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Degree Overview
Course Descriptions
Admissions Information
Tuition & Financial Aid
Days until classes:
Next classes start
Jun 4th
Program Length: 26 months
Available at the following locations:
Available Online: This program is delivered fully online.
Degree Overview
Respiratory Therapy Program
With a track record of over 30 years, IU is a leader in respiratory therapy distance education. From introductory to advanced levels, we have designed our program to address the licensing and the practical needs of the respiratory therapy (RT) professional. The Respiratory Therapy program combines basic respiratory care courses, research, and practical experience in respiratory patient care. Upon completion of the program, you will be eligible to take the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) entry-level (CRT) and advanced-level (RRT) credentialing exams.
Students who hold a current NBRC Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential will have the prerequisite and introductory block of courses transferred in. Students who hold a current NBRC Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential will have the prerequisite, introductory, and intermediate block of courses transferred in. Students with a current CRT and RRT are also eligible to submit transcripts for possible General Education transfer credit.
Before you officially enroll in the program, you will select a preceptor—a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) who will serve as your clinical instructor. You will also select a local sponsoring facility (which may be your employer) where you can complete clinical instruction.
Respiratory Therapy Program Accreditation
The Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy program at Independence University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Click here for the Outcomes data from the 2011 Annual Report of Current Status.
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
1248 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021-4244
(817) 283-2835
www.coarc.com
| Program Information | Associate of Science in Respiratory Therapy |
|---|---|
| Occupations Degree Prepares For (and SOC code of occupation) |
Health Specialties Teachers, Post-secondary - 25-1071.00 |
| Respiratory Therapists - 29-1126.00 | |
| Respiratory Therapy Technicians - 29-2054.00 | |
| Tuition and Fees | $47,165 |
| Cost of Books | Included |
| Room and Board | N/A |
| Job Placement Rate * | 70% |
| On-Time Completion Rate | N/A |
| Median Title IV Debt | N/A |
| Median Non-Title IV Debt | N/A |
| Median Loan Debt | N/A |
Course Descriptions
CourseCourse NameCredits
Course Description
Click a course to the left to see the course description here.
Tip: Reading course descriptions is a great way to help you decide if a degree is right for you.
Anatomy and Physiology I
This course introduces students to the structure and the function of the various body systems and how these systems interact and affect one another. Emphasis is placed on using the precise language of the body as it relates to everyday work in a medical environment. Topics include health and disease; senses; hormones; and the integumentary; skeletal; and nervous systems.
Credits: 4.0
Cardiopulmonary and Renal Anatomy and Physiology
This course focuses on a detailed study of the structure and the function of the human cardiac, pulmonary, and renal systems. Associated medical terminology is also covered.
Credits: 4.0
Respiratory Therapy Cardiopulmonary Pharmacology I
This course focuses on the indications, the contraindications, the effects, and the common usage of frequently prescribed cardiopulmonary medications, including adrenergic bronchodilators, anticholinergic bronchodilators, xanthines, and mucus-controlling medications.
Credits: 2.0
Respiratory Therapy Cardiopulmonary Pharmacology II
This course focuses on the indications, the contraindications, the effects, and the common usage of frequently prescribed cardiopulmonary medications, including surfactant agents, corticosteroids, pediatric drugs, skeletal muscle relaxants, diuretics, and cardiovascular medications.
Credits: 2.0
Patient Assessment I
This course focuses on the methods and the techniques of patient assessment, including preparation for the patient encounter, the medical history interview, the cardiopulmonary symptoms, the vital signs, the physical examination, the neurological assessment, and the clinical laboratory studies.
Credits: 2.0
Patient Assessment II
This course focuses on the methods and the techniques of patient assessment, including interpretation of blood gases, pulmonary function testing, chest radiographs, EKG?s, neonatal and pediatric patients, geriatric patients, and sleep disorders.
Credits: 2.0
Patient Assessment - Clinical Practicum
The clinical practicum focuses on standard precautions, isolation, sterilization/disinfection, medical records, patient interviews, vital signs, chest assessment, auscultation, pulmonary mechanics, EKG, CXR, and spirometry screening.
Credits: 2.0
English Composition
This course focuses on the principles of effective English composition with a comprehensive review and reinforcement of language arts skills. Emphasis is placed on the four essentials of writing: unity, support, coherence, and sentence skills. Practice in proofreading, editing, revision, and clear thinking is incorporated throughout the course.
