+ 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 degree 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 this degree 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 http://www.firelands.bgsu.edu/academics/asas_rct.html.

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

Admission:

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

1. Be formally admitted to BGSU;
2. Submit a program application to the academic adviser. Applications are due by April 1 for fall admission;
3. Be a graduate of an accredited high school and have attained an overall GPA of 2.0 on a 4 point scale in high school, or have earned the GED;
4. Complete prerequisites (Pre-professional requirements) with a grade of "C" or higher in all AHTH, BIOL, and CHEM coursework or equivalent coursework if transferring from another accredited institution;
5. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher (on a 4 point scale) for all college/university coursework;
6. Complete a hospital/medical center tour of a respiratory or cardiopulmonary services department and submit the observation verification form to the program director;
7. Complete an interview with the respiratory care admissions committee. Note: All admissions are subject to approval by the respiratory care admissions committee.

Program Progression:

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

1. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher;
2. Earn a grade of "C" or higher in all RC courses;
3. Successfully complete (pass according to National Board for Respiratory Care "cut scores") the following NBRC/AMP self assessment examinations prior to graduation: Entry Level Exam, Advanced Practitioner Exam (RRT Written) (see Directed Practice Syllabi);
4. Comply with RC clinical policies and procedures.

Clinical Admission:

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

1. Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4 point scale;
2. Have a "C" or higher in all RC, AHTH, CHEM, and BIOL coursework;
3. 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);
4. Obtain group professional liability insurance ($1,000,000/3,000,000). Applications are available from the office of the Coordinator of Career Services at BGSU Firelands College. Students must also submit documentation of auto liability insurance coverage (for driving to and from clinical assignments);
5. Meet all clinical policy requirements as stated in the Respiratory Care Clinical Policy and Procedure manual (e.g., Physical Requirements Policy);
6. 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:

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

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

1. Hospital ID/nametags;
2. Parking at most clinical sites;
3. Professional liability insurance (minimum $1,000,000/$3,000,000 coverage).

Scholarships are available for eligible 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 RC degree program will possess the following knowledge, skills, and behaviors:

1. 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;
2. The ability to perform all of the clinical procedural skills associated with the role and scope of practice of the advanced respiratory care professional;
3. The set of personal behaviors expected of the advanced respiratory care professional.

Click for 2007-2008 course requirements