Academic Catalog

Respiratory Therapy (RSPT)

RSPT 50A  •  RESPIRATORY THERAPY PROCEDURES

RSPT 50A Details
Units: 4.5
Hours: 3 lecture, 5 laboratory per week (96 total per quarter)
Advisory: Demonstrated proficiency in English by placement via multiple measures OR through an equivalent placement process OR completion of ESLL 125 & ESLL 249.
Degree and Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Basic hospital and respiratory therapy procedures. Vital signs, compressed gas equipment, oxygen therapy, medical asepsis, bedside pulmonary function testing, disaster and emergency procedures, back safety. Intended for students in the Respiratory Therapy program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.

RSPT 50B  •  INTRODUCTION TO PATIENT CARE PROCEDURES

RSPT 50B Details
Units: 5
Hours: 3 lecture, 6 laboratory per week (108 total per quarter)
Prerequisite: RSPT 50A.
Degree and Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Introduction to patient care procedures, suctioning, artificial airways, tracheostomy, bronchoscopy, administration of hyperinflation therapy, airway pharmacology, bronchial hygiene therapy, aerosol drug therapy, introduction to non-invasive ventilation, basic and advanced airway care, and nutrition assessment. Intended for students in the Respiratory Therapy Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.

RSPT 50C  •  THERAPEUTICS & INTRODUCTION TO MECHANICAL VENTILATION

RSPT 50C Details
Units: 4
Hours: 3 lecture, 3 laboratory per week (72 total per quarter)
Prerequisite: RSPT 50B.
Degree and Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Topics to be covered include respiratory failure, introduction to invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation. Intended for students in the Respiratory Therapy Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.

RSPT 51A  •  INTRODUCTION TO RESPIRATORY ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

RSPT 51A Details
Units: 2
Hours: 2 lecture per week (24 total per quarter)
Prerequisite: BIOL 40A, BIOL 40B and BIOL 40C; medical terminology course of 2 semester units or greater.
Degree and Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Anatomy of the respiratory system, ventilation, diffusion of pulmonary gases, circulatory system, and oxygen transport. Intended for students in the Respiratory Therapy Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.

RSPT 51B  •  RESPIRATORY PHYSIOLOGY

RSPT 51B Details
Units: 3
Hours: 3 lecture per week (36 total per quarter)
Prerequisite: RSPT 51A or equivalent.
Degree and Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Respiratory physiology, including normal and altered lung physiology. Ventilation-perfusion relationships. Control of ventilation, renal, aging, exercise, altitude, and high pressure effects on physiology. Arterial blood gas interpretation and acid-base physiology. Intended for students in the Respiratory Therapy Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.

RSPT 51C  •  PATIENT ASSESSMENT & PULMONARY DISEASE

RSPT 51C Details
Units: 4
Hours: 4 lecture, 1.25 laboratory per week (63 total per quarter)
Laboratory meets 5 times per quarter (3 hours per laboratory meeting).
Prerequisite: BIOL 41.
Degree and Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Physiological approach to the etiology, management, and prognosis of the various respiratory diseases. Utilization of physical examination, chest X-ray and basic clinical laboratory tests in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary disease. Intended for students in the Respiratory Therapy Program.

RSPT 52  •  APPLIED SCIENCE FOR RESPIRATORY THERAPY

RSPT 52 Details
Units: 3
Hours: 3 lecture per week (36 total per quarter)
Prerequisite: CHEM 25, CHEM 30A or equivalent.
Degree and Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Basic mathematics and science principles applicable to Respiratory Therapy. Includes algebra review, metric system, behavior of matter, forces, and acids and bases. Intended for students in the Respiratory Therapy Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.

RSPT 53A  •  INTRODUCTION TO RESPIRATORY THERAPY PHARMACOLOGY

RSPT 53A Details
Units: 2
Hours: 2 lecture per week (24 total per quarter)
Prerequisite: RSPT 50A.
Degree and Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

An in-depth study of drug groups commonly used in the treatment of respiratory diseases. Intended for students in the Respiratory Therapy Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.

RSPT 53B  •  ADVANCED RESPIRATORY THERAPY PHARMACOLOGY

RSPT 53B Details
Units: 2
Hours: 2 lecture per week (24 total per quarter)
Prerequisite: RSPT 53A.
Degree and Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

An in-depth study of drug groups commonly encountered in intensive respiratory care. Intended for students in the Respiratory Therapy Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.

