RCT Course Descriptions
RCT 110 Intro to Respiratory Care
Credit Hrs: 2 Pre-Req: See above
Co-Req: RCT 114, RCT 117
A review of the history and organization of the respiratory care profession. Topics will include the AARC, the NBRC, and the national credentialing examinations. Medical ethics will be discussed as it relates to respiratory care. This class will focus on patient care, assessment, cultural diversity, and documentation related to charting.
RCT 113 Foundation Respiratory Care I
Credit Hrs: 0 Pre-Req: None
Co-Req: RCT 115, RCT 116
This course is a study of the theory, application, and administration of medical gases, humidity, and aerosol therapy, concepts of hyperinflation therapy and incentive spirometry. Topics will include arteriotomy and oxygen and arterial blood gas analyzers.
RCT 114 Respiratory Care Science I
Credit Hrs: 3 Pre-Req: None
Co-Req: RCT 110, RCT 117
A study of physical gas laws, basic chemistry, acid-base balance and arterial blood gas interpretation, and medical microbiology related to respiratory care.
RCT 115 Respiratory Care Science II
Credit Hrs: 3 Pre-Req: None
Co-Req: RCT 113, RCT 116
A study of pulmonary and cardiac diseases and their effect on ventilation. Neuromuscular and other diseases will be discussed and the tests used to evaluate these. Sleep disorders will be covered along with the equipment used in treating them. Patient education, health promotion, nutrition, rehabilitation, home care, and bronchial hygiene therapy will be discussed.
RCT 116 Cardiorespiratory Pharmacology
Credit Hrs: 3 Pre-Req: None
Co-Req: RCT 113, RCT 115
A study of agents administered by the respiratory care practitioner and agents that act directly or indirectly on the cardiorespiratory system. This course includes administration, dosage calculation, indications, and contraindications of various agents.
RCT 117 Cardiopulmonary A and P
Credit Hrs: 3 Pre-Req: None
Co-Req: RCT 110, RCT 114
A study of the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system and the circulatory system including the electrophysiology of the heart and rhythm interpretation. Normal lab values, pulmonary function terms and their normal values along with standard respiratory calculations will be covered. Gas exchange and transport will be discussed along with radiographic terminology.
RCT 214 Clinical Practice I
Credit Hrs: 3 Pre-Req: None
Co-Req: RCT 113, RCT 115
An integrated study of the application and practice of topics discussed in previous and current respiratory care courses. Designed to familiarize students with hospital policies and procedures, charting procedures, basic respiratory therapy, and oxygen therapy.
RCT 225 Clinical Practice II
Credit Hrs: 6 Pre-Req: None
Co-Req: RCT 242, RCT 252
An integrated study of the application and practice of topics discussed in previous and current respiratory care courses. Clinical competencies will be evaluated and documented. Specialty rotations will be assigned.
RCT 234 Clinical Practice III
Credit Hrs: 6 Pre-Req: None
Co-Req: RCT 249
An integrated study of the application and practice of topics discussed in previous respiratory care courses. Final clinical competencies in critical care will be evaluated and documented. Additional specialty rotations may be assigned.
RCT 242 Perinatal and Pediatric RCT
Credit Hrs: 3 Pre-Req: None
Co-Req: RCT 225, RCT 252
A study of the respiratory needs of the newborn and pediatric patient with special emphasis given to the cardiopulmonary diseases and care of the newborn. Topics to include neonatal and pediatric advanced resuscitation.
RCT 248 Airway Management
Credit Hrs: 3 Pre-Req: None
Co-Req: None
An in-depth study of the theory and application of the airway management of adults, pediatrics, and neonates; including intubation and tracheostomy procedures and management and care of the artificial airway including suctioning.
RCT 249 Respiratory Care Symposium
Credit Hrs: 3 Pre-Req: None
Co-Req: RCT 234
A continuation of RCT 250 with the study of mechanical ventilation being continued. Procedures performed to the chest along with PFT and stress and metabolic testing will be covered. Students will purchase and complete a computer-based CRT, WRRT, and CSE assessment examination.
RCT 250 Found of Respiratory Care II
Credit Hrs: 0 Pre-Req: None
Co-Req: RCT 214
A detailed study of the classification, function, use, and maintenance of mechanical ventilators. This course includes the study of intubation and tracheostomy, airway patency and care of the artificial airway. Theory and application will include suctioning techniques.
RCT 252 Found of Respiratory Care III
Credit Hrs: 3 Pre-Req: None
Co-Req: RCT 225, RCT 242
A continuation of RCT 250 with the study of mechanical ventilation being continued with the emphasis being placed on neonatal and pediatric ventilation. Patient monitoring and hemodynamics will be covered along with medications, treatment, and equipment used in special and emergency situations. Students will purchase and take a CRT and RRT assessment exam. NBRC exam material will be reviewed.