Respiratory Therapy
Bachelor of Science
The Respiratory Therapy B.S. Completion Program is an online program for respiratory care practitioners who have completed an Associate of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy and are Registered Respiratory Therapists. The program would allow these therapists to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in respiratory care while minimizing the duplication of knowledge and skills already acquired. The completion program is intended to offer the highest quality education that fosters critical thinking and encourages professional leadership and development. A respiratory therapist entering the program will acquire skills and knowledge above what is typically attained at the associate degree level. The comprehensive curriculum allows the student to become a successful communicator, critical thinker, and conscientious leader while encouraging life-long learning. Dalton State College and its degree programs are accredited by SACS.
| Area A: Essential Skills | ||
| ENGL 1101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| ENGL 1102 | English Composition II | 3 |
| MATH 1111 | College Algebra | 3 |
| Area B: Institutional Options | ||
| Beginning Fall 2022, incoming (entering) students with 29 hours or fewer college credits will take only a Perspectives course for their one-hour Area B credit. | ||
| COMM 1110 | Fundamentals of Speech | 3 |
| One of the following electives: | 1 | |
| Intro to Greek Mythology | ||
| Creative Writing | ||
| Natural Hazards | ||
| Appalachian Hist-Special Topic | ||
| Sports Hist & Amer Character | ||
| Health and Wellness Concepts | ||
| Mystery Fiction in Pop Culture | ||
| Christian Fiction/Pop Culture | ||
| Race and Ethnicity in America | ||
PRSP Elective (See advisor) | ||
| Area C: Humanities/Fine Arts | ||
| Choose one to two ENGL course(s): | 3-6 | |
| Topics in Literature & Culture | ||
| World Literature I | ||
| World Literature II | ||
| British Literature I | ||
| British Literature II | ||
| American Literature I | ||
| American Literature II | ||
| Intro to Film as Literature | ||
| If only one ENGL course chosen, add one of the following: | 0-3 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| Expressions of Culture I | ||
| Expressions of Culture II | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| World Music | ||
| American Music | ||
| Theatre Appreciation | ||
| Area D: Science/Mathematics/Technology | ||
| BIOL 1107K | Principles of Biology I | 4 |
| BIOL 1108K | Principles of Biology II | 4 |
| CHEM 1211K | Principles of Chemistry I | 4 |
| Area E: Social Sciences | ||
| HIST 2111 | United States History to 1877 | 3 |
| or HIST 2112 | United States Hist since 1877 | |
| POLS 1101 | American Government | 3 |
| Choose two of the following electives: | 6 | |
| Intro to Cultural Anthropology | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Introduction to Geography | ||
| Intro to Human Geography | ||
| Intro to Physical Geography | ||
| World Civilization to 1500 CE | ||
| World Civilization since 1500 | ||
| United States History to 1877 | ||
| United States Hist since 1877 | ||
| Intro to World Religions | ||
| Intro to Philosophical Issues | ||
| Logic and Critical Thinking | ||
| Intro to Political Science | ||
| State and Local Government | ||
| Comparative Politics | ||
| International Relations | ||
| Introduction to Psychology | ||
| Psychology of Adjustment | ||
| Human Development | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Social Problems | ||
| Area F: Major Related | ||
| BIOL 2251K | Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| BIOL 2252K | Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| BIOL 2260K | Microbiology | 4 |
| MATH 1401 | Elementary Statistics | 3 |
| Choose one or two of the following electives. Must add up to at least 3-4 credit hours. | 3-4 | |
| Principles of Entomology | ||
| Ethical Issues in Science | ||
| Principles of Chemistry II | ||
| Scientific Communication | ||
| Introductory Physics I | ||
| Psychology of Adjustment | ||
| Human Development | ||
| Upper Level Requirements | ||
| RESP 4010 | Adv Sem Neonatal/Peds Res Care | 3 |
| RESP 4020 | Adv Sem Critical Care/Mech Ven | 3 |
| RESP 4110 | Mentoring/Educ in Healthcare | 3 |
| RESP 4120 | Geriatrics/LT Respiratory Care | 3 |
| RESP 4130 | Research Healthcare Prof | 3 |
| RESP 4140 | Mngt in Cardioplumonary Dept | 3 |
| Take two of the following: | 6 | |
| Health Care Organizations | ||
| Health Care Economics | ||
| US Health Care Systems | ||
| Health Care Compliance | ||
| Healthcare Ethics and Law | ||
| Health Aspects/Human Sexuality | ||
| Coping/Stress Mgt/Life Satisf | ||
| Motivation Health Behav Change | ||
| Special Topics Health/Wellness | ||
| Take two of the following: | 6 | |
| Communication for Prof Setting | ||
| Writing for Educ/Soc Sciences | ||