Credits: 4.0
Communication Arts
This course focuses on developing critical thinking and communication skills in both verbal and nonverbal areas. Emphasis is placed on debate, panel discussions, committee work, conflict resolution, interviews, and editorial writing.
Credits: 4.0
American Civilization
This course focuses on the history of the United States from the American Revolution to the present. Emphasis is on the economic, the political, and the social development of our country.
Credits: 4.0
College Algebra
Designed to improve skills in numbers and algebraic expressions, solving equations, graphing, sets, exponents, radicals, inequalities, formulas, and applications.
Credits: 4.0
Respiratory Therapy Medical Terminology
This course focuses on medical terminology including the definition, the pronunciation, the spelling, and the abbreviation of medical terms specific to cardiopulmonary systems. Students learn how medical terms are formed and the major word parts from which many of the terms are formed. After successfully taking this course, the student will possess a general overview of medical terminology regularly employed by Respiratory Care Practitioners.
Credits: 2.0
Psychology of Motivation
This course focuses on the skills necessary to be successful in college including note taking, study skills, writing, finding and using information on the Internet, and reading/understanding collegelevel text. Students are exposed to basic motivation theories, values clarification, and philosophic principles.
Credits: 4.0
Psychology
This course focuses on the aims and the methods of psychology. Concepts covered in the course include human behavior, learning theories, memory, and human development.
Credits: 4.0
Introduction to Respiratory Therapy/Infection Control
This course focuses on the art, the science, and the profession of modern cardiopulmonary care. Asepsis and the control of infectious disease in the healthcare setting are covered.
Credits: 2.0
Airway Management
This course focuses on the theory, the application, and the monitoring of emergency and chronic management of the airway. Emphasis is placed on the theory and the practice of basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation for medical professionals. Students fulfill the CPR section of this module by presenting a copy of a current American Heart Association Provider ?C? card to the university.
Credits: 3.0
Medical Gases/Aerosol and Humidity Therapy I
This course focuses on the therapeutic application and the monitoring of oxygen and specialized gas mixtures including the physical principles of gases, gas storage, delivery, and medical gas therapy.
Credits: 2.0
Medical Gases/Aerosol and Humidity Therapy II
This course focuses on the therapeutic application of humidity, bland aerosols, and aerosol drug therapy including the characteristics of aerosols, the hazards of aerosol therapy, aerosol delivery systems, and therapy protocols and controlling environmental contamination.
Credits: 2.0
Medical Gases/Aerosol and Humidity Therapy - CP
This clinical practicum focuses on gas pressure and flow regulation, oxygen analysis, oxygen therapy, oxygen tents, oxygen hoods, aerosol generators and aerosol medication delivery.
Credits: 2.0
Lung Expansion Therapy/Bronchial Hygiene
This course focuses on the theory, the application, and the monitoring of modern lung expansion modalities, humidification concerns, coughing techniques, chest physical therapy, and autogenic drainage techniques.
Credits: 3.0
Lung Expansion Therapy/Bronchial Hygiene - CP
This practicum emphasizes both simulated and direct patient care activities as described in the procedural competency evaluation of lung expansion therapy and bronchial hygiene.
Credits: 2.0
Arterial Blood Gases/Applied Cardiopulmonary Physiology I
This course focuses on the arterial blood gas report, which is the mainstay in diagnosing and managing clinical oxygenation and acid-base disorders. The first clue to an oxygenation or acidbase disturbance may be an abnormal blood gas report. The ABG report may serve as a gauge with respect to the appropriateness or effectiveness of therapy. RES140 attempts to explore the different areas associated with understanding the physiology that is foundational to blood gas assessment. These areas include but are not limited to: (1) blood gas physiology and (2) applied cardiopulmonary physiology.
Credits: 2.0
Arterial Blood Gases/Applied Cardiopulmonary Physiology II
The ABG report may serve as a gauge with respect to the appropriateness or effectiveness of therapy. RES142 attempts to explore the different areas associated with creating a reliable report for this purpose. The focus of this course is to introduce the student into the steps and the processes needed to accurately provide appropriate interpretation of blood gas results.
Credits: 2.0
Airway Management - Clinical Practicum
This practicum requires students to complete both simulated and direct patient care activities as described in the procedural competency evaluation of airway management and CPR.
