Continuing Education

3 CEUs with Certificate $7.00

This course is approved by the Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care, and expires Dec 31, 2026.   This course meets the NBRC’s Credentialing Management Program (CMP) Online Education requirements as outlined in Option One (review the handout).

Course Overview: This course provides a thorough review of key infectious diseases (bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic), their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. It extends to critical related conditions such as lung cancer, respiratory distress syndromes, shock, immunocompromised states, bariatric respiratory issues, psychiatric considerations, and specialized pediatric/neonatal topics including asthma, bronchiolitis, prematurity, and resuscitation protocols (PALS and NRP). Emphasis is placed on clinical presentation, diagnostic tools (e.g., PCR, imaging, serology), evidence-based treatments, prevention strategies (vaccination, supportive care), and management of complications. The course incorporates visual aids, case-based examples, and true/false knowledge checks throughout to reinforce learning.

Method of Delivery: Online self-paced presentation delivered through https://rcped.com. The course features narrated slides, embedded educational animations, interactive true/false knowledge checks, downloadable clinical note templates, and a final assessment.

Assessment: Participants must complete a 30-question quiz at the end of the course and achieve a score of 80% or higher to pass and receive the certificate of completion 

Target Audience

• Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT) and Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRT)
• Respiratory care practitioners in acute care, critical care, emergency departments, pulmonary rehabilitation, and outpatient clinics
• RT educators and students seeking focused education on pulmonary assessment and management

Learning Objectives: By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Identify causes, symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatments for major infectious diseases including measles, COVID-19, influenza, chickenpox, shingles, HIV, and hepatitis.
• Describe respiratory and systemic complications such as ARDS, lung cancer, shock, and immunocompromise.
• Explain pediatric-specific conditions including asthma, bronchiolitis, chronic lung disease of prematurity, congenital defects, and neonatal respiratory distress.
• Outline resuscitation standards (PALS and NRP) and management of prematurity and meconium aspiration syndrome.
• Apply knowledge of prevention, supportive care, and emerging diagnostic/therapeutic approaches.

Assessment:

• 30-question post-course quiz (multiple-choice and true/false).
• Passing score: 80% or higher required for certificate of completion.
• Unlimited attempts allowed.

Accreditation: Continuing education credits available (pending provider confirmation on rcped.com).

Course Outline

Total Duration: 180 minutes (Includes reading time, video narration, interactive questions)

1.   Introduction to Infectious Diseases 

o    Causes, symptoms, general diagnosis, and treatment principles

o    Overview of bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections Photos of Measles | Measles (Rubeola) | CDC

2.   Key Viral Infections: Measles, COVID-19, Influenza 

o    Detailed causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

o    Focus on respiratory transmission and complications

3.   Varicella-Zoster Infections: Chickenpox and Shingles 

o    Pathogenesis, rash characteristics, complications, and vaccination

4. HIV and Viral Hepatitis (A, B, C) 

o    Transmission, progression, diagnosis (CD4 counts, viral loads), and modern therapies

5.   Respiratory Malignancies and Distress Syndromes 

o    Lung cancer causes and imaging

o    Adult and neonatal RDS/ARDS: Surfactant deficiency, ventilation strategies

6.   Immunocompromise, Shock, and Bariatric/Psychiatric Considerations 

o    Causes, symptoms, and management in vulnerable populations

o    Types of shock and acute interventions

7.   Pediatric Respiratory Conditions 

o    Pediatric asthma, infectious diseases, bronchiolitis, and chronic lung disease of prematurity

o    Congenital defects and resuscitation (PALS standards)Neonatal Conditions and Resuscitation 

o    Neonatal RDS, prematurity, meconium aspiration syndrome

o    NRP standards and post-resuscitation care

9.   Course Summary, Prevention Strategies   

o    Key takeaways, vaccination importance, and emerging trends

10.                In-Course Assessment (5 minutes setup + time for quiz)

o    30-question quiz (80% passing required)

4 CEUs with Certificate $9.00

This course is approved by the Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care, and expires Dec 31, 2026.   This course meets the NBRC’s Credentialing Management Program (CMP) Online Education requirements as outlined in Option One (review the handout).

Delivery Mode: Online, self-paced with interactive modules, narrated presentations, high-quality visuals (illustrations, X-rays, diagrams), embedded true/false knowledge checks, and case-based discussions Platform: rcped.com Target Audience: Healthcare professionals, including respiratory therapists, nurses, physicians, infectious disease specialists, critical care providers, medical students, and allied health staff seeking in-depth knowledge on pneumonia's pathology, types, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Course Overview: Dive deep into the fascinating yet critical world of pneumonia—one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. This comprehensive course explores pneumonia's pathology, from alveolar inflammation to cytokine storms, while covering diverse types (community-acquired, hospital-acquired, ventilator-associated, and aspiration). Learn advanced diagnostic tools (physical exam, imaging, cultures, BAL), risk factors, symptoms, tailored treatments (antibiotics, supportive care, ventilation), and evidence-based prevention strategies. Rich with engaging visuals, real-world statistics, and interactive quizzes, the course emphasizes multidisciplinary approaches, antimicrobial stewardship, and emerging challenges like resistance.

