Respiratory Therapy

This foundational course equips entry-level respiratory therapy students with the safety protocols, mathematical skills, technical literacy, and professional habits required throughout the program and on the job. Students earn OSHA 10-Hour General Industry certification and Healthcare Provider CPR/AED certification while developing the numeracy and communication competencies that underpin safe patient care. All content is contextualized to respiratory therapy settings, clinical documentation standards, and the professional expectations of employers and credentialing bodies.

How the course runs. 7 blocks: Workplace Safety and OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certification; Infection Control, PPE, and Bloodborne Pathogen Standards in Respiratory Therapy; Healthcare Provider CPR, AED, and First Aid; Respiratory Therapy Math: Units, Conversions, and Gas Laws; Medical Terminology, Technical Reading, and Clinical Documentation; Digital Tools: EHR Simulation, Telehealth, and Professional Databases; Professional Identity, Career Planning, and Credentialing Roadmap.

What competent looks like. Demonstrate compliance with OSHA general industry safety standards and infection-control protocols specific to respiratory therapy environments, achieving OSHA 10-Hour certification. Perform accurate dosage calculations, unit conversions, and gas-law mathematics at a level sufficient for respiratory therapy clinical coursework and NBRC examinations. Interpret and produce clinical documentation—including patient charts, therapy orders, incident reports, and competency records—using correct medical terminology and abbreviations. Apply Healthcare Provider CPR/AED skills to adult, child, and infant patients, meeting American Heart Association competency standards. Use digital tools including electronic health record (EHR) simulation software, reference databases, and telehealth platforms as required in modern respiratory therapy practice. Construct a professional portfolio and articulate a career development plan that maps program milestones to NBRC CRT/RRT credentialing requirements and state licensure steps.

This course builds the anatomical and physiological foundation every respiratory therapist must master before touching a patient or a ventilator. Students study the structures, mechanics, and regulatory systems of the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems in the depth required for clinical decision-making and NBRC examination success. Emphasis is placed on connecting structural detail to bedside observations such as breath sounds, oxygenation trends, and hemodynamic changes.

How the course runs. 12 blocks: Overview of the Respiratory System: Structures, Functions, and Clinical Relevance; Microanatomy of the Lung: Alveoli, Surfactant, and the Respiratory Membrane; Mechanics of Breathing: Pressure, Volume, and the Work of Breathing; Respiratory Muscles and the Mechanics of the Thoracic Cage; Lung Volumes, Capacities, and Pulmonary Function Measurements; Pulmonary Gas Exchange: Diffusion, Partial Pressures, and the Alveolar Gas Equation; Oxygen Transport: Hemoglobin, the Oxyhemoglobin Dissociation Curve, and Tissue Delivery; Carbon Dioxide Transport and Acid-Base Balance; Anatomy and Physiology of the Heart: Chambers, Valves, and Coronary Circulation; The Cardiac Cycle, Cardiac Output, and Hemodynamics; Pulmonary Circulation, Ventilation-Perfusion Matching, and Shunt; Control of Ventilation, Breathing Patterns, and Clinical Correlations.

What competent looks like. Identify and describe all major structures of the upper and lower airways, lungs, and thoracic cage and explain the functional role of each in ventilation. Explain the mechanics of breathing, including the pressure-volume relationships, work of breathing, and the roles of respiratory muscles and elastic recoil. Describe pulmonary circulation and systemic circulation, trace the path of blood through the heart, and explain the cardiac cycle and its pressure and volume changes. Apply the principles of gas exchange, oxygen transport, and carbon dioxide elimination to interpret basic arterial blood gas values and oximetry readings. Explain the neural and chemical control of ventilation, including the role of central and peripheral chemoreceptors, and predict how common clinical conditions alter breathing patterns. Correlate normal cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology with observable clinical signs, preparing students to recognize deviations that require respiratory therapy intervention.

Students develop comprehensive knowledge of mechanical ventilators used in adult, pediatric, and neonatal critical care, including the physics of gas flow, ventilator circuit assembly, mode selection, alarm management, and patient monitoring. Emphasis is placed on safe operation, recognizing patient-ventilator asynchrony, troubleshooting malfunctions, and applying evidence-based weaning protocols. Lesson content maps directly to NBRC CRT and RRT exam competency areas covering therapeutic procedures, equipment performance, and patient assessment.

