Mar 29, 2024  
2021-22 Catalog 
    
2021-22 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Respiratory Care, A.S.*


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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.

Learning Outcomes


Upon successful completion of all Respiratory Care degree program requirements, graduates will

  1. Sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care entry-level examination Therapist Multiple Choice exam for Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential.
  2. Sit for the NBRC Clinical Simulation Exam  for Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to comprehend, apply and evaluate information relevant to their role as an advanced level respiratory therapist.
  4. Demonstrate technical proficiency in the skills necessary to fulfill the role of advanced level respiratory therapist.
  5. Demonstrate professional behavior consistent with the practice of respiratory care.

In addition, the graduate will complete the comprehensive learning outcomes identified with the General Education Core.

Total Minimum Credits Required: 68


Notes:


Becoming Connecticut State Community College

STUDENTS: The Community Colleges are undergoing a merger with a plan to become Connecticut State Community College in fall 2023; please work closely with your advisor/program coordinator to select your courses accordingly. See below for more detail about this exciting transition!

Becoming Connecticut State Community College

A merger of Connecticut’s 12 community colleges is underway. Connecticut State Community College (CT State), a statewide college comprised of all Connecticut’s current community college locations, plans to open its doors in the Fall 2023. Here are some important facts students need to know:

  • the final commencement ceremony for Manchester Community College is scheduled for May 2023. Ceremonies will continue to be held at each location as campuses of CT State.
  • as a part of the planned merger, students continuing their studies beyond summer term 2023 will be matched with the CT State program that most closely aligns with their Spring 2023 major and is offered at the Manchester location,
  • students beginning Associate degree programs in Fall 2021 should plan with their advisor/program coordinator to attend full-time if they wish to graduate prior to the planned merger,
  • students who begin an Associate degree program in January 2022 would be anticipated to complete their degree at the merged college, Connecticut State Community College,
  • in all cases, the College is committed to students completing their education with a minimum of disruption and staying in touch with your advisor/program coordinator is essential,
  • further details can be found and will be updated on the Frequently Asked Questions page:  www.ct.edu/ctstate/academics.

Students planning to transfer to a Respiratory Care baccalaureate program are encouraged to take CHE* 121  and CHE* 122 .

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