidence, reviewing professional standards, and discussing case-based scenarios that illustrate real-world applications. The course provides structured opportunities for students to refine communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that support professional growth. Through seminar discussions and applied activities, students consider multiple perspectives on issues shaping the field and develop the ability to assess information using discipline-specific reasoning. This course focuses on inquiry and professional development without prescribing personal beliefs or positions. (WI).

RC 4324. Sleep Medicine and Polysomnography.

This course provides an analytical introduction to sleep medicine and polysomnography for respiratory care students. Content includes sleep physiology, sleep stages, and sleep architecture, along with the pathophysiology and diagnostic features of major sleep disorders. Students evaluate the role of polysomnography and related diagnostic modalities through interpretation of sleep staging, respiratory events, and titration parameters. The course examines therapeutic strategies using evidence based guidelines, including positive airway pressure and additional management approaches. Case based applications allow students to assess clinical findings and compare treatment options. Emphasis is placed on developing discipline specific reasoning, understanding professional standards, and examining ethical considerations related to diagnostic practices. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

RC 4333. Neonatal Critical Care.

This course provides an online study of respiratory care principles applied to neonatal populations. Students evaluate prenatal and postnatal respiratory development, common neonatal respiratory disorders, and diagnostic information used to guide clinical decision making. Emphasis is placed on analyzing physiologic mechanisms, interpreting assessment data, and comparing evidence supported respiratory support strategies, including noninvasive and invasive modalities. Course materials are delivered through asynchronous lessons, readings, video demonstrations, and structured forum discussions designed to reinforce analytical competencies. Learners apply neonatal respiratory care concepts to case-based scenarios and examine how professional guidelines inform practice expectations. The course supports academic and workplace preparation for advanced roles involving neonatal respiratory care. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

RC 4334. Adult Critical Care.

This course examines concepts, practices, and technologies used in the respiratory care management of adults in critical care settings. Students will explore advanced ventilation methods, assessment techniques, and evidence-based interventions commonly applied in intensive care units. Emphasis is placed on integrating clinical data, interpreting physiologic responses, and evaluating therapeutic options. Through analysis of adult critical care scenarios, learners will develop a framework for applying respiratory care principles to complex conditions encountered in acute and emergent environments. Case-based examples allow for an in-depth presentation of advanced respiratory therapy therapeutics and procedures for caring for adults in the intensive care unit. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.