Method of Delivery: Online self-paced presentation delivered through https://rcped.com. The course features video’s, embedded educational animations, interactive true/false knowledge checks, downloadable clinical note templates, and a final assessment.

Assessment: Participants must complete a 30-question quiz at the end of the course and achieve a score of 80% or higher to pass and receive the certificate of completion 

Course Outline

Total Duration: 240 minutes (Includes module time, visuals, interactive quizzes, and short breaks)

1.   Introduction to Pneumonia Pathology and Global Impact

o    Pathophysiology: Alveolar inflammation, immune response, and complications (e.g., ARDS)

o    Worldwide statistics and vulnerable populations

2.   Clinical Presentation and Initial Diagnosis

o    Symptoms, physical exam findings, and scoring systems (e.g., CURB-65)

o    Role of chest X-rays and CT in identifying consolidation/ground-glass opacities

3.   Laboratory and Advanced Diagnostics

o    Sputum culture, blood tests (CRP, procalcitonin), pulse oximetry

o    Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and rapid molecular testing

4.   Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP): Causes, Risks, and Management

o    Common pathogens, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and outpatient/inpatient treatment

o    Vaccination and prevention strategies

5.   Hospital-Acquired and Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (HAP/VAP)

o    Nosocomial risks, resistant organisms, prevention bundles, and ICU management

6.   Aspiration Pneumonia: Special Considerations

o    Mechanisms, high-risk groups, diagnosis, and tailored therapies (anaerobe coverage)

7.   Treatment Arsenal and Supportive Care (30 minutes)

o    Antibiotics, antivirals, oxygen/ventilation, steroids, and emerging therapies

o    Antimicrobial stewardship and complication management

8.   Prevention, Public Health, and Future Directions

o    Vaccines, infection control, global challenges, and research horizons

9.   Course Summary and Assessment (5 minutes setup + quiz time)

o    Key takeaways review

o    40-question quiz (80% passing required)

3 CEUs with Certificate $7.00

This course is approved by the Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care, and expires Dec 31, 2026.   This course meets the NBRC’s Credentialing Management Program (CMP) Online Education requirements as outlined in Option One (review the handout).

This audio-based presentation equips respiratory therapists with practical skills to identify tobacco use, conduct brief cessation interventions using the 5 A’s model, educate patients and families about the risks of secondhand smoke (SHS), and support quit attempts through counseling and appropriate referrals. The content incorporates real-world clinical examples, visual aids, and knowledge checks to strengthen understanding and reinforce learning.

Method of Delivery: Online self-paced presentation delivered through https://rcped.com. The course features narrated slides, embedded educational animations, interactive true/false knowledge checks, downloadable clinical note templates, and a final assessment.

Assessment: Participants must complete a 30-question quiz at the end of the course and achieve a score of 80% or higher to pass and receive the certificate of completion 

Target Audience

• Registered Respiratory Therapists (RRT) and Certified Respiratory Therapists (CRT)
• Respiratory care practitioners in acute care, critical care, emergency departments, pulmonary rehabilitation, and outpatient clinics
• RT educators and students seeking focused education on pulmonary assessment and management

Course Outline (Estimated Completion Time: 180 minutes)

1.   Introduction and Role of the Respiratory Therapist   Overview of tobacco's impact on lung health and RT responsibilities.

2.   Prevalence, Disparities, and Economic Burden   Current U.S. smoking statistics, vulnerable populations, and healthcare costs.

3.   Composition of Cigarette Smoke and Secondhand Smoke   Key toxins, differences between mainstream and sidestream smoke.

4.   Physiology of Smoke Inhalation and Particle Deposition   Nicotine delivery, lung distribution patterns, and respiratory effects.

5.   Nicotine Dependence: Physical and Psychological Mechanisms   Addiction pathways, withdrawal, and behavioral reinforcement.

6.   Major Health Complications of Smoking 

o    Pulmonary (COPD, asthma, infections)

o    Cardiovascular and systemic effects

o    Cancer and other long-term risks

7.   Fetal and Pediatric Exposure Risks   Prenatal effects, low birth weight, SIDS, childhood asthma, and SHS complications.

8.   Secondhand and Thirdhand Smoke in Adults and Children   Cardiovascular, respiratory, and carcinogenic risks; biomarker measurement.

9.   Strategies to Reduce Tobacco Exposure  Smoke-free policies, brief interventions, and patient education techniques.

10.                Conclusion and Integration into Clinical Practice   Applying knowledge to daily RT care and cessation support.

