Health Services

To prepare graduates for employment as competent and safe respiratory therapists.

• Graduates are employed in a related field within 6 months of graduation or will continue their education.

To prepare the students to demonstrate the ability to comprehend, apply, and evaluate clinical information relevant to their roles as respiratory therapists

• Employers are satisfied with the knowledge base of program graduates.
• Graduates are satisfied with the knowledge base obtained in the Respiratory Care Program

To prepare graduates to pass the national licensure exams,

• Graduates will pass the national licensure exams within 2 years of graduation.

To prepare students and graduates to demonstrate technical proficiencies in all skills necessary to fulfill their roles as respiratory therapists,

• Students will perform the psychomotor skills required of a respiratory therapist, during clinical sessions.
• Employers are satisfied with the psychomotor skills of program graduates.
• Graduates are satisfied with the psychomotor skills obtained in the Respiratory Care Program.

To prepare students and graduates to demonstrate behavioral skills essential to functioning as effective respiratory therapists.

• Students will communicate effectively in the clinical environment.
• Graduates are satisfied with the behavioral skills obtained in the Respiratory Care Program.
• Employers are satisfied with the behavioral skills of program graduates.

To prepare students to demonstrate information literacy.

• Students will use traditional and contemporary information technology.
• Students will identify, access, and appropriately use authoritative sources of information.

College Seminar is an opportunity for students to develop the skills necessary to improve the chances for success in the college environment. General College procedures, the fundamental notions of time management and study skills, and the specific responsibilities of today's students in a variety of local and global environments are discussed. One or more collaborative projects will be an integral part of the course. Corequisites: The course must be taken in the student's first thirty hours of study. General first year courses would usually be taken at the same time.

English 1 is a composition course. By focusing on several kinds of writing--self expressive, informative, argumentative/persuasive, and others--it teaches the student to produce the clear, correct and effective prose required in a wide variety of professions and occupations. Class meetings are a blend of lecture and discussion with frequent in-class writing activities. Conferences may be required. Readings are studied as models of good writing and for the ideas they contain. There are eight writing assignments altogether, including an in-class essay, a research-based assignment, and a business writing assignment. Prerequisites: Appropriate evaluation on the placement test writing sample, or successful completion of EN099 Introduction to College English, or successful completion of SL116 ESL4 Advanced Composition, or permission of Humanities Department Head or course instructor.

• A grade of "C" or better is required for successful completion of course.
• For enhanced success, it is recommended these courses be taken at MVCC and not transferred in from another college.
• Grades of D will allow student to advance to upper level coursework, but these courses must be repeated with a grade of C to be eligible to graduate.
• Grades of F will not be accepted to advance to upper level coursework.

This course covers the structure and function of the human organism and the regulatory processes that operate within a living system. It introduces general anatomical, physiological, and chemical organization, and includes the integumentary (skin), skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems. Laboratories involve vertebrate dissection, the use of prosected human cadavers and human skeletal materials, microscope work, non-invasive human experimentation, and possibly animal experimentation. Prerequisite: One year of high school chemistry or equivalent preparation, or Life Science Department Head permission. Students enrolled in Health Services Department programs are recommended to complete this course before beginning their specialized program coursework.

This course addresses topics in mathematics, physics, chemistry and microbiology related to respiratory care practice. Mathematical areas include graphing, nomograms and basic statistics. Physics and chemistry topics include the states of matter, humidity, gas pressure, gas laws, acids, bases, buffers, fluid dynamics, compliance, elastance and surface tension. A four-week module provides an introduction to microbiology at the end of the semester. Emphasis is placed on microbes that commonly involve the respiratory system. The course delivery mode is a hybrid on-line/on-site combination requiring attendance at microbiology lab sessions on the Utica Campus the last two weeks of class. Prerequisites: Completion of the MVCC math placement test with a score of at least 18 or MA050 Introductory Mathematics with a minimum grade of C. (Fall Semester Only)

The general principles of pharmacology, drug actions, dosage calculations, and agents administered in cardiopulmonary care are presented. This course covers indications, side effects, hazards, and mechanisms of action, general categories, and classification of drugs. A variety of respiratory, cardiovascular, neuromuscular, sedative-narcotic, and anti infective agents are reviewed. Prerequisite: Completion of the MVCC math placement test with a score of at least 18 or MA050 Introductory Mathematics with a minimum grade of C. (Fall Semester Only)

This is the first course in the curriculum sequence to study the theory and practice of respiratory care. Topics presented include cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology (including lung and cardiac function, mechanics of breathing, oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange, and control of ventilation), gas administration therapies, humidity/aerosol therapies, and bronchial hygiene techniques. Corequisites: RC101 Basic Science of Respiratory Care, and RC103 Cardiopulmonary Pharmacology, or consent of the Program Director. Prerequisite: Completion of the MVCC math placement test with a score of at least 18 or MA050 Introductory Mathematics with a minimum grade of C. (Fall Semester Only)

• A grade of "C" or better is required for successful completion of course.