| Health Care Communication | ||
| Designing Health Comm Msgs | ||
| Health Information Mgmt | ||
| Health Psychology | ||
| Professional Licensure Credit * | 30 | |
| Total Hours | 121-122 | |
- *
After completing the program’s academic and professional requirements, the following courses will be credited by proof of successful completion of the Registered Respiratory Therapist exam, the advanced practice exam administered by the National Board for Respiratory Therapy:
RESP 1121 - Clinical Prac I
RESP 2110 - Mech. Ventilation
RESP 2121 - Neonatal/Pes Resp Care
RESP 2130 - Specialized Areas of Resp Care
RESP 2201 - Clinical Prac IA
RESP 2210 - Clinical Prac II
RESP 2220 - Clinincal Prac III
RESP 2310 - Cardiopulmonary Disease
RESP 2330 - Credential Prep
Courses
RESP 1100. Intro to Respiratory Care. 3-0-3 Units.
This course introduces students to the Respiratory Care profession and the skills needed to become a Respiratory Therapist. Topics will include the history of the Respiratory Care profession, a discussion of the future of Respiratory Care, a description of the organization of a hospital Respiratory Care department, an overview of common modalities and specialized areas of Respiratory Care including an introduction to Therapist driven protocols and clinical practice guidelines, a discussion of job opportunities and areas for advancement within the profession, an overview of legal and ethical issues impacting Health Care, and particularly Respiratory Care, in today's Health Care environment. Universal precautions and OSHA blood and body fluids precautions will be presented. The functions of the NBRC, AARC, CoARC, and the Georgia Medical Board will be examined and the credentialing and licensing processes outlined. Specific terminology and abbreviations needed by the respiratory profession will be developed. Mastery of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation will be expected of the student during this course.
Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Respiratory Program.
RESP 1111. Fundamentals of Resp Care. 3-2-4 Units.
This course introduces the principles and practices of Non Critical Respiratory Care. The course will emphasize Therapist Driven Protocols and Clinical Practice Guidelines. Basic Respiratory Care skills in modalities such as oxygen, humidity, bland aerosol, medicated aerosols, passive hyperinflation, chest physiotherapy, postural drainage, airway clearance therapies, arterial blood gases and bedside pulmonary function studies will be developed. Emphasis will be placed on setting up, using and troubleshooting equipment, and on the physical and physiologic principles of gas exchange, ventilation, acid base balance and gas laws. The application of basic physical principles involving the properties of matter, thermodynamics, and mechanics as it relates to respiratory practices and equipment will be explored in class and lab. To progress to RESP 1121, each student will be required to successfully complete and pass a Lab competency exam. Basic math competency is required. Students may be required to demonstrate proficiency in basic math skills for progression in the program.
Prerequisites: Admission into Respiratory Care Program, RESP 1100 is required as a prerequisite or a co-requisite.
Corequisites: RESP 1131.
RESP 1121. Clinical Practicum I. 0-16-5 Units.
An introduction to respiratory care of the non-critically ill Patient in the clinical environment. An emphasis will be placed on departmental protocols, clinical practice guidelines, patient identification, and communication skills The student will be required to master the following modalities: oxygen therapy, humidity therapy, bland continuous aerosol therapy, medicated nebulizer therapy, passive hyperinflation, chest physiotherapy and postural drainage, arterial blood gas draws and analysis, equipment cleaning and environmental therapy. Basic airway management, and bedside pulmonary function testing will also be explored. Equipment theory and application will be reinforced.
Prerequisites: RESP 1111, RESP 1131.
Corequisites: RESP 1132, RESP 1133.
RESP 1131. Patient Assess & Protocols. 3-2-4 Units.
This course introduces the concepts and techniques of patient assessment through inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. The student will demonstrate proficiency in patient physical examination, and taking a complete patient medical history. Principles of barrier protection for blood and body fluid exposures, and isolation precautions will be emphasized. Basic chest x-ray interpretation, basic ECG monitoring, basic laboratory values such as CBC, electrolytes, and basic microbiology are presented. Assessment of critically ill patients is introduced. Each student will be required to successfully complete a Lab competency examination in order to progress to RESP 1121.
