Respiratory Care 

Area of Study: Respiratory Care 
Degree/Certificate: Associate of Applied Science degree in Respiratory Care 
Program Description

Assess the cardiopulmonary system, assist in the treatment of cardiopulmonary impairment, evaluate treatment effectiveness and actively care for patients of all ages with deficiencies or abnormalities associated with the cardiopulmonary system. Opportunities exist for specialization within the profession in the areas of critical care, homecare, neonatal/pediatrics, education, pulmonary function testing and management as a licensed professional in respiratory care. The individual will, under the supervision of a physician, actively participate in the development of patient care plans, diagnostic testing and in the decision making process regarding the care and treatment of patients. Employment is primarily in hospitals but extends to home care, skilled nursing facilities, education and management.

There may be a waiting list for this program. If a student is placed on a waiting list, the student is strongly advised to complete all graduation requirements (non-RESP courses). Although not an aspect of the degree requirements, students may wish to take a medical terminology course as well. When acceptance is received, the student’s course load will be much less.

This program is designed to prepare students to demonstrate the following program outcomes:
Respiratory Care Degree Outcomes.pdf

Program Requirements

Suggested Semester Sequence

First Semester Credits

BIO-1100

Introduction to Biological Chemistry (1)

3

BIO-2330

Anatomy and Physiology I

4

ENG-1010

College Composition I

3

MATH-1141

Applied Algebra and Mathematical Reasoning or higher (2)

3

PSY-1010

General Psychology

3

RESP-1300

Respiratory Care Equipment

4

RESP-1310

Cardiopulmonary Physiology

3

Total

23

Second Semester Credits

BIO-2340

Anatomy and Physiology II

4

ENG-1020

College Composition II

3

RESP-1320

Acid-Base and Hemodynamics

2

RESP-1330

Cardiopulmonary Assessment and Pulmonary Diseases

5

RESP-1340

Pharmacology for Respiratory Care

2

Total

16

Summer Semester Credits

PHIL-2050

Bioethics

3

RESP-2210

Introduction to Mechanical Ventilation

1

RESP-2300

Basic Therapeutic Procedures

3

RESP-2910

Respiratory Care Directed Practice I

3

Total

10

Third Semester Credits

BIO-2500

Microbiology

4

RESP-2310

Mechanical Ventilation

4

RESP-2320

Pediatric/Neonatal Respiratory Care

2

RESP-2920

Respiratory Care Directed Practice II

5

Total

15

Fourth Semester Credits

PSY-2xxx

Any 2000-level PSY elective course

2

RESP-2330

Respiratory Home Care/Rehabilitation

1

RESP-2341
OR
RESP-xxxx

Patient Management Problems
OR
RESP elective course (3)


1

RESP-2930

Respiratory Care Directed Practice III (C)

5

Total

9

Program Total Credits

73

Notes

(1) CHEM-1010 and 1020 may be taken in place of BIO-1100.

(2) MATH-1800-1819/2800-2819 & 1820/2820 may not be used to meet this requirement.

(3) Elective course may be selected with written approval from the RESP department.

(C) = Capstone Course

Program Outcome