

B-SC-ALLIED-HEALTH-SCIENCES in Respiratory Technology at Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences


Chennai, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Respiratory Technology at Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences Chennai?
This B.Sc. Respiratory Technology program at Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences focuses on equipping students with advanced skills in diagnosing, treating, and managing respiratory and cardiovascular disorders. It addresses the growing demand for skilled respiratory therapists in India''''s rapidly expanding healthcare sector, emphasizing critical care, advanced life support, and patient education. The program''''s comprehensive curriculum is designed to create highly competent professionals ready for diverse clinical settings.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for 10+2 science graduates with a strong interest in medical technology and direct patient care. It suits individuals aspiring to work in intensive care units, emergency departments, and pulmonology clinics. Working professionals like nurses or paramedics seeking to specialize in respiratory care and enhance their career prospects in a critical and high-demand field within the Indian healthcare industry will also find this program highly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths in leading hospitals, both private and government, across India, including roles as Respiratory Therapists, Critical Care Specialists, and Pulmonary Function Technicians. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 to 4 LPA, growing significantly with experience to INR 6-10+ LPA. The program aligns with professional certifications, opening doors to advanced practice and leadership roles in a vital medical specialty with continuous growth trajectories.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Medical Sciences- (Semester 1-2)
Diligently study General Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Pathology. Utilize interactive anatomy apps, physiology animations, and lab manuals to visualize complex concepts. Form study groups to discuss and clarify foundational knowledge, which is crucial for understanding respiratory-specific pathologies.
Tools & Resources
Anatomy 3D apps (e.g., Complete Anatomy), Physiology YouTube channels, Peer study groups, Lab manuals
Career Connection
A strong foundation ensures accurate diagnostic interpretations and effective patient care in later stages, critical for becoming a competent respiratory therapist.
Develop Foundational Clinical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in General Anatomy & Physiology Practical and Foundation Lab. Focus on mastering basic clinical measurements, vital sign monitoring, sterile techniques, and safe equipment handling. Seek opportunities for early exposure to hospital settings, even for observation.
Tools & Resources
Hospital simulation labs, Basic life support training kits, Clinical skill demonstration videos
Career Connection
Early practical proficiency builds confidence and competence, preparing you for direct patient interaction and critical care responsibilities.
Enhance Communication and Computer Literacy- (Semester 1-2)
Engage in communication skills workshops, practice patient interaction scenarios, and improve written communication. Simultaneously, become proficient in MS Office and understand hospital information systems. These are indispensable skills for effective healthcare teamwork and documentation.
Tools & Resources
Role-playing exercises, Public speaking clubs, Online MS Office tutorials, Hospital''''s internal training modules
Career Connection
Effective communication is vital for patient rapport and team collaboration, while computer skills are fundamental for modern healthcare record-keeping and data analysis.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into Respiratory Specifics- (Semester 3-5)
Focus intently on Respiratory Anatomy & Physiology, Physics of Respiratory Therapy, and Applied Pharmacology. Connect theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Regularly review case studies involving respiratory diseases and their pharmacological management to enhance diagnostic reasoning.
Tools & Resources
Pulmonology textbooks, Respiratory therapy journals, Pharmacology apps, Case study discussions
Career Connection
Specialized knowledge directly impacts your ability to understand complex respiratory conditions and apply appropriate therapeutic interventions, making you job-ready for specialized units.
Gain Hands-on Experience in Critical Care- (Semester 3-5)
Maximize practical exposure in subjects like Mechanical Ventilation, Diagnostic Imaging, and Basic Cardiac Monitoring. Seek opportunities for clinical observerships in ICUs and emergency departments. Understand ventilator settings, interpret imaging, and practice ECG analysis under supervision.
Tools & Resources
Ventilator simulators, ECG interpretation guides, Radiology image databases, Hospital clinical postings
Career Connection
Practical competence in critical care procedures is highly valued by Indian hospitals, directly leading to better internship and placement opportunities in high-demand areas.
Participate in Academic Competitions and Research- (Semester 3-5)
Engage in inter-college quizzes, paper presentations, and poster competitions related to respiratory technology. Begin exploring potential research topics and collaborate with faculty on minor projects. This helps develop critical thinking and scientific inquiry skills.
Tools & Resources
College research cell, Online medical databases (PubMed, Google Scholar), Departmental seminars
Career Connection
Participation in academic events and early research exposure enhances your CV, demonstrates initiative, and can lead to publishing opportunities, boosting your professional profile.
