Respiratory Care Program: Associate Degree

Respiratory Care is an allied health specialty engaged in the treatment, management, control, diagnostic evaluation and care of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary systems (heart and lungs). Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCPs) work in a variety of settings including: adult, pediatric and newborn medical units, emergency rooms, outpatient departments, intensive care units, rehabilitation and home care. Students are introduced to advanced technology in respiratory care throughout the program. The Respiratory Care Program prepares students to function as competent registered respiratory therapists.

Program Objectives:

• Incorporates principles of social, behavioral, biological sciences and humanities to the role of Respiratory Therapist.
• Practices Respiratory Care in a safe and effective manner in a variety of settings.
• Demonstrates technical proficiency in all skills necessary to fulfill the role of respiratory therapist.
• Analyzes patient information to assist patients affected by cardiopulmonary disorders.
• Assists physicians in diagnosis, management and treatment of patients affected by cardiopulmonary disorders.
• Exhibits professional behaviors consistent with legal and ethical standards of the profession of respiratory therapy.
• Demonstrates proficiency as a respiratory therapist, as described by the National Board for Respiratory Care and the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.

Graduates of the program receive an Associate in Science degree and are eligible to take the national credentialing examinations for Respiratory Care Practitioners to achieve the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential.

Mission Statement

'The Respiratory Care Career Program is a partnership between Norwalk Community College and Norwalk Hospital that was designed to prepare students as competent Registered Respiratory Therapists. This program meets a community need for healthcare professionals. This affordable and accessible program offers an innovative program of study for the community's diverse population. The faculty believes that a nurturing educational environment will produce lifelong learners who are active and responsible leaders in their careers.”'

Accreditation

The Respiratory Care Program is accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), located at 35 East Wacker Drive, Suite 1970, Chicago, IL 60606, as recommended by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. Information about this program can be obtained by calling the CoARC @817-283-2835 or on-line @ www.coarc.com.

Employment and Career Opportunities

Career opportunities locally and nationally are excellent. As in any other medical profession, RCPs can choose to specialize in an area of technical expertise such as critical care, pediatrics, diagnostic studies, rehabilitation, education, management or home care.

Salaries generally vary with geographic location of the nation. In Connecticut, graduates can expect to earn approximately $50,000 – $55,000 per year, with successive salary increases after advanced credentialing.

Respiratory Care Admission Requirements

Spaces are limited in the Respiratory Care Program. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission into the Program.

Requirements for Admission

Applicants seeking admission into the Norwalk Community College Respiratory Care Program must file a Respiratory Care Application through the Admissions Office by the March 1st deadline date.

Submit the following by the March 1st deadline:

• College application (separate from the Respiratory Care program application) with application fee of $20.00 for first-time applicant to any of the twelve Connecticut Community Colleges.
• Norwalk Community College--Respiratory Care Program application.
• Official High School transcripts indicating graduation or GED.
• Official College/university transcripts, if applicable.
• Proof of Measles and Rubella immunization.

Complete the required Accuplacer computerized placement test. The placement test maybe waived for applicants who have prior college English and/or mathematics credits.

Admission Requirements for fall of 2010:

• HS graduate or equivalent
• One year of HS Chemistry with a lab; or College Chemistry: CHE 111 or equivalent. Students must have a grade of C or higher and have completed the course within 7 years of the application deadline.
• Accuplacer score above MAT 136; or completion of MAT 136 or higher, with a grade of C or higher completed prior to application deadline.
• GPA 2.5 – Based on all college credits taken within the past five years; and any college courses taken prior to five years that are transferred in to meet the Respiratory Care curriculum requirements.
• ATI-TEAS test score. Applicants must achieve a composite score of 50% or higher. TEAS must have been completed within the last three years.
• Completion of English Composition, or equivalent, by the application deadline. Must receive a grade of C or higher.

Program Expenses

This educational program is very affordable. Additional costs such as lab coats, stethoscopes, and other supplies are required and are the responsibility of the student. Financial Aid is available through the NCC Financial Aid Office.

The following scholarships are available for Respiratory Care students:

• Norwalk Hospital Woman’s Board Scholarship for Respiratory Care
• Eileen Heckart Memorial Scholarship for Respiratory Care
• Connecticut Society for Respiratory Care Scholarship

Applications are made available upon acceptance into the Respiratory Care Program.

Respiratory Care Courses

A minimum grade of C is required for all respiratory and non – respiratory courses in the respiratory care plan of study. Respiratory Care co-requisite courses must be satisfactorily completed before or during the semester in which they are scheduled in the curriculum.