Course Descriptions
RTH 308/309 Respiratory Therapy Science I and Laboratory (3–1)
This lecture course introduces the student to topics in basic respiratory care. Considered are the use of oxygen in the treatment of oxygenation disorders; humidity and aerosol therapy; deep breathing and incentive spirometry, and postural drainage therapy and suctioning in the treatment of disorders.
RTH 311 Clinical Assessment (3)
This course focuses on health assessment of individuals across the life span and normal and abnormal pulmonary physiology. Students will develop skills for obtaining health histories and performing physical examinations. (2 hours class and 3 hours laboratory.)
RTH 313/314 Respiratory Therapy Science II and Laboratory (4–1)
The course introduces bronchial hygiene therapies and mechanical ventilation. Arterial blood gas analysis principles and interpretation are considered in relationship to the topics of acute respiratory failure and mechanical ventilation. Laboratory sessions focus on pre-clinical practice motor skills.
RTH 321 Cardiopulmonary Pathology (2)
Selected cardiac and pulmonary disease states are considered during this course. Etiology, pathology, disease progression, and treatment and prognosis are emphasized.
RTH 323 Introduction to Pharmacology (3)
The course introduces facts and principles related to pharmacologic preparations, their administration routes, effects and biotransformation/elimination mechanisms. The peripheral nervous system and neuropharmacology are considered with an emphasis on topically administered pulmonary medications. Cardiovascular drugs are also considered.
RTH 340 Respiratory Therapy Clinical Education I (2)
Respiratory therapy clinical practice is introduced by emphasizing patient care principles, e.g. vital signs, charting, body mechanics, and aseptic techniques. Supervised patient practice of the procedures introduced in Respiratory Therapy Science I follow.
RTH 350 Respiratory Therapy Clinical Education II (6)
The clinical application of the procedures introduced in RT Science II is emphasized, as well as continued practice of skills gained in RTH Clinical Education I.
RTH 420 Respiratory Therapy Science III (3)
Acute respiratory failure intervention is considered in this course as well as selected topics in pulmonary rehabilitation and pulmonary function testing.
RTH 440 Cardiopulmonary Monitoring (3)
Detailed treatment of pressure, volume and flow scalars in mechanically ventilated patients; work of breathing and lung mechanics measurements; and end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring. Also discussed are electrocardiography, Holter monitoring, and hemodynamic measurements.
RTH 450 Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care (3)
Fetal cardiopulmonary development, labor and delivery are discussed as well as factors placing infants at high-risk and the intervention required for moderately and severely depressed infants. Oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation of the neonate and child are also considered.
RTH 455 Advanced Cardiac Life Support (2)
This lecture/laboratory course introduces the student to Advanced Cardiac Life Support. Considered are the management of cardiopulmonary arrest, treatment of cardiac arrythmias, clinical issues in ACLS, and pharmacologic treatment modalities. Upon course completion, student will be eligible to become an ACLS provider.
RTH 460 Respiratory Therapy Clinical Education III (3)
Continued practice of clinical skills gained in Clinical Education I and II.
RTH 485 Respiratory Therapy Clinical Education IV (3)
The clinical application of the procedures introduced in Respiratory Therapy Science III is emphasized as well as continued practice of those skills gained in Clinical education I, II, and III.
RTH 490 Seminar (3)
Selected clinical topics in review of the literature and case presentation format.