TSU 2004-2005 Undergraduate Catalog

Thomas John, Ph.D., R.R.T., Head
328 Industrial Arts Building
615-963-7431

Faculty: S. Carey, B. John

General Statement:

The overall goal of the baccalaureate degree program in Cardio-Respiratory Care Sciences is to provide an educational curriculum designed to prepare students for registration by the National Board for Respiratory Care, expanded duty practice of respiratory care, and to be educators, staff therapists and/or supervisors in the field of respiratory care. Students receive clinical training in affiliated hospitals.
The field of Respiratory Care needs respiratory care practitioners to administer various treatment modalities and medications, perform diagnostic procedures, and/or manage sophisticated life-support equipment. Although the majority of respiratory care practitioners are employed by hospitals; opportunities to practice outside of the standard hospital setting are developing.
The student who satisfactorily completes all the courses in the curriculum by the end of the fourth year is awarded the Certificate of Completion. The program director will make the recommendation to the dean of the College of Health Sciences when the student is ready for such a certificate. Students must also pass CRCS 3120 with 75% in order to receive the degree.

Admission Requirements:

Students who wish to pursue the Cardio-Respiratory Care Sciences (CRCS) major may apply to the CRCS Admissions Committee for acceptance. Students must be formally admitted to the Cardio-Respiratory Care Sciences Program in order to take professional courses which begin in the junior year. Applications for admission are accepted from students who meet the following application requirements:

1.  Admission to Tennessee State University.
2. A minimum high school grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
3. One year of high school algebra, biology, and chemistry.
4. Completion of first year CRCS curriculum with a grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
5.  A “C” or better grade in supporting science courses.
6.  Two letters of recommendation from instructors who have taught the applicant.
7.  An interview with the CRCS Admissions and Retention Committee or its designee.

Applicants will be screened by the CRCS Admissions and Retention Committee and will be advised of the final decision regarding acceptance into the program by a representative of the Committee.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

1. Applications will be accepted from transfer students from other colleges or universities, or from other departments of Tennessee State University.
2. Applicants must have an overall college grade-point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and meet the program admission requirements for entering applicants. Any exceptions to the rule must be approved by the Cardio-Respiratory Care Sciences Admissions and Retention Committee.
3. Transfer credits for non-major courses will be accepted according to University policies on admission with advanced standing. All transfer credits from accredited Respiratory Care programs will be accepted where evidence is provided that the content of courses previously taken is essentially the same as the content for courses in the curriculum. No credit will be accepted for essential courses in which the student has received a grade lower than “C.”
4.  In addition to the above, a Tennessee State University student seeking to transfer into Cardio-Respiratory Care Sciences is required to complete a Change of Major form. The Admission and Retention Committee will make the final decision regarding admission to the program. The candidate will be advised of the final decision regarding acceptance.

Students with a Science Degree or Associate Degree in Respiratory Care

Students who have a degree in Science may be admitted to the program if they meet the admission criteria. Students who have already taken the required science and general education courses may be able to accelerate their studies, but should consult the program director for details.

Special Requirements

Students are required to have a physical examination and obtain medical and malpractice insurance prior to clinical rotations. During clinical rotations, students may be assigned to off-campus facilities. Students are responsible for transportation costs, clinic attire, and other expenses related to clinical experiences. Students are also expected to obtain membership in the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC).

RETENTION POLICY

1. Students who earn a non-passing grade in any supporting science course or any CRCS course will not be permitted to take the next sequential course(s). A failed course may be repeated when next offered with permission of the department head provided there is space available in the class. The grade “C” is equivalent to 75% for all professional courses.
2. Students will be dismissed from the professional program for any of the following:
   1. Failure to maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
   2. A grade of less than “C” in 6 or more semester hours in the major.
   3. A grade of “F” in more than 2 semester credit hours in the major.
   4. A grade of less than “C” in more than one clinical experience.
   5. A grade of less than “C” in a course that has been repeated.
   6. Withdrawal from any Cardio-Respiratory Care Sciences course or failure to register for any semester without prior written approval from the department head.
   7. Failure to comply with clinical and/or academic policies set by the Department.
3. Students who have been dismissed from the program due to poor academic performance must reapply for admission during the next application cycle and compete for space in a subsequent class. Students who request readmission should present to the Admissions Committee evidence of a substantial change in circumstances that could lead to improved academic performance.

National Board Exam: Students who pass the Certificate of Completion Exam (CRCS 3120) and complete all the required courses for the BS degree are eligible to sit for the National Board Examinations.

