Academic Programs and Services

Respiratory Care Technology

This curriculum prepares students as beginning practitioners in respiratory care technology. Students learn diagnostic and therapeutic procedures applicable to pulmonary care.ÊTherapeutic procedures include use and administration of oxygen and other medical gases, aerosolization of drugs for inhalation, set up and maintenance of mechanical ventilators (to assist or control ventilation), performance of chest physical therapy maneuvers and certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Respiratory care personnel perform diagnostic procedures such as pulmonary function studies and arterial blood gas analysis, and are involved in rehabilitation of the patient with cardiopulmonary abnormalities. The Respiratory Care Technology program is a 22-consecutive-month, associate degree program that is fully accredited by the Committee for Accreditation of Respiratory Care.ÊThe programÕs graduates are eligible to sit for all credentialing examinations administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care, including the entry-level examination, the written registry and clinical simulation examinations and specialty exams in pulmonary function technology and neonatal/pediatric respiratory care. In addition, graduates are eligible for Pennsylvania state certification, a requirement for practicing in the state.

In addition to classroom and laboratory program components, clinical experience at selected area hospitals and health care facilities is required.ÊThe clinical phase requires the student to be in the hospital approximately eight hours per day, up to five days per week, starting as early as 7:00 a.m.ÊAs a prerequisite to the clinical phase of the program, students must provide evidence of personal medical insurance, certification in all CPR techniques and the results of complete physical and dental examinations.ÊLaboratory test results will include a complete blood count, serology and urinalysis. A tuberculosis skin test is also required and, if indicated, a chest X-ray may be necessary. In addition, recent immunization documentation must be provided for measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, polio and Hepatitis B. A second complete physical exam is required prior to beginning the second year of the program.ÊHealth problems that might interfere with the ability to meet stated program objectives will be considered on an individual basis.

Program Entry Requirements:

Applicants for the program must have successfully completed, with a C or better, high school biology (or a four credit college biology course) and high school algebra (or MATH 118 or place-ment into a higher level math course).ÊIt is recommended that applicants have high school chemistry (or CHEM 110 or equivalent) and high school physics (or PHYS 105).ÊThese requirements must have been met within the past 10 years.ÊFor applicants holding a high school diploma, the 10-year requirement is calculated from the date of graduation.

Students petitioning for admission must have a minimum of a 2.5 grade point average and must meet other department admission requirements, and will be admitted only upon favorable recommendation of the entire faculty.

All applicants may be required to participate in the pre-entrance standardized testing program.ÊAll new applicants will be interviewed by the program director, department head and/or member(s) of the departmentÕs admissions committee. Students petitioning for a second admission to the program must have a 2.5 grade point average and will be readmitted only upon favorable recommendation of the entire faculty.

To remain in the respiratory care program students must maintain a grade of C or better in all Respiratory Care and required pre- and corequisite courses. During all clinical laboratory experiences, the student must maintain client safety and receive a passing grade for any clinical component of a course. Failure to do so will result in either a failure in the course or administrative or student-initiated withdrawal.

Clinical experience in the Program includes contact with children. Acceptance to the Program is conditional pending receipt and evaluation of a Criminal Background check and Child Abuse Clearance check. Completed checks must be recieved by the program director by August 15, prior to the Fall semester of the first year of the program

The following guidelines are used in making decisions about an applicantÕs criminal and child abuse background.

Child Abuse Clearance

- Any record results in denial of admission into the Respiratory Care Program.

Criminal Background Check

- Any felony conviction within the past ten years results in denial of admission to the Respiratory Care Program.
- Any felony conviction more than ten years old will be evaluated based on the nature of the offense, length of time since the offense and any explanatory letters/materials submitted by the applicant or student.
- Any misdemeanor will be evaluated based on the nature of the offense, length of time since the offense, and explanatory letter/materials submitted by the applicant or students. (Any punishment over one year indicates a felony according to federal sentencing guidelines.)

Reconsideration

An applicant who believes that an error of fact has been made in terms of the information provided to the decision making committee can request reconsideration by the committee. This request must be made in writing within ten days from the date of the letter notifying the applicant of the decision. The reconsideration should address what the applicant considers to be errors of fact.

Following reconsideration by the decision making committee, the applicant can appeal the committeeÕs decision to the Vice President for Academic Affairs whose decision is final.

Students whose attitudes and behaviors appear inconsistent with professional standards may not be admitted or may be dropped from the program at any time, pending the results of a departmental hearing.

Program of Study and Graduation Requirements:

To qualify for the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree as a respiratory care practioner, a student must complete 69 credit hours as prescribed and attain a grade point average of 2.0 (C average).

For Reference:

The Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine reserves the right to deny certification to any candidate who has been convicted of a felonious act. Conviction includes a judgment, an admission of guilt or a plea of nolo contendere, probation without verdict, or incomplete ARD. Further, the board shall not issue a license to any applicant who has been:

1. convicted of a felonious act prohibited by the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L. 233, No. 64) known as The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, or
2. convicted of a felony relating to a controlled substance in a court of law of the United States or any other state, territory or country unless:

a. at least 10 years have elapsed from the date of the conviction;
b. the applicant satisfactorily demonstrates to the board significant progress in personal rehabilitation since the conviction such that licensure should not create a substantial risk of further violations; and
c. the applicant otherwise satisfies the qualifications contained in this act.

Involvement in any incident which resulted in disciplinary action against a student at Community College of Philadelphia or any post-secondary institution is considered in the admissions process.

The Respiratory Care Technology program reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant who has a documented history of violating College rules and regulations or who has been previously suspended or expelled from the College or any other post-secondary educational institution.

Download a printable degree description (PDF File) that includes a recommended course sequence grid.