RSPT 54  •  ORIENTATION TO RESPIRATORY CARE

RSPT 54 Details
Units: 2
Hours: 2 lecture per week (24 total per quarter)
Corequisite: RSPT 50A.
Degree and Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Orientation to the Respiratory Therapy Program and health care. Current issues in American medical care, professionalism, death, dying and loss, communication skills, cultural diversity, HIPAA, ethics, legal issues, and patient's rights. Intended for students in the Respiratory Therapy Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.

RSPT 55A  •  MEDIATED STUDIES IN RESPIRATORY THERAPY I

RSPT 55A Details
Units: 0.5
Hours: 2 laboratory per week (24 total per quarter)
Corequisite: RSPT 50A.
Degree and Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

First of seven courses paralleling content taught in courses in the Respiratory Therapy Program. Focus on oxygen equipment, anatomy and physiology, vital assessments and decision making. Develop and strengthen concepts taught in the concurrent lecture and laboratory sessions of the program. Intended for students in the Respiratory Therapy Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.

RSPT 55B  •  MEDIATED STUDIES IN RESPIRATORY THERAPY II

RSPT 55B Details
Units: 0.5
Hours: 2 laboratory per week (24 total per quarter)
Prerequisite: RSPT 55A.
Degree and Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Second of seven courses paralleling content taught in courses in the Respiratory Therapy Program. Develop and strengthen concepts taught in the concurrent lecture and laboratory sessions of the program. Media materials will provide an alternative learning resource for non-traditional students. Intended for students in the Respiratory Therapy Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.

RSPT 55C  •  MEDIATED STUDIES IN RESPIRATORY THERAPY III

RSPT 55C Details
Units: 0.5
Hours: 2 laboratory per week (24 total per quarter)
Prerequisite: RSPT 55B.
Degree and Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Third of seven courses paralleling content taught in courses in the Respiratory Therapy Program. Focus on assessments and data evaluation. Develop and strengthen concepts taught in the concurrent lecture and laboratory sessions of the program. Intended for students in the Respiratory Therapy Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.

RSPT 55D  •  MEDIATED STUDIES IN RESPIRATORY THERAPY IV

RSPT 55D Details
Units: 0.5
Hours: 2 laboratory per week (24 total per quarter)
Prerequisite: RSPT 55C.
Degree and Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Fourth of seven courses paralleling content taught in courses in the Respiratory Therapy Program. Content to include invasive and non-invasive ventilation strategies and management, arterial blood gases, and innovative approaches to the management of ARDS. Develop and strengthen concepts taught in the concurrent lecture and laboratory sessions of the program. Intended for students in the Respiratory Therapy Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.

RSPT 55E  •  MEDIATED STUDIES IN RESPIRATORY THERAPY V

RSPT 55E Details
Units: 0.5
Hours: 2 laboratory per week (24 total per quarter)
Prerequisite: RSPT 55D.
Degree and Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Fifth of seven courses paralleling content taught in courses in the Respiratory Therapy Program. Topics include neonatal and pediatric diseases, ECG and hemodynamic monitoring. Develop and strengthen concepts taught in the concurrent lecture and laboratory sessions of the program. Media materials will provide an alternative learning resource for non-traditional students. Intended for students in the Respiratory Therapy Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.

RSPT 55F  •  MEDIATED STUDIES IN RESPIRATORY THERAPY VI

RSPT 55F Details
Units: 0.5
Hours: 2 laboratory per week (24 total per quarter)
Prerequisite: RSPT 55E.
Degree and Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Sixth of seven courses paralleling content taught in courses in the Respiratory Therapy Program. Topics covered include: COPD/mechanical ventilation, head injury, acute congestive heart failure, near drowning, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, hypothermia with cardiac arrest, COPD/home care and pulmonary rehabilitation. Intended for students in the Respiratory Therapy Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.

RSPT 55G  •  MEDIATED STUDIES IN RESPIRATORY THERAPY VII

RSPT 55G Details
Units: 0.5
Hours: 2 laboratory per week (24 total per quarter)
Prerequisite: RSPT 55F.
Degree and Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Seventh of seven courses paralleling content taught in courses in the Respiratory Therapy Program. Students will take practice exams of the national entry level and registry examinations. Content will also include advanced PFT and basic spirometry. Intended for students in the Respiratory Therapy Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.

