CLUSTERHealth Science Education

CONCENTRATIONRespiratory Therapy Technician

WVEIS CODEHE0779

National Consortium for Health Science EducationHealth Care Standards

National Board for Respiratory Care

Sample of reported job titles upon completion of the Respiratory Therapy Specialization:

Respiratory Therapy Therapist, Certified Respiratory Therapy Therapist (CRTT), Respiratory Technician

Sample of reported job titles upon completion of additional education:

Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist, Adult Critical Care Specialty Examination (RRT-ACCS), Certified Pulmonary Function Technologist (CPFT), Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care Specialist (CRT-NPS or RRT-NPS), Registered Pulmonary Function Technologist (RPFT), Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT), Sleep Disorders Testing and Therapeutic Intervention Respiratory Care Specialist (CRT-SDS or RRT-SDS)

INDUSTRY CREDENTIALS

Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT), Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)

RECOMMENDED PREREQUISITE

0714Introduction to Health Care

REQUIRED COURSES

Note: A minimum course completion score of 80% is required for progression to next course.

WVEIS CodeCourse

HE0641Respiratory Therapy Core

HE0642Respiratory Therapy Pharmacology and Basic Procedures

HE0643Respiratory Care Sciences and Application of Procedures

HE0644Clinical Experience I

HE0645Respiratory Therapy Procedures II

HE0646Clinical Experience II

HE 0647Cardiopulmonary Anatomy,Physiology and Pathophysiology

HE 0648Clinical Experience III

ELECTIVE COURSE

1060Essentials of Addiction and Prevention

*Students accepted into this program should have a current CPR and AED for Health Care Provider or Professional Rescuer and First Aid certification.

SKILL SETS

Career Preparation Skills

SafetyPractices

Leadership Development

Patient/Client Customer Service

Literacy and Numeracy

Academic Foundation

Safety and Ethics

Technical Skills

Skill sets for Career Preparation Skills, Safety, Leadership Development and Patient/Client Customer Service should be integrated throughout the concentration as remaining skill sets are delivered.

Skill Set / Career Preparation Skills
Knowledge Objectives
HE.1 / Students will demonstrate knowledge of
  • career paths.
  • goal development and achievement.
  • attitudes and work habits that support career retention and advancement.
  • personal qualities and abilities needed to be effective with children.
  • communication in varied contexts.

Performance Objectives
HE.2
HE.3
HE.4
HE.5
HE.6
HE.7
HE.8
HE.9
HE.10 / Students will
  • relate skills and abilities to possible career pathways.
  • explain methods of goal development.
  • discuss methods of time management and task coordination.
  • practice professionalism in punctuality, appropriate dress, task completion, etc.
  • investigate methods of supervision such as giving and receiving feedback and instruction.
  • develop and present a statement of their personal work ethic beliefs.
  • prepare an application, cover letter, resume and thank you letter.
  • create a personal portfolio for use when applying for employment.
  • practice simulated job interviews.

Skill Set / Safety Practices
Knowledge Objectives
HE.11 / Students will demonstrate knowledge of
  • infection control.
  • controlling the growth and spread of microorganisms.

Performance Objectives
HE.12
HE.13
HE.14 / Students will
  • explain principles of infection control.
  • perform hand washing according to Centers for Disease Control regulations.
  • don and remove non-sterile gloves.

Skill Set / Leadership Development
Knowledge Objectives
HE.15 / Students will demonstrate knowledge of
  • public speaking.
  • parliamentary law.
  • leadership concepts.
  • characteristics of effective teams and organizations.

Performance Objectives / Students will
HE.16
HE.17
HE.18
HE.19
HE.20 /
  • develop and deliver speeches.
  • participate in meetings using parliamentary procedure.
  • attend leadership conferences and training (local, state and/or national).
  • volunteer in community service opportunities.
  • participate in career development events.

Skill Set / Patient/Client Customer Service
Knowledge Objectives
HE.21 / Students will demonstrate knowledge of
  • customer service.
  • patient/client satisfaction.
  • patient/client needs assessment.
  • quality for services.

Performance Objectives
HE.22
HE.23
HE.24
HE.25
HE.26
HE.27
HE.28
HE.29
HE.30
HE.31
HE.32
HE.33 / Students will
  • demonstrate respectful and empathetic treatment of all patients/clients.
  • hear and work to resolve complaints from patients/clients or the public.
  • check completed work for spelling, punctuation and format.
  • greet visitors or callers and handle their inquiries or direct them to the appropriate persons according to their needs.
  • answer inquiries pertaining to patient/client care policies and services and work to resolve patient/client complaints.
  • measure and assess patient/client and employee satisfaction.
  • confer with patients/clients by telephone or in person to provide information about health care or services, take orders from superiors, obtain details of complaints and forward to instructor/supervisor.
  • keep records of patient/client interactions, recording details of inquiries, complaints or comments, as well as actions taken per health care institution guidelines.
  • check to ensure that appropriate changes were made to work toward resolving patient/client problems.
  • describe points of patient/client safety and respond to questions.
  • investigate and work to resolve complaints regarding food quality, service or patient/client care within your scope of practice.
  • identify the characteristics of each health care industry’s target market.