Credits: 2.0
Arterial Blood Gases/Applied Cardiopulmonary Physiology - CP
This practicum focuses on both the simulated and the direct patient care activities as described in the procedural competency evaluation of arterial blood gas sampling, analysis, and interpretation.
Credits: 2.0
Respiratory Care Sciences I
This course focuses on mathematics and on physics as they relate to the field of respiratory therapy and healthcare in general.
Credits: 2.0
Respiratory Care Sciences II
This course focuses on chemistry and microbiology as they relate to the field of respiratory therapy and to healthcare in general.
Credits: 2.0
Advanced Pulmonary Function Testing
This course focuses on the theory, the application, and the current American Thoracic Society standards for spirometry, diffusion studies, and other advanced diagnostic studies.
Credits: 2.0
Adult Pathophysiology/Geriatrics/Trauma Care I
This course explores the etiology and the pathophysiology associated with several pulmonary related disorders. It describes the signs/symptoms associated with each disease process as well as provides a comprehensive look at assessment and treatment strategies in the care of the pulmonary patient. Respiratory care practitioners and students are frequently exposed to patients with many different types of pulmonary-related illnesses. RES221 provides the student with the basic knowledge and the tools to gather clinical data systematically for the purpose of properly assessing the pulmonary patient. It also discusses the necessary elements required for formulating appropriate treatment plans, along with ideas on how to modify those plans if necessary. The initial chapters of the course demonstrate the proper method for documenting these important steps clearly and precisely. Practice case studies provided by the textbook allow the student to build on the information presented throughout the course. The primary foundation for the course is found in the first three sections of the textbook. Mastering this material will give the student the necessary tools to successfully navigate the course.
Credits: 2.0
Adult Pathophysiology/Geriatrics/Trauma Care II
This course is a continuation of RES221 and further explores the etiology and the pathophysiology associated with several pulmonary-related disorders. It describes the signs/symptoms associated with an array of pulmonary disorders as well as provides a comprehensive look at assessment and treatment strategies in the care of the pulmonary patient. Respiratory care practitioners and students are frequently exposed to patients with many different types of pulmonary related illnesses. RES222 provides the student with the basic knowledge and the tools to gather clinical data systematically for the purpose of properly assessing the pulmonary patient. It also discusses the necessary elements required for formulating ap- propriate treatment plans along with ideas on how to modify those plans if necessary. Practice case studies provided by the textbook allow the student to build on the information presented throughout the course.
Credits: 2.0
Pulmonary Rehab/Alternative Site Care
This course focuses on the goals, the implementation, and the monitoring of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs. Emphasis is placed on the application of respiratory therapy modalities to home care, subacute care, and skilled nursing.
Credits: 3.0
Pulmonary Rehab/Alternative Site Care - CP
This practicum requires students to complete both simulated and direct patient care activities as described in the procedural competency evaluation of pulmonary rehabilitation and alternate site care.
Credits: 1.0
Mechanical Ventilation I
This course focuses on the theory of invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation devices. Emphasis is placed on advanced theory including inverse I:E ratio ventilation, permissive hypercapnea, independent lung ventilation, and negative pressure ventilation.
Credits: 3.0
Mechanical Ventilation II
This course focuses on the monitoring and the managing of patients on mechanical ventilation. Emphasis is placed on correcting gas exchange abnormalities, calculating pulmonary mechanics and muscle strength, identifying types of monitoring for various clinical conditions, interpreting ventilator graphics, and recommending modifications to therapies based on the patient?s condition and monitored values.
Credits: 3.0
Mechanical Ventilation - CP I
This clinical practicum emphasizes both simulated and direct patient care activities as described in the procedural competency evaluation of basic concepts of mechanical ventilation setup.
Credits: 2.0
Mechanical Ventilation - CP III
This course focuses on the application of mechanical ventilation theory and monitoring. Emphasis is placed on acute lung injury, pulmonary edema, multiple system organ failure, and adult respiratory distress syndrome. Improving oxygenation using noninvasive positive pressure ventilation is addressed while goals, indications, patient selection, complications, and equipment are considered. Application and monitoring of invasive and noninvasive mechanical ventilation devices is required. Additional topics include the advanced modalities of inverse I:E ratio ventilation, independent lung ventilation, and negative pressure ventilation.
Credits: 2.0
Mechanical Ventilation - CP II
This practicum focuses on the completion of both simulated and direct patient care activities as described in the procedural competency evaluation of basic concepts of mechanical ventilation assessment, monitoring, and adjustment to meet therapeutic goals.
