Respiratory Therapy 440

I. Course Title: Current Trends within the Respiratory Therapy Profession

II. Course Number: RETH 440

III. Credit Hours: 4 credits

IV. Prerequisites: STAT 130, HSCI 300.

V. Course Description: 

Provides an in-depth review of the history, current state, and future direction of the field of respiratory therapy.  The evolution and current state of credentialing, licensing, directional organizations and related legal issues will be evaluated.  Landmark studies directing clinical practice and the direction of the field will be evaluated.

Note(s): Applied Learning designated course.

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

  • History of the Profession
  • AARC, NBRC, CoARC, and Other regulating agencies
  • PAC and Lobbyist activities
  • Licensing boards and regulations
  • Research that defined respiratory therapy
  • Professionalism
  • Interpersonal and interprofessional communication
  • APRT
  • Future Direction of the Respiratory Therapy Field

VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:

Methods of Instruction

  • Lectures (D2L)
  • Case Studies
  • Required Readings/Textbook
  • Recommended/Supplemental Readings
  • Class and Small Group Discussions
  • Presentations
  • Online Videos

VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

Upon the successful completion of this course, the student will

  1. Analyze the historical, present state and potential direction of the field of Respiratory Therapy.
  2. Compare the requirements, exam content, and benefits of specialty credentialing.
  3. Contrast the roles and responsibilities of directional and regulatory agencies pertinent to the field.
  4. Examine data and studies related to trends and direction of the profession.
  5. Analyze professional attributes and behaviors  
  6. Demonstrate Interpersonal and Interprofessional communication 

Program Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate critical thinking skills with a comprehensive knowledge base (cognitive skills) by assessing the patient’s condition, developing a plan of treatment, and modifying that treatment as needed so that safe and quality cardio-respiratory therapy is given.
  2. Demonstrate ethical, caring and culturally competent behaviors (affective skills) toward the patient, family members and other members of the healthcare team.
  3. Demonstrate effective professional communication.
  4. Integrate health promotion and disease prevention strategies into current healthcare practice while focusing on quality and cost-effective protocols.
  5. Use empirical, evidence-based literature to support decisions within the scientific field.
  6. Pursue graduate education in education, management, research and other healthcare related fields.

VIII. Assessment Measures:

  • Voice Thread Discussions / Involvement
  • Quizzes
  • Assignments
  • Recorded Presentation
  • Paper
  • Final Exam

Review and Approval

March 01, 2021