+Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Care Technology

Rod C. Roark, M.S., R.R.T., program director

Respiratory therapists evaluate, treat and manage patients of all ages with respiratory illnesses and other cardiopulmonary disorders in a wide variety of clinical settings. The scope of practice for respiratory therapy includes: acquiring and evaluating clinical data; assessing the cardiopulmonary status of patients; performing and assisting in the performance of prescribed diagnostic studies, such as drawing blood samples, performing blood gas analysis and pulmonary function testing; utilizing data to assess the appropriateness of prescribed respiratory care; establishing therapeutic goals for patients with cardiopulmonary disease; participating in the development and modification of respiratory care plans; case management of patients with pulmonary disease; initiating ordered respiratory care, evaluating and monitoring patients' responses to such care and modifying the prescribed respiratory therapy and cardiopulmonary procedures, and life support endeavors to achieve desired therapeutic objectives; initiating and conducting prescribed pulmonary rehabilitation; providing patient, family and community education; promoting cardiopulmonary wellness, disease prevention and disease management; participating in life support activities as required; promoting evidence-based medicine; research, and clinical practice guidelines.

Respiratory therapists should demonstrate behavior and ethics that are consistent with the standards and ethics of all health care professionals. In addition to performing respiratory therapy procedures, respiratory therapists are involved in clinical decision making (such as patient evaluation, treatment selection and assessment of treatment efficacy) and patient education. (CoARC Standards and Guidelines of Accredited Educational Programs for the Respiratory Therapist, 1998)

This RC program provides opportunities for the development of knowledge, skills and behaviors consistent with those required by the respiratory therapist. Theory and laboratory practices precede clinical experiences. Clinical experience is achieved in a variety of settings while under the supervision of selected clinical instructors.

Graduates are eligible to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care examinations to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist and Registered Respiratory Therapist. Graduates must also satisfy all requirements of the Ohio Respiratory Care Board (ORCB) to obtain a license to practice in Ohio. Requirements to practice respiratory care in other states are dictated by individual state law. Students who are enrolled and in good standing can also apply to the ORCB for a limited permit to practice in Ohio.

Admission to the program is limited to the number of students that can be accommodated by clinical sites. Following admission to the University the student is responsible for filing a separate application with the respiratory care program. Criteria for and information about program admission is available upon request or can be obtained from the RCT Web site at www.firelands.bgsu.edu/as/rt/.

The program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) through the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

Students interested in the respiratory care technology program must make formal application to the program. Students must meet the following criteria for consideration:

1. Be formally admitted to BGSU;
2. Be a graduate of an accredited high school and have attained an overall GPA of 2.0 or have completed twelve semester hours of college work with an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher;
3. Achieve placement test scores exceeding entrance into or successful completion of MATH 095; ENG 112 and EDCI 100;
4. Have completed one year of high school chemistry or its equivalent with a grade of "C" or better within the past seven years or have credit for CHEM 100 with a grade of "C" or better;
5. Complete a tour of a clinical setting where respiratory care is performed and submit an Observation Verification Form, which can be obtained from the program director.

After gaining admittance into the program, students must continue to meet the following standards to progress in the program:

1. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.25 or higher;
2. Earn a grade of "C" or better in all RC courses;
3. Successfully complete the following NBRC/AMP self assessment examinations prior to graduation. Entry Level Exam, Advanced Practitioner Exam (RRT Written);
4. Comply with RC clinical policies and procedures.

To be admitted to the clinical portion of the program, students must meet the following requirements:

1. Successful completion of all prerequisite coursework;
2. Obtain and provide documentation for all required health work, including a physical examination, lab work and immunizations according to clinical policy (see RC policy and procedure manual).
3. Submit evidence of an auto insurance policy;
4. Apply for liability insurance through BGSU;
5. Submit a copy of a CPR card indicating successful completion of an AHA Health Care Providers course;
6. Comply with RC policies and procedures (see RC Policy and Procedure Manual).

Clinical slots may be limited during a given year. In the event that more students meet clinical admission standards than there are slots available, admission will be determined by a rank ordering based upon grade point average and program hours completed.

The student is responsible for the following expenses incurred as a result of participation in clinical training. Prospective students may contact the program director for information on estimated costs for:

1. Pre-clinical physical exam, lab work and immunizations;
2. Professional liability insurance (minimum $1,000,000/$3,000,000 coverage);
3. Textbooks and/or clinical training manuals and folders;
4. Transportation to and from clinical training sites;
5. Meals while at clinical sites (students generally receive any cafeteria discounts offered to employees);
6. Scrub attire, lab coats and/or uniforms;
7. Stethoscope;
8. BGSU Firelands student nametag;
9. NBRC/AMP Self-Assessment Examinations (students are required to take the Entry Level, Written Advanced Practitioner and Clinical Simulation exams).

The following are generally provided at no cost to the student:

1. Hospital ID/nametags;
2. Parking at most clinical sites.

Scholarships are available for deserving respiratory care students through the BGSU Firelands Scholarship Program. Other organizations also sponsor scholarships for which students preparing for allied health careers may be eligible.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates from this program are expected to achieve the following:

• Meet all requirements for graduation by completing capstone coursework that contains National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) self-assessment examinations, utilizing NBRC "cut scores" for the entry-level examination and the advanced practitioner written examination;
• Demonstrate favorable performance ratings on student and employer surveys that specifically assess psychomotor, cognitive and behavior components;
• Consistently demonstrate those competencies required of the advanced respiratory care practitioner.

First year

• General education
  
  • ENG 112 (3)
  • CHEM 109, 110 (4)
  • IPC 102 or 306 (3)
• Basic courses
  
  • STAT 200, MATH 115 or 120 (3-5)
  • AHTH 131; or BIOL 331 and 332 (4-8)
  • AHTH 130 or BIOL 314/315 (4)
• Core courses
  
  • RC 105 (2)
  • RC 120 (3)
  • RC 121 (3)
  • AHTH 140 (3)
  • RC 151 (2)
  • RC 202 (3)

Summer session
Core courses

• RC 221 (4)
• RC 252 (2)
  

Second year

• General education
  
  • PSYC 201 (4)
  • PHIL 342 (4)
  • Elective (3)
• Basic courses
  
  • RC 203 (4)
• Core courses
  
  • RC 222 (3)
  • RC 240 (2)
  • RC 253 (4)
  • RC 254 (4)
  • RC 260 (2)
  • RC 290 (1-3) optional
  • RC 251 (3)*
  
  *(RC 251 can be taken instead of RC 151 and RC 252 for students enrolled in the accelerated track)

Return to top of page