Program Description:
Respiratory therapy is an allied health specialty instrumental in the diagnosis, treatment, management and preventive care of patients with cardiopulmonary problems. These patients may be found in the newborn nursery, surgical and medical wards, emergency rooms, outpatient departments and intensive care units of hospitals. They may be suffering from a variety of acute and chronic conditions that are either life threatening or disabling.
"Patients suffering from a multiplicity of disorders from head injuries to severe chest injuries may require supportive mechanical ventilation. With the assistance of sophisticated ventilatory and monitoring equipment designed for artificial ventilation, respiratory therapists are an intricate and essential part of the critical-care team. Through proper respiratory care management, many patients who would not have survived now are being returned to an active life. In essence, the respiratory therapist is a life-support specialist." (Reprinted from "Respiratory Therapy, A Career for Now and the Future," from the American Association for Respiratory Care.)
This program prepares individuals to assess the level and quality of a patient's respiratory function. In conjunction with the physician, the therapist will support the deficient function using exercises, drugs, gases, and highly technical equipment. The ultimate goal is to bring abnormal acid-base balance, cardiac and/or pulmonary function closer to the optimum level of physiological functioning. External support is manipulated in response to the patient's level of function.
Methods of instruction include classroom lecture and discussion, laboratory activities, clinical experience, computer simulation, situational testing, return demonstration, case studies, group discussions, films and educational meetings. Evaluation of student learning is based on objectives shared with the student at the beginning of each course. Methods of evaluation include essay writing, problem solving, matching, discussion, multiple choice tests, laboratory "practical" examinations, term papers, case studies, and clinical evaluations.
Upon completion of the program (81 credits), the graduate is awarded the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree and may apply for certification and registration through the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Upon successful completion of the certification (entry level) examination, the graduate is awarded the CRTT (Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician) credential and is eligible to be registered by the state of Minnesota for the RCP (Respiratory Care Practitioner) credential. Upon successful completion of the registry examination, the graduate is awarded the RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist) credential, signifying advanced professional achievement.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
American Heart Association, Basic Life Support Certification within the previous year is required. High school level chemistry, algebra and physics are recommended.
ACCREDITATION
Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.
RCP Course Listings
Major Requirements:
RCP 111 Oxygenation
RCP 117* Respiratory Care Math
RCP 120 Respiratory Care Applications I
RCP 124 Respiratory and Critical Care Pathophysiology I
RCP 130 Respiratory Care Applications II
RCP 211 Advanced Techniques in Respiratory Care
RCP 212 Pharmacology
RCP 214 Respiratory and Critical Care Pathophysiology II
RCP 215 Respiratory Care Applications III
RCP 220 Respiratory Care Clinical Internship
*or math competency
Supporting courses:
BIOL240 Anatomy & Physiology I
BIOL241 Anatomy & Physiology II
ENGL110 Composition I
HIMP102 Medical Terminology
PHIL200 Ethical Problems in Health Care
PHYS102 Physics Concepts
PSYC100 General Psychology
SSCS100 Diversity, Democracy and Social Participation
Liberal arts and science (LAS) and CIL requirements:
ART elective
ENGL Literature elective
SSCS elective
THEO elective
CIL 100, CIL 110
FNDN030 (credit not counted toward graduation)
Computer competency requirement (FNDN010) - 1 credit (not counted toward graduation)
Curriculum Guide
Minor Requirements: