Respiratory Therapy

Introduction

As the field of Respiratory Therapy continues to grow and expand, it is important for students to continue to learn during their educational pursuits and grow as professionals. The knowledge that is gained in the program is a wonderful foundation to continue to build upon. Throughout the educational experience students will gain the scientific knowledge needed to provide respiratory therapy to patients in need. Along with the knowledge gained, the students will also acquire the skills needed for applying that knowledge. Students of the Respiratory Therapist Program are encouraged to become independent and lifelong learners. Students must have the desire to graduate and continue to grow professionally. The overall task of the Respiratory Therapist Program is to provide our students with the theoretical background and the clinical experience necessary to become successful Respiratory Therapists.

Knowledge of the scientific principles, underlying cardiopulmonary physiology and pathophysiology, as well as biomedical engineering and technology, enable respiratory therapists to effectively offer preventative care to, as well as assess, educate, and treat patients with cardiopulmonary deficiencies.

Admission Requirements

Standard requirements for admission include a high school diploma or GED, a minimum GPA of 2.5, and either an ACT, SAT or placement test score. Individuals applying for admission to the Respiratory Therapist program are also subject to the following standards:

• Applicant must have completed high school courses in algebra, biology AND chemistry, with a minimum grade of C in each course.
• Preference will be given to applicants with SAT scores at or above 900 section total) or a 20 composite score on the ACT test.
• Applicant may be required to take the Accuplacer Placement Test to determine placement in appropriate English and Math courses.
• If an applicant does not meet the required scores to enter into Research and Writing and/or Elementary Algebra, he or she must take preparatory classes. Placement into Research and Writing and Elementary Algebra will allow the student to be directly admitted into the RT program. If preparatory English or Math are required, the student will not be directly admitted into the RT program. If the student is not directly admitted into the program, they may be offered the opportunity to enter into the AS Health Studies program to remediate any academic deficiencies. After the completion of one year in the AS Health Studies program, the student can be reevaluated for admission into the RT program if they so wish. Admission into the RT program is not guaranteed and is granted on a case-by-case basis.
• The skills test is required for students who achieved below 900 on their SATs (two section total), students who achieved below a 20 on sections of their ACTs, or have never taken the SATs or ACTs, as well as those who have been out of school for several years.
• Applicant must have current CPR certification before the start of the clinical phase of the program.
• Applicants must have a recent physical examination and records of the following immunizations before the beginning of clinical rotations: Hepatitis B, 2 step PPD, a one-time dose of Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis vaccine (between ages 18 and 64), Varicella immunization (2 injections) or a positive varicella titer, positive Rubella, and Mumps titers, and documentation of Hepatitis B and C titers.
• Drug testing will be required. A criminal record check will be required. Note that a legal conviction may affect a student’s ability to be placed in clinical rotations, complete the RT program and/or attain state licensure to practice.
• State and federal child abuse clearances will be required.
• Official, final transcripts are required before the start of classes.
• Job shadowing is suggested prior to enrolling and can be set up by the Program Director, if interested.

Clinical Education 

Clinical sites utilized for clinical education are located in the tristate area, with the majority of the sites in Erie County. Clinical sites available represent a wide variety of settings including hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, extended care facilities and home care/long term care agencies.

In order to participate in the clinical education courses, students must submit a recent physical exam (within one year), appropriate immunizations and titers, recent two-step TB test, and current CPR certification.

As a health care profession, Respiratory Care is practiced under medical direction across the health care continuum. Critical thinking, patient/environment assessment skills, and evidence-based clinical practice guidelines enable respiratory therapists to develop and implement effective care plans, patient-driven protocols, disease based clinical pathways, and disease management programs. A variety of venues serve as the practice site for this health care profession including, but not limited to: acute care hospitals, sleep disorder centers and diagnostic laboratories, rehabilitation, research and skilled nursing facilities, patients’ homes, patient transport systems, physician offices, convalescent and retirement centers, educational institutions, field representatives and wellness centers.

Program Goal

To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists.

Additional Program Goals

After graduation from the Respiratory Therapist program, the students will be able to:

• Function as competent respiratory therapists as defined by the National Board for Respiratory Care's credentialing examination content outlines.
• Demonstrate the ability to apply the knowledge gained throughout the program in real patient care settings.
• Demonstrate the communication skills needed in healthcare settings including communication with doctors, families, patients, and other healthcare workers.
• Successfully take the credentialing examinations that are required for state licensure. 

The Respiratory Therapist program is accredited by the:
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
264 Precision Blvd
Telford, TN 37690
(817) 283-2835
coarc.com

Upon completion of this program, graduates will have been trained to be competent at the Registered Respiratory Therapist level and be eligible to take the NBRC Therapist Multiple Chose (TMC) Examination and the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE). The integrated two-year curriculum consists of a balance of liberal studies, science and technical courses. Within the curriculum, two full time clinical education courses are completed. The clinical education courses provide an opportunity for students to transition from the classroom/lab setting into the clinical environment.

Students continue the learning process in various clinical settings under the direct supervision of a qualified respiratory therapist. The clinical education component of the curriculum requires a total of 624 clinical hours.