Program Director: Christy Goodwin, BHS, LRT, RRT, RRT-ACCS christy.goodwin@calhoun.edu 256-306-2852
Additional information available on the health sciences website: https://calhoun.edu/health-sciences/
CAREER
A respiratory therapist is an educated, skilled, and licensed healthcare professional who, under the direction of physicians, assess, diagnose, and treat individuals who have breathing difficulties. RTs work with people of all ages, from infants to the elderly. A day in the life of a respiratory therapist may involve meeting and assessing new clients, performing diagnostic tests, administering pulmonary treatments, and educating patients about their disease and treatment plan to optimize their quality of life. RTs work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, critical care units, neonatal intensive care units, ERs, and in patients’ homes. RTs must be detail-oriented, compassionate, and possess excellent interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients with cardio-pulmonary disorders.
ACCREDITATION
Calhoun Community College is currently in the process of seeking CoARC (the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care) accreditation for a respiratory care program. However, CCC can provide no assurance that accreditation will be granted by the CoARC.
Students will be enrolled in the RT program once the status of provisional accreditation is attained from CoARC in order that graduates are eligible to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care professional credentialing exam. Updates regarding program accreditation and enrollment will be available on the health sciences website.
LICENSURE
Graduates will be qualified to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care TMC exam which is needed for licensure as a RT in 49 states. The Alabama State Board of Respiratory Therapy may deny or revoke licensure to individuals convicted of crime if the offense has a direct bearing on whether the person should be entrusted to serve the public in the capacity of a respiratory therapist, and for being found guilty of unprofessional conduct as defined by the Board or violating the code of ethics adopted and published by the American Association for Respiratory Care.
The respiratory therapy program is designed to be completed in 5 terms. The coursework is progressive, requiring a grade of 75% or higher in each RPT course to progress to the next semester, and a “C” or higher in general education courses. Graduates are awarded an Associate in Applied Science degree.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Once the program is initiated, a new class of RT students will be enrolled once a year. Applicants must minimally:
- Meet all admission requirements of CCC
- Have on file with Admissions and Records a CCC transcript documenting all previously completed applicable coursework taken at Calhoun or accepted in transfer
- Have on file either an ACT test taken in the past 3 years demonstrating a reading score of 18 or > or a Next-Generation ACCUPLACER Reading Placement test, taken in the past 3 years, with a score of 250 or higher.
- Have completed, prior to RT program enrollment, with a grade of C or > the following 4 courses:
- BIO 201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
- BIO 202 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
- MTH 100 Intermediate College Algebra (or higher MTH)
- ENG 101 English Composition I
- Complete the online respiratory therapy application by the published deadline.
Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Class size is limited and there is a selective application process. More information about applying to the program can be found on the Health Sciences website.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Students enrolled in the respiratory therapy program are required to successfully complete both academic and clinical requirements. The purpose of the RT Eligibility Criteria, found on the RT webpage, is to delineate the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective skills deemed minimally necessary for admission, progression, graduation, and for the provision of safe and effective patient care. Safety is paramount in all health programs. The College endorses the Americans with Disabilities Act. If a student cannot meet the Eligibility Criteria it is their responsibility to request appropriate reasonable accommodations through the Student Disability Service Office.
HEALTH SCIENCES STUDENTS REQUIREMENTS
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- Retain reliable transportation to and from the campus and assigned clinical education facilities.
- Comply with a dress code that includes an assigned uniform
- Undergo a health examination, TB screening, and validate immunity to specified infectious diseases
- Submit proof of current certification in basic life support at the healthcare provider level
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- Purchase low-cost malpractice insurance through the CCC health sciences division
- Submit to a background check by a designated vendor
- Undergo drug and alcohol testing by a designated vendor
In the interest of the patients they will serve, every health science student is obligated to complete the above requirements. Policies for the background check and drug testing are provided upon enrollment. Results may prohibit a student from participating in clinical education and necessitate withdrawal or course failure.
COST
In addition to tuition, health students will have expenses related to the listed requirements, books, and associated supplies. Approximated costs are discussed in information sessions and program orientation.
POLICIES
Additional RT program information including policies on application, readmission, and transfer students are available on the RT webpage or by contacting the program director. The curriculum plan and policies of the RT program are subject to change. Written notice will be given to students enrolled in the program prior to implementation.