School
Health and Human Services
Division
Health Careers
Department
Respiratory Therapy
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Respiratory Therapist
Course Number
100
Course Title
Principles of Respiratory Care
Credit Hours
3.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
47.00 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
47.00 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Pre-requisites
Admission to the Respiratory Therapist Program
Catalog Course Description
An in-depth study of the cardiopulmonary system from fetal development through old age in health and disease. Topics include Respiratory Care history, cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology, the effects of aging on the pulmonary system, basic pulmonary assessment and an introduction to basic pulmonary diseases
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
Core Course Topics
- History of Respiratory Care
- Explain the significant developments leading to the current practice of respiratory care in North America.
- Profession of Respiratory Therapy
- Identify the national and state professional organizations for respiratory care.
- Discuss the accreditation, credentialing and medical direction aspects of the respiratory care profession.
- Discuss the traditional and non-traditional role of Respiratory Therapists in health care.
- Gross Anatomy of the Cardiopulmonary System
- Describe the gross anatomy of the cardio-respiratory system.
- Anatomy & Physiology of the Respiratory System
- Describe the histology of the respiratory system.
- Compare the roles of the diaphragm, accessory muscles and abdominal muscles during the respiratory cycle.
- Describe the primary and secondary functions of the major components of the respiratory system.
- Anatomy & Physiology of the Lung Acinus
- Physiology of Ventilation
- Differentiate between the pressures and pressure gradients required to create airflow during the respiratory cycle.
- Describe the role of airway resistance and respiratory system compliance during the respiratory cycle.
- Control of Ventilation
- Explain the role of the nervous system in the control of ventilation
- Describe the role of the central and peripheral chemoreceptors in the regulation of breathing.
- Differentiate the regulation of breathing in individuals with chronic hypercapnia versus healthy persons.
- Introduction to Respiratory Disease
- List the major components of a health history.
- Signs and Symptoms of Respiratory Disease
- Evaluate the signs and symptoms of patient values in relation to respiratory disease.
- Laboratory Tests in Respiratory Disease
- Evaluate laboratory values in relation to respiratory disease.
- Basic Assessment of the Pulmonary Patient
- Identify and describe the components of the chest physical examination.
- Evaluate clinical information of a patient’s overall cardiopulmonary status by inspection, palpation, and auscultation.
- List and discuss the diagnostic tests relevant to the development of a respiratory care plan.
- Justify the use of low FiO2’s in patients with chronic hypercapnia.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- Define, identify risk factors, and describe pathophysiology of COPD.
- Describe the anatomical alterations and clinical manifestations of COPD.
- Asthma
- Define, identify risk factors, and describe pathophysiology of asthma.
- Describe the anatomical alterations and clinical manifestations of asthma
- Miscellaneous Respiratory Diseases in the Adult
- Describe the effects of aging on the components of the respiratory system.
Assessment and Requirements
Assessment of Academic Achievement
Assessment will be based on written exams and one comprehensive final exam.
General Course Requirements and Recommendations
Students must pass this course with a "C" grade or higher to remain in the RTH Program.
Texts
Textbook(s) to be determined through program faculty approval.
Outcomes
Satisfies Wellness Requirement
No
Satisfies Honors Requirements
No
Effective Term
Fall 2025