Respiratory Care Technology
Associate of Applied Science
[ Dalton Harris, John Shelburne ]
The Respiratory Care Technology Program offers a basic two year associate degree program of study. Students are trained to perform clinical tasks included in the Respiratory Therapist’s job description and in many instances fill staff and supervisory positions in the hospital environment. Students are also trained to perform clinical tasks included in the advanced practitioner job description. These skills include advanced cardiac life support, advanced patient assessment, neonatal/pediatric management, home care/pulmonary rehabilitation and advanced mechanical ventilation and PFT’s.
Students follow a two year course study designed to integrate the study of basic sciences, respiratory care and applied clinical technique as well as advanced respiratory care courses which include specialized clinical rotations. Students are required to complete all course work with a grade of “C” or higher, in order to progress to the next semester. Upon completion of the program, graduates receive an Associate of Applied Science degree. After graduation the student will be eligible to take the the Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) administered by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC). After passing this exam, students are then eligible to take the clinical simulation examinations also administered by the NBRC. Once this exam is passed the RRT credential is awarded. The Respiratory Care Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). CoARC may be contacted at 1248 Harwood Rd., Bedford, TX 76021-4244; (817) 283-2835 or at www.coarc.com.
CIP Code: 510908
Program Code: 8900
Prerequisites
Prerequisites — 11 hrs
(Prerequisite: ACT composite of 19 or credit in BIO 1534 with a "C" or above.) A combined lecture and laboratory course that covers the anatomical and physiological study of the human body as an integrated whole. The course includes detailed studies of: biological principles; tissues; and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular and nervous systems. Labs associated with this course contain experiments and exercises that reinforce the principles introduced in lecture classes. Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory.
(Prerequisite: BIO 2514 with a "C" or above) A combined lecture and laboratory course that includes detailed studies of the anatomy and physiology of human special senses, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic and immune, respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems, as well as reproduction and development. Labs associated with this course contain experiments and exercises that reinforce the principles introduced in lecture classes. Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory.
Choose from any MAT course 1313 or higher. *Some programs may only require MAT 1233 or higher.
First Year
First Semester — 18 hrs
Fundamental approach to subjective and objective evaluation, assessment, and care plan formation for the individual needs of the patient. An introduction to cardiopulmonary diseases including etiology, pathophysiology, complications, occurrences, clinical manifestations, treatment, and prevention. Two hours lecture and two hours laboratory.
This course is a study of cardiopulmonary and renal physiology in relation to the practice of respiratory care. Three hours lecture.
This course is a study of respiratory treatments and equipment design and operation related to noncritical care procedures. Two hours lecture and eight hours laboratory.
This course is designed to introduce the student respiratory care therapist to fundamental elements important to the delivery of health care in a safe, efficient, and professional manner. occurrences, clinical manifestations, treatment, and
Choose from any fine arts classes.
Second Semester — 15 hrs
Patient assessment and care plan formation are presented in the hospital environment. A procedural guide is utilized to evaluate student competencies and performance of respiratory care procedures. Fifteen hours clinical.
This course is a continuation of Respiratory Care Technology I. It is a study of respiratory failure, mechanical ventilation, pulmonary rehabilitation, and home care. Three hours lecture and two hours laboratory.
This course is designed to introduce the student to the pharmacology related to cardiopulmonary disorders. Three hours lecture.
This course is a study of fetal development and the transition to extrauterine environment. It includes the most common cardiopulmonary birth defects, neonatal, and pediatric disease process, and the mode of treatment. Three hours of lecture.