This course seeks to deepen the students' understanding of human nature and the human condition through the study of ideas and values expressed in both imaginative literature and a full-length book of non-fiction. To this end, students use and develop critical thinking and language skills. They do so mainly in their attempts to raise and answer questions in their readings, discussions, and expository writing tasks, which may include exploratory writing, an academic journal, reports and essays. A library-oriented research project is required. Prerequisite: EN101 English 1: Composition or EN105 English Composition for Speakers of Other Languages

This course, which is a continuation of BI106 Human Anatomy & Physiology 1, involves the study of structure, function, and regulation in the human organism. Topics include blood, peripheral nerves, the cardiovascular system, lymphatics, the respiratory system, the excretory system, the endocrine system, the reproductive systems, the digestive system, and metabolism. Laboratories involve vertebrate dissection, the use of prosected human cadavers and human skeletal materials, microscope work, non-invasive human experimentation, and possibly animal experimentation. Prerequisite: BI106 Human Anatomy & Physiology 1, or Life Science Department Head permission. Students enrolled in Health Services Department programs are recommended to complete this course before beginning their specialized program coursework. Students with transfer credit for BI106 Anatomy and Physiology 1 must complete a three-hour orientation to the use of prosected human cadavers before participating in the BI107 Human Anatomy and Physiology 2 laboratory. Transfer students must meet with the Life Science Department Head thirty days before beginning this course.

• A grade of "C" or better is required for successful completion of course.
• For enhanced success, it is recommended these courses be taken at MVCC and not transferred in from another college.
• Grades of D will allow student to advance to upper level coursework, but these courses must be repeated with a grade of C to be eligible to graduate.
• Grades of F will not be accepted to advance to upper level coursework.

This is the second course in the curriculum sequence to study the theory and practice of respiratory care. Topics presented include lung expansion therapies, airway management, acid-base balance, and the interpretation of arterial blood gas results. Detailed information required to initiate, maintain, monitor and wean patients from mechanical ventilations provided. Corequisite: BI106 Human Anatomy & Physiology 1 with a minimum grade of C, RC115 Cardiopulmonary Diseases and RC131 Clinical Practicum I or consent of the Program Director. Prerequisites: A full year of high school general chemistry with lab (with a minimum grade of 70) within 10 years or equivalent course with a minimum grade of C, RC101 Basic Science for Respiratory Care, RC103, and RC111 Principles of Respiratory Care 1. (Spring Semester Only)

• A grade of "C" or better is required for successful completion of course.

The initial portion of this course stresses the integral components of data collection, assessment, and evaluation necessary for the development of an effective care plan for patients with cardiopulmonary disorders. The remainder of the course emphasizes the etiology, manifestations, and treatment of a wide variety of cardiopulmonary diseases. Case study presentations utilize critical thinking skills. Prerequisite: A full year of high school general chemistry with lab (with a minimum grade of 70) within 10 years or equivalent course with a minimum grade of C, RC101 Basic Science for Respiratory Care, RC103 Cardiopulmonary Pharmacology, and RC111 Principles of Respiratory Care. Corequisites: BI106 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (a), RC112 Principles of Respiratory Care 2(a), and RC131 Clinical Practicum I (a) or consent of the Program Coordinator. (Spring Semester Only)

This initial 135-hour hospital experience provides students with the supervised practice of routine respiratory therapies in a community clinical setting. Students are provided opportunities to apply the theories and skills learned in the classroom/laboratory in actual patient care situations. The safe administration of therapies, maintenance of records, and infection control procedures are stressed. Prerequisite: Documented health physical examination within three months, including specific test results, liability insurance coverage, and current CPR for Healthcare Provider Certification. A full year of high school general chemistry with lab (with a minimum grade of 70) within 10 years or equivalent course with a minimum grade of C, RC101 Basic Respiratory Care, RC103 Cardiopulmonary Pharmacology, and RC111 Principles of Respiratory Care. Corequisites: BI106 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (a), RC112 Principles of Respiratory Care 2(a), and RC131 Clinical Practicum I (a) or consent of the Program Coordinator. (Spring Semester Only)

• A grade of "C" or better is required for successful completion of course.

This course is for students other than those in science and engineering. Topics include an overview of modern inorganic, organic, and biochemistry along with an historical perspective. It emphasizes learning the language and methodology of chemistry as it relates to society. Careful observation and measurement are stressed in lecture and laboratory to develop quantitative reasoning ability. Prerequisite: An appropriate Mathematics Placement test result or MA115 Intermediate Mathematics.