Advanced Stage
Master Advanced Respiratory Technologies and Patient Management- (Semester 6 + Internship)
Focus on Advanced Mechanical Ventilation, Paediatric and Neonatal Respiratory Care, Pulmonary Function Testing, and Critical Care. Develop proficiency in managing complex cases, performing advanced diagnostic tests, and assisting in specialized procedures. Understand ethical and legal aspects of patient care.
Tools & Resources
Advanced ventilator workshops, PFT lab training, Sleep study interpretation courses, Medical ethics guidelines
Career Connection
Expertise in advanced respiratory care technologies and critical care management makes you an invaluable asset in any modern hospital, commanding higher salary prospects.
Undertake a Comprehensive Research Project and Internship- (Semester 6 + Internship)
Dedicate significant effort to your Research Project and Dissertation, ensuring a high-quality study. During the mandatory one-year internship, actively seek diverse clinical rotations (ICU, pulmonology, emergency) to apply theoretical knowledge and refine practical skills. Network with senior professionals.
Tools & Resources
Research project mentors, Statistical software (R, SPSS basics), Hospital internship supervisors, Professional networking events
Career Connection
A well-executed research project and a robust internship experience are paramount for securing top placements and laying the groundwork for a successful career in academia or advanced clinical roles.
Prepare for Professional Certifications and Career Advancement- (Semester 6 + Post-graduation)
Alongside your studies, prepare for relevant national or international professional certifications that enhance your credibility (e.g., advanced life support certifications). Explore entrepreneurship opportunities in healthcare or pursue higher education (M.Sc., MBA in Hospital Management) to specialize further.
Tools & Resources
Certification exam prep materials, Career counseling services, Entrepreneurship workshops, Alumni network
Career Connection
Proactive certification and strategic career planning differentiate you in the competitive Indian job market, offering pathways to leadership, specialized practice, or even starting your own venture.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Botany & Zoology with minimum 40% aggregate marks.
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters) + 1 year mandatory internship
Credits: 142 (excluding internship) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBM21T101 | General Anatomy | Core | 4 | Introduction to Anatomy, Regional Anatomy (Upper/Lower Limb), Thorax and Abdomen Anatomy, Head & Neck Anatomy, Brain and Nervous System |
| SBM21T102 | General Physiology | Core | 4 | Cell Physiology, Blood Physiology, Muscle Physiology, Cardiovascular System, Respiratory System, Renal System, Nervous System, Endocrine System |
| SBM21T103 | General Biochemistry | Core | 4 | Carbohydrates and Metabolism, Lipids and Metabolism, Proteins and Amino Acids, Nucleic Acids, Enzymes and Coenzymes, Vitamins and Minerals, Organ Function Tests |
| SBM21T104 | Basics of Microbiology and Pathology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Microbiology, Bacteriology and Virology, Mycology and Parasitology, Immunology Basics, Introduction to Pathology, Inflammation and Repair, Neoplasia and Circulatory Disturbances |
| SBM21P101 | General Anatomy & Physiology Practical | Lab | 2 | Identification of bones and organs, Measurement of vital signs, Blood pressure and pulse monitoring, Lung volumes assessment, Urine analysis |
| SBM21P102 | General Biochemistry Practical | Lab | 2 | Qualitative analysis of biomolecules, Quantitative estimation of carbohydrates, Protein and lipid analysis, Enzyme activity tests, Organ function test estimations |
| SBM21P103 | Basics of Microbiology and Pathology Practical | Lab | 2 | Microscopy and staining techniques, Culture media preparation, Bacterial identification methods, Blood cell morphology, Histopathology slide identification |
| SBM21L101 | Foundation Lab | Lab | 2 | Basic laboratory safety protocols, Instrument handling and calibration, Sterile techniques and aseptic procedures, Medical waste disposal, First aid basics |
| SBM21C101 | Communication Skills | Skill Based | 2 | Verbal and non-verbal communication, Active listening and empathy, Written communication in healthcare, Presentation skills, Patient interaction and counselling |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SRT21T201 | Respiratory Anatomy and Physiology | Core | 4 | Anatomy of respiratory airways and lungs, Microscopic anatomy of respiratory system, Pulmonary circulation and gas transport, Mechanics of breathing and lung volumes, Gas exchange and acid-base balance, Control of respiration |
| SRT21T202 | Physics and Bioengineering in Respiratory Therapy | Core | 4 | Gas laws and fluid dynamics, Principles of ventilation, Biomedical instrumentation, Sensors and transducers in respiratory care, Humidifiers, nebulizers, oxygen delivery systems |
| SRT21T203 | Applied Pharmacology in Respiratory Care | Core | 4 | Principles of pharmacology, Bronchodilators and corticosteroids, Antibiotics and mucolytics, Routes of drug administration, Adverse drug reactions and interactions |
