Respiratory Therapy Program

Respiratory Therapy Program Program Chair: Greg Carter, M.Ed., RRT Program Support: Sean Vandommelen Phone: 253-566-5076 Email: RespiratoryCare@tacomacc.edu The Respiratory Therapy program leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree. The program is full-time, sequential, consisting of seven (7) quarters of instruction offered during daytime hours. Students complete classroom and laboratory work on campus and gain clinical experience in affiliated clinical sites. Students acquire skills in reviewing and recording clinical patient data, performing respiratory therapeutic procedures, and providing for the comforts and needs of the patient during procedures. Respiratory therapists work under the direction of a physician to assist in diagnosis and treatment for patients with cardiopulmonary diseases and disorders. Positions are available in acute/critical care hospitals, extended care facilities, outpatient clinics, private physicians offices, home care companies, sleep studies, pulmonary function testing, and equipment sales. Thoroughness, accuracy, mechanical aptitude/ability to troubleshoot equipment, and empathy are traits needed by people interested in this program. Prospective respiratory therapists should also be versatile and able to follow precise and detailed directions. Upon successful completion of this program, graduates are eligible to take the Therapist Multiple- Choice Examination (TMC) administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). The Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination is designed to objectively measure essential knowledge, skills, and abilities required of entry-level respiratory therapists. There are two established cut scores for the Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination. If a candidate achieves the lower cut score, they will earn the CRT credential. If a candidate achieves the higher cut score, they will earn the CRT credential AND become eligible for the Clinical Simulation Examination to earn their Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. The CRT and/or RRT credentials are used as the basis for the licensure in all 50 states that regulate the practice of respiratory care. Washington State Requirements for Licensure: Respiratory therapists must be licensed by the state as Respiratory Care Practitioners. Requirements include: completion of an approved training program; a background investigation; and passing the entry level certification examination given by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). The Respiratory Therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com). Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care 1248 Harwood Road Bedford, Texas 76021-4244 (817) 283-2835 03/08/17 1

Program Admission Requirements To be considered for the program, applicants must meet the following requirements: 1. Apply to Tacoma Community College (Building 7, Enrollment Services or http://www.tacomacc.edu/gettingstarted/theenrollment process/apply/ ) 2. Accuplacer Assessment Test (Reading, English, Mathematics); assessment at college level or eligibility to take English 101 is required. Below college level test scores will result in placement in remedial courses and will delay eligibility to apply. 3. Apply to the Respiratory Therapy program through your TCC portal by the application deadline of June 20 th. 4. Provide documentation of completion of program prerequisites with a grade of C (2.0) or better by the end of spring quarter, and an overall GPA of 2.5. Each prerequisite course must have been successfully passed within two attempts of taking the course. There is a 10 year limit for all math and science courses. Withdrawals (W) or (WI) do not count as an attempt. Unofficial transcripts (and spring quarter registration, if applicable) will be uploaded during online application. Official transcripts will need to be provided to Enrollment Services within two weeks of receiving contingent offer of acceptance. 5. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the beginning of the program in Fall quarter, be fluent in the English language, and possess the physical and emotional ability to complete the program as described in the technical standards (see page 10 12 of the application). Admission policies are subject to change. Applications will be accepted under the terms in place at the time an application is received by the Allied Health Office. It is the responsibility of the applicant to keep up-to-date on any changes that may affect his/her qualifications for acceptance. Tacoma Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability. Pre-requisites 1. Math 95 or TMATH 100 Intermediate Algebra or higher (5 credits) 2. BIOL 241 and 242 Anatomy and Physiology I & II (10 credits) 3. PSYC 100 or 200 General Psychology or Lifespan Psychology (5 credits) 4. HIT 130 Medical Terminology (3 credits) or equivalent medical terminology course. 03/08/17 2