Prerequisites: Admission into Respiratory Care program RESP 1100 is required as a prerequisite or a co-requisite.
Corequisites: RESP 1111.
RESP 1132. Cardiopulmonary Pharmacology. 3-0-3 Units.
A general pharmacology course for the respiratory care professional caring for the acute and sub-acute patient. Emphasis will be placed on the indications, contraindications, hazards, and routes of administration for the drugs discussed. The pharmacology of the major therapeutic classes of drugs important to respiratory care will be presented.
Prerequisites: RESP 1111, RESP 1131.
Corequisites: RESP 1121, RESP 1133.
RESP 1133. Cardiopulmonary Anatomy & Phys. 3-0-3 Units.
A study of normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology of the cardiac, pulmonary, and renal systems. The mechanisms of homeostatic control for acid/base balance, ventilation, gas transport, and circulation will be addressed. Hemodynamic monitoring will be emphasized.
Prerequisites: RESP 1111, RESP 1131.
Corequisites: RESP 1121, RESP 1132.
RESP 2110. Mech Ventilation/Critical Care. 3-2-4 Units.
This course introduces the critical care modalities of airway management and positive pressure ventilation including tracheal suctioning, endotracheal intubation, and tracheostomy care. Concepts of mechanical ventilation are presented. Other critical care skills such as arterial lines, hemodynamic monitoring, advanced patient monitoring, bronchoscopy, and tracheostomy are presented. Basic math skills are required for this course. Each student will be required to successfully pass a lab competency exam in order to progress to RESP 2210.
Prerequisites: RESP 1121, RESP 1132, RESP 1133.
Corequisites: RESP 2310.
RESP 2121. Neonatal/Pediatric Resp Care. 2-0-2 Units.
This course presents the physiological and clinical concepts of mechanical ventilation and critical care monitoring of the pediatric and neonatal patient. The course focuses on respiratory care modalities and concepts specifically related to the pediatric and neonatal patient. Some topics include: ventilator design and function, assessment and monitoring of pediatric/neonatal patients, techniques for improving ventilation oxygenation, weaning strategies, and labor and delivery. Critical thinking skills will be emphasized to support the application of neonatal/pediatric physician and therapist driven protocols.
Prerequisites: RESP 2110, RESP 2310.
Corequisites: RESP 2210, RESP 2130, sophomore year.
RESP 2130. Specialized Areas of Resp Care. 2-0-2 Units.
This course surveys the important principles and practices of respiratory care in specialty areas. Students will apply the knowledge learned in this course in Practicum III RESP 2201. Clinical Practicum IA 0-11-3Co-requisites: RESP 2110, RESP 2310.This course is a continuation of Clinical Practicum I and a bridge to Clinical Practicum II. Students will be required to present evidence based case studies in speicalty areas.
Prerequisites: RESP 2110, RESP 2310.
Corequisites: RESP 2121, RESP 2210.
RESP 2201. Clinical Practicum IA. 9-1-3 Units.
This course is a continuation of Clinical Practicum I and a bridge to Clinical Practicum II. Emphasis will be placed on refining skills and care for the non-critical patient with a gradual development of skills and competencies to care for ventilator dependent patients. Students will apply skills they will be learning in RESP 2110. Students will be required to present clinical case studies on major cardiopulmonary pathologies in conjunction with studies in RESP 2310.
Prerequisites: RESP 1121, RESP 2110, RESP 2310.
RESP 2210. Clinical Practicum II. 0-16-5 Units.
This course is a continuation of RESP 1121 and RESP 2201. Emphasis will be placed on departmental protocols and clinical practice guidelines. Students will care for adult critically ill patients in the Intensive Care Unit. Mastery of active hyperinflation therapies, chest physiotherapy, arterial blood punctures and analysis, and concepts of airway management and mechanical ventilation is expected. The student will be required to attend a competency workshop and to successfully demonstrate intubations and ventilator competency. Students will be required to complete weekly logs and case studies as part of this course.
Prerequisites: Current CPR, RESP 1121, RESP 2201.
Corequisites: RESP 2121, RESP 2130.
RESP 2220. Clinical Practicum III. 0-16-5 Units.
