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Program Requirements

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Program Requirements

Respiratory Therapy

Associate Degree 10-515-1

www.cvtc.edu
1-800-547-2882

Start Dates: August

Effective: August 2025

Pre-Program
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
806-177 Gen Anatomy & Physiology 4 836-133 or 806-134 or concurrent or CHEM Test Score Examines basic concepts of human anatomy and physiology as they relate to health sciences. Using a body systems approach, the course emphasizes the interrelationships between structure and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization of the entire human body. It is intended to prepare health care professionals who need to apply basic concepts of whole body anatomy and physiology to informed decision-making and professional communication with colleagues and patients.
Course #: 806-177
Title: Gen Anatomy & Physiology
Credits: 4
Prerequisites/Comments: 836-133 or 806-134 or concurrent or CHEM Test Score Examines basic concepts of human anatomy and physiology as they relate to health sciences. Using a body systems approach, the course emphasizes the interrelationships between structure and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization of the entire human body. It is intended to prepare health care professionals who need to apply basic concepts of whole body anatomy and physiology to informed decision-making and professional communication with colleagues and patients.
  Total Credits: 4  
Total Credits: 4

First Semester
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
501-101 Medical Terminology 3   This course focuses on the component parts of medical terms: prefixes, suffixes, and word roots. Students practice formation, analysis, and reconstruction of terms. Emphasis on spelling, definition, and pronunciation. Introduction to operative, diagnostic, therapeutic, and symptomatic terminology of all body systems, as well as systemic and surgical terminology.
Course #: 501-101
Title: Medical Terminology
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course focuses on the component parts of medical terms: prefixes, suffixes, and word roots. Students practice formation, analysis, and reconstruction of terms. Emphasis on spelling, definition, and pronunciation. Introduction to operative, diagnostic, therapeutic, and symptomatic terminology of all body systems, as well as systemic and surgical terminology.
515-111 Respiratory Survey 3 Program student This course will introduce the student to issues facing health care workers. Topics will include ethics, confidentiality, and professionalism. Health care structure and economics will also be introduced. Other topics may include professional licensure, legal aspects of health care, and patient communication.
Course #: 515-111
Title: Respiratory Survey
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: Program student This course will introduce the student to issues facing health care workers. Topics will include ethics, confidentiality, and professionalism. Health care structure and economics will also be introduced. Other topics may include professional licensure, legal aspects of health care, and patient communication.
515-171 Respiratory Therapeutics 1 3 Program student; 806-177 and (515-111 or concurrent or R111 Test Score) Introduces the topics of medical gas administration and humidity and aerosol therapy. The learner will apply physics, math, and patient assessment concepts to oxygen, aerosol and humidity therapy.
Course #: 515-171
Title: Respiratory Therapeutics 1
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: Program student; 806-177 and (515-111 or concurrent or R111 Test Score) Introduces the topics of medical gas administration and humidity and aerosol therapy. The learner will apply physics, math, and patient assessment concepts to oxygen, aerosol and humidity therapy.
515-173 Respiratory Pharmacology 3 Program student; 806-177 and (515-111 or concurrent or R111 Test Score) Examines basic pharmacology principles, drug dosage, and calculations. Medications for inhalation including mucolytics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatories. Also includes cardiac drugs, anesthetic drugs, neuromuscular blockers, and antimicrobials.
Course #: 515-173
Title: Respiratory Pharmacology
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: Program student; 806-177 and (515-111 or concurrent or R111 Test Score) Examines basic pharmacology principles, drug dosage, and calculations. Medications for inhalation including mucolytics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatories. Also includes cardiac drugs, anesthetic drugs, neuromuscular blockers, and antimicrobials.
  Total Credits: 12  
Total Credits: 12