General Education Core Courses (41 credit hours): ENGL 1010, 1020; ENGL Literature; HIST 2010, 2020; Humanities 6 semester hours; MATH 1110; PSYC 2010; SOCI 2010; BIOL 2210, 2211, 2220, 2221; COMM 2200.

Additional Required Courses (12 credit hours): HLSC 1000; CHEM 1010, 1011; BIOL 2400, 2401; PSYC 2180.
Major Core Courses (67 credit hours): CRCS 1000, 2014, 2030, 2044, 2110, 2120, 2320, 3010, 3020, 3015, 3016, 3024, 3030, 3040, 3050, 3110, 3120, 3224, 4320, 4410, 4500.

SUGGESTED PLANS

Cardio-Respiratory Care Sciences
Bachelor of Science Degree
Suggested Plan II

*All associate level transfer students who satisfactorily complete 2 years of college are required to enroll in CRCS courses outlined in the junior and senior years listed in Plan I.

*Transfer credits may be given for all equivalent courses taken at the associate degree level. Transfer students should contact the CRCS department for policy details. Transfer students must take all the remaining general education and science courses not taken at the associate level to fulfill the courses requirements for Plan I.

ACCREDITATION
The Cardio-Respiratory Care Sciences program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Cardio-Respiratory Care Sciences (CRCS)

CRCS 1000 Introduction to Cardio-Respiratory Care Sciences (2) An introductory course which includes respiratory terminology, basic concepts of respiratory diseases, including etiology, pathophysiology, clinical diagnosis, and respiratory care. The course is designed to provide conceptual understanding of major respiratory disease process and basics of respiratory management. (Formerly CCS 100) Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor.

CRCS 2014 Cardio-Respiratory Care Sciences Clinical I (2) This course serves to introduce the beginning respiratory care sciences student to the clinical environment. The student spends eight hours/week participating in oxygen therapy and clinical oriented workshops or observing the application of respiratory care in the clinical setting during the last 8 weeks of the semester. (Formerly CCS 104) Corequisite: CRCS 3010.

CRCS 2030 Pulmonary Function Testing and Evaluation (4) A course designed to expose the student to the pulmonary function testing, evaluation, and assessment. It includes spirometry, diffusion studies, flow volume loops, helium dilution, nitrogen washouts, and the instructional sequence necessary to become certified in ABG analysis. (Formerly CCS 203) Prerequisites: BIOL 2210, 2211, 2220, 2221; CHEM 1010, 1011; MATH 1110.

CRCS 2044 Cardio-Respiratory Care Sciences Clinical II A & B (4) This course provides the Cardio-Respiratory Care Sciences student with opportunities to practice basic respiratory care procedures. The student will get experience in the clinical setting with emphasis placed on performance of respiratory care procedures and application of equipment. This course will emphasize topics such as aerosol therapy, IS, and IPPB therapy. The student will assume limited patient care responsibilities. (Formerly CCS 204a) Prerequisite: CRCS 3005.

CRCS 2110 Pulmonary Function in Disease (3) A review of the application of respiratory therapeutic modalities in the treatment and management of medical, and pre-post surgical patients. Course includes etiology, recognition and management of pulmonary diseases, and an introduction into basic x-ray interpretation. (Formerly CCS 211) Corequisite: CCS 2030.

CRCS 2120 Respiratory Pharmacology (3) A course designed to present the various classifications of pharmacological agents used in the treatment and management of cardio-respiratory diseases. Course includes safe handling, dispensing, and administration of pharmacological agents. Emphasis is placed upon the effects, indications, and contraindications of respiratory pharmacological agents. (Formerly CCS 212) Prerequisites: CHEM 1110, 1111; BIOL 2210, 2211, 2220, 2221; BIOL 2400, 2401.

CRCS 2320 Cardiopulmonary/Renal Physiology (3) A course which goes beyond general physiology to cover the respiratory system as it relates to ventilatory mechanics, gas transport, gas exchange, acid-base physiology, neurological and chemical control of respiration, fluid and electrolyte balance, ventilation/perfusion relationships, etc. (Formerly CCS 232) Prerequisites: BIOL 2210, 2211, 2220 2221; CHEM 1110, 1111.

CRCS 3005 Cardio-Respiratory Care Sciences Technology I and Lab (4) A course designed to introduce the student to the fundamental principles of respiratory care. This course will include the professional development of respiratory care sciences; the principles, operations and maintenance of compressed gas source and gas administration devices; the use of aerosol and humidity therapy; and basic respiratory mechanics. (Formerly CCS 101) Prerequisites: BIOL 2210, 2211, 2220, 2221; CHEM 1110, 1111; MATH 1110.