Practicum to support content presented in RESP 2121 and RESP 2130. Practical experiences will occur in proportion to emphasis placed on the cognitive content in the companion courses. This course may also provide an opportunity for accelerated or advance students to explore additional clinical experiences outside the usual program scope. Emphasis will be placed on the neonatal/pediatric intensive care patient, pulmonary function studies and sleep studies.
Prerequisites: RESP 2121, RESP 2210, RESP 2130.
Corequisites: RESP 2321, RESP 2330.
RESP 2310. Cardiopulm Disease & Treatment. 3-0-3 Units.
A survey course of the clinical pathophysiology of selected cardiopulmonary diseases. The emphasis will be placed on the description of the etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, therapeutics, and prognosis of acute and chronic diseases of the cardiopulmonary patient. Student will be required to present clinical case studies on the major cardiopulmonary pathologies.
Prerequisites: RESP 1121, RESP 1132, RESP 1133.
Corequisites: RESP 2110.
RESP 2330. Credential Preparation. 1-0-1 Unit.
This course will focus on a review of essential concepts of Respiratory Care with emphasis on content for national credentialing. Each student must take the NBRC multiple choice and clinical simulation practice exam. Students will be required to attend a national review seminar. This course will also prepare students to obtain licensure and prepare the student with skills necessary for job placement.
Prerequisites: RESP 2121, RESP 2130, RESP 2210.
Corequisites: RESP 2220.
RESP 4010. Adv Sem Neonatal/Peds Res Care. 3-0-3 Units.
Focuses on the advanced practice of Respiratory Care in pediatrics and neonatology in the intensive care setting. Students will increase their knowledge base in assessment, evaluation, identification, utilization of critical skills, and procedures used in the neonatal/pediatric critical care setting. This course will provide the student with a general review of perinatal/pediatric respiratory care as applicable to the National Board for Respiratory Care Neonatal/Pediatric Specialty credentialing examination.
Prerequisites: RRT Credential and acceptance into the Bachelor of Science program.
RESP 4020. Adv Sem Critical Care/Mech Ven. 3-0-3 Units.
This course reviews relevant material to prepare the student for the ACCS Exam. Particular focus includes airway management, advanced modes of mechanical ventilation, pharmacology and respiratory diseases and disorders.
Prerequisites: RRT Credential and acceptance into the Bachelor of Science program.
RESP 4110. Mentoring/Educ in Healthcare. 3-0-3 Units.
Introduces topics related to clinical education, professional supervision, and mentoring in Respiratory Care. Beyond student supervision, the course will discuss supervision of professionals in the workplace and the emerging importance of professional mentoring for ongoing professional development. Students will be required to purchase online courses through the AARC.
Prerequisites: RRT Credential and acceptance into the Bachelor of Science program.
RESP 4120. Geriatrics/LT Respiratory Care. 3-0-3 Units.
This course provides an analysis of the current professional environment and the role of the respiratory therapist in the long-term care setting. An overview of concepts, procedures, in geriatrics and long- term care will be presented. Students will discover how the respiratory therapist’s role is impacted interacting between the acute care facility, sub-acute care sites and self-administered care in the patient's home. Other topics include pulmonary rehabilitation, disease management, ethics in healthcare and healthcare economics.
Prerequisites: RRT Credential and acceptance into the Bachelor of Science program.
RESP 4130. Research Healthcare Prof. 3-0-3 Units.
This course presents a review of basic statistics and its application to evidence-based theory as it pertains to the practice of clinical medicine. Modules in accessing computer based medically oriented information and medical data bases are presented. The course emphasizes the use of literature to validate and improve the practice of clinical medicine. Students identify, review, and critique published literature relevant to clinical settings. Students learn to use medical literature as a tool in clinical decision making.
Prerequisites: MATH 2200 with a grade of “C” or better; RRT Credential and acceptance into the Bachelor of Science program.
RESP 4140. Mngt in Cardioplumonary Dept. 3-0-3 Units.
This course will present topics related to the management of the Cardiopulmonary Department in a variety of clinical facilities ranging from acute to long-term care. Beyond basic principles of management, this course will explore the responsibilities of the Cardiopulmonary Department manager including appointment, direction and evaluation of personnel; policy and procedure development; budget and fiscal planning; and negotiation of purchase and contracts for new equipment.
Prerequisites: RRT Credential and acceptance into the Bachelor of Science program.