All of the above prerequisites courses must be completed with a grade C or better and within two attempts before application will be accepted. There is a ten-year time limit for all math and science courses. Co-requisites 1. ENGL 101 English Composition (5 credits) 2. Communications Choose one of the following: CMST 101 Introduction to Communication, CMST 220 Public Speaking, CMST 110 Multicultural Communication (5 credits) 3. Basic Computer Course- Choose one of the following: CU 102, 103, 104, or 105 Word I, Excel I, Power Point (IT 235 substitute is acceptable.)(1-5 credit requirement) These courses are not required for admission into the program and may be taken while in the respiratory program. These courses MUST be completed to receive your degree and become eligibility to take national board examination. It is highly recommended that the additional non-respiratory support courses be taken prior to entry in the program. Admission into the Respiratory program is a competitive process and admission into the program will be offered to the top scoring applicants. There is no waitlist and there are more applicants to the program than there are available positions. Therefore, if a student takes all of the prerequisite classes and meets the other requirements for a completed application, it does not guarantee admission into the program. Each applicant will receive a score based on: Application Factoring System Grades received in the five prerequisite courses Additional college level science (Biology 222 or 260, Chemistry 110, 121 or higher, Physics) and upper level math courses (Calculus or Statistics) passed with a B or better (2 pts. each) Additional healthcare related experience Points Awarded for Grades Earned in the Five Prerequisite Courses (using 4.0 scale) A = 4.0 A- =3.7 B+ = 3.3 B = 3.0 B- = 2.7 C+ = 2.3 C = 2.0 < C = Not Accepted Points Awarded Based on Optional Direct Patient Care Experience (optional) 03/08/17 3

All applicants may attempt to earn additional points towards their overall application score by providing proof of patient related healthcare experience (paid or volunteer). A completed form must be included with the application submission. A direct supervisor must verify and sign this form. All experience will be verified upon submission of the application. Falsification or inability to verify this form will result in disqualification of the application. Points are awarded based on the scale below. 100 199 hours 2 points 200 299 hours 4 points 300 399 hours 6 points The following are examples of direct patient care related healthcare that are accepted and do not require prior approval. These include, but may not be limited to: 1. CNA experience (clinical time from CNA courses) 2. EMT/Paramedic (estimate of time spent working with patients) 3. Certified, Registered or licensed LPN, RN, Radiology Technologist, Sonography Technologist, Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant/Hygienist For direct patient related experience obtained but not listed above, written approval is required from the Program Director or Director of Clinical Education PRIOR to application submission. Applicants will be notified of their admission into the Respiratory Therapy program via their TCC email and will be asked to confirm their acceptance of admission. In the event class openings occur, others will be considered for admission. Respiratory Therapy Online Application Process Beginning winter quarter the Respiratory Therapy application will be available online. Applications will be accepted until 5:00 pm June 20. Applications will only be accepted via the online submission process. To apply to the Respiratory Therapy program, you will need to be an admitted or registered student at Tacoma Community College and have access to the student portal and a TCC e-mail account. If you have not attended TCC in the past 12 months, please fill out the admission application link on the main TCC web page, or you can type in the following link: http://www.tacomacc.edu/gettingstarted/theenrollmentprocess/ It may take 24-48 hours for your account to be activated and for you to be granted TCC student portal and email access. There is no fee to apply to the Respiratory Therapy program. Here is how to access the online application. 1. Sign into the TCC portal (requires you to have an active TCC student account) 2. Go to your Quick links area and expand the All Reports and Applications 03/08/17 4

3. Select the Academics tab and click on make button for the Allied Health/Nursing link 4. You should now see a button called Allied Health/Nursing on your Quick Links list. 5. This will allow you to access the online application. The application process involves selecting the program you are applying for (e.g. Respiratory Therapy), the quarter (e.g. Fall 2017) and uploading the required documentation, i.e. unofficial transcripts, spring quarter registration (or blank page if not applicable), Virtual Information Session completion, and Healthcare/Patient care Verification Form (or blank page if not applicable). 6. When you have completed the application, the system will send a confirmation e- mail to your TCC e-mail address. This is the only e-mail that Tacoma Community College/Allied Health Division will use to communicate with students regarding their Respiratory Therapy application. Estimated Program Costs Tuition/Fees (Resident) as of Fall 2016 1 st Quarter 17 $1,480.82 2 nd Quarter 14 $1,327.94 3 rd Quarter 15 $1,378.90 4 th Quarter 16 $1,429.85 5 th Quarter 14 $1,327.94 6 th Quarter 15 $1,378.90 7 th Quarter 16 $1,429.85 Approximate TOTAL $9,754.20 Additional fees per quarter include: Facility Fee - $7.50 Technology Fee - $17.50 03/08/17 5

