Respiratory Therapy :: CourseRespiratory Therapy Program Requirements and Curriculum Descriptions

RSPT 138 Cooperative Education
(formerly RSP THY 38)

See Cooperative Education listing (1-8 units). CSU

RSPT 149 Independent Study
(formerly RSP THY 49)

See Independent Study listing (1-3 units).

RSPT 230 Introduction to Respiratory Therapy
(formerly RSP THY 30)

This course introduces the student to respiratory therapy as a health science profession, including history, professional requirements, responsibilities, professional organizations, and credentialing of the respiratory care practitioner. Provides basic anatomy and physiology, physics and math, and basic cardiopulmonary pathology in order to give the student a basic foundation for theory and application of Respiratory Therapy. Nine lecture hours per week for six weeks. CSU. Offered Summer. (Prerequisite: MATH 50, CHEM 100, BIOL 100 and formal admission to the Respiratory Therapy Program)

RSPT 231 Orientation To Basic Fundamentals Of Respiratory Therapy
(formerly RSP THY 31)

Survey of respiratory therapy as an allied health profession. Informs the student of the responsibilities and functions of a Respiratory Therapist. The course content will include: medical terminology, physics and math for respiratory therapy, basic anatomy and physiology of the respiratory-pulmonary system, medical gas therapy, humidity and aerosol therapy, infection control, basic therapeutic and diagnostic modalities. Provides initial hospital orientation and administration of basic respiratory therapy to patients, through laboratory simulation. Four lecture, eighteen laboratory hours per week. CSU. Offered Fall. (Prerequisite: RSPT 230 with a grade of "C" or better.)

A more in-depth study of the theory and application of respiratory therapy. The course will include: pressure-cycled ventilators, techniques of airway management, comprehensive pulmonary assessment, advanced cardiopulmonary physiology, pharmacological care and pulmonary function testing of pulmonary patients. The student will spend 16 hours a week in the hospital concentrating on respiratory therapy floor care. Four lecture, three laboratory, and sixteen clinical hours per week. CSU. Offered Spring. (Prerequisite: RSPT 231 with a grade of “C” or better)

A more advanced study of the theory and application of respiratory therapy. The course content will include: continuous mechanical ventilation, respiratory physiology, equipment used in acute care management, microbiology for respiratory therapy, arterial puncture and analysis, endotracheal intubation, and the principles of advanced cardiac life support. The student will spend 24 hours a week in the hospital concentrating on the management of the critically ill patient, and gaining experience with the various adult life support systems. Four lecture, three laboratory, and 24 clinical hours per week. CSU. Offered Fall. (Prerequisite: RSPT 239, BIOL 211, 231, with a grade of “C” or better.)

Method of application of the principles of respiratory care in the clinical setting. The course content will include: neonatal and pediatric respiratory therapy, NRP, PALS, pathophysiology of pulmonary manifestations of disease and trauma, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, and organization and administration of the Respiratory Therapy department. Includes 24 hours of weekly clinical practice under supervision, and 2 hours of weekly laboratory. Four lecture hours per week. CSU. Offered Spring. (Prerequisite: RSPT 233 and BIOL 221 with a grade of “C” or better)

This course introduces the principles of mechanical ventilation, allows hands-on experience with current ventilators, and reinforces therapeutic care. Three lecture, nine laboratory hours per week for six weeks. Offered Summer. (Prerequisite: Completion of RSPT 232 with a “C” or better)

A self-paced equivalent of RSPT 231 for students meeting the advanced placement criteria. Successful completion requires demonstration of mastery of the classroom, laboratory, and clinical objectives equivalent to RSPT 231. The course content will include: medical terminology, physics and math for respiratory therapy, basic anatomy and physiology of the respiratory pulmonary system, medical gas therapy, humidity and aerosol therapy, infection control, basic therapeutic and diagnostic modalities. Hours per week: self-paced. CSU. Offered Fall. (Admission to Advanced Standing Program.)

A self-paced equivalent of RSPT 232 for students meeting the advanced standing criteria. Successful completion requires demonstration of mastery for the classroom, laboratory and clinical objectives equivalent to RSPT 232. A more in-depth
study of the theory and application of respiratory therapy. The course will include the study of pressure-cycled ventilation, techniques of airway care, advanced cardiopulmonary physiology and pharmacological care of the pulmonary patient. Hours per week: self-paced. CSU. Offered Spring. (Completion of RSPT 241 with a grade of "C" or better.)

RSPT 243 Respiratory Care Written and Clinical Simulation
(formerly RSP THY 43)

This course will prepare individuals for the NBRC’s written and Clinical Simulation Exam. Those already registered by NBRC will be able to review, evaluate, and improve their clinical assessment and decision-making skills. One lecture. Offered Spring. (Completion of RSPT 233 or RCP/CRT credentials. )