Skill Set / Literacy and Numeracy
Knowledge objectives
HE.34 / Students will demonstrate knowledge of
  • literacy and numeracy skills required to solve complex
  • real-world problems associated with their career/technical content area
  • improve their thinking and reasoning skills.

Performance Objectives
HE.35
HE.36
HE.37
HE.38 / Students will
  • utilize a variety of technical sources (e.g., Internet, manuals, journals, directions, reports, etc.) to complete career/technical assignments and projects
  • demonstrate writing skills required to complete career/technical assignments and projects
  • demonstrate accuracy in calculating and measuring graphical work required to complete career/technical assignments and projects
  • analyze tables, charts, graphs and multiple data sources to complete career/technical assignments and projects

Respiratory Therapy Core WVEIS 0641

Skill Set / Academic Foundation
Knowledge Objectives
0641.1 / Students will demonstrate knowledge of
  • anatomy and physiology.
  • medical terminology.

Performance Objectives
0641.2
0641.3
0641.4
0641.5
0641.6
0641.7
0641.8
0641.9
0641.10
0641.11
0641.12
0641.13
0641.14
0641.15
0641.16
0641.17
0641.18 / Students will
  • describe the organization of the body.
  • describe the chemical basis for life.
  • describe cells and tissues.
  • describeand structure and function of each of the following body systems.
  • integumentary system
  • skeletal system
  • muscular system
  • nervous system
  • endocrine system
  • cardiovascular system
  • respiratory system
  • lymphatic system
  • immune system
  • digestive system
  • metabolism
  • urinary system
  • reproductive system
  • male
  • female
  • special senses
  • eyes
  • ears
  • analyze blood as a system of the body.
  • identify and apply terms associated with the systems of the human body.
  • utilize medical terminology related to respiratory therapy.
  • apply medical terms in relation to the human body in health and disease.
  • apply medical terminology related to common diagnostic procedures and pharmacology.
  • recognize, define and pronounce the terms associated with basic examination procedures.
  • identify and describe the basic examination positions.
  • describe the four vital signs recorded for most patients.
  • recognize, define and pronounce terms associated with frequently performed blood and urinalysis laboratory tests.
  • recognize, define and pronounce terms associated with radiography.
  • differentiate between projection and position in relation to radiography.
  • describe basic radiographic projections.
  • analyze unfamiliar medical terms using your knowledge of word parts.

Skill Set / Leadership Development
Knowledge Objectives
0641.19 / Students will demonstrate knowledge of
  • respiratory therapy program requirements.
  • respiratory therapy as an occupation.
  • communication techniques.

Performance Objectives
0641.20
0641.21
0641.22
0641.23
0641.24
0641.25
0641.26
0641.27
0641.28
0641.29
0641.30
0641.31
0641.32
0641.33
0641.34
0641.35
0641.36
0641.37
0641.38
0641.39 / Students will
  • discuss the philosophy, rules and regulations consistent with the technology center, respiratory care career major.
  • explore individual learning styles.
  • demonstrate knowledge of basic computer components and programs.
  • classify personal traits or attitudes desirable in a member of the healthcare team
  • summarize basic professional standards of healthcare workers as they apply to hygiene, dress, language, confidentiality and behavior (i.e. courtesy and self-introductions).
  • apply employability skills in healthcare.
  • exemplify professional characteristics.
  • engage in continuous self-assessment and career goal modification for personal and professional growth.
  • compare careers within the health science career pathways (diagnostic services, therapeutic services, health informatics, support services, or biotechnology researchand development).
  • recognize levels of education, credentialing requirements, employment opportunities, workplace environments and career growth potential in the field of respiratory therapy.
  • develop components of a personal portfolio.
  • demonstrate process for obtaining employment.
  • identify various functions of professional organizations and relate their significance to the field of respiratory care.
  • discussand describe common leadership skills needed in the hospital.
  • discuss and describe the development of respiratory care, including the roles of
  • American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC)
  • National Board for RespiratoryCare (NBRC)
  • The Joint Review Committee for Respiratory Therapy Education (JRCRTE)
  • Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)
  • Commission onAccreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
  • explain the importance of credentialing in the field of respiratory care.
  • identifylegal and ethical responsibilities of the respiratory therapy technologist.
  • define the scope of practice for the respiratory therapy technologist
  • apply concepts of effective communication techniques.
  • discuss and describe the importance of good communication in healthcare delivery.