| SRT21T204 | Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support | Core | 4 | CPR for adults, children, and infants, Airway management techniques, Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use, Recognition of cardiac arrhythmias, Advanced cardiac arrest algorithms, Post-resuscitation care |
| SRT21P201 | Respiratory Anatomy & Physiology Practical | Lab | 2 | Spirometry and lung function tests, Interpretation of arterial blood gas analysis, Demonstration of chest physical therapy, Respiratory system examination skills, Assessment of vital signs relevant to respiration |
| SRT21P202 | Physics and Bioengineering in Respiratory Therapy Practical | Lab | 2 | Operation of oxygen delivery devices, Setting up nebulizers and humidifiers, Calibration of pressure gauges, Basic ventilator controls and setup, Safety checks for respiratory equipment |
| SRT21P203 | Applied Pharmacology in Respiratory Care Practical | Lab | 2 | Drug dosage calculations, Preparation of nebulized medications, Demonstration of inhaler techniques, Patient education on medication use, Recognition of common drug adverse effects |
| SRT21C201 | Computer Skills | Skill Based | 2 | MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet usage and information retrieval, Hospital information systems (HIS) basics, Electronic health records (EHR) overview, Basic data management and presentation |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SRT21T301 | General Pathology and Microbiology Related to Respiratory Diseases | Core | 4 | Inflammatory and infectious lung diseases, Obstructive and restrictive lung diseases, Lung cancer pathology, Pleural diseases, Tuberculosis and pneumonia, Fungal and viral respiratory infections |
| SRT21T302 | Electrocardiography and Basic Cardiac Monitoring | Core | 4 | Basic electrophysiology of the heart, ECG lead placement and recording, Interpretation of normal ECG, Recognition of common cardiac arrhythmias, ECG patterns in ischemia and infarction, Cardiac monitoring devices |
| SRT21T303 | Diagnostic Imaging in Respiratory Care | Core | 4 | Principles of X-ray imaging, Chest X-ray interpretation (normal and abnormal), Computed Tomography (CT) scan of the chest, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the chest, Bronchoscopy and its role, Pulmonary angiography and nuclear medicine scans |
| SRT21T304 | Principles of Mechanical Ventilation | Core | 4 | Indications for mechanical ventilation, Types of mechanical ventilators, Basic modes of ventilation (AC, SIMV, CPAP), Ventilator settings and parameters, Weaning from mechanical ventilation, Troubleshooting basic ventilator issues |
| SRT21P301 | General Pathology and Microbiology Related to Respiratory Diseases Practical | Lab | 2 | Identification of pathological lung specimens, Sputum sample collection and analysis, Microbiological culture techniques for respiratory pathogens, Antibiotic sensitivity testing, Microscopic examination of sputum smears |
| SRT21P302 | Electrocardiography and Basic Cardiac Monitoring Practical | Lab | 2 | Performing a 12-lead ECG, Setting up and monitoring cardiac rhythms, Basic interpretation of ECG findings, Simulation of defibrillator use, Patient safety during cardiac monitoring |
| SRT21P303 | Diagnostic Imaging in Respiratory Care Practical | Lab | 2 | Systematic interpretation of chest X-rays, Identification of common abnormalities in chest imaging, Understanding CT scan views of the chest, Correlation of imaging findings with clinical data, Patient positioning for chest radiography |
| SRT21C301 | Environmental Science and Health | Skill Based | 2 | Air and water pollution, Noise pollution and its effects, Environmental hazards and health impacts, Occupational respiratory diseases, Biomedical waste management |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SRT21T401 | Advanced Mechanical Ventilation and Non-Invasive Ventilation | Core | 4 | Advanced ventilator modes (PRVC, APRV, HFOV), Interpretation of ventilator graphics, Troubleshooting ventilator alarms, Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) modes, CPAP/BiPAP setup and indications |
| SRT21T402 | Respiratory Therapeutics and Patient Assessment | Core | 4 | Patient history taking in respiratory diseases, Physical examination of the respiratory system, Auscultation, percussion, palpation techniques, Chest physical therapy techniques, Airway clearance strategies |
| SRT21T403 | Paediatric and Neonatal Respiratory Care | Core | 4 | Differences in paediatric/neonatal respiratory physiology, Common respiratory diseases in children, Neonatal resuscitation program (NRP), Paediatric mechanical ventilation, Surfactant therapy and ECMO in neonates |
| SRT21T404 | Respiratory Diseases and Management | Core | 4 | Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Asthma management, Pneumonia and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), Pleural effusion and pneumothorax, Pulmonary embolism and hypertension, Sleep apnea syndrome |