Heath & Wellness Center Fee - $30.00 Early Ed. Childcare Building Fee - $12.50 Safety Fee - $15.00 Course Fees as displayed in class schedule for individual classes Please note: Tuition rates subject to change by Washington State Legislature. Tuition and fees are due at the time of registration and payment must be completed within 2 business days of registration. Continuing students and new students who register early may defer fee payment until the published deferment date (see Quarterly Class Schedule calendar). Some courses have additional fees assessed. Washington Online (WAOL) students are assessed an additional $8.00 per credit course fee once each quarter. This fee is non-refundable once the course begins. U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have not yet established Washington residency may now attend TCC at state resident rates. This optional waiver has been approved by the TCC Board of Trustees, but may not be available at all state colleges. A student who plans to transfer to a college that does not participate in this waiver is advised to establish Washington residency before transfer. Residency information is available at the Admissions office. Approximate Miscellaneous Costs: Course, Lab and Clinical Fees $250 Books $1,500 Uniform (Scrubs) per set $50 Shoes $100 Name Tag $6 Stethoscope $60 Watch with Second Hand or Digital Variable Conference fees (Vary by Location) $250 Trajecsys Clinical Report system $150 Verified Credentials $125 Graduation and National Board Examination Fees: Therapist Multiple Choice Exam $190.00 Clinical Simulation Exam $200.00 State License fee $140.00 Graduation Regalia (optional) $25.00 03/08/17 6

Respiratory Therapy Program Curriculum Associate of Applied Sciences Degree Pre-requisites BIOL 241 & 242 Anatomy and Physiology I & II......10 Intermediate Algebra (Math 95 or higher) or TMATH 100... 5 ENGL 101 English Composition...5 PSYC 100 or 200General Psychology or Lifespan Psychology... 5 HIT130 1 Medical Terminology... 3 TOTAL CREDITS (Pre-requisites) 23 Co-requisites ENGL 101 English Composition...5 CMST 101, 110, or 220 Communication Studies..5 CU 101, 102, 103, 104, or 105 Computer Course 1-5 TOTAL CREDITS (Co-requisites) 11-15 First Quarter Fall RC 175 2 Respiratory Care Orientation... 2 RC 150 Fundamentals of Respiratory Care I... 4 RC 160 Cardiopulmonary A & P and Pathophysiology... 4 RC 170 Respiratory Therapy Equipment I... 3 RC 180 Respiratory Therapy Clinical I... 3 RC 193 Respiratory Pharmacology I... 1 Total... 17 Second Quarter Winter RC 151 Fundamentals of Respiratory Care II... 4 RC 161 Arterial Blood Gases... 3 RC 171 Respiratory Therapy Equipment II... 3 RC 181 Respiratory Therapy Clinical II... 3 RC 194 Respiratory Pharmacology II... 1 Total... 14 Third Quarter Spring RC 152 Mechanical Ventilation... 4 RC 162 Advanced Pathophysiology... 3 RC 172 Respiratory Therapy Equipment III... 4 RC 182 Respiratory Therapy Clinical III... 3 RC 195 Respiratory Pharmacology III... 1 Total... 15 1 If students have already completed co-requisite classes but still need course credits for financial aid purposes, RC 299 (Independent Study) can be substituted for 1-5 credits as needed at any point during the program. 2 The orientation is a week-long class. The class is completed between Summer and Fall Quarters. 03/08/17 7

Fourth Quarter Summer CMST 101 Introduction to Communication... 5 RC 153 Alternative Procedures in Respiratory Therapy... 3 RC 165 Evolving Roles in Respiratory Therapy... 2 RC 183 Respiratory Therapy Clinical IV... 4 RC 290 Ethics & Professionalism in Respiratory Care... 2 Total... 16 Fifth Quarter Second Fall RC 192 Advanced Mechanical Ventilation... 4 RC 240 Advanced Assessment & Diagnosis... 3 RC 263 Pulmonary Functions... 3 RC 280 Specialty Clinical Rotation... 4 Total... 14 Sixth Quarter Second Winter Computers Word I, Excel I, and/or Power Point... 1-5 variable RC 251 Respiratory Pathophysiology Cases... 2 RC 261 Pediatric and Neonatal Respiratory Care... 4 RC 281 Advance Critical Care Clinical Rotation... 4 Total... 15 Seventh Quarter Second Spring ENGL 101 English Composition... 5 RC 262 Review of Application of Respiratory Care (hybrid)... 4 RC 272 Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Home Care & Assistance in Specialty Procedures... 3 RC 282 Neonatal Clinical Rotation... 2 RC 283 Specialty Clinical Rotation II... 2 Total... 16 Additional Program Course for students requiring fulltime schedule for Financial Aid Individual Study (RC 299)... 1-5 variable Total Program... 127-131 Please note - It is the student s responsibility to arrange for dependable transportation to and from the clinical site. Some clinical rotations begin as early as 5:30 am, some may be evening or night shift, and may be 6, 8, or 12 hour shifts. Dependable child/dependent care is necessary. Transfer Information The Associate in Applied Sciences degree is not typically a transferable degree to a fouryear institution, although some courses within the degree may be accepted for transfer. Students wishing to transfer to a 4-year institution after graduation from the respiratory program are encouraged to take support courses for the general Associate of Arts and Sciences. 03/08/17 8

