This four credit hour course will introduce the student to the role of the Respiratory Care Professional, hospital interactions and procedures, and ethical issues. The student will be briefed on issues of safety and infection control. The student will begin learning respiratory anatomy and physiology and patient assessment. Safe handling of medical gases and administration of medical gas therapy will be covered. The students will learn the basics of medicines used in Respiratory Therapy as well as various techniques of delivering Respiratory Therapy. Students will be given introductory lessons in lab and ABG analysis and an introduction to EKG technology. Students will be instructed in the importance of accurate medical record keeping and of verification of physician’s orders. Additionally the student will attend a seminar outlining the techniques of basic life support and will become BLS certified. Three-hour lecture, three-hour lab. Course fee required. Prerequisite: acceptance into the Respiratory Therapy program. Must also register for RCP 10204L.

Offered Fall for 4 Semester hours.