| SRT21P401 | Advanced Mechanical Ventilation Practical | Lab | 2 | Setting up advanced ventilator modes, Assembly and disassembly of ventilator circuits, Management of ventilator alarms, NPPV mask fitting and device setup, Patient monitoring during mechanical ventilation |
| SRT21P402 | Respiratory Therapeutics and Patient Assessment Practical | Lab | 2 | Performing a comprehensive respiratory assessment, Demonstrating chest physiotherapy techniques, Performing endotracheal suctioning, Aerosolized drug delivery techniques, Patient education for home respiratory care |
| SRT21P403 | Paediatric and Neonatal Respiratory Care Practical | Lab | 2 | Infant CPR and airway management, Setting up and managing neonatal ventilators, Calculation of paediatric drug dosages, Humidification and oxygen therapy for neonates, Monitoring critically ill neonates |
| SRT21C401 | Biostatistics and Research Methodology | Skill Based | 2 | Basic statistical concepts, Data collection and organization, Hypothesis testing and p-values, Research design and methods, Literature review and ethical considerations |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SRT21T501 | Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation | Core | 4 | Principles of rehabilitation, Exercise physiology and testing, Components of cardiopulmonary rehab, Patient assessment for rehabilitation, Program design and evaluation |
| SRT21T502 | Pulmonary Function Testing and Sleep Studies | Core | 4 | Spirometry and its interpretation, Lung volume measurements (FRC, TLC, RV), Diffusion capacity (DLCO) measurement, Bronchodilator reversibility testing, Polysomnography (PSG) and sleep disorder diagnosis, CPAP titration for sleep apnea |
| SRT21T503 | Critical Care in Respiratory Therapy | Core | 4 | Hemodynamic monitoring, Invasive monitoring (arterial line, CVP), Shock management and fluid resuscitation, Sepsis and multi-organ dysfunction, Acute renal failure and liver failure, Neurological critical care and organ support |
| SRT21T504 | Ethics and Legal Aspects in Healthcare | Core | 4 | Medical ethics principles (autonomy, beneficence), Patient rights and confidentiality, Informed consent process, Professional responsibility and accountability, Medical malpractice and legal frameworks in India, Organ donation laws |
| SRT21P501 | Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Practical | Lab | 2 | Exercise stress testing procedures, Setting up rehabilitation equipment, Developing individualized exercise plans, Patient education on lifestyle modification, Assessing functional capacity |
| SRT21P502 | Pulmonary Function Testing and Sleep Studies Practical | Lab | 2 | Performing spirometry and other PFTs, Operating sleep study equipment, Interpreting PFT results and generating reports, Performing CPAP titration, Quality control for PFT equipment |
| SRT21P503 | Critical Care in Respiratory Therapy Practical | Lab | 2 | Arterial blood gas sampling and analysis, Central venous pressure measurement, Ventilator management in critical scenarios, Hemodynamic monitoring setup, Rapid response team protocols |
| SRT21C501 | Hospital Management and Quality Control | Skill Based | 2 | Hospital administration and organization, Quality assurance and accreditation (NABH), Infection control practices, Biomedical waste management, Medical record keeping and documentation |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SRT21T601 | Respiratory Care Equipment Maintenance and Sterilization | Core | 4 | Principles of sterilization and disinfection, Cleaning and maintenance of ventilators, Nebulizers and humidifiers maintenance, Oxygen concentrators and suction devices upkeep, Endoscope cleaning and reprocessing, Quality control of medical equipment |
| SRT21T602 | Research Project and Dissertation | Project | 6 | Research topic selection and literature review, Research methodology and design, Data collection and statistical analysis, Dissertation writing and formatting, Ethical clearance for research |
| SRT21T603 | Recent Advances in Respiratory Technology | Core | 4 | Liquid ventilation and partial liquid ventilation, Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), Artificial lung devices and transplantation, Gene therapy for respiratory diseases, Precision medicine in respiratory care, Telemedicine applications in respiratory health |
| SRT21P601 | Respiratory Care Equipment Maintenance Practical | Lab | 2 | Disassembly and reassembly of respiratory equipment, Troubleshooting common equipment faults, Performing preventive maintenance checks, Sterilization and disinfection procedures in practice, Inventory management for consumables |
| SRT21P602 | Research Project Presentation and Viva | Project | 4 | Effective research presentation skills, Defending research findings, Responding to viva voce questions, Critical analysis of research, Academic writing refinement |
| SRT21C601 | Entrepreneurship and Business Development in Healthcare | Skill Based | 2 | Business plan development for healthcare ventures, Marketing healthcare services and products, Financial management in small businesses, Legal aspects of starting a healthcare enterprise, Innovation and technology adoption in healthcare |