Please refer to the college catalog of the school you wish to transfer to for complete degree requirements. TCC s advising office is available to assist with educational planning for transfer students. Technical Standards for Respiratory Therapy Students The profession of respiratory therapy is a highly respected one. The reasons for this are many, but a great deal of it has to do with the fact that patients put their lives in our hands. Patients place their trust in healthcare providers and we, in turn, must be worthy of that trust. In order to become a member of a trustworthy allied health profession, there are several requirements that are essential. These have to do with responsibility, accountability, knowledge, skill and safety. The Respiratory Program has the responsibility to the public to assure that its students and graduates are competent in all of these areas and at the appropriate level. The program adheres to the definition, requirements, and procedures for licensing as defined in the state statutes (WAC 246-928-410 and WAC 246-928-510). The faculty models professionalism and requires that students be accountable and assumes a measure of responsibility to adhere to the standards of practice. The profession of respiratory therapy requires the acquisition of respiratory science knowledge and technical skills. Respiratory faculty, students, as well as graduates are held to these laws. The educational process to achieve the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Respiratory Therapy requires assimilation of this knowledge, as well as the development of critical thinking, judgment and appropriate decision-making. State licensure requires for reporting of unprofessional conduct (WAC 246-928-710). With the acquisition of this knowledge, students and graduates must be able to function as safe practitioners. Patient safety is a major concern for establishing requirements for capabilities of students. In order to safely function in the roll of a student and/or respiratory therapist, one must exhibit physical, cognitive and behavioral abilities that are required for satisfactory completion of all aspects of the respiratory therapy program. Collection, evaluation and synthesis of data are vital to this discipline. In addition, there are professional attributes that are required by the profession. All of these are every bit as important as the knowledge and skill The therapeutic modalities provided by respiratory care practitioners require technical skills involving manual dexterity and a mechanical aptitude to perform in a safe and acceptable manner. Respiratory Therapists must be mobile and have the ability to operate in relatively small spaces. These requirements are necessary because of the critical and accurate care that is often provided in crisis situations. To make sure these requirements can be met. The Respiratory Care program at Tacoma Community College has come up with the following technical standards. Physical Demands: Respiratory therapy students must be able to display the medium strength rating, as described by the Dictionary for Occupational Titles, which reflects the ability to exert 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally (occasionally: activity of condition exists up to 1/3 of the time), and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently (frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time), and/or greater than negligible up to 10 03/08/17 9

pounds of force constantly (constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects. Motor Skills: Respiratory therapy students must be able to execute motor movements including the physical/dexterity strength to stand and ambulate and possess the physical/dexterity strength to lift and transfer patients. Candidates/current respiratory therapy students must also have the physical strength to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Respiratory therapy procedures require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and functional use of the senses of touch and vision. For this reason, candidates for admission to the Program of Respiratory Therapy must have manual dexterity and the ability to engage in procedures involving grasping, pushing, pulling, holding, manipulating, extending and rotating. Examples of such procedures would include, but not limited to: Draw venous and arterial blood Perform endotracheal suctioning Provide percussion and postural drainage for bronchial hygiene Perform manual resuscitation (CPR) in the event of a cardiac emergency Maintain and modify equipment in routine emergency situations Be able to move life support equipment in a rapid manner during a crisis situation Be sensitive to changes in pressure when performing emergency breathing with a manual resuscitator in the newborn and small infant as compared to the adult victim Tactile sensitivity required to perform arterial puncture on the newborn and small infant. Sensory/Observational Skills: Respiratory therapy students must be able to observe demonstrations and participate in laboratory experiments as required in the curriculum. Respiratory therapy students must be able to observe patients and be able to obtain an appropriate medical history directly from the patient or guardian. Such observation requires the functional use of vision, hearing, and other sensory modalities. Respiratory therapy students must have visual perception which includes depth and acuity. Communication Skills: Respiratory therapy students must be able to communicate in English effectively and sensitively with patients. In addition, candidates/current respiratory therapy students must be able to communicate in English in oral and handwritten form with faculty, allied personnel, and peers in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings. Respiratory therapy students must also be sensitive to multicultural and multilingual needs. Such communication skills include not only speech, but reading and writing in English. Respiratory therapy students must have the ability to complete written assignments and search and evaluate the literature. Respiratory therapy students must have the ability to complete written assignments and maintain written records. Respiratory therapy students must have the ability to complete assessment exercises. Respiratory therapy students must also have the ability to use therapeutic communication, such as attending, clarifying, coaching, facilitating, and touching. These skills must be performed in clinical settings, as well as the didactic and laboratory environments. Intellectual/Conceptual, Integrative, and Qualitative Skills: Respiratory therapy students must have the ability to measure, calculate reason, analyze, and synthesize 03/08/17 10