RSPT 56  •  ORIENTATION TO HOSPITAL & PATIENT CARE I

RSPT 56 Details
Units: 1
Hours: 3 laboratory per week (36 total per quarter)
This is a clinical laboratory course.
Degree and Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Introduction to the hospital setting and patient care. Intended for students in the Respiratory Therapy Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.

RSPT 57  •  ORIENTATION TO HOSPITAL & PATIENT CARE II

RSPT 57 Details
Units: 2
Hours: 6 laboratory per week (72 total per quarter)
This is a clinical laboratory course.
Degree and Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Application and practice of respiratory therapy skills in the clinical setting, including, but not limited to: floor care modalities, patient assessments, and non-invasive ventilation. Intended for students in the Respiratory Therapy Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.

RSPT 60C  •  PULMONARY DIAGNOSTICS

RSPT 60C Details
Units: 3
Hours: 2.5 lecture, 2 laboratory per week (54 total per quarter)
Prerequisite: RSPT 51C.
Degree and Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Selection, performance, and interpretation of tests used to diagnose cardiopulmonary abnormalities. Intended for students in the Respiratory Therapy Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted into the program.

RSPT 61A  •  ADULT MECHANICAL VENTILATION

RSPT 61A Details
Units: 4
Hours: 3 lecture, 3 laboratory per week (72 total per quarter)
Prerequisite: RSPT 50C and RSPT 51C.
Degree and Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Develops and enhances the concepts and skills essential to meet the needs of patients placed on invasive and non-invasive ventilation. Overview of modes of ventilation, humidification and medication delivery. Includes laboratory exercises of commonly used ventilators and patient-ventilator simulations. For continuing education purposes, new ventilators and state-of-the-art theories on ventilation will be presented based upon current research. Intended for students in the Respiratory Therapy Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.

RSPT 61B  •  NEONATAL RESPIRATORY CARE

RSPT 61B Details
Units: 3
Hours: 2 lecture, 3 laboratory per week (60 total per quarter)
Prerequisite: RSPT 61A.
Degree and Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

In depth look at neonatal respiratory care. Examination and assessment of the neonate. Neonatal respiratory diseases and disorders including treatment and management. Preparation for the Neonatal Resuscitation Program certification. Intended for students in the Respiratory Therapy Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.

RSPT 61C  •  HOME & REHABILITATIVE RESPIRATORY CARE

RSPT 61C Details
Units: 2
Hours: 2 lecture per week (24 total per quarter)
Degree and Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Introduction to rehabilitative respiratory care. Discussion of respiratory therapy procedures and equipment used in the treatment of home care patients. Intended for students in the Respiratory Therapy Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.

RSPT 61D  •  PEDIATRIC RESPIRATORY CARE

RSPT 61D Details
Units: 2
Hours: 2 lecture per week (24 total per quarter)
Prerequisite: RSPT 61B.
Degree and Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

In-depth look at pediatric respiratory care. Examination and assessment of the pediatric patient. Pediatric respiratory diseases and disorders including treatment and management. Preparation for the Pediatric Advanced Life Support certification. Intended for students in the Respiratory Therapy Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.

RSPT 62  •  MANAGEMENT, RESUME & NATIONAL BOARD EXAMINATION

RSPT 62 Details
Units: 1
Hours: 1 lecture per week (12 total per quarter)
Degree and Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Management and leadership styles. Review of effective communication skills. Current health care economics, job outlook and interviewing skills. Resume, cover letter and thank you letter preparation. Students will be introduced to the NBRC Board exam detailed content outlines. Licensure and exam applications and procedure for applying. Students will need to complete a self evaluation paper that lists areas they need to focus on. Students take the National Board for Respiratory Care mock examination. Intended for students in the Respiratory Therapy Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.

RSPT 63A  •  ADVANCED PATHOPHYSIOLOGY & PATIENT MANAGEMENT

RSPT 63A Details
Units: 3
Hours: 3 lecture per week (36 total per quarter)
Prerequisite: RSPT 51C.
Degree and Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

The assessment and treatment of patients with cardiopulmonary disease. Structured to help build higher order critical thinking and problem solving skills. Through the use of case studies and clinical simulations students will place emphasis on information gathering and decision making for respiratory care patients. Helpful for NBRC Clinical Simulation Examination preparation. Intended for students in the Respiratory Therapy Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.

