Allied Health
~ Associate in
Science Degree ~
is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for
Respiratory Care (COARC)
Commission
on Accreditation
for Respiratory Care
1248 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021-4244
(817) 283-2835
www.coarc.com
DESCRIPTION
This program prepares students to
become qualified members of the respiratory care profession.
Throughout the program, students are provided with the opportunity
to acquire knowledge, skills, and behaviors required to evaluate,
treat, and manage patients with respiratory diseases and other
cardiopulmonary disorders. In addition to performing respiratory
care procedures, students gain skills in clinical decision-making
and patient education. Students are guided in the development of the
ethical practice necessary to enter the allied health workforce.
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
Applicants to certain programs
should be aware that a criminal background check may be required
while they are enrolled in the program, or as a condition of
employment in the field; that certain internship and/or practicum
sites, such as health care facilities, may limit or deny clinical
privileges to those who have a prior or current criminal record; and
that certain licensing boards may refuse to issue a license to
practice based upon prior or current criminal offense(s). To learn
more about whether the program or profession you are interested in
has such requirements or limitations, please see the Department
Chair.
PROGRAM MISSION
The mission of the Respiratory
Therapy Program at Kennebec Valley Community College is to educate
and train competent Respiratory Therapists who will provide patients
in all health care settings with appropriate and quality respiratory
care services. The program is committed to providing students with a
foundation of knowledge, skills and behaviors that will carry them
into the work force and lifelong learning.
EDUCATIONAL
OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of the
Respiratory Therapy program, graduates are expected to:
- Be prepared and competent to
provide respiratory care services within their scope of practice.
- Demonstrate professional behaviors that allow them to function
ethically and responsibly by showing tolerance and respect for diversity of culture, age, and
gender.
- Demonstrate effective communication with patients, families, and
other members of the health care community.
- Be capable of critical thinking and problem solving within their
scope of professional practice.
- Participate in activities that foster professional growth as
life-long learners.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Hospitals Skilled Nursing Facilities
Physicians’ Offices Medical Centers
Non-traditional Job Sites Home Care
ADDITIONAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Students may be scheduled for day, evening, and night clinical experiences throughout the program. It is expected that students will be able to make the necessary arrangements in order to complete all scheduled rotations. Students must assume responsibility for transportation and/or living costs to and from statewide clinical sites.
Most respiratory therapy courses are Blackboard enhanced courses and some of these courses may be offered in an online format. Ideally, students should have off-campus Internet access in order to complete online course activities.
Once accepted into the program, the student must:
- Provide proof of immunization against tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, Hepatitis B, and a negative test for tuberculosis. Students who do not furnish proof of adequate immunization will be administratively dismissed from the program.
- Hold current Basic Life Support certification (CPR for the Healthcare Provider from the American Heart Association or Professional Rescuer from the American Red Cross).
CRITERIA FOR GRADUATION
Students must complete 73 credits in the Respiratory Therapy program, achieve a minimum grade of “C” in all courses, and attain a final GPA of 2.0 or higher. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to sit for credentialing examinations administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care. Graduates are eligible to apply for a Maine license to practice Respiratory Care.
|
FIRST SEMESTER |
ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE DEGREE |
CREDITS
HOURS
|
| BIO213 |
Anatomy & Physiology I |
4 |
| CHE113 |
Biochemistry |
3 |
| RTS111 |
Introduction to Respiratory Care |
5 |
| RTS117 |
Cardiopulmonary Anatomy & Physiology |
3 |
|
SECOND SEMESTER |
|
CREDITS
HOURS |
| BIO214 |
Anatomy & Physiology II |
4 |
| ENG101 |
College Composition |
3 |
| MAT117 |
College Algebra |
3 |
| RTS112 |
Therapeutic Modalities in Respiratory
Care |
5 |
| RTS121 |
Cardiopulmonary Diagnostics |
3 |
|
SUMMER SESSION
|
(5 WEEKS) |
CREDITS
HOURS |
| PSY101 |
Introduction to Psychology |
3 |
| RTS120 |
Clinical Practicum I |
3 |
| RTS127 |
Respiratory Pharmacology |
2 |
|
THIRD SEMESTER |
|
CREDITS
HOURS |
| RTS223 |
Mechanical Ventilation |
3 |
| RTS225 |
Perinatal and Pediatric Respiratory
Care |
3 |
| RTS226 |
Cardiopulmonary Pathology |
3 |
| RTS229 |
Clinical Practicum II |
5 |
| CPT___ |
Computer Elective |
3 |
|
FOURTH SEMESTER |
|
CREDITS
HOURS |
| COM104 |
Introduction to Communication |
3 |
| RTS224 |
Concepts in Critical Care |
3 |
| RTS230 |
Clinical Practicum III |
5 |
| RTS231 |
Respiratory Care Senior Seminar |
1 |
| RTS251 |
Introduction to Polysomnography
(optional) |
3 |
| ______ |
Humanities Elective |
3 |
| |
TOTAL CREDITS |
73/76 |
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