Skill Set / Safety and Ethics
Knowledge Objectives
0641.40 / Students will demonstrate knowledge of
  • safety.
  • medical ethics for respiratory therapy.
  • blood borne pathogens and disease transmission.

Performance Objectives
0641.41
0641.42
0641.43
0641.44
0641.45
0641.46
0641.47
0641.48
0641.49
0641.50
0641.51
0641.52
0641.53
0641.54 / Students will
  • identify general safety knowledge and procedures in the classroom, laboratory and clinical facilities.
  • identify and perform proper body mechanics when lifting or moving any heavy object or patient.
  • identify the different types of fires and describe the proper operation of a fire extinguisher.
  • define hazardous communication and MSDS (material safety data sheets).
  • define Standard Precautions (Universal Precautions).
  • define OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) and discuss OSHA guidelines for laboratories and healthcare workers.
  • identifybloodborne pathogens and describe how to prevent exposure and transmission.
  • identify the proper procedure to use for accidents and or incidents.
  • recognize emerging diseases and disorders.
  • distinguish between fact and fiction about the transmission and treatment of diseases caused by bloodborne pathogens including Hepatitis B.
  • identify community resources and services available to individuals with diseases caused by bloodborne pathogens.
  • identify "at risk" behaviors which promote the spread of diseases caused by bloodborne pathogens and the public education necessary to combat the spread of these diseases.
  • apply infection control techniques designed to prevent the spread of diseases caused by bloodborne pathogens to the care of all patients following Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.
  • demonstrate knowledge of the legal aspects of HIV/AIDS including the following:
  • testing
  • key medical/legal terms as related to respiratory care.
  • discuss legal issues and cases which have influenced or will influence how patients and practitioners view life support, and their relationship to the Right to Die question.
  • provide relevant examples of medical ethics as related to patient care, respiratory care, the AARC code of Ethics and the stages of death and dying.
  • demonstrate competency and achieve certification in Healthcare Provider cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Respiratory Therapy Pharmacology and Basic ProceduresWVEIS 0642

Skill Set / Academic Foundation
Knowledge Objectives
0642.1 / Students will demonstrate knowledge of
  • pharmacology for the respiratory therapist.

Performance Objectives
0642.2
0642.3
0642.4
0642.5
0642.6
0642.7
0642.8
0642.9
0642.10
0642.11
0642.12
0642.13
0642.14
0642.15
0642.16
0642.17
0642.18
0642.19
0642.20
0642.21
0642.22 / Students will
  • describe the various routes by which drugs are administered and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
  • define select terms and medical abbreviations which describe drug interactions and safety.
  • describe the components of a medication order and a prescription.
  • outline the divisions of the central nervous system and state the general function of each.
  • define terms relating to the actions of drugs affecting the autonomic nervous system.
  • describe the actions of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems on specific smooth muscles and glands.
  • describe the classification of drugs acting on the autonomic nervous system as bronchodilators.
  • categorize and define the action of sympathomimetic drugs.
  • describe how simple changes in the chemical structure of bronchodilators alters drug performance.
  • discusssteroid release in the human body, causes of inflammation and side effects of steroids.
  • compare and contrast intrinsic and extrinsic asthma and the associated pharmacological treatment.
  • discuss gases used in respiratory care, indications, methods of administration and possible side effects.
  • describe the composition of the mucociliary escalator and glands which produce mucus.
  • identify the various wetting and surface-active agents along with their uses, side effects and hazards.
  • explain the divisions and functions of the brain and spinal cord and how they affect respiration.
  • describe the classification of anti-infectives and Gram's staining technique.
  • describe the functions of the major body electrolytes and the structure and functions of the kidney.
  • briefly describe the electrophysiology of the heart, as well as normal hemodynamic parameters.
  • describe the actions, indications and dosage of the primary resuscitation drugs.
  • list the mechanism of action, indications, contraindications, precautions, classification, adverse reactions, generic and trade names, route of administration and dosage of the most commonly used drugs from the following categories:
  • bronchodilators
  • corticosteroids
  • anti-asthmatics
  • mucokinetics
  • surface-active agents
  • cholinergic muscle stimulants
  • neuromuscular blockers
  • ventilatory stimulants
  • ventilatory depressants
  • anti-infective agents
  • diuretics
  • cardiovascular agents
  • given a patient/client scenario, calculate drug dosages and recommend respiratory care modalities to provide optimal care.

Skill Set / Technical Skills
Knowledge Objectives
0642.23 / Students will demonstrate knowledge of
  • basic respiratory care skills.

Performance Objectives
0642.24
0642.25
0642.26
0642.27
0642.28 / Students will
  • demonstrate the principles of operation and ability to set up equipment used to provide various respiratory therapies including medical gases, aerosol, humidity, lung expansion and airway clearance.
  • explain the goals, indications, contraindications and hazards of respiratory therapies including medical gases, humidity, aerosol, lung expansion and airway clearance.
  • perform physical assessment using correct terminology and procedures.
  • identify normal and abnormal findings on chest radiographs.
  • explainthe principles and goals of therapist driven protocols and the knowledge base required for successful use of protocols.

