Respiratory Therapy (RES)
RES 250 Concepts of Respiratory Therapy Credits: 4
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: Concepts of Respiratory Therapy is a study of the role of the respiratory therapist and foundations for treatments. Three hours lecture, two hours lab. Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or higher in BIO 250 and credit or concurrent enrollment in BIO 375.
RES 300 Cardiopulmonary Assessment Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: Study of methods for data collection, assessment, and evaluation necessary for effective treatment of patients with cardiopulmonary disorders. Two hours lecture, two hours lab. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Respiratory Therapy program.
RES 310 Respiratory Clinical Practice I Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: Application of respiratory therapy practice with an emphasis on basic therapeutic interventions. 135 hours of clinical practice. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Respiratory Therapy program.
RES 315 Respiratory Diagnostics I Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Spring.
Course Description: A study of basic diagnostic studies in the monitoring and evaluation of patients with cardiopulmonary disease. Two hours lecture, two hours lab. Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or higher in RES 300, RES 310, and RES 325.
RES 325 Pharmacology for the Respiratory Therapist Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: A study of pharmacology with an emphasis on medications used in the care of patients with respiratory conditions. Includes does calculations, methods of administration, and recognition of adverse effects. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Respiratory Therapy program.
RES 335 Advanced Adult Critical Care Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: This course provides advanced knowledge and clinical decision-making skills in adult critical care for respiratory therapists. The course emphasizes evidence-based practice, patient assessment, diagnostic interpretation, advanced airway management and ventilatory management, hemodynamic monitoring and pathophysiology, pharmacology and special populations, ethics and multidisciplinary collaboration. Students will be positioned to successfully pass a national board credentialing exam. Prerequisite(s): Admissions into the Respiratory Care program.
RES 360 Respiratory Clinical Practice II Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Spring.
Course Description: Application of respiratory therapy practice in acute care settings with an emphasis on advanced therapeutic interventions. 135 hours of clinical practice. Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or higher in RES 300, RES 310, and RES 325.
RES 375 Evidence-Based Practices in Respiratory Care Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course Description: This course builds upon foundational respiratory therapy knowledge and will guide students toward advanced application of evidence-based practices in clinical and departmental settings. This course equips future respiratory care leaders with the skills necessary to design, implement, and sustain best practice programs that enhance patient outcomes and departmental efficiency. Through a case-based learning approach, students will engage in the full cycle of program development, from idea generation to sustainability planning. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and the integration of current research into practice. Students will learn to identify and evaluate existing best practices, conduct literature reviews, and apply project management principles to respiratory care initiatives. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to lead evidence-based initiatives within respiratory therapy departments, bridging the gap between research and practice to advance the profession and improve patient care. Prerequisite(s): Admission into the Respiratory Care program.
RES 400 Mechanical Ventilation Credits: 4
Typically Offered: Spring.
Course Description: In-depth examination of mechanical ventilation and equipment. Three hours lecture, two hours lab. Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or higher in RES 300, RES 310, and RES 325.
RES 405 ACLS/PALS Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: Emergency management of adult and pediatric patients. Includes completion of the American Heart Association courses on Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or higher in RES 315, RES 360, and RES 400, or department approval.
RES 410 Respiratory Clinical Practice III Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Summer.
Course Description: Application of respiratory therapy practice in specialty care environments. 144 hours of clinical practice. Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or higher in RES 315, RES 360, and RES 400.
RES 415 Respiratory Diagnostics II Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Spring.
Course Description: A study of advanced diagnostic studies in the monitoring and evaluation of patients with cardiopulmonary disease. This course builds on content from Respiratory Diagnostics I. Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or higher in RES 315, RES 360, and RES 400.
RES 420 Respiratory Clinical Practice IV Credits: 4
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: Application of respiratory therapy specialty care environments includes 156 hours of clinical practice in the intensive care units, emergency department and in urgent/emergent situations and supports their understanding of disease progression and management. It also introduces the students to home care, rehabilitation, pulmonary function lab, sleep lab and bronchoscopy lab settings. Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or higher in RES 410 and department approval.
RES 430 Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care Credits: 4
Typically Offered: Fall.
Course Description: Examination of topics related to the assessment, diagnosis, and management of cardiopulmonary disease in neonatal and pediatric patient populations. Three hours lecture and two hours lab. Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or higher in RES 315, RES 360, and RES 400.
RES 445 Advanced Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course Description: This course provides an in-depth exploration of respiratory care practices for neonatal and pediatric populations, building upon the foundational knowledge acquired in prior respiratory therapy coursework. This course prepares students to deliver specialized, evidence-based care to infants and children with complex respiratory needs, emphasizing both clinical competence and compassionate practice. Students will examine the unique physiological, developmental, and psychosocial considerations that distinguish neonatal and pediatric respiratory care from adult practice. Through case-based learning, simulation, and applied research, learners will gain the skills necessary to assess, manage, and optimize respiratory function in these vulnerable populations. Prerequisite(s): Admission into the Respiratory Care program.
RES 455 Education and Management of Respiratory Disorders Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course Description: This course prepares students to take on advanced roles in patient education, program development, and management of respiratory disorders within clinical and community settings. Building on prior respiratory therapy knowledge, this course emphasizes the integration of evidence-based practices with leadership and teaching strategies to improve patient outcomes and departmental performance. Students will explore the dual responsibilities of respiratory care practitioners as both educators and managers. The course highlights how effective communication, instructional design, and leadership skills can be applied to guide patients, families, and healthcare teams in the prevention, treatment, and long-term management of respiratory conditions. Prerequisite(s): Admission into the Respiratory Care program.
RES 460 Respiratory Clinical Practice V Credits: 4
Typically Offered: Spring.
Course Description: Senior clinical experience that includes application of respiratory therapy practice in interdisciplinary practice settings with an emphasis on advanced critical care. 180 hours of clinical practice. Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or higher in RES 410 and RES 430.
RES 470 Senior Seminar - NBRC Prep Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Spring.
Course Description: A review of respiratory care and preparation for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Entry Level Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) Examination and the advanced Clinical Simulations Exam (CSE). Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or higher in RES 410, RES 415, and RES 430.
RES 485 Rural Respiratory Care Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course Description: This course explores the unique challenges and opportunities of delivering respiratory care in rural and under-served communities. Building upon core respiratory therapy knowledge, this course prepares students to adapt evidence-based practices to environments where resources, access, and infrastructure may be limited. Emphasis is placed on innovation, problem-solving, and community engagement to ensure high-quality care for diverse populations outside of urban centers. Students will examine the clinical, cultural, and logistical considerations that shape rural healthcare delivery. Through case studies, applied projects, and collaborative learning, they will develop strategies for managing respiratory disorders in settings where patients may face barriers such as geographic isolation, limited healthcare facilities, and socioeconomic constraints. Prerequisite(s): Admission into the Respiratory Care program.
RES 495 Respiratory Care Capstone Credits: 3
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Course Description: This course serves as the culminating experience for students in the respiratory care program, integrating knowledge and skills acquired throughout prior coursework into a comprehensive, practice-oriented project. This capstone course emphasizes critical thinking, leadership, and evidence-based practice, preparing students to transition into professional roles as advanced respiratory care practitioners. Students will apply theoretical and clinical knowledge to real-world scenarios through case studies, research projects, and program development initiatives. The course highlights interdisciplinary collaboration, professional communication, and outcome-based evaluation, ensuring graduates are equipped to contribute meaningfully to patient care and departmental advancement. Prerequisite(s): Admission into the Respiratory Care program.