Respiratory Care, A.A.S.

Degree: Associate in Applied Science
HEGIS Code: 5215
Curriculum Code: 0655
Campus Location: North
Health Sciences Division

Pre-Admission Recommendations: Math I, Biology, Chemistry, Physical Exam
Recommended High School Courses and/or Experiences: Math I & II, Physics, Microbiology
Career Opportunities/Further Education: Hospitals, Extended Care Facilities, Physicians’ Offices, Home Care

Program Description Accreditation Current High School Graduates Department Notes Scholarships Program Competencies Curriculum

Program Description

The Respiratory Care profession is a rapidly expanding, dynamic allied health career. This profession is ideal for those who want to assist individuals with cardiopulmonary problems. Whether preventing or treating a cardiorespiratory problem, the respiratory therapist is concerned with the health of the whole person, taking into consideration the social and emotional needs of that person when designing a therapeutic plan under the direction of a physician.

The program in Respiratory Care prepares students to assume responsible positions as part of a health care team. An objective of the curriculum is to provide a broad knowledge so that students will be academically prepared to enter the profession and successfully complete the national entry-level examination, advanced practitioner examination and qualify for a New York State license to practice as a Respiratory Therapist. Students are prepared to practice in a variety of settings, including hospitals and other acute care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, physician offices, laboratories and home care.

Students participate in various classroom, laboratory and clinical experiences. The laboratory provides students the opportunity for hands-on experience in preparation for the clinical practicum. The respiratory courses prepare students to provide, under medical direction, treatment, management, evaluation and care to patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system.

Graduates of the program will qualify for employment as Respiratory Therapists. Graduates are eligible to apply to take credentialing exams administered by the National Board of Respiratory Care and apply for a license to practice through the Office of the Professions, New York State Education Department.

Accreditation

The respiratory care program is fully accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Respiratory Care (CoArc).

Current High School Graduates:

Successful completion of algebra, biology, chemistry and physics are highly recommended. Reading and writing competency at the EN 110 level and mathematics competency at the MT 006 level as determined by the College Placement Tests.

Current College Students:

Internal and external college transfer applicants must have a grade point average (QPA) of at least 2.5 (C+). Reading and writing competencies must be at the EN 110 level and Mathematics competency at the MT 006 level. Applicants who do not have a Biology course must take BI 149 or BI 107 prior to BI 150/151.

Most Respiratory Care students elect to complete required general education courses in the curriculum prior to entering professional courses. This path is helpful to students who have other personal responsibilities. Applicants who do not meet admission requirements may be accepted to an extended curriculum option. This is an individually developed schedule of courses based on the applicant’s academic background and college Placement Test results. This path provides an opportunity to meet program admission requirements for Respiratory Care courses. Students may begin either option in fall, spring, or summer semesters. The Respiratory Care program department head and faculty will act as the student’s adviser. Acceptance to begin the Respiratory Care coursework will be based on student success, ranking and space availability.

Department Notes

A student accepted for matriculation in the Respiratory Care program is responsible for:

• Providing his/her own transportation to the off-campus agencies utilized for the respiratory care curriculum.
• Ordering uniforms and special equipment (name tag, stethoscope) early enough to ensure receipt and availability prior to starting clinical course work.
• Upon admission a physical examination is required to ensure candidates are in good physical and mental health and are capable of completing the requirements of the laboratory and clinical portions of the program. An incomplete or unacceptable physical exam may lead to dismissal from the program.
• In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other governmental regulations, technical standards that define the essential functions of respiratory care are listed by the department and are used in the lawful and non-discriminatory admission of students.
• Ensuring that official college transcripts from other colleges are sent to the North Campus Admissions Office of Erie Community College for possible transfer credit. Students must formally request through the Respiratory Care Department transfer credit by specifying in writing what courses they wish to transfer. An official course description of the course must be submitted with the request. Only course grades of “C” or better will be accepted for transfer. Courses more than ten years old from the time of application will not be accepted for transfer.
• Provide his/her own housing when assigned to clinical sites, if necessary.
• If course work continuity cannot be maintained, the department reserves the right to have the student demonstrate his/her skills and knowledge through written, psychomotor and/or oral evaluation
• Because of the critical nature of the profession, deviations from professional conduct may adversely affect the patient’s well-being. Therefore, the department reserves the right to immediately remove the student from didactic, laboratory and clinical course work and/or dismiss that student from the program if the department determines that the student has acted in an unprofessional manner. Appropriate professional conduct is outlined in the clinical manuals
• Successfully complete the program’s capstone assessments administered during the final semester of the second year

Each student must attain a minimum grade of “C” (2.0) in college courses and a “C+” (2.5) GPA in department courses. Failure to do so may lead to dismissal from the program.

Scholarships

The Respiratory Care Foundation of the American Association for Respiratory Care and the Erie Community College Foundation offer various scholarships. Students are encouraged to apply.

Program Competencies

Upon graduation with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Respiratory Care, the graduate will be able to:

1. Collect and evaluate existing pertinent clinical information and recommend procedures to obtain additional data relative to respiratory care.
2. Select, assemble, use and troubleshoot respiratory care equipment
3. Ensure infection control
4. Perform quality control procedures for respiratory care equipment
5. Maintain records and communicate information.
6. Maintain a patent airway, including care of artificial airways
7. Remove bronchopulmonary secretions
8. Achieve adequate ventilatory support
9. Evaluate and monitor patient’s objective and subjective response to respiratory care
10. Recommend and independently modify therapeutic procedures based on patient’s response
11. Initiate and conduct pulmonary rehabilitation and home care within the prescription
12. Determine the appropriateness of the prescribed respiratory care plan and recommend modifications when indicated
13. Initiate, conduct, or modify respiratory care techniques in an emergency setting
14. Act as an assistant to the physician performing special respiratory care procedures
15. Demonstrate behavior consistent with the acceptable professional conduct standards, such as appearance, quality of work, quantity of work, continuing education, human relation skills, leadership skills, reading skills, writing and verbal communication skills

Curriculum

Total Degree Credits: 72