data. Problem solving and diagnosis, including obtaining, interpreting, and documenting data, are critical skills demanded of respiratory therapists which require all of these intellectual abilities. These skills allow students to make proper assessments, sound judgments, appropriately prioritize therapeutic interventions, and measure and record patient care outcomes. Respiratory therapy students must have the ability to learn to use computers for searching, recording, storing, and retrieving information. Behavioral/Social Skills and Professionalism: Respiratory therapy students must demonstrate attributes of empathy, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest and motivation. Respiratory therapy students must possess the emotional wellbeing required for use of their intellectual abilities, the exercise of sound judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the evaluation and care of patients, and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients. Respiratory therapy students must be able to adapt to ever-changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in the face of uncertainties and stresses which are inherent in the educational process, as well as the clinical problems of many patients. Respiratory therapy students must be able to maintain professional conduct and appearance, maintain client confidentiality and operate within the scope of practice. Candidates/current respiratory therapy students must also have the ability to be assertive, delegate responsibilities appropriately, and function as a part of a medical team. Such abilities require organizational skills necessary to meet deadlines and manage time. The Respiratory Care program at Tacoma Community College will makes every effort to provide the physically compromised student the opportunities to learn and develop into a safe, rational respiratory care practitioner. It is incumbent upon the student to realize that certain manual, technical, and professional tasks must be mastered in order to achieve passing grades and to successfully complete the respiratory therapy curriculum. 03/08/17 11

RESPIRATORY THERAPIST (Pierce County Employment & Training Consortium- Information Sheet) Job Description Treat people who have difficulty breathing due to heart or lung problems. Determine most suitable method of administering inhalants, precautions to be observed, and potential modifications needed, compatible with physicians orders. Perform the tests that aid in the diagnosis and evaluation of respiratory problems using special apparatus and administering therapies. Determine requirements for treatment, such as type and duration of therapy, and medication and dosages. Monitor patient progress. Teach patients how to use prescribed respiratory treatment methods and equipment. Provide emergency respiratory care. Employment Outlook Faster-than-average employment growth is projected for respiratory therapists. Employment of respiratory therapists is expected to grow 15.1 percent over the next 10 years. Job opportunities will be best for therapists with cardiopulmonary skills or experience working with newborns and infants. Average Annual Earnings in Pierce County* Entry Level: $55,190 Median: $61,639 Experienced: up to $73,989+ *Based on WOIS Career Information System On-line Sources for Additional Information The National Board of Respiratory Care, Inc. (NBRC): www.nbrc.org American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC): www.aarc.org Respiratory Care Society of Washington (RCSW): www.rcsw.org Commission for Accreditation of Respiratory Care (CoARC): www.coarc.com Healthcare occupations that could transition into Respiratory Therapy, with training: Lab Assistant/Phlebotomist, Health Unit Clerk, Service Workers (including housekeeping and food services), Nursing Assistant or Medical Assistant. Career Advancement Respiratory therapists advance in clinical practice by moving from care of general to critical patients who have significant problems in other organ systems, such as the heart or kidneys. Respiratory therapists, especially those with 4-year degrees, may also advance to supervisory or managerial positions in a respiratory therapy department. Respiratory therapists in home care and equipment rental firms may become branch managers. Some respiratory therapists advance by moving into teaching positions. 03/08/17 12

Healthcare/Patient care Verification Form Respiratory Therapy Program For additional points, please provide proof of patient-related volunteer or paid patient related healthcare experience. Please fill out this form and have your direct supervisor verify and sign. Points will be given based on overall hours. Please refer to page 4 for examples of accepted direct patient-related healthcare experience. Print Name: Signature: Hospital/Clinic/Facility: Number of Hours: Start Date: End Date: Please list specific type of healthcare/patient care experience. Supervisor: Print Name: Signature: Phone: *By signing above you verify that this applicant has had direct patient related healthcare experience. 03/08/17 13