Second Semester
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
515-172 Respiratory Therapeutics 2 3 Program student; (515-171 or R171 Test Score) and 515-173 Introduces therapeutic procedures including arterial puncture, bronchial hygiene, lung expansion therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
Course #: 515-172
Title: Respiratory Therapeutics 2
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: Program student; (515-171 or R171 Test Score) and 515-173 Introduces therapeutic procedures including arterial puncture, bronchial hygiene, lung expansion therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
515-174 Respiratory/Cardiac Physiology 3 Program student; 806-177 and (515-171 or R171 Test Score) and 515-173 Provides the student with an in-depth knowledge of the structure and function of the respiratory and circulatory systems necessary to function as a competent Respiratory Therapist.
Course #: 515-174
Title: Respiratory/Cardiac Physiology
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: Program student; 806-177 and (515-171 or R171 Test Score) and 515-173 Provides the student with an in-depth knowledge of the structure and function of the respiratory and circulatory systems necessary to function as a competent Respiratory Therapist.
515-176 Respiratory Disease 3 Program student; 806-177 and 515-111 and 515-173 Exploration of signs, symptoms, causes, progression, and treatment of obstructive, restrictive and infectious diseases or disorders of the body that affect the respiratory system.
Course #: 515-176
Title: Respiratory Disease
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: Program student; 806-177 and 515-111 and 515-173 Exploration of signs, symptoms, causes, progression, and treatment of obstructive, restrictive and infectious diseases or disorders of the body that affect the respiratory system.
801-136 English Composition 1 3   This course is designed for learners to develop knowledge and skills in all aspects of the writing process. Planning, organizing, writing, editing, and revising are applied through a variety of activities. Students will analyze audience and purpose, use elements of research and format documents using standard guidelines. Individuals will develop critical reading skills through analysis of various written documents.
Course #: 801-136
Title: English Composition 1
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course is designed for learners to develop knowledge and skills in all aspects of the writing process. Planning, organizing, writing, editing, and revising are applied through a variety of activities. Students will analyze audience and purpose, use elements of research and format documents using standard guidelines. Individuals will develop critical reading skills through analysis of various written documents.
801-196 Oral/Interpersonal Comm 3   Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.
Course #: 801-196
Title: Oral/Interpersonal Comm
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments:   Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.
  Total Credits: 15  
Total Credits: 15

Summer Term
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
515-175 Respiratory Clinical 1 2 Program student; (515-172 or R172 Test Score) and (515-174 or R174 Test Score) and (515-176 or R176 Test Score) Introduces Respiratory Therapy practice in the hospital setting. Includes the development of skills such as basic therapeutics, patient assessment, medical record review, safety practices, patient interaction, and communication.
Course #: 515-175
Title: Respiratory Clinical 1
Credits: 2
Prerequisites/Comments: Program student; (515-172 or R172 Test Score) and (515-174 or R174 Test Score) and (515-176 or R176 Test Score) Introduces Respiratory Therapy practice in the hospital setting. Includes the development of skills such as basic therapeutics, patient assessment, medical record review, safety practices, patient interaction, and communication.
806-197 Microbiology 4 806-177 or 806-207 This course examines microbial structure, metabolism, genetics, growth, and the relationship between humans and microorganisms. Disease production, epidemiology, host defense mechanisms, and the medical impact of microbes in the environment, industry, and biotechnology are also addressed.
Course #: 806-197
Title: Microbiology
Credits: 4
Prerequisites/Comments: 806-177 or 806-207 This course examines microbial structure, metabolism, genetics, growth, and the relationship between humans and microorganisms. Disease production, epidemiology, host defense mechanisms, and the medical impact of microbes in the environment, industry, and biotechnology are also addressed.
  Total Credits: 6  
Total Credits: 6

