Respiratory Therapy

Program Description: The Associate of Applied Science Transfer (AAS-T) in Respiratory Therapy program at Columbia Basin College equips students to excel in advanced roles within the rapidly evolving field of respiratory care. This program combines theoretical instruction with practical experiences in lecture, labs, and clinical settings, ensuring students develop proficiency in various aspects of respiratory therapy. Topics of study encompass respiratory health assessment, pulmonary function testing, ventilator management, patient education, and the latest advancements in respiratory care.

Following completion of prerequisite coursework and acceptance in the Respiratory Therapy program, the program spans six quarters (two instructional years). Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be primed for roles in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, and other healthcare settings. They will also be eligible to apply for national board certification in Respiratory Therapy, once the program achieves CoARC accreditation.

Program Outcomes: Graduates of the AAS-T in Respiratory Therapy program at Columbia Basin College will be able to meet the following programmatic outcomes. These outcomes encapsulate the core competencies expected of respiratory therapists, ensuring that graduates not only have the technical knowledge and skills but also the holistic, ethical, and professional grounding necessary in this vital healthcare field.

  1. Clinical Competence: Graduates will demonstrate advanced skills and practices essential to respiratory care, ensuring patient-centered, safe, and effective delivery of respiratory therapy in diverse healthcare settings.
  2. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Graduates will utilize critical thinking and decision-making skills to accurately assess patients' respiratory care needs, interpret diagnostic results, and develop comprehensive care plans.
  3. Interprofessional Collaboration: Graduates will exhibit effective communication and teamwork, working collaboratively within healthcare teams to provide coordinated patient care.
  4. Ethical and Professional Conduct: Graduates will adhere to the highest standards of ethical and professional behavior in all aspects of respiratory therapy, ensuring the advocacy of patients' rights and well-being.
  5. Evidence-Based Practice: Graduates will incorporate evidence-based practices and proficient data analysis into patient care, emphasizing safety, quality improvement, and ethical standards to ensure optimal patient outcomes in respiratory therapy.
  6. Cultural Competence and Patient Advocacy: Graduates will provide culturally responsive care and actively advocate for the needs of diverse patient populations to ensure equitable respiratory care services.

Courses

RT 301: Fundamentals of Respiratory Care I

Credits 8

This introductory course immerses students in the essentials of respiratory therapy practice, providing a comprehensive overview of the respiratory care field. Students will learn core skills, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), maintaining personal hygiene, and handling basic respiratory therapy equipment. Emphasis is placed on patient safety, introductory patient assessment techniques, and fundamental oxygen delivery methods. This course establishes the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary for success in more advanced respiratory care training and clinical settings.

Prerequisite

Acceptance into CBC's Respiratory Therapy program.

RT 302: Cardiopulmonary Anatomy & Physiology

Credits 6

This course offers an in-depth study of the structure and function of the cardiopulmonary system. Topics include the respiratory and circulatory systems, gas exchange mechanisms, blood gas analysis, and the regulatory aspects of breathing and circulation.

Prerequisite

Acceptance into CBC's Respiratory Therapy program.

RT 303: Fundamentals of Respiratory Care II

Credits 8

Continuing from RT 301, this course delves into intermediate respiratory care techniques, including non-invasive ventilation, patient assessment, and management of acute respiratory conditions. Emphasis on integrating clinical decision-making with theoretical knowledge.

Prerequisite

Completion of RT 301, RT 311, and RT 302 with a grade of 2.0 or better.

RT 304: Respiratory Therapy Pharmacology

Credits 6

This course explores pharmacological agents in respiratory care, including bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and anti-infectives. Emphasis on pharmacodynamics, dosing, side effects, and clinical application in respiratory disorders.

Prerequisite

Completion of RT 301, RT 311, and RT 302 with a grade of 2.0 or better.

RT 305: Fundamentals of Respiratory Care III

Credits 6

Building on previous courses, this class addresses complex respiratory care practices, focusing on critical care, advanced patient management strategies, and ethical considerations in respiratory therapy.

Prerequisite

Completion of RT 303, RT 313, and RT 304 with a grade of 2.0 or better.

RT 306: Advanced Respiratory Pathophysiology

Credits 3

An in-depth exploration of respiratory pathophysiology, this course examines the underlying mechanisms and clinical manifestations of various pulmonary diseases, emphasizing their impact on respiratory function and patient care

Prerequisite

Completion of RT 303, RT 313, and RT 304 with a grade of 2.0 or better.

RT 311: Fundamentals of Respiratory Care I Lab

Credits 3

A practical laboratory complementing RT 301, this course provides hands-on experience with basic respiratory care equipment and procedures. Students will engage in simulations that reinforce theoretical concepts, focusing on proper equipment use and patient care techniques. $95 respiratory therapy lab supply fee.

Prerequisite

Acceptance into CBC's Respiratory Therapy program.

RT 313: Fundamentals of Respiratory Care II Lab

Credits 3

A hands-on lab experience complementing RT 303. Focuses on intermediate respiratory care procedures, non-invasive ventilation setups, and patient management simulations, enhancing technical and decision-making skills. $95 respiratory therapy lab supply fee.

Prerequisite

Completion of RT 301, RT 311, and RT 302 with a grade of 2.0 or better.

