Campus Location: Peosta
Program Entry: Enrollment may occur during any term. Fall term is the start of the program course sequence.
Award: Associate of Applied Science degree
Description: Respiratory care practitioners are allied health specialists who play a crucial role within the healthcare team. Working closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals, they care for patients with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Under the supervision of a physician, they are involved with the assessment, treatment, diagnostic testing, rehabilitation and prevention of conditions that affect the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Employment opportunities are found in hospitals, clinics, home healthcare agencies, product support and sales, education, rehabilitation and continuing care and health/disease prevention programs.
After earning an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, students are eligible to take the credentialing exams offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), www.coarc.com.
Program Learning Outcomes:
- Students will be able to apply knowledge of the bio psychosocial science and applied mathematics.
- Students will be able to assess clinical data and make recommendations.
- Students will be able to demonstrate the proper use of respiratory equipment.
- Students will be able to distinguish between obstructive and restrictive pulmonary diseases.
- Students will be able to determine methods to ensure patient safety to prevent the spread of diseases to patients, their families, other healthcare members and self.
- Students will be able to perform respiratory procedures according to AARC guidelines.
- Students will be able to demonstrate effective communication skills with a diverse population.
- Students will be able to demonstrate proficiency in the administration of inhaled respiratory medications.
- Students will be able to demonstrate professionalism.
Program Admission: In addition to the College enrollment process , applicants must achieve a minimum ACCUPLACER CLASSIC® reading score of 70 or ACCUPLACER NEXT GENERATION® reading score of 250 (ACT® SAT® scores are also acceptable) and a minimum ALEKS® score of 14.
BIO 168 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Academic Requirements: Students enrolled in health occupations programs must complete all required coursework with a “C-” grade or above and earn a minimum 2.0 grade point average to graduate from the program.
Program Requirements: Health Program Requirements The College has contracted the services of CastleBranch to review and monitor background checks, health records, training requirements and drug testing. Students submit requirements to the website prior to the designated deadline date.
In addition to meeting program requirements upon admission, students must maintain these requirements throughout the program. Failure to remain in compliance will result in denial for clinical participation. Clinical participation is required for program completion.
You need to be aware of the following physical demands during your clinical education courses. Daily activities require bending, stooping, squatting, reaching, pushing and pulling in all directions. You will be asked to lift and carry objects weighing up to a minimum of 35 pounds and also shared weight. Clinical tasks require use of hands for repetitive action, such as simple and firm grasping and fine manipulation and walking, including stair stepping. You may also be in contact with communicable diseases and chemical/biohazardous materials and odors.
Class Hours: Classes are scheduled at the Peosta Campus. Clinical experiences are scheduled at the affiliate hospitals and home care providers located within a 110-mile radius of the campus. The clinical experience greatly enhances your education. You may work day or evening shifts and you must provide your own transportation and lodging when necessary. Car pools are considered when making assignments to the clinical areas.
Minimum Credits: 81.5 including admission requirements
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