General Catalog 2007-2009

Bachelor of Science Degree in Respiratory Care

This Respiratory Care Program (registry level) prepares the student for a professional career as a respiratory therapist. Respiratory Care is an allied health specialty instrumental in the diagnosis, treatment, management, and preventive care of patients with cardiopulmonary problems. Respiratory Care offers persons interested in caring for others an opportunity to serve as vital members of the health care team.

Applicants to the Respiratory Care programs must have graduated from high school or have earned a state equivalency diploma and must exhibit evidence of a strong background in a college preparatory program. A minimum “C” average is required in high school biology, chemistry and algebra. Applicants must tour a Respiratory Care department. Applicants may be asked to attend an interview with the Respiratory Care Program Director, Clinical Coordinator, or Medical Director. Size of the classes is limited. Transfer students will be considered for admission to the program on an individual basis.

Respiratory Care students should be prepared for expenses in addition to those identified as tuition, fees, and room and board costs. Most additional expenses relate to costs for uniforms, supplies such as a stethoscope, medical insurance, textbooks, membership in professional organizations and other supplies.

Classroom, laboratory, and clinical facilities at the York Hospital will be utilized for the Respiratory Care courses. Students will also receive clinical education at secondary clinical affiliates. Students will be responsible for their own transportation to and from Respiratory Care classes, laboratories, and clinical experience.

Successful completion of the 2-year Respiratory Therapist Program qualifies the individual to take the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) examination administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Successful completion of the three- or four-year Respiratory Therapist Program qualifies the individual to take the CRT and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) examinations administered by the NBRC 8310 Nieman Rd. Lenexa KS 66214. Phone 913-599-4200. www.nbrc.org. “Successful completion” is defined as a minimum of a “C” or better in all courses.

The clinical courses in Respiratory Care may not be scheduled according to conventional semester scheduling and may include clinical scheduling during evenings and nights.

All Respiratory Therapy Programs are fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) 1361 Park St. Clearwater, FL 33756. Phone: 727-210-2350. www.caahep.org. They are also accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) 1248 Harwood Rd., Bedford, TX 76021. Phone: 817-283-2835. www.coarc.com.

Requirements for Graduation:

To be eligible for graduation, students majoring in Respiratory Care must complete a minimum of 124 credits, achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.0, satisfy the College’s residency requirements, and complete the General Education requirements of the College. Courses used to complete General Education requirements may not be taken on a pass/fail basis, and credits earned in WRT100 may not be applied to degree requirements.

In addition, students majoring in Respiratory Care must maintain a 2.0 average in all major requirements.

The required courses for the Respiratory Care major are:

Respiratory Care (suggested course sequence)