RSPT 65  •  COMPUTER PATIENT SIMULATIONS

RSPT 65 Details
Units: 0.5
Hours: 2 laboratory per week (24 total per quarter)
Degree and Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Information gathering and decision making in the management of patients with acute and chronic respiratory conditions. Intended for students in the Respiratory Therapy program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.

RSPT 70A  •  CLINICAL ROTATION I

RSPT 70A Details
Units: 2
Hours: 6 laboratory per week (72 total per quarter)
This is a clinical laboratory course.
Prerequisite: RSPT 50C.
Degree and Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Exposure to hospital departments. Clinical application of respiratory therapy procedures. Interpretation of basic diagnostic data and correlation to applied therapies. Intended for students in the Respiratory Therapy Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.

RSPT 70B  •  CLINICAL ROTATION II

RSPT 70B Details
Units: 8
Hours: 24 laboratory per week (288 total per quarter)
This is a clinical laboratory course.
Prerequisite: RSPT 61A and RSPT 70A.
Degree and Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Continuation of RSPT 70A with performance of more advanced respiratory therapy techniques. Interpretation of increasing amounts of clinical data and a correlation to applied therapies. Participation in cardiopulmonary resuscitations. Intended for students in the Respiratory Therapy Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.

RSPT 70C  •  CLINICAL ROTATION III

RSPT 70C Details
Units: 8
Hours: 24 laboratory per week (288 total per quarter)
This is a clinical laboratory course.
Prerequisite: RSPT 70B.
Degree and Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Continuation of RSPT 70B. Clinical application of theory relating to monitoring and management of neonate, pediatric, and adult intensive care unit patient. Intended for students in the Respiratory Therapy Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.

RSPT 70D  •  CLINICAL ROTATION IV

RSPT 70D Details
Units: 8
Hours: 24 laboratory per week (288 total per quarter)
This is a clinical laboratory course.
Prerequisite: RSPT 70C.
Degree and Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Continuation of RSPT 70C. Further clinical experience with ventilation and special procedures of surgical, medical, neonatal, and pediatric intensive care, offered as options for remediation. Assignment dependent on demonstrated student needs. Mini-rotations offered to qualified students, depending on interest. Intended for students in the Respiratory Therapy Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in the program.

RSPT 85  •  INTERVENTIONAL PULMONOLOGY THEORY & APPLICATION

RSPT 85 Details
Units: 5
Hours: 5 lecture per week (60 total per quarter)
Degree and Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Provides the general principles of interventional pulmonology. Disease-specific application, including diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, techniques, and procedures, are introduced.

RSPT 86  •  INTERVENTIONAL PULMONOLOGY PROCEDURES

RSPT 86 Details
Units: 5
Hours: 5 lecture per week (60 total per quarter)
Degree and Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Basic and advanced interventional pulmonology procedures. Procedures covered include bronchoscopy, thoracoscopy, endoscopy, airway access procedures, and novel techniques.

RSPT 87  •  INTERVENTIONAL PULMONOLOGY CLINICAL PRACTICUM

RSPT 87 Details
Units: 1
Hours: 3 laboratory per week (36 total per quarter)
This is a clinical laboratory course.
Advisory: Not open to students with credit in RSPT 87A or 87B.
Degree and Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable
Formerly: RSPT 87A, 87B

Clinical application of basic interventional pulmonology procedures. Interpretation of basic diagnostic data and correlation to applied therapies. Procedures include bronchoscopy for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, such as alveolar lavage.

RSPT 88  •  INTERVENTIONAL PULMONOLOGY RESEARCH PROJECT

RSPT 88 Details
Units: 1
Hours: 1 lecture per week (12 total per quarter)
Degree and Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Research project on a specialized area of interventional pulmonology. Specific topics to be determined by the instructor.

RSPT 200L  •  INTRODUCTION TO RESPIRATORY THERAPY

RSPT 200L Details
Units: 1
Hours: 1 lecture, 1 laboratory per week (24 total per quarter)
Advisory: Students are not required to have been admitted to the Respiratory Therapy Program.
Degree and Credit Status: Non-Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: None
Grade Type: Letter Grade Only
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Introduction to the career of respiratory therapy. Role of the respiratory therapist, areas of specialization in the field, educational requirements and future outlook. Clinical tasks and skills will also be introduced.