COURSE CURRICULUM

The Respiratory Therapy program at Southeast Missouri State University requires 110 credit hours and provides a comprehensive blend of general education, health sciences, and specialized clinical training to prepare students for careers in cardiopulmonary care. The curriculum begins with foundational courses such as Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry, Nutrition, Medical Terminology, Psychology, and Communication, along with general education subjects like English composition and political systems. Students also develop research and analytical skills through coursework in research methods and statistics.As the program progresses, students transition into specialized respiratory therapy courses, starting with an introduction to the field and clinical observation. They then study pharmacology, cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology, and respiratory pharmacology, building a strong medical knowledge base. Core professional courses such as Fundamentals of Respiratory Therapy, Adult and Pediatric Respiratory Diseases, and Pulmonary Diagnostics provide in-depth understanding of patient care and disease management. Hands-on clinical practice is a major component, with multiple clinical practice courses and laboratory sessions that allow students to apply their knowledge in real healthcare settings.Advanced coursework includes topics such as mechanical ventilation, respiratory microbiology, neonatal and pediatric care, hemodynamics, EKG interpretation, and simulation-based training. The program culminates in advanced internships, giving students extensive real-world experience before entering the workforce. Overall, this rigorous curriculum equips graduates with the technical expertise, clinical competence, and patient-care skills needed to become successful respiratory therapists in hospitals and healthcare facilities.