How the course runs. 12 blocks: Physics of Ventilation: Gas Laws, Pressure, Flow, and Resistance; Ventilator Classification: Drive Mechanisms, Control Variables, and Cycling; Ventilator Circuit Assembly, Humidification, and Infection Control; Initiating Mechanical Ventilation: Initial Settings for Common Diagnoses; Ventilator Modes: Volume Control, Pressure Control, and Assist-Control; Advanced Modes: Pressure Support, CPAP, APRV, and NPPV; Alarm Management and Troubleshooting Patient-Ventilator Problems; Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation and Ventilator Parameter Adjustment; Monitoring the Mechanically Ventilated Patient: Hemodynamics, Mechanics, and Graphics; Weaning and Liberation from Mechanical Ventilation; Neonatal and Pediatric Ventilation Principles; Integrated Ventilator Simulation: Full Patient Management Scenarios.

What competent looks like. Identify and explain the functional components, drive mechanisms, and control systems of common adult and neonatal mechanical ventilators used in clinical settings. Select and justify appropriate ventilator modes, initial parameter settings, and alarm limits based on patient diagnosis, arterial blood gas results, and clinical status. Assemble, leak-test, and troubleshoot ventilator circuits, valves, and humidification systems according to manufacturer guidelines and infection-control standards. Recognize and respond to patient-ventilator asynchrony, ventilator-induced lung injury risk, and life-threatening alarm conditions within established scope of practice. Apply evidence-based spontaneous breathing trial and weaning protocols, documenting assessment findings and communicating recommendations to the clinical team. Demonstrate safe, professional practice throughout all ventilator procedures, maintaining patient safety and adhering to OSHA standards and facility infection-control policies.

This course develops the knowledge and hands-on competency required to safely assess, initiate, monitor, and discontinue supplemental oxygen therapy across the full range of low-flow and high-flow delivery systems used in acute, subacute, and home care settings. Students learn to select and troubleshoot oxygen delivery devices, interpret arterial blood gas and pulse oximetry data, and manage oxygen supply systems in accordance with evidence-based guidelines and established safety protocols. Lesson content maps directly to NBRC CRT and RRT exam domains covering therapeutic procedures, patient assessment, and equipment application.

How the course runs. 12 blocks: Oxygen Physiology and Clinical Indications; Oxygen Supply Systems: Cylinders, Liquid, and Concentrators; Low-Flow Oxygen Delivery Devices; High-Flow Oxygen Delivery Systems; Oxygen Delivery in Pediatric and Neonatal Patients; Pulse Oximetry and Non-Invasive Monitoring; Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation for Oxygen Therapy; Oxygen Therapy Hazards and Safety Protocols; Humidification and Aerosol Therapy with Oxygen; Home Oxygen Therapy and Patient Education; Titration, Weaning, and Discontinuation of Oxygen Therapy; Integrated Oxygen Therapy Clinical Scenarios and NBRC Exam Mapping.

What competent looks like. Select an appropriate oxygen delivery device and flow rate based on patient diagnosis, acuity, and target SpO2/PaO2 goals using current clinical guidelines. Correctly set up, apply, and troubleshoot low-flow devices (nasal cannula, simple mask, partial re-breather, non-re-breather) and high-flow systems (air-entrainment masks, high-flow nasal cannula, oxygen hoods and tents) to deliver a prescribed FiO2. Perform and interpret pulse oximetry, capnography, and arterial blood gas results to evaluate the adequacy of oxygen therapy and recommend titration or discontinuation. Identify and mitigate oxygen-therapy hazards including oxygen toxicity, absorption atelectasis, suppression of hypoxic drive, fire risk, and cylinder handling dangers in compliance with OSHA and NFPA standards. Manage bulk liquid oxygen systems, high-pressure cylinders, and oxygen concentrators, demonstrating correct safety procedures for storage, transport, and labeling. Document oxygen therapy orders, patient responses, and equipment checks accurately in a simulated medical record, demonstrating professional communication consistent with state RT scope of practice.

