Respiratory Care Career Program A.S. #

Respiratory Care is a high tech, direct patient care profession. This field is a life-supporting, life-enhancing allied health care profession practiced under qualified medical direction. Services provided to patients with disorders of the cardiopulmonary system include diagnostic testing, therapeutics, monitoring and rehabilitation. Patient, family and public education are essential to the mission of the profession. Respiratory care services are provided in all health care facilities (acute, sub acute/long-term, skilled nursing) and in the home.

The curriculum consists of five consecutive semesters of study as well as additional clinical practice at affiliating hospitals. The respiratory care and related courses must be taken in the sequence outlined once the student has been admitted into the program. Admission requirements are listed under programs with selective admissions.

Upon completion of the program, the graduate qualifies for an associate in science degree and is eligible to apply to take the Therapist Multiple Choice and Clinical Simulation exam offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). 

General Information

1. Students must meet program admission requirements. (See the Respiratory Care Information Packet);
2. Students must earn a minimum grade of “C”^* (Minimum of 73) in all prerequisite and Core requirements, with the exception of BIO 211 , where a minimum grade of “C+” is required for the Respiratory Care Program;
3. To graduate from the program, college students must maintain above a 2.0 GPA;
4. Additional costs such as travel, parking, lab coats, uniforms, testing, stethoscopes, physical examinations and data are the responsibility of the student;
5. Students must follow the policies outlined in the Respiratory Care Student Handbook.

* “C” = 73 minimum

Mission Statement

The Respiratory Care Program is designed to prepare students as Registered Respiratory Care professionals. The program meets a community need for health care professionals. This affordable and accessible program offers an innovative program of study for the community’s diverse population. The faculty believes that a nurturing educational environment will produce lifelong learners who are active and responsible leaders in their careers.

Program Goal

To prepare the student with demonstrated competence in cognitive, psychomotor and affective learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by Registered Respiratory Therapists.

Accreditation

The Respiratory Care Program is accredited by The Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. Information about COARC can be obtained by visiting www.coarc.com. NCC Program number: 200090. Program outcomes can be obtained by clicking on the link below:

https://coarc.com/students/programmatic-outcomes-data/

CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilizes an ‘outcomes based’ process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the educational goals of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented.

Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the goals of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented. Programmatic outcomes data reported on the CoARC include: 3 year time periods reporting; RRT credentialing success; achievement of the high cut score on the TMC exam; attrition rates; job placement; overall graduate and employer satisfaction; total number of program enrollees; total graduates and maximum annual enrollment number.

Licensure

Upon graduation, the student is eligible to sit for the Therapist Multiple Choice examination. Upon successfully completing this examination, the student may obtain licensure. The student will be required to disclose background information, including criminal history at the time of licensure application. Students may contact the CT Department of Health for more information on licensure requirements for Respiratory Care Professionals. Currently in CT, continuing educational units (CEU)s are 10 annually. Go to the Connecticut State Department of Public Health’s website for more information.

Student Learning Objectives

Upon graduation from the program, the graduate must be competent in the following areas: psychomotor skills, affective skills and cognitive skills. Each area will be evaluated while enrolled in the program on a semester by semester basis. Learning is through a planned progression of knowledge and skills of increasing complexity. Upon successful completion of all program requirements, the graduate will be able to:

1. Incorporate principles of social, behavioral, and biological sciences and humanities to the role of respiratory therapist;
2. Demonstrate technical proficiency in all skills necessary to fulfill the role of respiratory therapist;
3. Analyze patient information to assist patients affected by cardiopulmonary disorders;
4. Assist physicians in diagnosis, management and treatment of patients affected by cardiopulmonary disorders;
5. Utilize principles of pharmacology when caring for clients with cardiopulmonary disorders in a variety of settings;
6. Employ effective interpersonal, communication and teaching skills when interacting with individuals, families and members of the health team;
7. Exhibit professional behaviors consistent with legal and ethical standards of the profession of respiratory therapy;
8. Practice respiratory care in a safe and effective manner in a variety of settings;
9. Demonstrate proficiency as a respiratory therapist, as described by the National Board for Respiratory Care and the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.

Graduates of the program receive an Associate in Science degree and are eligible to take the national credentialing examination for Respiratory Care practitioners to achieve the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) Credential.

Technical Standards

In order to perform the tasks required of a respiratory care practitioner certain physical capabilities are required. Students must demonstrate the ability to perform required functions, as a routine part of classroom, laboratory or clinical education. Students should be aware that successful completion of the Respiratory Care Program depends upon their ability to meet the following technical standards. These standards are capabilities associated with the successful practice of respiratory care. Under NO circumstances are they conditions for acceptance to the Respiratory Care Program. These may include: Reasonable amount of strength and mobility, manual dexterity, good motor skills, the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing in the English language and possess acceptable standards to practice safely, calmly and effectively in the patient care area.