CRCS 3006 Cardio-Respiratory Care Technology II (3) A study which includes the principles of the operation and usage of various respiratory care modalities such as aerosol therapy, IPPB, IS, PD&C, manual resuscitators, sterilization techniques and classification of mechanical ventilators. The student will also be instructed in CPR and patient assessment. (Formerly CCS 201) Prerequisite: CRCS 3005.

CRCS 3015 Mechanical Ventilation I (3) A comprehensive course covering the principles, operation and application of devices used to provide ventilatory assistance and support. Course includes an in-depth study of patient-ventilator interface, artificial airways, establishing the need for and discontinuance of mechanical ventilation. This course includes a laboratory segment. (Formerly CCS 301a) Prerequisite: CRCS 2320.

CRCS 3016 Mechanical Ventilation II (2) This course presents material on the application of mechanical ventilation with regard to patient diagnosis and changes in condition. Course includes discussions of case studies and patient management involving various modes of mechanical ventilation, presentation of recent advances in mechanical ventilation, and an emphasis on troubleshooting equipment and patient problems. (Formerly CCS 301b) Prerequisite: CRCS 3015.

CRCS 3024 Cardio-Respiratory Care Sciences Clinical III (4) A 24 hour/week supervised clinical application of patient care skills developed in CRCS 2030, 2044, 2120, 2320, and 3006 for 10 weeks. This course provides the student with opportunities to refine procedures and evaluation skills including applied respiratory pharmacology, bedside spirometry, PFT, ABG analysis, and pre-post operative evaluation. IPPB and mechanical ventilation also will be practiced. (Formerly CCS 302) Prerequisites: CRCS 3010, 3020.

CRCS 3030 Critical Care (3) An intensive study of critically-ill patient care which includes special procedures, patient monitoring techniques and evaluation, acute and chronic respiratory failure, neuromuscular diseases, and trauma management. (Formerly CCS 303) Prerequisite: CRCS 3015.
CRCS 3040 Neonatal/Pediatric Respiratory Care (3) A study of the principles, practices, and techniques utilized in the respiratory care management of the newborn and pediatric patient. Topics will include common pathological conditions associated with such patients. (Formerly CCS 304) Prerequisites: CRCS 2110, 3015.

CRCS 3050 Case-Based Seminar (2) This course presents a discussion of cases and topics relevant to respiratory care. (Formerly CCS 305) Prerequisites: CRCS 2110, 3015.

CRCS 3110 Current Trends in Respiratory Care (2) A discussion and presentation of new trends and topics in respiratory care. The course shall also include preparation for professional credentialing examinations. (Formerly CCS 311) Prerequisites: All CRCS junior and senior year fall semester courses.

CRCS 3120 Professional Exam Seminar (1) This course shall include practice of credentialing-type examinations. These exams are equivalent to Certificate of Completion exams. (Formerly CCS 312) Prerequisite: CRCS 3110.

CRCS 3224 Cardio-Respiratory Care Clinical IV (4) A 24 hour/week supervised clinical practicum for 10 weeks designed to provide performance competencies in the administration of respiratory care to critically ill patients and pediatric respiratory care. (Formerly CCS 322) Prerequisite: CRCS 3024.
CRCS 4224 Advanced Critical Care Management (3) An advanced clinical course where the student is exposed to continuous and extensive critical care patient management during the last six weeks of the semester. (Formerly CCS 422) Corequisite: CRCS 3224.

CRCS 4264 Advanced Pulmonary Function Testing and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (3) An advanced clinical course where the student can develop emphasis on methodology of diagnosis of respiratory diseases, including advanced pulmonary physiology and pathology during the last six weeks of the semester. The student is exposed to pulmonary exercise testing and rehabilitation procedures. (Formerly CCS 426) Prerequisite: CRCS 2030. Corequisite: CRCS 4320.

CRCS 4320 Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Home Care (3) Objectives, methods, and expected results of pulmonary rehabilitation will be presented and discussed. Patient testing methods, including clinical exercise testing, patient and family education, bronchial hygiene, breathing retraining, physical reconditioning, and home care will be described and discussed. (Formerly CCS 432) Prerequisites: CRCS 2030, 2110.

CRCS 4410 Cardio-Respiratory Care Sciences Management Concepts (3) This course includes clinical management of patients and clinical simulations. Also, the human dimensions of personnel, financial, and material management, and planning as related to respiratory care services presented and discussed. (Formerly CCS 441) Prerequisites: CRCS 3015, 3016.

CRCS 4500 Senior Project (3) An approved directed independent study project. The students will collect clinical data, analyze and write a detailed paper with references from pertinent journals. (Formerly CCS 450) Prerequisites: CRCS junior and senior year fall semester courses.