This course develops the knowledge and hands-on skills required to assess, establish, and maintain a patent airway in patients across the lifespan, from basic positioning and suctioning to advanced artificial airway placement and management. Students practice on high-fidelity manikins and airway trainers under instructor supervision before applying skills in simulated clinical scenarios. Lessons map directly to NBRC CRT and RRT exam content areas covering patient assessment, airway establishment, and airway clearance techniques.

How the course runs. 12 blocks: Airway Anatomy and Physiology Review; Airway Assessment and Difficult Airway Prediction; Basic Airway Adjuncts: OPA, NPA, and Bag-Mask Ventilation; Supraglottic Airway Devices; Endotracheal Intubation: Principles and Equipment; Orotracheal Intubation Skills Lab; Nasotracheal Intubation and Tube Management; Video Laryngoscopy and Difficult Airway Rescue; Airway Suctioning Techniques; Tracheostomy Care and Management; Airway Clearance Techniques and Secretion Management; Integrated Airway Management Simulation and Documentation.

What competent looks like. Correctly select and size airway adjuncts — including oral airways, nasal airways, supraglottic devices, and endotracheal tubes — for patients across the lifespan based on clinical assessment findings. Demonstrate safe orotracheal and nasotracheal intubation technique on adult and pediatric airway trainers, including tube confirmation with waveform capnography and auscultation, achieving correct placement on every attempt. Perform oropharyngeal, nasopharyngeal, and endotracheal suctioning using sterile technique while monitoring patient SpO2 and hemodynamic response, keeping suction time within evidence-based limits. Identify and respond to airway emergencies — including esophageal intubation, tube displacement, cuff failure, and difficult airway situations — using a systematic trouble-shooting protocol before each clinical rotation. Document airway interventions accurately in a patient care record, including tube size, depth, cuff pressure, and patient response, consistent with Joint Commission and NBRC charting standards. Apply infection control, standard precautions, and OSHA bloodborne-pathogen requirements to all airway management procedures, demonstrating zero critical safety errors on observed skills checks.

Students apply previously learned respiratory therapy knowledge and skills in structured, simulated clinical scenarios that replicate real hospital and acute-care environments, integrating ventilator management, oxygen therapy, airway management, and patient assessment into cohesive patient care episodes. Emphasis is placed on clinical decision-making, interdisciplinary communication, documentation accuracy, and patient safety across a range of acuity levels. Lesson content maps directly to NBRC CRT and RRT exam domains and prepares students for supervised clinical practicum hours and state licensure practice standards.

How the course runs. 12 blocks: Clinical Roles, Workflow, and Professional Standards in Acute Care; Patient Assessment: History, Physical Examination, and Vital Signs; Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation in Clinical Context; Oxygen Delivery Systems: Clinical Selection and Troubleshooting; Mechanical Ventilator Management in Clinical Simulations; Airway Management: Intubation Assistance, Suctioning, and Artificial Airway Care; Pulmonary Function Testing and Interpretation in Practice; Chest Radiograph Interpretation for Respiratory Therapists; Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care Fundamentals; Cardiopulmonary Emergency Response and BLS/ACLS Support; Clinical Documentation, Charting, and Interdisciplinary Communication; Integrated Clinical Simulation: Full-Shift Patient Care Episodes.

What competent looks like. Perform a complete respiratory patient assessment, including history, auscultation, vital signs, and pulse oximetry, and accurately document findings using standard clinical formats. Select, set up, and manage appropriate oxygen delivery systems and mechanical ventilators for simulated patients with acute and chronic respiratory conditions, adjusting parameters in response to patient data. Demonstrate safe, effective airway management techniques—including suctioning, artificial airway care, and emergency bag-valve-mask ventilation—within established scope of practice and infection-control standards. Interpret arterial blood gas results, basic pulmonary function data, and chest radiograph findings to formulate and justify evidence-based respiratory care plans. Communicate patient status and care plans clearly through verbal SBAR handoffs, written care notes, and interdisciplinary team participation in simulated clinical rounds. Identify and respond to simulated cardiopulmonary emergencies—including respiratory failure, tension pneumothorax signs, and cardiac arrest—applying current BLS and ACLS-support protocols within the respiratory therapist's scope.

Students design, document, and defend a comprehensive respiratory care management plan for a complex, multi-system patient case, integrating all clinical knowledge and skills acquired across the program. The capstone requires students to apply evidence-based practice, patient safety principles, and professional communication to a realistic scenario that mirrors entry-level clinical decision-making. Successful completion demonstrates readiness for the NBRC credentialing examinations and state licensure practice.