Respiratory Care Sciences and Application of ProceduresWVEIS 0643

Skill Set / Academic Foundation
Knowledge Objectives
0643.1 / Students will demonstrate knowledge of
  • physics, chemistry, biology and microbiology necessary for the understanding and application of respiratory care.

Performance Objectives
0643.2
0643.3
0643.4
0643.5
0643.6
0643.7
0643.8 / Students will
  • perform conversions within the metric system.
  • performconversions between the metric and U.S. standard units of measure.
  • discuss the basic principles of atomic structure, states of matter, ion formation and bonding.
  • explain the concepts of density and specific gravity, as well as calculating these values.
  • discuss the factors that affect solubility and calculate solubility and content of gases in solution.
  • discuss and apply the laws of physics related to fluid dynamics, flow and surface tension.
  • discuss basic principles of organic chemistry as relates to respiratory care.

Skill Set / Technical Skills
Knowledge Objectives
0643.9 / Students will demonstrate knowledge of
  • gaslaws and calculations.
  • laws of physics.
  • microbiology.

Performance Objectives
0643.10
0643.11
0643.12 / Students will
  • demonstrate knowledge concerning the Gas Laws and their use in calculations related to respiratory care to include:
  • Charles
  • Boyles
  • Gay Lussac
  • Henry and Graham
  • Combined Gas Law
  • Dalton's
  • apply the laws of physics to human ventilation and perfusion.
  • demonstrate knowledge of basic microbiology, microbial disease and their application to respiratory care.

Clinical Experience IWVEIS 0644

Skill Set / Technical Skills
Knowledge Objectives
0644.1 / Students will demonstrate knowledge of
  • classroom theory related to respiratory therapy.

Performance Objectives
0644.2
0644.3
0644.4
0644.5
0644.6
0644.7
0644.8
0644.9
0644.10
0644.11
0644.12
0644.13
0644.14
0644.15
0644.16
0644.17
0644.18
0644.19
0644.20
0644.21
0644.22
0644.23
0644.24
0644.25
0644.26
0644.27
0644.28
0644.29
0644.30
0644.31
0644.32
0644.33 / Students will
  • participate by asking appropriate questions.
  • exhibit dependability, be punctual, attend clinical rotations according to program policies and complete assigned objectives.
  • respond positively to supervision and guidance.
  • exhibit an ability to communicate patient information.
  • perform procedures competently and attend to details.
  • recognize limitations and boundaries of role; seek assistance when necessary.
  • evaluateappropriateness of therapy; maximize efficacy of therapy.
  • apply didactic knowledge to patient care to include the following:
  • indications of therapy
  • hazards of therapy
  • contraindications of therapy
  • goals of therapy
  • perform correct infection control procedures for different isolation protocols.
  • assess the respiratory status of the patient to include auscultation, respiratory rate and pattern.
  • assess the vital signs of a patient/client to include radial and apical heart rate, blood pressure and temperature.
  • observe and assist (to degree possible) in an emergency CPR/ Code Blue procedure.
  • perform incentive breathing therapy.
  • coach patient/client in an effective cough technique based on patient/client situation and disease process.
  • apply and adjust supplemental oxygen devices to achieve a given oxygen percentage.
  • perform CPT using pneumatic devices, vest and PEP/Flutter devices.
  • obtain sputum specimen from patient/client in the prescribed manner.
  • apply and adjust humidity therapy in specified manner.
  • administer small volume nebulizer, metered dose inhaler and dry powder inhaler to patient/client in a specified manner.
  • disinfect and prepare respiratory care equipment for sterilization.
  • apply knowledge concerning indications, contraindications, hazards and benefits concerning the following:
  • diaphragmatic breathing
  • pursed lip breathing
  • incentive spirometry
  • oxygen therapy
  • basic ventilatory assessment
  • chest percussion and postural drainage
  • aerosol therapy
  • aerosol medication delivery: MDI, SVN, DPI
  • pulse oximetry
  • identify the most common respiratory medications.
  • calculate a basic drug dosage.
  • state indications and possible side effects of the common respiratory drugs.
  • identify the sections of a patient/client chart.
  • review a patient/client chart to collect information pertinent to therapy ordered.
  • identify the bulk oxygen storage system used at the clinical facility.
  • locate zone valves.
  • performE cylinder connection and handling.
  • calculate the duration of flow for various sizes of oxygen cylinders.
  • evaluate arterial blood gas (ABG) results.
  • make appropriate recommendations based on ABG evaluation.

Respiratory Therapy Procedures IIWVEIS 0645