Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care

The Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care will prepare you to work in the hospital and healthcare industry as a Respiratory Care Specialist, Respiratory Therapist, or Respiratory Care Practitioner, caring for patients suffering from respiratory disorders. You will gain the knowledge and skills to deal competently with critically ill ICU patients and in advanced diagnostics and rehabilitation.

The program is supported by simulation labs equipped with high-fidelity ICU and trauma manikins, invasive and non-invasive ventilators, and task trainers for various procedures such as airway management, vascular access, etc. As well as clinical knowledge and skills, the program provides the capabilities required to become a researcher and leader in specific areas of interest.

The program has four clinical practice courses and an internship as part of clinical exposure. These courses enable you to gain the required respiratory care skills, reinforce the knowledge of theory modules through real clinical case scenarios, and develop a high level of professionalism through exposure to healthcare settings.

Objectives

• Prepare students for the cognitive, technical, and affective learning domains of respiratory care

• Educate future respiratory care professionals in the science and art of respiratory care, providing fundamental clinical skills, developing professionalism and ethical behavior, and the desire to advance the respiratory care profession through research

• Develop competencies in clinical and critical thinking skills necessary for the effective and safe delivery of respiratory care modalities

• Meet or exceed the minimum expectations of the Abu Dhabi Department of Health (DOH), Ministry of Health, and international organizations that certify respiratory care professionals, such as the National Board for Respiratory Care

• Exhibit exemplary professionalism parallel to the ethical standards of the medical sector

• Instill professionalism in accordance with the teachings and values of the UAE

• Instill the importance of scientific research to advance the practice of respiratory care

Learning Outcomes

• Define medical terminologies, abbreviations, and symbols used in respiratory care

• Describe the human anatomy, physiology, and the anatomy of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems

• Explain the physiology of gas exchange, acid base regulation, and neurologic control of respiration

• Describe cardiopulmonary diseases and other medical conditions that require respiratory care

• Explain the theories and principles essential to respiratory care concepts, procedures, and equipment

• Outline the steps in performing diagnostic, therapeutic, and ancillary respiratory care procedures

• Identify respiratory care medications and other drugs associated with respiratory care management

• Identify the parts and function of diagnostic, therapeutic, and other adjunct respiratory care equipment

• Identify the different diagnostic, therapeutic, and ancillary modalities and procedures in respiratory care

• Describe the various basic and advanced cardiopulmonary assessment modalities and procedures

• Differentiate between scientific theories and principles and their application in respiratory care physiology, modalities, and equipment

• Recognize normal and abnormal findings in physical assessment, laboratory data, diagnostic imaging (chest radiographs), audio-visual interfaces (monitors), and graphic forms, and prints.

• Properly select the required respiratory care equipment to carry out a respiratory care plan

• Recognize and apply international and institutionally based standards, policies, guidelines, and protocols to carry out respiratory care management

• Apply ethical standards to resolve clinical dilemmas

• Perform diagnostic testing procedures, record and interpret results of chest radiographs, laboratory data, blood gas, cardiopulmonary function studies, polysomnography, and ventilator mechanics

• Appropriately select basic and advanced respiratory care modalities to carry out a respiratory care plan

• Develop an appropriate respiratory care plan based on a patient's specific needs

• Use laboratory and information-based technology to generate data and hypotheses

• Demonstrate basic laboratory practical techniques

• Carry out safety procedures in the laboratory and during patient care

• Perform basic therapeutic and advanced respiratory care procedures competently

• Examine the patient systemically and professionally

• Operate cardiopulmonary monitoring for adequate monitoring within the boundaries of health

• Effectively communicate both orally and in writing

• Obtain pertinent information from medical personnel, patients and/or relatives, medical records, and various hospital forms

• Explain and provide instructions to a patient when performing diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers or procedures

• Provide oral reports/endorsements (e.g., patient's clinical status, changes in clinical plan or settings) to colleagues and other medical staff

• Accurately read, obtain, and analyze data from graphic forms/flow sheets, printouts, analog and digital graphic displays

• Accurately provide information and/or data on respiratory care services and other medical forms

• Use information technology to obtain information and conduct research

• Work effectively as part of a team, respecting cultural diversity and individual differences

• Establish safe working practices for self and others relating to equipment and machinery, handling of products, disposal of materials, and relevant legislation