Respiratory Care Courses

Pitt-Johnstown’s Respiratory Care program provides classroom and up-to-date clinical education as required by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.

RESCA 0020 Introduction to Respiratory Care Techniques I             

This course introduces the student to medical terminology, basic patient care, vital signs assessment, and patient communication. An introductory clinical tour is included during this course. In addition, gas laws as they apply to pulmonary physiology and medical gas therapy will be covered.   3 credits

RESCA 1022 Respiratory Pharmacology   

This course reviews drug classification and autonomic responses to medications. Emphasis is placed on drugs delivered by the respiratory care practitioner with consideration given to analgesics, antibiotics, steroids, cardiovascular drugs, and drugs used in anesthesia.  Prerequisites:  BIOL 0950/0951, CHEM 0190/0192,  RESCA 0020.   2 credits

RESCA 1026 Respiratory Physiology          

This course elaborates on the function of the pulmonary system and its interrelationship with cardiovascular function. Topics include ventilatory mechanics, gas diffusion, oxygen/carbon dioxide transport, pulmonary circulation, fetal pulmonary development, and arterial blood gas relationships.  Prerequisites: BIOL 0950/0951, CHEM 0190/0192, RESCA 0020.   3 credits

RESCA 1028 Respiratory Pathology           

This course examines the etiology and treatment of specific pulmonary diseases and other disease conditions that adversely affect the cardiopulmonary system. Topics include, but are not limited to, restrictive and obstructive pulmonary diseases, pulmonary infections, neoplasms, emboli, pediatric and neonatal pulmonary conditions, chest wall diseases, sleep disorders, and thoracic trauma, and adult respiratory distress syndrome. Also included are basic chest x-ray interpretation, radiation safety, and physical examination and assessment of the chest. Prerequisites: BIOL 0950/0951, CHEM 0190/0192, RESCA 0020.    3 credits

RESCA 1041 Selected Topics        

The purpose of this course is to provide a variety of respiratory care and related topics for first-year students to better prepare them for their clinical exposure. Topics include, but are not limited to the following: infection control, medical gases, oxygen therapy basics, the hospital culture, scope of practice, pulmonary rehabilitation, clinical tour, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), home-care/skilled-nursing facilities, hospice, and organ donation.  Prerequisites:  BIOL 0950/0951, CHEM 0190/0192, RESCA 0020.  3 credits

RESCA 1024 Respiratory Care Techniques  II          

Introduces the student to medical gas administration and the modalities of therapy, including aerosol and humidity therapy, chest physiotherapy, incentive spirometry, intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB), suctioning techniques, and sterilization of equipment. Prerequisites: BIOL 0950/0951 and 0970/0971, CHEM 0190/0192, RESCA 0020, 1022 1026, 1028, 1041. 4 credits

RESCA 1030 Clinical Practicum I  

This hospital-based activity allows for supervised student practice of basic respiratory care therapeutics, electrocardiography, arterial blood gases, and home care. Prerequisites: BIOL 0950/0951 and 0970/0971, CHEM 0190/0192, RESCA 0020, 1022, 1026, 1028, 1041.   6 credits

RESCA 1031 Electrocardiogram/Arterial Blood Gas (EKG/ABG)       

This course introduces the student to drawing arterial blood gases, the collection and interpretation of data, and correlation to disease states. Techniques for obtaining electrocardiograms and their interpretation are covered.     Prerequisites: BIOL 0950/0951 and 0970/0971, CHEM 0190/0192, RESCA 0020, 1022, 1026, 1028, 1041.   5 credits

RESCA 1032 Respiratory Care Techniques III          

Introduces the equipment and techniques used in continuous mechanical ventilation, hemodynamic monitoring, quality control, and advanced airway management. Prerequisites: RESCA 1024, 1030, 1031.      6 credits

RESCA 1034 Clinical Practicum II 

This hospital-based activity allows for supervised student practice of continuous mechanical ventilation, critical care, and airway management in an intensive-care unit setting as well as emergency medicine, skilled-nursing facility, and physician’s office exposure. Prerequisites: RESCA 1024, 1030 1031.  6 credits     

RESCA 1038 Clinical Practicum III

A continuation of RESCA 1034, with expansion into specialty areas. Prerequisites: RESCA 1032, 1034.    6 credits    

RESCA 1039 Advanced Techniques            

This hospital-based and didactic activity allows the student to pursue advanced study and practice in a variety of aspects of respiratory care. This will allow for further advancements, discussions, and projects in respiratory care. Prerequisites:  RESCA 1032, 1034.   6 credits

If you are currently a high school student considering a career in Respiratory Care, we recommend that your high school curriculum includes science and math courses such as Chemistry, Biology and Algebra.

Respiratory Care Program Curriculum

First Year - Fall Term

 First Year - Spring Term

First Year - Summer Term

Second Year – Fall Term

Second Year – Spring Term

TOTAL PROGRAM CREDITS = 83