How the course runs. 4 blocks: Case Selection, Patient Assessment Synthesis, and Project Scoping; Evidence-Based Care Plan Development and Equipment Specification; Professional Documentation Package, Peer Safety Review, and NBRC Mapping; Capstone Oral Defense Before Faculty Panel.

What competent looks like. Design a complete, evidence-based respiratory care plan for a complex patient case including assessment findings, therapeutic goals, equipment selection, and monitoring parameters. Produce a professional clinical documentation package—including a patient assessment write-up, care plan, equipment logs, and progress notes—that meets standards expected in accredited healthcare facilities. Justify all clinical decisions by citing established respiratory care guidelines and referencing physiological rationale during an oral defense before a faculty panel. Identify and correct at least three patient safety or scope-of-practice errors embedded in a peer review exercise, demonstrating critical evaluation skills. Map each element of the capstone care plan to the corresponding NBRC CRT/RRT exam content domains, demonstrating awareness of how clinical practice aligns with credentialing requirements. Communicate care plan recommendations clearly and professionally to a simulated interdisciplinary team audience, using appropriate terminology and organized presentation structure.

Students complete 648 supervised hours at approved clinical sites—hospitals, long-term acute care facilities, or pulmonary rehabilitation centers—applying all prior coursework under the direct oversight of credentialed respiratory therapists. Learners rotate through adult critical care, neonatal/pediatric units, general care floors, and pulmonary function or sleep labs to build the breadth of patient contact required for entry-level competency. Performance is measured against NBRC Entry-Level CRT and Advanced-Level RRT examination domains and documented through employer evaluations and a clinical log.

How the course runs. 4 blocks: Site Orientation, Safety Compliance, and Clinical Readiness; General Care and Pulmonary Function Rotations; Critical Care, Mechanical Ventilation, and Airway Management Rotations; Integrated Practice, Emergency Response, and Externship Close-Out.

What competent looks like. Perform safe, patient-centered respiratory assessments and treatments—including oxygen delivery, aerosol medication administration, airway management, and mechanical ventilation management—on real patients under licensed supervision. Demonstrate professional communication with patients, families, nurses, and physicians in compliance with HIPAA and facility policies. Document all patient care activities accurately and in a timely manner in the clinical record, meeting the site's standards and scope-of-practice requirements. Self-assess clinical performance against NBRC CRT and RRT competency domains and identify personal learning gaps for remediation. Respond appropriately to clinical emergencies, including initiating CPR, assisting with rapid intubation, and escalating deteriorating patient status to the supervising therapist. Complete a minimum of the program-required supervised clinical hours and achieve satisfactory ratings on all employer evaluation rubric domains.

This course systematically reviews every content domain tested on the NBRC Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination (TMC) and Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE), preparing candidates for CRT and RRT credentialing and state licensure application. Students complete timed, full-length mock examinations under realistic conditions, analyze their performance by domain, and build targeted remediation plans. Emphasis is placed on clinical decision-making, patient safety reasoning, and the procedural knowledge required to practice legally and competently as an entry-level respiratory therapist.

How the course runs. 4 blocks: NBRC Credential Roadmap and Diagnostic Baseline Assessment; TMC Content Domain Deep-Review: Patient Assessment, Therapeutics, and Equipment; Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) Strategies and Case Practice; Full Mock Certification Examinations and Final Remediation.

What competent looks like. Accurately answer questions in all NBRC TMC content domains—patient data evaluation, troubleshooting, therapeutic procedures, and disease management—at a passing-level score on timed practice sets. Successfully navigate NBRC Clinical Simulation Examination case scenarios by applying the correct sequence of gather-information, treatment, and outcome-evaluation decision points. Identify personal content weaknesses by domain using diagnostic practice-test data and execute a structured self-remediation plan before the mock final. State the CRT and RRT credentialing eligibility requirements, application process steps, and the role of the state licensing board in authorizing legal practice. Demonstrate exam-day strategies including time management, question-stem analysis, and elimination of distractor answers under timed conditions. Apply patient safety and scope-of-practice principles when selecting answers on both the TMC and CSE, recognizing that unsafe or out-of-scope options are always incorrect.