Credits: 2.0
Intermediate Clinical Practicum I
This Practicum focuses on both the simulated and the direct patient care activities as described in the procedural competency for evaluation, assessment, therapeutic intervention and monitoring of patients who are being managed and treated in acute and critical care areas of hospitals.
Credits: 2.0
Intermediate Clinical Practicum II
This practicum focuses on both the simulated and the direct patient care activities as described in the procedural competency for evaluation, assessment, therapeutic intervention and monitoring of patients who are being managed and treated in acute and critical care areas of hospitals.
Credits: 1.0
Pediatric/Perinatal Pathophysiology and Critical Care I
This course focuses on the theory and the application of the physiology, the pathophysiology, the monitoring, and the care of pediatric and perinatal patients including laboratory and physical examination.
Credits: 2.0
Pediatric/Perinatal Pathophysiology and Critical Care II
This course focuses on the theory and the application of the physiology, the pathophysiology, the monitoring, and the care of pediatric and perinatal patients including laboratory and physical examination. Application of critical respiratory care for pediatrics and infants is also discussed.
Credits: 2.0
Pediatric/Perinatal Pathophysiology and Critical Care - CP
This practicum focuses on completing both the simulated and the direct patient care activities as described in the procedural competency for evaluation, assessment, therapeutic intervention and monitoring of pediatric and perinatal patients including mechanical ventilation setup and monitoring.
Credits: 2.0
Advanced Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation/Advanced Skills
This course focuses on the theory and the application of advanced resuscitation modalities and special procedures for adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients including land/air patient transport.
Credits: 3.0
Application of Cardiopulmonary Diagnostics and Monitoring I
The course introduces the application of critical thinking to cardiopulmonary monitoring and diagnostic testing
Credits: 2.0
Application of Cardiopulmonary Diagnostics and Monitoring II
The course introduces the student to the application of critical thinking as it relates to cardiopulmonary monitoring and diagnostic testing. Course content involves the application of hemodynamic monitoring and application of clinical simulation exercises.
Credits: 2.0
Application of Cardiopulmonary Diagnostics and Monitoring - CP
This practicum focuses on completing both simulated and direct patient care activities as described in the procedural competency for evaluation and assessment of hemodynamic monitoring of critical- care patients.
Credits: 2.0
Advanced Clinical Practicum
Students will be required to complete all remaining procedural competencies from earlier clinical rotations. Emphasis will be placed on clinical simulations and completing the remaining clinical practice-related activities. Students are also given an opportunity to review their course of study in preparation for the CRT exam through application of a CRT review program.
Credits: 1.0
Total Courses: 47Total Credits: 113
Admissions Information
College Admissions Requirements
Applicants for admission to Independence University must have graduated from an accredited high school, private secondary school, or have completed the equivalent (GED). All students who graduate after January 2006 must provide a high school transcript to check eligibility for the new Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG). In addition, applicants must have Internet access and successfully complete the online readiness test.
Program Specific Admissions Requirements
All Respiratory Therapy students are required to take an entrance test. Applicants must obtain a minimum score of 18 on a first attempt. If an 18 is not obtained, applicants may take the test a second time and must score a minimum score of 20 on the second attempt. If the passing score is not obtained on the second attempt, applicants must wait 6 months before reapplying for this program.
Requirements for admission into the Respiratory Therapy program includes the following:
- Negative drug screen (a drug screen may be requested at any point in the student's academic progression by university officials and/or clinical placement sites). The costs of these tests are the responsibility of the student.
- Criminal background check with satisfactory findings.
- An admissions test is required.
Respiratory Therapy Program students must receive the following clearances before beginning clinical rotations:
- Tuberculin skin test (PPD)
- Rubeola and rubella test
- Hepatitis B vaccination or immunity certification
- Tetanus
- Urine drug screen
- Varicella
- Background check
- Current American Heart Association CPR Card
- Obtain professional liability insurance
Additional Admissions Information
Getting started is as simple as making a phone call-we're happy to answer any questions you may have and can get you on your way to enrollment as soon as you're ready. Click here for more information about the admissions process.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Some people have the idea that they cannot afford college. You may even be one of them. The truth is, once you know the facts, college may be much more affordable than you think. Financial aid is available if you qualify. In fact, many students are amazed at the financial aid they're eligible to receive. Visit our Tuition & Financial Aid section for more information.
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