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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.