
DIPLOMA IN RESPIRATORY TECHNOLOGY (2 YEAR)
Here’s a general 2-year Diploma in Respiratory Technology syllabus without the semester breakdown, which covers the core subjects and areas of focus typically included in the program:
Year 1
1. Introduction to Respiratory Care
- Overview of respiratory technology and its role in healthcare.
- Basic understanding of the respiratory system and diseases.
- Introduction to different types of respiratory equipment and their uses.
2. Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Detailed study of the human body, focusing on the respiratory system.
- Structure and functions of the lungs, airways, and other related organs.
- Physiology of breathing, gas exchange, and ventilation.
3. Basic Respiratory Therapeutics
- Introduction to respiratory therapy practices.
- Techniques for oxygen therapy, airway management, and suctioning.
- Administration of aerosolized medications and use of inhalers.
4. Respiratory Pathophysiology
- Study of common respiratory diseases, including asthma, COPD, tuberculosis, pneumonia, and others.
- Pathological changes in the lungs and their impact on breathing and gas exchange.
5. Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT)
- Introduction to diagnostic tools such as spirometry and peak flow meters.
- Understanding blood gas analysis (ABG), its indications, and interpretation.
- How to perform and analyze lung function tests.
6. Oxygen Therapy and Aerosol Therapy
- Principles and techniques for providing oxygen to patients with respiratory conditions.
- Inhalation therapy methods for delivering medications to the lungs.
- Use of nebulizers, oxygen delivery devices, and humidifiers.
7. Mechanical Ventilation (Basics)
- Introduction to mechanical ventilators and ventilatory support.
- Basic settings, troubleshooting, and monitoring of ventilator function.
- Application of ventilators for patients with respiratory failure.
8. Clinical Practice I
- Hands-on training in healthcare settings, learning to monitor and care for respiratory patients.
- Exposure to patient assessment techniques and respiratory equipment.
- Supervised patient care in hospitals or clinics.
Year 2
1. Advanced Respiratory Therapy
- In-depth study of advanced mechanical ventilation techniques, including invasive and non-invasive ventilation.
- Ventilator settings and adjustments for complex cases (e.g., ARDS, pneumonia, COPD exacerbations).
- Advanced airway management and troubleshooting.
2. Critical Care Respiratory Management
- Respiratory care in the intensive care unit (ICU) and emergency settings.
- Handling critical cases, managing artificial airways (ET tubes, tracheostomies).
- Techniques for weaning patients off mechanical ventilators.
3. Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care
- Special considerations in respiratory care for infants and children.
- Equipment and techniques for pediatric and neonatal respiratory support.
- Understanding conditions such as apnea of prematurity and bronchiolitis.
4. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) & Emergency Care
- CPR techniques for both adults and children.
- Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) and its application in emergency situations.
- Management of respiratory emergencies (e.g., acute asthma attack, pulmonary embolism).
5. Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- Techniques to help patients recover from chronic respiratory conditions (e.g., COPD, pulmonary fibrosis).
- Exercise and education programs aimed at improving patients' lung function and quality of life.
6. Sleep Disorders and Respiratory Care
- Introduction to sleep apnea, its causes, and management.
- Use of CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines and BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure).
- Diagnostic procedures like polysomnography (sleep studies).
7. Pharmacology in Respiratory Care
- Understanding medications commonly prescribed in respiratory therapy, such as bronchodilators, steroids, and mucolytics.
- Drug delivery systems like nebulizers, inhalers, and their proper usage.
8. Clinical Practice II
- Advanced clinical training, where students manage complex respiratory cases under supervision.
- Application of knowledge gained from previous theory courses in real healthcare settings.
- Exposure to ICU, emergency, and specialty respiratory care units.
9. Professional Ethics and Legal Aspects in Respiratory Care
- Ethical considerations in patient care, including confidentiality and informed consent.
- Legal responsibilities and standards of practice for respiratory therapists.
- Understanding the scope of practice and professional guidelines in respiratory care.
Final Internship/Project:
- A mandatory internship or clinical rotation in hospitals or healthcare facilities.
- Final project or case study presentation to demonstrate the integration of theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Key Skills Acquired:
- Proficiency in operating and troubleshooting respiratory equipment.
- Advanced techniques in mechanical ventilation and critical care.
- Ability to assess and manage patients with a variety of respiratory disorders.
- Communication skills for working effectively with patients and healthcare teams.
This syllabus provides a well-rounded education, from the basics of respiratory care to advanced treatments and technologies, preparing students for a career in respiratory therapy.