RT 315: Fundamentals of Respiratory Care III Lab

Credits 3

An advanced laboratory course that reinforces and expands on the concepts from RT 305. Students engage in simulated critical care scenarios, mastering advanced respiratory care techniques and patient management strategies. $95 respiratory therapy lab supply fee.

Prerequisite

Completion of RT 303, RT 313, and RT 304 with a grade of 2.0 or better.

RT 327: Respiratory Therapy Clinical I

Credits 4

The first clinical practicum, offering immersive experience in real-world respiratory care settings. Emphasis on applying theoretical knowledge to patient care, diagnostic procedures, and therapeutic interventions. $10.72 malpractice insurance fee.

Prerequisite

Completion of RT 303, RT 313, and RT 304 with a grade of 2.0 or better.

RT 401: Fundamentals of Respiratory Care IV

Credits 5

This course focuses on specialized areas of respiratory care, including pediatric and neonatal care, advanced diagnostic techniques, and the latest trends in respiratory therapy.

Prerequisite

Completion of RT 305, RT 315, RT 306, and RT 327 with a grade of 2.0 or better.

RT 402: Electrocardiography

Credits 2

An introduction to electrocardiography, this course covers the basics of ECG technique and interpretation. Students will learn to recognize normal and abnormal heart rhythms and understand their clinical significance.

Prerequisite

Completion of RT 305, RT 315, RT 306, and RT 327 with a grade of 2.0 or better.

RT 403: Fundamentals of Respiratory Care V

Credits 6

This advanced course covers comprehensive respiratory care in various clinical settings, including critical care, long-term care, and rehabilitation. Focus on patient assessment, advanced therapeutic techniques, and interprofessional collaboration.

Prerequisite

Completion of RT 401, RT 411, RT 402, RT 412, and RT 423 with a grade of 2.0 or better.

RT 405: Respiratory Therapy Capstone Project

Credits 4

This course requires senior respiratory therapy students to develop and complete a research project or clinical case study. The project demonstrates their mastery of respiratory care principles and their ability to apply knowledge to real-world situations.

Prerequisite

Completion of RT 424 with a grade of 2.0 or better.

RT 407: Professional Credentialing Preparation

Credits 4

This course prepares students for professional credentialing exams in respiratory care. It includes comprehensive review sessions, practice exams, and strategies for successful test-taking, covering all major aspects of respiratory therapy.

Prerequisite

Completion of RT 405 and RT 426 with a grade of 2.0 or better.

RT 411: Fundamentals of Respiratory Care IV Lab

Credits 3

This lab course accompanies RT 401 and provides practical experience in specialties including pediatric and neonatal respiratory care techniques, along with advanced diagnostic procedures in respiratory therapy. $95 respiratory therapy lab supply fee.

Prerequisite

Completion of RT 305, RT 315, RT 306, and RT 327 with a grade of 2.0 or better.

RT 412: Electrocardiography Lab

Credits 1

Complementing RT 402, this lab focuses on hands-on ECG acquisition and analysis. Students will practice correct lead placement, ECG interpretation, and troubleshooting common ECG acquisition problems. $95 respiratory therapy lab supply fee.

Prerequisite

Completion of RT 305, RT 315, RT 306, and RT 327 with a grade of 2.0 or better.

RT 413: Fundamentals of Respiratory Care V Lab

Credits 3

This lab complements RT 403, offering hands-on experience with advanced respiratory care equipment and techniques in diverse clinical scenarios. $95 respiratory therapy lab supply fee.

Prerequisite

Completion of RT 401, RT 411, RT 402, RT 412, and RT 423 with a grade of 2.0 or better.

RT 423: Respiratory Therapy Clinical II

Credits 3

This clinical practicum provides students with hands-on experience in respiratory care. Under supervision, students will develop foundational skills in patient assessment, respiratory diagnostics, and therapeutic techniques, including pulmonary function. Emphasis is placed on translating theoretical knowledge into practical application, fostering competence in entry-level respiratory care procedures, documentation, and professional communication. $10.72 malpractice insurance fee.

Prerequisite

Completion of RT 305, RT 315, RT 306, and RT 327 with a grade of 2.0 or better.

RT 424: Respiratory Therapy Clinical III

Credits 8

In this clinical practicum, students are immersed in real-world respiratory care settings. Emphasis on applying theoretical knowledge to patient care, diagnostic procedures, and therapeutic interventions. $10.72 malpractice insurance fee.

Prerequisite

Completion of RT 403 and RT 413 with a grade of 2.0 or better.

RT 426: Respiratory Therapy Clinical IV

Credits 8

A continuation of the clinical series, this course provides advanced clinical experiences in respiratory care. Students will engage in patient management in diverse settings, focusing on critical care scenarios and advanced respiratory support techniques. $10.72 malpractice insurance fee.

Prerequisite

Completion of RT 424 with a grade of 2.0 or better.

RT 428: Respiratory Therapy Clinical V

Credits 8

The final clinical practicum in the series, this course offers students in-depth, hands-on experiences in specialized areas of respiratory care. Emphasis is on integrating all learned skills and knowledge in the management of complex respiratory cases in various clinical settings. $10.72 malpractice insurance fee.

Prerequisite

Completion of RT 405 and RT 426 with a grade of 2.0 or better.