RCR 335 Clinical Cardiopulmonary Physiology
Concepts in pulmonary, cardiovascular and renal physiology, situated in a clinical context. Physiological mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of treatment and the application of technology are explained. Compensatory mechanisms and the interdependent function of the cardiopulmonary and renal systems are covered. The course emphasizes the understanding of theory in the context of physiological data interpretation. Relevance to clinical practice is emphasized. Prerequisite: BIO 207-208 or equivalent.
6 credits

RCR 436 Critical Respiratory Therapy
This course emphasizes the use of physical assessment and complex physiological monitoring data to manage the mechanically ventilated patient. Topics include mechanisms of respiratory failure, criteria for ventilatory support and discontinuation, selecting and applying appropriate ventilatory modes, cardiovascular and pulmonary monitoring, and using drugs for cardiovascular support. Also covered is use of exercise stress testing to differentiate pulmonary and cardiac limitations. Prerequisite: RCR 335 or instructor’s consent.
5 credits

RCR 438 Ventilator/Critical Care Laboratory
Laboratory practice in the operation, testing and trouble-shooting of mechanical ventilators, continuous positive airway pressure systems, hemodynamic monitoring equipment and chest drainage systems. Skill proficiency tests are conducted to prepare students for critical care clinical experiences. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in RCR 436.
1 credit

RCR 416 Pediatric/Neonatal Respiratory Therapy
This course focuses on respiratory care practice unique to pediatric and newborn populations. Topics covered include developmental anatomy and physiology, congenital anomalies and problems of prematurity affecting cardiopulmonary function. Diagnosis, pathophysiology and treatment of cardiopulmonary disease is included. Newborn intensive care, mechanical ventilation and physiologic monitoring are emphasized. Unique aspects of neonatal mechanical ventilators are covered in a laboratory setting. Prerequisite: RCR 335 or departmental consent.
3 credits

RCR 418 Departmental Leadership
An introduction to leadership of the hospital-based respiratory therapy department. Topics include management theories, personnel motivation and management, budget planning, staff scheduling, personnel management, quality assurance, reimbursement issues, policy and procedure development. Job finding skills are included. Prerequisite: Senior standing in the program.
2 credits

RCR 411 Respiratory Therapy in Alternate Sites
This course covers respiratory care in the outpatient, long-term care, and home-care settings. Patient populations addressed range from infants to elderly. Topics include discharge planning, psychosocial implications of chronic pulmonary disease, disease management, pulmonary rehabilitation, reimbursement issues, and patient education. Communication and physical assessment skills are emphasized. Prerequisite: RCR 335; 426; 427.
2 credits

RCR 450 Research In Respiratory Therapy
The importance of research to the field of respiratory care and basic tools for implementing and critically evaluating research efforts. Areas covered include current research trends in respiratory care, sampling and research design, statistical tools, critical review of the literature, analysis and communication of research results. A research paper is part of the course requirement. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the final semester of the professional program.
2 hours

RCR 452 Health Promotion
This course examines the increasing redirection of health care resources from disease identification and treatment to disease prevention and health enhancement. The premise is that health care professionals have a responsibility to influence people to make healthful lifestyle decisions, and to help build cultures supportive of healthful living. Students are introduced to strategies for promoting health both professionally and personally. Prerequisite: Enrollment in final semester of the professional program.
2 credits

Clinical Experience Courses

RCR 320 Clinical Practicum I
Supervised clinical experience in the therapeutic modalities and procedures covered in RCR 205 and 207. Proficiency in each area is required to progress in the program. Meets 16 hours per week, two days per week, spring semester, Junior year. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first semester professional program courses.
3 hours

RCR 430 Clinical Practicum II
Supervised clinical experience in the therapeutic modalities and procedures cover in RCR 436 and 438 (adult critical care and pulmonary function). Proficiency in each area is required to progress in the program. Participation in the American Lung Association’s Asthma Camp is required. Meets in the summer session 40 hours per week for 6 weeks. Prerequisite: RCR 436; 438.
5 credits

RCR 441 Clinical Practicum III
Supervised clinical experience in adult critical care, hemodynamic monitoring, newborn intensive care, pulmonary rehabilitation/home care. Medical rounds with the program medical director and other pulmonary physicians are included. Meets 40 hours per week, five days per week for the last eight weeks of the fall semester, Senior year. Prerequisite: RCR 436; 416; 411
8 credits

RCR 428 Respiratory Care Specialty
In the last semester of the senior year students have the opportunity to gain more experience in an area of special interest. Clinical or practical experience is a required component of the course. Students develop written learning contract proposals and submit them to the respiratory therapy faculty for approval. Learning contracts consist of general goals, specific objectives and evaluation instruments and methods. All students must undergo training in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and earn the ACLS certificate to fulfill RCR 428 requirements and to graduate from the respiratory therapy program. Neonatal Advanced Life Support (NALS) certification training is also available, but is optional. Prerequisite: completion of Clinical Practicums I-III. 
8 credits