Respiratory Therapy

Earn a Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care Fully Online

The Respiratory Care baccalaureate degree program is intended for students who have completed an associate degree in the field of respiratory care, approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) as a pathway to complete a four-year degree.

The curriculum focuses on advanced level scope of practice, including clinical specialist, interventional pulmonology, and pulmonary diagnostics.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

The respiratory care bachelor's in science degree graduate will have the skills to implement their role as a health professional and will possess the ethics, values, skills, and knowledge integral to all aspects of the profession with an emphasis on clinical specialist, interventional pulmonology, and pulmonary diagnostics.

The graduate will be able to exercise evidence-based practice, critical thinking and communicate effectively in all professional employment settings.

BSRC Program Eligibility Requirements

Admission to Foothill College and
Possession of an Associate of Science in Respiratory Care/Therapy or be degree eligible by June 30, 2024 and >
Graduation from a CoARC accredited Respiratory Care Program and
Possession of a California Respiratory Care Practitioner license or be eligible for licensure.

BSRC Degree Requirements

Completion of courses listed below in the tentative schedule of classes
Completion of the California State University General education (CSU-GE) breadth requirements or IGETC.

Apply to the Fall 2024 BSRC Program

First, apply to admission to Foothill College for the current term for a campuswide ID for access to MyPortal and the Allied Health app.

Once you receive your CWID, follow these steps to apply for the Fall 2024 BSRC program via Allied Health App.

LOG IN to MyPortal
From the Apps menu, under Students, FIND and CLICK the Allied Health tile.
From the list of programs, NAVIGATE to Respiratory Therapy AS to BSRC and CLICK Apply button.
Complete and submit the application.

Tentative Schedule for BSRC Program Starting Fall 2024

QUARTER	COURSES	UNITS
FALL	BIOL 300: Human Pathophysiology & Pharmacology	4
FALL	HLTH 300: Health Across the Lifespan	5
WINTER	RSPT 300: Leadership and Management in Health Care	5
WINTER	RSPT 304: Clinical Specialist and Chronic Disease Management	5
SPRING	RSPT 307: Interventional Pulmonology Theory and Application	5
SPRING	RSPT 308: Interventional Pulmonology Procedures	5
SUMMER 6-Week Session 1	RSPT 306: Advanced Pulmonary Diagnostics	5
SUMMER 6-Week Session 2	RSPT 305: Respiratory Care Capstone Research Project	5
SUMMER 6-Week Session 2	IDS 300: Research Methodology For Health Professionals	5

Course Descriptions

BIOL 300 Human Pathophysiology and Pharmacology

The basis of human disease and its management relevant to the practice of health care professionals. The etiology and pathogenesis of diseases are discussed along with the application of diagnostic procedures and patient care. The pathology and underlying principles of the human systems are presented, along with characteristics of typical drugs, side effects, cautions, and interactions. This is an upper division General Education course, intended for students in the Dental Hygiene or Respiratory Care Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in these programs.

HLTH 300 Health Across the Lifespan

The course examines the basic principles that guide growth, development, and the health of individuals across the lifespan, from the prenatal period through senescence including death and grieving. Presents methodological, conceptual, and substantive issues necessary for understanding and evaluating empirical-based information about growth, human development, and health status at different stages of life and from a public health prevention and health promotion perspective. Course covers several themes, including contributions of biological and environmental factors to health and human development, measuring the health of individuals, understanding determinants and consequences of health and development across the lifespan, evaluating the impact of health from a family and cultural perspective, and assessing the implications of health disparities on health outcomes. This is an upper division General Education course, intended for students in the Dental Hygiene or Respiratory Care Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in these programs.

IDS 300 Research Methodology for Health Professionals

This course is designed to introduce students to the research process and how it applies to evidence-based patient care. Emphasis on research design and methods, scientific databases, and evidence-based resources. Application of research methods and statistical techniques to the critical evaluation of current scientific literature. Evidence-based decision-making and development of critical thinking skills will be discussed. This is an upper-division General Education course, intended for students in the Dental Hygiene or Respiratory Care Baccalaureate Degree Program; enrollment is limited to students accepted in these programs.

RSPT 300 Leadership and Management in Health Care

This course introduces students to various methods and styles of leadership and management in the healthcare setting. Critical analysis of leadership and management theory will be explored and put into practice. Emphasis on the development of skills in leadership and management, such as communication, conflict resolution, team building, interprofessional collaboration, ethical decision-making, and interpersonal skills.

RSPT 304 Clinical Specialist and Chronic Disease Management

Respiratory Care departments utilize clinical specialists to assist departments with training, policy development, and research, as well as perform other functions. The role of the Clinical Specialist may involve chronic disease management, serving as a liaison between patients and other members of the care team, pulmonary rehab, and asthma education. Respiratory Therapists can acquire credentialing in the areas of Neonatal Pediatric Specialty (NPS), Asthma Educator (AE-C), and Adult Critical Care Specialty (ACCS). Clinical Specialists may also be utilized in other areas, such as sleep medicine, pulmonary function, pulmonary rehab, home care, and interventional pulmonology.

RSPT 305 Respiratory Care Capstone Research Project

Respiratory care capstone course with a focus on an area related to case management, clinical specialty, pulmonary diagnostics, interventional pulmonology, and/or research. Students work with faculty to choose, develop, and complete a project in the chosen area of interest.

RSPT 306 Advanced Pulmonary Diagnostics

Advanced study of tests and procedures used to diagnose cardiopulmonary abnormalities and disease. Emphasis will be placed on the evaluation and interpretation of results.

RSPT 307 Interventional Pulmonology Theory and Application

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

RSPT 308 Interventional Pulmonology Procedures

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

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