This course is designed to introduce students to the many and varied facets of psychology. Emphasis throughout the course will be on interactions of individuals in their cultural, social and economic environments as determined by their cognitive, behavioral and emotional experiences and training.

This is the third course in the curriculum sequence to study the theory and practice of respiratory care. Topics presented include cardiopulmonary diagnostics and monitoring, special procedures (I.e., bronchoscopy and thoracentesis), critical care pharmacology, home care, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and advanced management for the patient requiring mechanical ventilation. Prerequisites BI107 Human Anatomy & Physiology 2 (a), RC112 Principles of Respiratory Care (a), RC115 Cardiopulmonary Diseases, and RC131 Clinical Practicum 1 (a). Corequisite: RC232 Clinical Practicum 2, or consent of the Program Coordinator. (a): Minimum grade of C required. (Fall Semester Only)

• A grade of "C" or better is required for successful completion of course.

This course involves 270 hours of experience in at least four clinical affiliates. Opportunities to practice routine procedures and adult critical care are provided . In addition specialty rotations include pulmonary function testing, physician preceptorship, routine pediatric care, and cardiothoracic surgery. Prerequisites: BI107 human Anatomy and Physiology 2 (a), RC112 Principles of Respiratory Care 2 (a), RC115 Cardiopulmonary Diseases (a), and RC131 Clinical Practicum. Corequisite: RC213 Principles of Respiratory Care 3, or consent of the Program Coordinator. (a): Minimum grade of C required. (Fall Semester Only)

• A grade of "C" or better is required for successful completion of course.

SO101 is an introductory sociology course. Its main objective is not to make sociologists, but rather to give an understanding of and a feeling for the society in which we live. The concepts and theories discussed in this course relate to humanity, its culture and society, to those forces which contribute to the smooth operation of this society as well as those forces which contribute to conflict and social problems. Key topics include culture, socialization, stratification, population and patterns of social organization. Various forms of media will be used to present the topics of this course.

This course examines the physiological consequences of various disease states. Diseases are treated as threats to homeostasis. The effects of pathology on normal bodily processes are discussed at various organizational levels, including biochemical, cellular, histological, and organ systems. This course is designed for allied health students. Prerequisites: BI106 Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 or Department Head. Corequisite: BI107 Human Anatomy & Physiology 2.

This course covers the general concepts of fluid and electrolyte balance, and the implications of the cardiopulmonary/renal systems on acid-base homeostasis in the body. Focus is placed on the application of acid-base physiology in the clinical arena and its impact on patient management. Emphasis is placed on interpretation of fluid and electrolyte imbalance, and their interrelationships. Prerequisite: BI107 Human Anatomy & Physiology 2 (a), or consent of the instructor. (a): Minimum grade of C required. (Spring Semester Only)

• A grade of "C" or better is required for successful completion of course.

This course involves 270 hours of experience in at least four clinical affiliates. Emphasis is placed on adult critical care experiences. In addition, specialty rotations include physician preceptorship, routine pediatric care, respiratory home care, pulmonary rehabilitation, polysomnography, radiology, and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) completion. Prerequisites: RC213 Principles of Respiratory Care 3 (a), and RC232 Clinical Practicum 2 (a), or consent of the Program Coordinator. (a): Minimum grade of C required. (Spring Semester Only)

• A grade of "C" or better is required for successful completion of course. Required to take the Kettering National Review Seminar at a cost of approximately $300

This is the fourth course in the curriculum sequence to study the theory and practice of respiratory care. This concentrated five-day offering presents topics related exclusively to neonatal and pediatric respiratory care. Content areas include neonatal/pediatric diseases pharmacology, airway management, mechanical ventilation, high frequency oscillation, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Students also complete the requirements FOR American Heart Association (AH) Neonatal resuscitation Protocol (NRP) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Prerequisites: RC233 Clinical Practicum 3 (a), BI209 Basic Pathophysiology, and RC214 Acid Base Physiology. Corequisite: RC234 Clinical Practicum 4, or consent of the Program Coordinator. (Summer Semester Only)

This course involves 180 hours of experience in at least four clinical affiliates. Opportunities to practice all aspects of respiratory care are provided with emphasis on neonatal, pediatric and adult critical care. Adult rotations provide a capstone experience to facilitate the transition from student to entry level practitioner. Safe practice, critical thinking/problem solving, and time management/organizational skills are key components of this practicum. This final clinical experience concludes with exit skill testing and preparation for the National Board of Respiratory Care Credentialing exams. Prerequisite: RC233 Clinical Practicum 3 (a). Corequisite RC215 Principles of Respiratory Care 4. (a): Minimum grade of C required. (Summer Semester Only)

• A grade of "C" or better is required for successful completion of course.