Radiology Degrees Online

Respiratory care is the allied health profession that cares for patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system. The respiratory therapist sees a diverse group of patients ranging from newborn and pediatric patients to adult and elderly. Disease states or conditions often requiring respiratory care include asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive lung disease, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, infant respiratory distress syndrome and conditions brought on by shock, trauma or postoperative surgical conditions.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities abound in hospitals, medical centers, rehabilitation, skilled nursing facilities and home care. The demand for respiratory therapists is expected to continue to increase. For example the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects “employment of respiratory therapists to increase much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2006”.

Respiratory care is listed as one of the fastest growing professions and the need for respiratory therapists is expected to increase 42.6% for the period 1998 to 2008. This increase in demand is expected because of substantial growth of the elderly population, and increases in the numbers of patients with asthma and chronic lung disease.

Curriculum

Classroom instruction is accompanied by laboratory experiences and clinical instruction is provided at local clinical sites. Under the supervision of licensed respiratory care professionals who serve as clinical instructors, students perform tests and procedures on patients, thus achieving mastery of the techniques taught in the laboratory.
Certified or certification-eligible individuals seeking registry eligibility may be qualified for advanced standing in the major. Credit for previous coursework and/or work experience may be given, or the student may earn credit for some courses by passing an exam.
Students pursuing the associate of applied science in respiratory care technology degree program must complete a minimum of 69 hours, with 15 hours in residence preceding graduation.

Degree Requirements

BG Perspective

English 3-6 hours
Psychology 3-4 hours
**Elective 3 hours

Basic Courses

Statistics or Math 3-5 hours
Chemistry or Allied Health Technology 3-4 hours
Medical Technology 2 hours
Allied Health Technology or Biology 8-12 hours
Medical or Bioethics 2-3 hours

Core Courses

Respiratory Care 35 hours
Allied Health Technology

** not required if taking CHEM 109/110 instead of AHTH 132

Program Admission

Students interested in the respiratory care technology degree program must make formal application. Students must meet the following criteria for consideration:
Be formally admitted to BGSU;
Submit a program application to the academic advisor (Ms. Robin Garland for LCCC campus based students; Mr. Rod Roark for BGSU Firelands based students). Applications are due by April 1 for fall admission;
Be a graduate of an accredited high school and have attained an overall GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 point scale in high school, or have earned the GED;
Complete prerequisites (Pre-professional requirements) with a grade of “C” or higher in all AHTH, BIOL, CHEM, and MEDT coursework or equivalent coursework if transferring from another accredited institution;
Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher (on a 4.0 point scale) for all college/university coursework;
Complete a hospital/medical center tour of a respiratory care or cardiopulmonary services department and submit the observation verification form to the academic advisor;
Complete an interview with the respiratory care admissions committee. Note: All admissions are subject to approval by the respiratory care admissions committee.

Clinical Admission

To be admitted to the clinical portion of the degree program, students must meet the following requirements:
Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 point scale;
Have a “C” or higher in all RC, AHTH, CHEM and BIOL 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);
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. Students must also submit documentation of auto liabiity insurance coverage (for driving to and from clinical assignments);
Meet all clinical policy requirements as stated in the Respiratory Care Clinical Policy and Procedure manual (e.g., Physical Requirements Policy);
Complete a criminal background check.

Program Progression

After gaining admittance into the degree program, students must continue to meet the following standards to progress:
Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher;
Earn a grade of “C” or higher in all RC courses;
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);
Comply with RC clinical policies and procedures.

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 and 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);
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) coursework.

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 eligible respiratory care students through the BGSU Firelands Scholarship Program. Other organizations also sponsor scholarships for which students perparing for allied health careers may be eligible.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates from the RC degree 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 realted 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 Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology Program at the University of Saint Francis is equipped to meet the challenges of providing an education to students in one of the fastest growing, technological developing professions of the century. The University of Saint Francis complies with all federal regulations prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, religion, natural origin, gender, age or disability in matters pertaining to admissions, employment and access to programs. The program has continuously met requirements of accreditation through the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Questions regarding accreditation may be directed to the JRCERT at 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182, (312) 704-5300. www.jrcert.org A fully energized laboratory, state of the art learning resources and student-dedicated faculty provide the basis for a unique and positive learning experience. All faculty members are registered radiologic technologists and possess advanced certifications and/or clinical expertise. Together, these individuals bring an average of 25 years of experience in radiologic technology to the classroom. The Job Market – Bureau of Labor Statistics Predictions The Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Handbook, 2008-2009 edition, states that employment for job entry level radiographers is projected to grow faster than average and job opportunities are expected to be favorable. The employment of radiologic technologists is expected to increase by about 15% from 2006-2016, which is faster than average for all occupations. www.bls.gov/oco/pdf//ocos105.pdf

Looking for a health care career that offers mobility and versatility? The radiologic technology field is an excellent choice. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics projects through the year 2010 that radiologic technology specialists will be among the fastest growing occupations requiring an associate degree. AACC’s program offers quality education that is convenient and affordable. Our graduates regularly post higher-than-average pass rates on the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam. In fact, 100 percent of last year’s class passed the exam! Successful completion of a 70-credit program awards an Associate of Applied Sciences degree and eligibility to take the ARRT exam to become certified as a radiologic technologist.\

National Accreditation

The program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.

Statewide Designation

The program is designated as a Health Manpower Shortage Program by the State of Maryland. Some residents of Maryland enrolled in this program of study on the first day of the term may be eligible for in-county tuition rates for courses required for program completion.

State-Of-The-Art-Equipment

Our labs include state-of-the-art radiographic equipment. Students continue to develop clinical competency skills in hospitals and imaging group practices that may specialize in orthopedics, fluoroscopy, trauma radiography and surgical procedures. Students also develop both computer radiography (CR) and digital radiography (DR) skills in clinical settings. The program is affiliated with 18 clinical sites allowing students to be exposed to a wide range of technology and diverse patient populations.

Career Opportunities

Our radiologic technology program prepares students for entry-level employment in hospitals, medical offices, imaging centers, clinics, HMOs, mobile settings and newly evolving careers such as radiologic industrial hygiene. About one out of five radiographers works part-time. Earnings for full-time radiographers range from $25,000 to $50,000, depending on training, experience and workplace.

With additional education and clinical experience, registered radiographers can specialize in computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mammography, interventional radiography and quality management applications. Opportunites also are available in sonography, which normally requires an additional 12 months of education. All specialty imaging modalities offer advanced certification exams given by the ARRT.

Looking for a career field with a good job potential? Look at clinical science degrees. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that by 2012, the United States will need 69,000 more clinical laboratory scientists/medical technologists and 68,000 more clinical/medical laboratory technicians than it did in 2002. Estimates of hiring shortfalls for job vacancies may be as high as 9,000 to 10,000 per year.

Accreditation Information :
Pre Requisite Courses :
Qualifying Exams :

Tution Fees :
Financial Aid / Scholarship Offered :
Courses :