Program: ASRESPTH - Associate of Science
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:
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:
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.
A minimum of 69 credits is required for the completion of this associate degree program. In order for the student to progress in the program they must have an overall 2.0 GPA, and no grade below 80% in any RES course. Additionally, students must earn no more than one D in any other courses in the RT curriculum. If a subsequent D is earned in a course, the student will be dismissed from the RT program. The student will then need to remediate the course if they intend to re-enter the program. Remediation of courses will cause the student to be out of sequence in the program curriculum and will delay the student’s progression in the RT program. A student is able to remediate one course during the duration of the RT program. If this remediation places the student out of academic sequence, they may be required to “sit out” and rejoin the RT program with the cohort in the following year. Readmission to the Respiratory Therapist program will only be granted one time. In order to be eligible for graduation the student must successfully pass the practice TMC and CSE exams.
Students in associate degree health science programs participating in selective admission processes may be waived from the BIO 240/241 and BIO 200/201 prerequisites due to accreditation requirements.