Third Semester
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
515-112 Respiratory Airway Management 2 Program student; (515-172 or R172 Test Score) and (515-174 or R174 Test Score) and 515-175 and 806-197 Provides a comprehensive exploration of airway management concepts and skills.
Course #: 515-112
Title: Respiratory Airway Management
Credits: 2
Prerequisites/Comments: Program student; (515-172 or R172 Test Score) and (515-174 or R174 Test Score) and 515-175 and 806-197 Provides a comprehensive exploration of airway management concepts and skills.
515-113 Respiratory Life Support 3 Program student; (515-172 or R172 Test Score) and 515-175 and (515-112 or concurrent or R112 Test Score) Focuses on management of adult ventilatory support.
Course #: 515-113
Title: Respiratory Life Support
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: Program student; (515-172 or R172 Test Score) and 515-175 and (515-112 or concurrent or R112 Test Score) Focuses on management of adult ventilatory support.
515-178 Respiratory Clinical 2 3 1st 8 weeks | Program student; 515-175 and 806-197 Continued development of Respiratory Therapy clinical skills including respiratory therapeutics. Focuses on monitoring, analyzing and interpreting data to make appropriate modifications in patient care. This course includes the complete program competency list. At the completion of this clinical, learners must demonstrate competence in a minimum of 12 (required and/or simulated) competencies. The instructor may identify specific competencies to be addressed during this clinical.
Course #: 515-178
Title: Respiratory Clinical 2
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 1st 8 weeks | Program student; 515-175 and 806-197 Continued development of Respiratory Therapy clinical skills including respiratory therapeutics. Focuses on monitoring, analyzing and interpreting data to make appropriate modifications in patient care. This course includes the complete program competency list. At the completion of this clinical, learners must demonstrate competence in a minimum of 12 (required and/or simulated) competencies. The instructor may identify specific competencies to be addressed during this clinical.
515-179 Respiratory Clinical 3 3 2nd 8 weeks | Program student; 515-178 or concurrent Continued development of Respiratory Therapy clinical skills including respiratory therapeutics. Focuses on monitoring, analyzing and interpreting data to make appropriate modifications in patient care. This course includes the complete program competency list. At the completion of this clinical, learners must demonstrate competence in a minimum of 19 (required and/or simulated) competencies. The instructor may identify specific competencies to be addressed during this clinical.
Course #: 515-179
Title: Respiratory Clinical 3
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 2nd 8 weeks | Program student; 515-178 or concurrent Continued development of Respiratory Therapy clinical skills including respiratory therapeutics. Focuses on monitoring, analyzing and interpreting data to make appropriate modifications in patient care. This course includes the complete program competency list. At the completion of this clinical, learners must demonstrate competence in a minimum of 19 (required and/or simulated) competencies. The instructor may identify specific competencies to be addressed during this clinical.
809-198 Intro to Psychology 3   This introductory course in psychology is a survey of the multiple aspects of human behavior. It involves a survey of the theoretical foundations of human functioning in such areas as learning, motivation, emotions, personality, deviance and pathology, physiological factors, and social influences. Additional topics include research methods, biological and environmental impacts, development, sensation and perception, consciousness, intelligence and stress. This course directs the student to an insightful understanding of the complexities of human relationships in personal, social, and vocational settings.
Course #: 809-198
Title: Intro to Psychology
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments:   This introductory course in psychology is a survey of the multiple aspects of human behavior. It involves a survey of the theoretical foundations of human functioning in such areas as learning, motivation, emotions, personality, deviance and pathology, physiological factors, and social influences. Additional topics include research methods, biological and environmental impacts, development, sensation and perception, consciousness, intelligence and stress. This course directs the student to an insightful understanding of the complexities of human relationships in personal, social, and vocational settings.
  Total Credits: 14  
Total Credits: 14

