Respiratory Care Program - Joint Program with Rutgers - School of Health Related Professions

A study of cellular transport mechanisms and tissues as they relate to organs and systems. Structural and functional features of the skeletal, muscular and nervous systems and special senses are examined. Recommended for students in the health sciences.

A continuation of BIO 111. A study of the structure and function of the body is continued by examining the endocrine, reproductive, circulatory, digestive, respiratory and excretory systems.

An introductory study of the microbial world with emphasis on the nature and behavior of microorganisms, the interrelationships that operate between microbes and the human host in health and disease and the principles of prevention and control of infectious disease. Laboratory experience develops techniques in the proper handling, observation and identification of microbial cultures. Recommended for students in the health sciences.

Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students will use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing documented essays. Extensive reading materials serve as structural models and as the bases for discussion and for the writing of essays involving response, analysis, and synthesis.

Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students will use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing argument synthesis essays. Students will engage in formal written argumentation based on extensive reading and analysis of complex texts. Through the research process, students will locate, analyze, and synthesize scholarly sources to advance their own informed positions on relevant issues in the composition of a formal research paper.

Provides a psychological basis for the understanding of human behavior. A survey of fundamentals that are necessary for subsequent psychology courses. Topics include but are not limited to: learning, motivation, cognition, personality, abnormal behavior, development and social psychology.

Presents a survey of computer applications and their use in the health technology fields. Discusses the major components of a computer, instructs in the use of software application packages including word processing and database and exposes a student to a personal computer operating system. Students gain experience using Microsoft Office.

Physical/Health Education Elective

An orientation to general patient assessment and examination, to include: infection control, patient safety, interviewing and communication, record keeping, and clinical laboratory studies. Didactic and practical demonstrations will provide the basis for proficiencies practiced in the laboratory and then performed during clinical practice.

An introduction to the basic therapeutic modalities used in respiratory care, to include: medical gas delivery, humidity and aerosol therapy, respiratory pharmacology, bronchial hygiene therapy, lung expansion therapy and emergency life support. Lectures, lab demonstrations and experimentation are integrated with clinical practice.

An orientation to the hospital environment and to the basic non-critical respiratory care procedures covered in both Core Concepts in Respiratory Care and Fundamentals of Respiratory Care. Clinical instruction and supervised practice are provided in the areas of basic patient assessment, infection control, vital signs, charting, oxygen administration, aerosol/humidity therapy, hyperinflation therapy and bronchial hygiene.

A study of the anatomy and physiology of the cardiopulmonary system as it relates to respiratory care. Includes basic anatomy of the pulmonary and cardiac systems; physiology of circulation; ventilation; gas exchange and transport, acid-base balance and the control of respiration; and an overview of the pathophysiology and treatment of common disorders of the cardiopulmonary system.

An overview of drugs affecting the cardiopulmonary system, including bronchodilators, steroids, antibiotics, skeletal muscle relaxants, central nervous system depressants, respiratory stimulants, diuretics and cardiovascular agents, including ACLS, PALS and neonatal resuscitation drugs.

A case- based study of the pathophysiology of common disorders affecting the cardiopulmonary system, with an emphasis on diagnosis and treatment in the clinical setting.

Lectures, demonstrations, lab exercises and computer simulation exercises covering the physiologic principles and clinical procedures used to provide both invasive and noninvasive artificial ventilatory support to adults, children and infants. Topics include: respiratory failure, airway management, physics and physiology of ventilatory support, initiating and adjusting ventilatory support, managing and monitoring the patient in respiratory failure, and discontinuing ventilatory support.

This clinical practice rotation is designed to build on the skills which the student has developed during Clinical Practice I. The student will develop proficiency in skills relating to Fundamentals of Respiratory Care, Core Concepts\' procedures, Principles of Ventilatory Support, and critical care rotation. Progressively, throughout the semester, greater emphasis will be placed on procedures relating to critical care.

Cardiopulmonary Evaluation is a lecture and laboratory course on invasive and non-invasive diagnostic and monitoring procedures used in Respiratory Care and Intensive Care Medicine. This course covers indications, techniques, complications and result interpretation of the following diagnostic procedures: chest radiology, electrocardiography, pulmonary function testing, hemodynamic monitoring, arterial blood gas analysis, patient interviewing, physical assessment, laboratory testing and mechanical ventilation.

This course provides an in-depth analysis of pediatric and neonatal disorders requiring respiratory care intervention, including, but not limited to assessment techniques and applicable therapies and protocols. The course combines traditional classroom techniques with a web support element to enhance student learning experience and participation. Lecture hours: 45, Lab hours: 45

An in depth study of the clinical management of the cardiopulmonary patient in the critical care setting, emphasizing specialized respiratory assessment, advanced ventilatory management techniques, basic interpretation of the chest film, hemodynamic monitoring, electrocardiograph interpretation, and the effects of cardiopulmonary disorders on the other major body systems. Lectures, demonstrations, computer-based clinical simulation exercises and case-based problems covering the physiologic principles and clinical procedures used to provide comprehensive respiratory care and support to adults, children and infants in critical care units.

An analysis of the goals and methods underlying provision of respiratory care in non-acute settings. Includes standards and regulations governing non-acute respiratory care, team planning, patient selection, program design and provision and documentation of various clinical services in the home and in long-term care and rehabilitation facilities. Includes cost, reimbursement and ethical issues.

This clinical practice rotation is designed to provide supervised experience in both acute care and alternative settings, with an emphasis on developing the skills necessary to function independently. Experiences include cardiopulmonary diagnostics, critical care of the adult, infant and child, and long-term, home and rehabilitative care.