Total Estimated Time: 180 minutes (self-paced; includes reading, visuals, and knowledge checks)

3 CEUs with Certificate $7.00

This course is approved by the Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care, and expires Dec 31, 2026.   This course meets the NBRC’s Credentialing Management Program (CMP) Online Education requirements as outlined in Option One (review the handout).

This continuing education course is specifically designed for respiratory therapists and provides a comprehensive overview of the most frequently encountered pulmonary disorders in clinical practice. The course emphasizes practical assessment skills, rapid recognition of life-threatening conditions, and the respiratory therapist’s essential role in diagnosis, treatment, and patient education across acute and chronic lung diseases.

Participants will explore occupational lung diseases (pneumoconioses), acute respiratory emergencies (ARDS, pulmonary edema, trauma), obstructive diseases (bronchitis, COPD, bronchiectasis), infectious processes (pneumonia, tuberculosis, lung abscess, empyema), vascular disorders (pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension), and key strategies to differentiate obstructive versus restrictive lung diseases. Special attention is given to the respiratory therapist’s critical role in:

• Performing rapid bedside assessments and recognizing clinical impressions
• Interpreting spirometry, flow-volume loops, chest X-rays, and HRCT findings
• Managing oxygenation, ventilation, and airway clearance in acute and chronic settings
• Monitoring for complications and medication side effects
• Delivering effective patient education on symptom recognition, inhaler technique, pulmonary rehabilitation, and lifestyle modification

The course incorporates engaging visuals, clinical notes with initial assessment impressions, true/false knowledge checks throughout each topic, and short educational animations to reinforce key concepts. Upon completion, respiratory therapists will be better equipped to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, contribute to timely diagnosis and management, and improve outcomes in patients with a wide range of pulmonary conditions.

3 CEUs with Certificate $7.00

This course is approved by the Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care, and expires Dec 31, 2026.   This course meets the NBRC’s Credentialing Management Program (CMP) Online Education requirements as outlined in Option One (review the handout).

This engaging online continuing education course provides nursing professionals with a solid foundation in basic pathophysiology. Designed at an accessible level, the course explores how disruptions in homeostasis at the cellular level lead to common diseases and conditions. Participants will gain a clear understanding of cellular functions, adaptive responses, immune system defenses, cancer development, infections, shock, and system-specific pathologies affecting the respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, endocrine, and pain systems.

Through simplified explanations, real-world analogies, visual aids, and interactive elements, learners will discover the "why" behind signs and symptoms of illnesses such as pneumonia, COPD, heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, sepsis, and chronic pain. The course emphasizes practical application, helping nurses identify disease mechanisms to guide effective assessment, treatment planning, interventions, and patient education. By the end, participants will be better equipped to recognize early warning signs, anticipate complications, and contribute to restoring patient homeostasis.

Method of Delivery: Online self-paced presentation delivered through https://rcped.com. The course features narrated slides, embedded educational videos, interactive knowledge checks, and a final assessment.

Assessment: Participants must complete a 30-question quiz at the end of the course and achieve a score of 80% or higher to pass and receive the certificate of completion. Unlimited quiz attempts are allowed.

2 CEUs with Certificate $5.00

This course is approved by the Kentucky Board of Respiratory Care, and expires Dec 31, 2026.   This course meets the NBRC’s Credentialing Management Program (CMP) Online Education requirements as outlined in Option One (review the handout).

This continuing education course is specifically designed for respiratory therapists and provides a comprehensive overview of atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia. The course emphasizes the significant overlap between AF and pulmonary disease, including how hypoxia, inflammation, and shared risk factors in conditions such as COPD, sleep apnea, and pulmonary hypertension can trigger, exacerbate, or complicate AF management.

Participants will explore normal cardiac anatomy and physiology contrasted with the disruptions caused by AF, clinical implications (stroke risk, heart failure, reduced cardiac output), pharmacological therapies (rate/rhythm control and anticoagulation), procedural interventions (ablation, cardioversion, LAA closure), and evidence-based strategies aligned with the 2025 ACC/AHA guidelines.

Special attention is given to the respiratory therapist’s critical role in:

• Early recognition of AF on telemetry and pulse oximetry
• Managing acute dyspnea during AF episodes
• Monitoring for medication side effects (e.g., amiodarone pulmonary toxicity)
• Supporting oxygenation and ventilation in patients with cardiopulmonary comorbidity
• Patient education on lifestyle modification and symptom recognition

The course incorporates engaging visuals, true/false knowledge checks, and four short (4-5 minute) educational videos to reinforce key concepts. Upon completion, respiratory therapists will be better equipped to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, contribute to optimal AF management, and improve outcomes in patients with concurrent cardiac and respiratory conditions.