Introduction to respiratory care with theoretical emphasis in principles of infection control, oxygen administration, aerosol and humidity therapy, chest physical therapy, analysis and monitoring of gas exchange and incentive spirometry devices.

This course studies the basic principles of applied physics and mathematics underlying respiratory therapy modalities with emphasis on general characteristics of gases, oxygen, humidity, aerosol and various states of matter. A study of the basic principles of chemistry as it applies to acid-base balance and blood gas interpretation

General pharmacological principles and their applications to cardio-pulmonary disease to include pharmacological agents that affect the pulmonary, cardiac and renal systems. The methods of drug administration, effects, hazards and contraindications will also be discussed.

Laboratory experience in selecting, assembling, using and troubleshooting basic respiratory care equipment including oxygen administration devices, humidifiers, inhalers, gas cylinders, regulators, reducing valves, flow meters, air oxygen blenders, mucous clearance devices, oximetry monitoring devices, incentive spirometry devices, among others.

The purpose of the course is to prepare the student with special procedure skills to be competent in assisting physicians to perform these procedures. The student will be required to satisfactorily perform skill evaluations and troubleshooting in a laboratory setting. The skills and theory covered include management of difficult airway, Bronchoscopy/ Mini Bronchoalveolar Lavage, Thoracentesis/Chest tube insertion, arterial line insertion and monitoring, rescue procedures, special administered gases, cardiopulmonary special tests, chest imaging and end of life management.

This course will review the more important principles, concepts and topics studied in Cardio-Pulmonary Anatomy and Physiology, Applied Physics, and Respiratory Care Pharmacology. The course will help to improve the knowledge skills of students who are in process of getting admitted into the Respiratory Therapy program.

The acute and chronic cardio-respiratory pathological processes will be covered to include pathophysiology, patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Pulmonary function interpretation will be discussed.

This course is intended to discuss, review, recall and analyze information regarding the didactic, laboratory and clinical areas of the Certified Respiratory Therapist (C.R.T) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (R.R.T) exams.

An intensive study of physiological and structural functions of the nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal systems. Special emphasis in mechanics of ventilation, control of ventilation, gas diffusion, ventilation-perfusion relationships, acid-base regulation and cardiopulmonary hemodynamics, Laboratory includes patient assessment, pulmonary function measurements, thoracic imaging and ECG.

Principles of mechanical ventilation including physiology of ventilatory support, indications, contraindications, complications and physiological effects of mechanical ventilation. Also included are the analysis of arterial blood gases, hemodynamic monitoring and assessment of patients on ventilators.

This course provides students an opportunity to integrate and develop the theoretical knowledge and skills necessary for the initiation, management, and weaning of mechanical ventilation. In addition, lecture topics include, different operating modes of mechanical ventilation, monitoring parameters and neonatal mechanical ventilation.

This course prepares the student to review, recall and analyze basic and advanced information regarding clinical simulation cases for the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) exam

Integration of theoretical and laboratory experiences with emphasis on selecting, assembling, using and troubleshooting ventilators as well as ventilator monitoring and weaning techniques. This course also includes selection, assembly, use and troubleshooting of equipment including: IPPB ventilators, suctioning devices, vacuum, systems, PEP devices, artificial airways, and patients breathing circuits.

An introduction to neonatal and pediatric respiratory care concepts including placental and fetal circulation, cardiopulmonary events at birth, assessment of newborn, cardio-pulmonary disorders, basics of respiratory care and neonatal mechanical ventilation.

Continuation of basic respiratory care procedures under direct clinical supervision. Emphasis on development of new skills, including airway management, nasotracheal suctioning, chest physiotherapy and hyperinflation therapy. 64 clinical contact hours.

This course is a continuation of RESP220 through a systematic review of adult mechanical ventilations. Special emphasis is given to the difference between mechanical ventilation of the newborn and adult patient.

Supervised clinical experience with emphasis in mechanical ventilation in the adult patient and introduction to critical care management. 64 clinical contact hours.

This course reinforces the concepts of cardiovascular anatomy and physiology discussed in previous respiratory courses. Emphasis on techniques and theory necessary for the interpretation and evaluation of hemodynamic measurements and hemodynamic monitoring.

Clinical practice designed for the advanced respiratory student under direct clinical supervision. Introduction to basic respiratory care procedures and critical care management of neonates and pediatric patients. 128 clinical contact hours.

The purpose of this independent clinical rotation experience is an opportunity for students to gain more practice in the collection, review, analysis and evaluation of non-critical patient data. It is also an opportunity for students to apply principles of equipment manipulation, infection control and quality control. 120 clinical contact hours. Additional 72 hours devoted to case study.

The purpose of this independent clinical rotation experience is an opportunity for students to gain more practice in the management and monitoring of noncritically and critically ill patients. It is also an opportunity for students to determine the appropriateness of the prescribed respiratory care plan and recommend modifications when indicated. 120 clinical contact hours. Additional 72 hours devoted to case study.

The purpose of this independent clinical rotation experience is an opportunity for students to integrate and develop all clinical competencies and skills learned in previous supervised and non-supervised clinical practices. 120 clinical contact hours. Additional 72 hours devoted to case study.