Program Design
The Respiratory Care associate degree program provides training in respiratory care, a healthcare specialty that concentrates on the areas of prevention, treatment, management and rehabilitation of people with lung disorders. Respiratory therapists are involved in a variety of life-saving situations, working side-by-side with nurses, doctors and other healthcare providers and treating patients ranging in age from the newborn to the elderly. Using sophisticated equipment, therapists help people with such diseases as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. Respiratory therapists are regarded as experts on the respiratory and cardiac systems and are often called upon for advice and help in deciding which course of care to prescribe.
Scholastic Preparation and Admission Process
The Respiratory Care program relies on a selective admission process, which uses specific admissions criteria. These criteria are available through the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics division office. The admission criteria require that the students are eligible for the equivalent of MAT* 109 , ENG* 101 and BIO* 211 . Interested candidates will be expected to have a history of academic success, with the completion of a lab science course. Admission to the Respiratory Care program requires a separate application. Complete information on specific criteria for acceptance and the admission process is available from the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics division office at 860-512-2704. A tour of one of the hospital affiliates is strongly recommended. Students will need to demonstrate the skills necessary to become a Respiratory Therapist; technical standards for the program are available upon request.
Accreditation
The program is accredited by Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. For information write to: Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, 1248 Harwood Road, Bedford, Texas 76021-4244 or phone 817-283-2835 or www.coarc.com. Division of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics: 860-512-2704.
Curriculum
The program begins each September and continues through two years, including the summer semester. Classes with an RSP* designation and clinical experience are offered during the day. Beginning with the second semester of the program, students will train at the hospitals every week in conjunction with classes held at the college. Beginning with the second year, the clinical component requires full-time study. Hospital affiliates include Hartford Hospital, Hospital of Central Connecticut - New Britain Campus, the Hospital for Special Care, Manchester Memorial Hospital, Gaylord Hospital, St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center, University of Connecticut Health Center, Windham Hospital, William W. Backus Hospital, Johnson Memorial Hospital, and Yale New Haven Hospital. All hospital training is supervised by trained clinical instructors. Due to standards set by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), students are advised that the healthcare facilities to which they are assigned for clinical rotations require a criminal background check upon program acceptance. Manchester Community College cannot be responsible for finding an alternate clinical placement for a student who fails to pass the background check. A student who is unable to complete the required clinical experience will be unable to complete the requirements for the associate degree in Respiratory Care but may be able to apply some or all of the credits completed to an associate degree in General Studies. Students are advised to meet with an MCC Counselor to discuss degree completion requirements. After graduating from the program, students are eligible to take the entry level examination offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).
A physical examination and an immunization record are required of all students prior to beginning clinical rotations. Students are responsible for hospital parking fees; uniforms; clinical supplies, e.g. stethoscopes; assessment examination and miscellaneous expenses.
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