Program Requirements
Respiratory Therapy
Associate Degree | 10-515-1
www.cvtc.edu
1-800-547-2882
Start Dates: August
Effective: August 2024
Pre-Program
Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments
806-177Gen Anatomy & Physiology4836-133 or 806-134 or concurrent or CHEM Test ScoreExamines basic concepts of human anatomy and physiology as they relate to health sciences. Using a body systems approach, the course emphasizes the interrelationships between structure and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization of the entire human body. It is intended to prepare health care professionals who need to apply basic concepts of whole body anatomy and physiology to informed decision-making and professional communication with colleagues and patients.
TOTAL CREDITS:4
First Semester
Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments
501-101Medical Terminology3This course focuses on the component parts of medical terms: prefixes, suffixes, and word roots. Students practice formation, analysis, and reconstruction of terms. Emphasis on spelling, definition, and pronunciation. Introduction to operative, diagnostic, therapeutic, and symptomatic terminology of all body systems, as well as systemic and surgical terminology.
515-111Respiratory Survey3Program studentThis course will introduce the student to issues facing health care workers. Topics will include ethics, confidentiality, and professionalism. Health care structure and economics will also be introduced. Other topics may include professional licensure, legal aspects of health care, and patient communication.
515-171Respiratory Therapeutics 13Program student; 806-177 and (515-111 or concurrent or R111 Test Score)Introduces the topics of medical gas administration and humidity and aerosol therapy. The learner will apply physics, math, and patient assessment concepts to oxygen, aerosol and humidity therapy.
515-173Respiratory Pharmacology3Program student; 806-177 and (515-111 or concurrent or R111 Test Score)Examines basic pharmacology principles, drug dosage, and calculations. Medications for inhalation including mucolytics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatories. Also includes cardiac drugs, anesthetic drugs, neuromuscular blockers, and antimicrobials.
TOTAL CREDITS:12
Second Semester
Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments
515-172Respiratory Therapeutics 23Program student; (515-171 or R171 Test Score) and 515-173Introduces therapeutic procedures including arterial puncture, bronchial hygiene, lung expansion therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
515-174Respiratory/Cardiac Physiology3Program student; 806-177 and (515-171 or R171 Test Score) and 515-173Provides the student with an in-depth knowledge of the structure and function of the respiratory and circulatory systems necessary to function as a competent Respiratory Therapist.
515-176Respiratory Disease3Program student; 806-177 and 515-111 and 515-173Exploration of signs, symptoms, causes, progression, and treatment of obstructive, restrictive and infectious diseases or disorders of the body that affect the respiratory system.
801-136English Composition 13This course is designed for learners to develop knowledge and skills in all aspects of the writing process. Planning, organizing, writing, editing, and revising are applied through a variety of activities. Students will analyze audience and purpose, use elements of research and format documents using standard guidelines. Individuals will develop critical reading skills through analysis of various written documents.
801-196Oral/Interpersonal Comm3Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.
TOTAL CREDITS:15
Summer Term
Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments
515-175Respiratory Clinical 12Program student; (501-101 or concurrent or M101 Test Score) and (515-171 or concurrent or R171 Test Score) and (515-172 or concurrent or R172 Test Score) and (515-174 or concurrent or R174 Test Score) and (515-173 or R173 Test Score) and (515-176 or R176 Test Score) and (515-111 or R111 Test Score)Introduces Respiratory Therapy practice in the hospital setting. Includes the development of skills such as basic therapeutics, patient assessment, medical record review, safety practices, patient interaction, and communication.
806-197Microbiology4806-177 or 806-207This course examines microbial structure, metabolism, genetics, growth, and the relationship between humans and microorganisms. Disease production, epidemiology, host defense mechanisms, and the medical impact of microbes in the environment, industry, and biotechnology are also addressed.
TOTAL CREDITS:6
Third Semester
Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments
515-112Respiratory Airway Management2Program student; (515-172 or R172 Test Score) and (515-174 or R174 Test Score) and 515-175 and 806-197Provides a comprehensive exploration of airway management concepts and skills.
515-113Respiratory Life Support3Program student; (515-172 or R172 Test Score) and 515-175 and (515-112 or concurrent or R112 Test Score)Focuses on management of adult ventilatory support.