Fourth Semester
Course # Course Title Credits Prerequisites/Comments
515-145 Adv Respiratory Care Topics 2 Program student; 515-178 and 515-179 and 515-112 or R112 Test Score A course to consider advanced topics and perform examination review for the RC students.
Course #: 515-145
Title: Adv Respiratory Care Topics
Credits: 2
Prerequisites/Comments: Program student; 515-178 and 515-179 and 515-112 or R112 Test Score A course to consider advanced topics and perform examination review for the RC students.
515-180 Respiratory Neo/Peds Care 2 Program student; (515-113 or R113 Test Score) and (515-112 or R112 Test Score) Provides a comprehensive orientation to the field of neonatal and pediatric respiratory care to include fetal development, birth, neonatal physiology, pulmonary dynamics, abnormal cardiopulmonary conditions, diseases, noninvasive and invasive therapeutic interventions.
Course #: 515-180
Title: Respiratory Neo/Peds Care
Credits: 2
Prerequisites/Comments: Program student; (515-113 or R113 Test Score) and (515-112 or R112 Test Score) Provides a comprehensive orientation to the field of neonatal and pediatric respiratory care to include fetal development, birth, neonatal physiology, pulmonary dynamics, abnormal cardiopulmonary conditions, diseases, noninvasive and invasive therapeutic interventions.
515-181 Respiratory/Cardio Diagnostics 3 Program student; (515-113 or R113 Test Score) and (515-176 or R176 Test Score) Advanced invasive and noninvasive diagnostic cardiopulmonary procedures including pulmonary function, hemodynamics and rescue medicine.
Course #: 515-181
Title: Respiratory/Cardio Diagnostics
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: Program student; (515-113 or R113 Test Score) and (515-176 or R176 Test Score) Advanced invasive and noninvasive diagnostic cardiopulmonary procedures including pulmonary function, hemodynamics and rescue medicine.
515-182 Respiratory Clinical 4 3 1st 8 weeks | Program student; 515-179 or (515-112 or R112 Test Score) Continued development of Respiratory Therapy clinical skills including respiratory therapeutics. Focuses on monitoring, analyzing, and interpreting data to make appropriate modifications in patient care. This course includes the complete program competency list. At the completion of this clinical, learners must demonstrate competence in a minimum of 26 (required and/or simulated) competencies. The instructor may identify specific competencies to be addressed during this clinical.
Course #: 515-182
Title: Respiratory Clinical 4
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 1st 8 weeks | Program student; 515-179 or (515-112 or R112 Test Score) Continued development of Respiratory Therapy clinical skills including respiratory therapeutics. Focuses on monitoring, analyzing, and interpreting data to make appropriate modifications in patient care. This course includes the complete program competency list. At the completion of this clinical, learners must demonstrate competence in a minimum of 26 (required and/or simulated) competencies. The instructor may identify specific competencies to be addressed during this clinical.
515-183 Respiratory Clinical 5 3 2nd 8 weeks | Program student; 515-182 or concurrent Focuses on the completion of respiratory therapy competencies and transition to employment. This course includes the complete program competency list. At the completion of this clinical, learners must demonstrate competence in all of the required and required/simulated competencies. The instructor may identify specific competencies to be addressed during this clinical.
Course #: 515-183
Title: Respiratory Clinical 5
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments: 2nd 8 weeks | Program student; 515-182 or concurrent Focuses on the completion of respiratory therapy competencies and transition to employment. This course includes the complete program competency list. At the completion of this clinical, learners must demonstrate competence in all of the required and required/simulated competencies. The instructor may identify specific competencies to be addressed during this clinical.
809-196 Intro to Sociology 3   This course introduces students to the basic concepts of sociology, including culture, race, socialization, gender, group behavior, deviance, social stratification, and social change. Students will use the sociological perspective to analyze major social institutions, multiculturalism, and social issues affecting our selves and society. Students will participate in a variety of experiences to strengthen and demonstrate these perspectives and skills. Critical thinking skills are emphasized, and learning activities include applying sociological theory to current issues in society. The focus is on how social factors and forces influence beliefs and behaviors, both in our personal lives and at work.
Course #: 809-196
Title: Intro to Sociology
Credits: 3
Prerequisites/Comments:   This course introduces students to the basic concepts of sociology, including culture, race, socialization, gender, group behavior, deviance, social stratification, and social change. Students will use the sociological perspective to analyze major social institutions, multiculturalism, and social issues affecting our selves and society. Students will participate in a variety of experiences to strengthen and demonstrate these perspectives and skills. Critical thinking skills are emphasized, and learning activities include applying sociological theory to current issues in society. The focus is on how social factors and forces influence beliefs and behaviors, both in our personal lives and at work.
  Total Credits: 16  
Total Credits: 16

Course Title

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Course Description

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Minimum Program Credits Required: 67

Grade of B- required for program core courses

Grade of C required for general education courses

2.0 Minimum Program Cumulative GPA Required for Graduation
If a student does not enroll in any courses at CVTC for two or more consecutive semesters, the student will be required to reapply with Admissions. Students must abide by any changes in admission requirements and degree requirements.

Updated: 4/25/2025 1:46 p.m.  |  Printed: 8/30/2025 6:48 p.m.

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