Respiratory Care

RSC 101 Fundamentals of Respiratory Care  3-0-3
This course introduces the foundational principles of respiratory therapy and prepares students with the essential knowledge to become competent respiratory therapists. Students will examine the history and development of the respiratory care profession while gaining an understanding of core concepts such as patient assessment, safety protocols, infection control, quality of care, and ethical responsibilities. Prerequisite/Corequisite: RSC professional coursework must be completed in sequence as outlined on the academic map.

RSC 105 Introduction to Respiratory Disease  3-0-3
This course introduces students to a variety of pulmonary diseases, emphasizing their pathophysiology, etiology, cardiopulmonary symptoms, and disease management. Prerequisite/Corequisite: RSC professional coursework must be completed in sequence as outlined on the academic map.

RSC 110 Respiratory Physiology  3-0-3
This course introduces students to the normal anatomy and physiology of the cardiopulmonary system. Emphasis will be on the importance of heart and lung relationship. Topics covered will include conduction system of the heart, normal and abnormal electrocardiogram rhythms, and acid-base status. Prerequisite/Corequisite: RSC professional coursework must be completed in sequence as outlined on the academic map.

RSC 115 Respiratory Equipment & Therapeutics  3-0-3
This course provides an overview of the equipment and therapeutic techniques used in the delivery of respiratory care.  Emphasis is placed on the selection, operation, and troubleshooting of equipment, as well as the clinical application of therapies in treating patients with acute and chronic cardiopulmonary conditions. Prerequisite/Corequisite: RSC professional coursework must be completed in sequence as outlined on the academic map.

RSC 120 Respiratory Care Clinical I  0-20-1
This introductory clinical course provides students with their first supervised experience in patient care within a healthcare setting. Students will apply basic respiratory therapy skills such as patient assessment, vital sign monitoring, oxygen therapy, and infection control. Emphasis is placed on developing clinical competence, communication, professionalism, and adherence to safety and ethical standards. Prerequisite/Corequisite: RSC professional coursework must be completed in sequence as outlined on the academic map.

RSC 121 Respiratory Care Lab I  0-5-2
This introductory laboratory course offers students foundational hands-on experience in respiratory therapy. Students will learn basic clinical skills including vital sign measurement, patient assessment, proper use of basic respiratory equipment, oxygen delivery methods, and infection control procedures. The lab emphasizes safety, accuracy, and professional conduct as students begin to develop the competencies required for entry into clinical practice. Prerequisite/Corequisite: RSC professional coursework must be completed in sequence as outlined on the academic map.

RSC 150 Advanced Respiratory Care  3-0-3
This course focuses on the advanced principles and practices of respiratory care in critical care settings. Students will explore complex cardiopulmonary pathologies, advanced airway management, and the application of invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation strategies. Prerequisite/Corequisite: RSC professional coursework must be completed in sequence as outlined on the academic map.

RSC 155 Mechanical Ventilation  3-0-3
This course focuses on mechanical ventilation. Students will learn indications, modes, physiological effects, and complications of mechanical ventilation. Students will gain an understanding of the importance of assessment for liberating patients from ventilatory support. Prerequisite/Corequisite: RSC professional coursework must be completed in sequence as outlined on the academic map.

RSC 160 Cardiopulmonary Diagnostics  3-0-3
This course provides an in-depth study of diagnostic procedures used to evaluate cardiopulmonary function in clinical settings. Students will learn the principles and applications of imaging interpretation, invasive Cardiac Monitoring, and hemodynamic monitoring. Emphasis is placed on hospital-based procedures, data analysis, and the integration of diagnostic findings. Prerequisite/Corequisite: RSC professional coursework must be completed in sequence as outlined on the academic map.

RSC 165 Respiratory Pharmacology  2-0-2
This course introduces the principles of pharmacology as they apply to respiratory care. Students will study drug classifications, mechanisms of action, indications, contraindications, and side effects of medications commonly used in the treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases. Emphasis is placed on bronchodilators, corticosteroids, mucolytics, antibiotics, and emergency medications. The course also covers routes of administration and dosage calculations. Prerequisite/Corequisite: RSC professional coursework must be completed in sequence as outlined on the academic map.

RSC 170 Respiratory Care Clinical II  0-20-2
This intermediate clinical course builds upon foundational skills as students will perform advanced respiratory procedures such as airway management, bronchial hygiene therapy, aerosol and medication delivery, and ventilator monitoring. Emphasis is placed on clinical decision-making, critical thinking, and professional communication while managing care for patients with acute and chronic cardiopulmonary conditions. Prerequisite/Corequisite: RSC professional coursework must be completed in sequence as outlined on the academic map.

RSC 171 Respiratory Care Lab II  0-5-1
This course provides hands-on experience for students to apply the cognitive knowledge they’ve gained in previous courses to simulated hospital and patient care experiences. The student will develop psychomotor skills to enhance their confidence as they begin their hospital clinical rotations and work with actual patients. The clinical competencies taught in concurrent courses are studied and practiced in the simulation setting with peer and instructor feedback to improve technique. Competencies can be completed in the Clinical Practicum setting as time and resources permit. Prerequisite/Corequisite: RSC professional coursework must be completed in sequence as outlined on the academic map.

RSC 201 Neonatal & Pediatric Respiratory Care  3-0-3
This course prepares students to provide specialized, safe, and effective respiratory care of neonatal and pediatrics in intensive care settings.  Students will learn to apply age-appropriate techniques in airway management, oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, and resuscitation. Emphasis is placed on developmental physiology and equipment. Prerequisite/Corequisite: RSC professional coursework must be completed in sequence as outlined on the academic map.

RSC 205 Specialized Respiratory Procedures  3-0-3
This course introduces students to advanced diagnostic techniques in respiratory care, with a focus on pulmonary function testing and specialty practice areas. Students will interpret spirometry, lung volumes, and diffusion studies in accordance with clinical standards. The course also explores roles in specialty areas such as pulmonary rehabilitation, sleep diagnostics, home care, and long-term care. Prerequisite/Corequisite: RSC professional coursework must be completed in sequence as outlined on the academic map.

RSC 220 Respiratory Care Clinical III  0-20-3
This advanced clinical course prepares students for entry-level practice as respiratory therapists by providing immersive experience in a variety of acute and critical care settings. Students will demonstrate proficiency in ventilator management, arterial blood gas interpretation, airway care, and the implementation of complex therapeutic modalities. Emphasis is placed on independent clinical judgment, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students are expected to function with a high level of competence and professionalism as they transition from supervised learning to professional readiness. Prerequisite/Corequisite: RSC professional coursework must be completed in sequence as outlined on the academic map.

RSC 221 Respiratory Care Lab III  0-5-1
This advanced laboratory course provides hands-on training in Specialty areas of care. Students will practice advanced respiratory skills including neonatal resuscitation, pediatric airway management, ventilator setup and management for all age groups. Emphasis is placed on age-specific assessment, equipment selection, simulation-based scenarios, and interdisciplinary team communication. This course prepares students for high-acuity clinical environments by reinforcing critical thinking, technical proficiency, and clinical decision-making. Prerequisite/Corequisite: RSC professional coursework must be completed in sequence as outlined on the academic map.

RSC 291 Respiratory Care Capstone 2-0-2 
This course is designed to prepare students for the National Board of Respiratory Care exams. Emphasis is placed on interview styles, preparation for credentialing exams, and the development of a professional portfolio highlighting their employability skills as they transition from student to professional. Prerequisite/Corequisite: RSC professional coursework must be completed in sequence as outlined on the academic map.