515-178Respiratory Clinical 231st 8 weeks | Program student; 515-175 and 806-197Continued development of Respiratory Therapy clinical skills including respiratory therapeutics. Focuses on monitoring, analyzing and interpreting data to make appropriate modifications in patient care. This course includes the complete program competency list. At the completion of this clinical, learners must demonstrate competence in a minimum of 12 (required and/or simulated) competencies. The instructor may identify specific competencies to be addressed during this clinical.
515-179Respiratory Clinical 332nd 8 weeks | Program student; 515-178 or concurrentContinued development of Respiratory Therapy clinical skills including respiratory therapeutics. Focuses on monitoring, analyzing and interpreting data to make appropriate modifications in patient care. This course includes the complete program competency list. At the completion of this clinical, learners must demonstrate competence in a minimum of 19 (required and/or simulated) competencies. The instructor may identify specific competencies to be addressed during this clinical.
809-198Intro to Psychology3This introductory course in psychology is a survey of the multiple aspects of human behavior. It involves a survey of the theoretical foundations of human functioning in such areas as learning, motivation, emotions, personality, deviance and pathology, physiological factors, and social influences. Additional topics include research methods, biological and environmental impacts, development, sensation and perception, consciousness, intelligence and stress. This course directs the student to an insightful understanding of the complexities of human relationships in personal, social, and vocational settings.
TOTAL CREDITS:14
Fourth Semester
Course #Course TitleCreditsPrerequisites/Comments
515-145Adv Respiratory Care Topics2Program student; 515-178 and 515-179 and 515-112 or R112 Test ScoreA course to consider advanced topics and perform examination review for the RC students.
515-180Respiratory Neo/Peds Care2Program student; (515-113 or R113 Test Score) and (515-112 or R112 Test Score)Provides a comprehensive orientation to the field of neonatal and pediatric respiratory care to include fetal development, birth, neonatal physiology, pulmonary dynamics, abnormal cardiopulmonary conditions, diseases, noninvasive and invasive therapeutic interventions.
515-181Respiratory/Cardio Diagnostics3Program student; (515-113 or R113 Test Score) and (515-176 or R176 Test Score)Advanced invasive and noninvasive diagnostic cardiopulmonary procedures including pulmonary function, hemodynamics and rescue medicine.
515-182Respiratory Clinical 431st 8 weeks | Program student; 515-179 or (515-112 or R112 Test Score)Continued development of Respiratory Therapy clinical skills including respiratory therapeutics. Focuses on monitoring, analyzing, and interpreting data to make appropriate modifications in patient care. This course includes the complete program competency list. At the completion of this clinical, learners must demonstrate competence in a minimum of 26 (required and/or simulated) competencies. The instructor may identify specific competencies to be addressed during this clinical.
515-183Respiratory Clinical 532nd 8 weeks | Program student; 515-182 or concurrentFocuses on the completion of respiratory therapy competencies and transition to employment. This course includes the complete program competency list. At the completion of this clinical, learners must demonstrate competence in all of the required and required/simulated competencies. The instructor may identify specific competencies to be addressed during this clinical.
809-196Intro to Sociology3This course introduces students to the basic concepts of sociology, including culture, race, socialization, gender, group behavior, deviance, social stratification, and social change. Students will use the sociological perspective to analyze major social institutions, multiculturalism, and social issues affecting our selves and society. Students will participate in a variety of experiences to strengthen and demonstrate these perspectives and skills. Critical thinking skills are emphasized, and learning activities include applying sociological theory to current issues in society. The focus is on how social factors and forces influence beliefs and behaviors, both in our personal lives and at work.
TOTAL CREDITS:16
Minimum Program Credits Required: 67
Grade of B- required for program core courses
Grade of C required for general education courses
2.0 Minimum Program Cumulative GPA Required for Graduation
If a student does not enroll in any courses at CVTC for two or more consecutive semesters, the student will be required to reapply with Admissions. Students must abide by any changes in admission requirements and degree requirements.
Updated: 4/16/2024 9:03 a.m. | Printed: 8/31/2024 6:37 p.m.
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