+ 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/programs/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:
- Be formally
admitted to BGSU;
- 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;
- Achieve placement
test scores exceeding entrance into or successful completion of
MATH 095; ENG 112 and EDCI 100;
- 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;
- 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:
- Maintain
a cumulative GPA of 2.25 or higher;
- Earn a grade
of "C" or better in all RC courses;
- Successfully
complete the following NBRC/AMP self assessment examinations prior
to graduation. Entry Level Exam, Advanced Practitioner Exam (RRT
Written);
- Comply with
RC clinical policies and procedures.
To
be admitted to the clinical portion of the program, students must
meet the following requirements:
- Successful
completion of all prerequisite coursework;
- 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).
- Submit evidence
of an auto insurance policy;
- Apply for
liability insurance through BGSU;
- Submit a
copy of a CPR card indicating successful completion of an AHA
Health Care Providers course;
- Comply with
RC policies and procedures (see RC Policy and Procedure Manual).
- Complete
a criminal background check.
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:
- Pre-clinical
physical exam, lab work and immunizations;
- Textbooks
and/or clinical training manuals and folders;
- Transportation
to and from clinical training sites;
- Meals while
at clinical sites (students generally receive any cafeteria discounts
offered to employees);
- Scrub attire,
lab coats and/or uniforms;
- Stethoscope;
- BGSU Firelands
student nametag;
- 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:
- Hospital
ID/nametags;
- Parking at
most clinical sites;
- Professional
liability insurance (minimum $1,000,000/$3,000,000 coverage).
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 the program will possess the following knowledge, skills and
behaviors:
- The ability
to comprehend that body of technical information according to
nationally accepted standards as being related to the role and
scope of practice for the advanced respiratory care practitioner,
and to utilize and apply that knowledge appropriately in the diagnostic
evaluation, treatment and management of patients.
- The ability
to perform all of the clinical procedural skills associated with
the role and scope of practice of the advanced respiratory care
professional.
- The set of
personal behaviors expected of the advanced respiratory care professional.
First
year
- General education
- ENG 112
(3)
- CHEM
109/110 or AHTH 132 (3-4)
- IPC 102
or 306 (3)
- Basic courses
- STAT
200, MATH 115, 120, or 122 (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
Second
year
- General education
- PSYC
101 (4)
- PHIL
342 (4)
- Elective
(3)
- Basic courses
- Core courses
- RC 222
(3)
- RC 240
(2)
- RC 253
(4)
- RC 254
(4)
- RC 260
(2)
- RC 290
(1-3) optional
*(RC 251 can
be taken instead of RC 151 and RC 252 for students enrolled in
the accelerated track.)
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