Associate’s Degree Program in Respiratory Care

Students who have met/completed the Program Eligibility and Preparation may complete and submit a Respiratory Care Program Application to Allied Health within the application period from February 1 through February 28 annually.

Program Accreditation

The A.S. Degree Program in Respiratory Care 200360 at Modesto Junior College holds Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)

Visit CoARC’s main webpage at www.coarc.com

Visit CoARC’s outcomes webpage at https://coarc.com/students/programmatic-outcomes-data/

“CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilizes an ‘outcomes based’ process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the educational goals of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented.”

“Completion of Modesto Junior College’s CoARC-accredited Respiratory Care Undergraduate major meets educational requirements to apply for the NBRC Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) examination. Graduates who achieve the high-cut score are eligible to apply for the Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE) to qualify for the NBRC Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential."

Program Description

The MJC Associate’s Degree Program in Respiratory Care is a two-year program designed to prepare students for entrance into the practice of Respiratory Care. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the National Board of Respiratory Care Therapist Multiple Choice Examination and the Clinical Simulations Examination allowing them to practice respiratory care nationally. Graduates are also eligible to apply for licensure with the State of California through the Respiratory Care Board for California. The Respiratory Care Program of Modesto Junior College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care

Program expenses vary for each individual. The estimated cost of the Respiratory Care Program is approximately $2,500 per year, which includes enrollment and materials fees, health clearance, uniforms and books. Examination and Licensure fees at the end of the program run about $850. For a more detailed breakdown of expenses, click on Estimated Costs under Links to Additional Information on the Respiratory Care Program’s website. If you would like information on financial aid, call the Financial Aid office 575-7700.

The MJC Respiratory Care Program begins once a year in the fall semester. For additional program information, contact Allied Health, 575-6362. For academic advising, contact the MJC Counseling office at 575-6080.

Program Goal and Outcomes

The Respiratory Care educators at Modesto Junior College are dedicated to assisting students in their role transition from learner into entry-level professional. The program’s primary goal is:

“To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapist (RRTs).”

The following Program Learning Outcomes support the program goal listed above:

1. Proficiently perform patient assessment and render quality, safe, and effective respiratory care in an ethical manner for the welfare of both the patient and the Respiratory Care profession.
2. Competently perform all duties and functions that may be delegated to Registered Respiratory Care Practitioners.
3. Develop habits, interests, and attitudes favorable to lifelong learning.
4. Successfully pass the National Board for Respiratory Care examination for the Advanced Practitioner Exam.

Career Opportunities

There are many employment opportunities in the field of Respiratory Care in the ambulatory healthcare, home care, and nursing and residential care settings. Respiratory Therapists need to be able and willing to work weekends, holidays, nights and 8-12 hours shifts, be in good health, stand for long periods of time, exhibit manual dexterity, and tolerate exposure to blood, bodily fluids and unpleasant odors. Salaries for a Respiratory Therapist range between $29-32 per hour, plus benefits. The profession has grown quickly since its inception in the late 1940’s and demand for Respiratory Care practitioners continues.

Desired Abilities

Ability to: learn and understand procedures; analyze large quantities of data and make recommendations; work accurately with numbers and detail; work calmly and efficiently under stress; demonstrate flexibility, dedication, responsibility, honesty, compassion, and conscientiousness.

Excellent people skills: Able to put patients of all ages and backgrounds at ease, gain their confidence, provide clear instructions, and act assertively to manage emotionally charged situations.

Excellent communication and critical thinking skills: Able to observe subtle changes in the health and behavior of patients, communicate accurate clinical information and work with a multidisciplinary team.

Technical knowledge: Able to demonstrate a strong foundation in safety procedures, computer literacy, reading comprehension and knowledge of key science and mathematical concepts.

Accommodations and Support Center

Students with declared or suspected disabilities are urged to contact MJC’s Accommodations and Support Center prior to entering the Respiratory Care Program. For more information, please call (209) 575-6225 or visit the Student Services building, room 112 on the MJC East Campus. Accommodations and Support Center (ASC)

Program Eligibility and Preparation

Admission to Modesto Junior College

High school graduation is highly recommended, but not required.

High school classes recommended for students interested in a career in Respiratory Care include algebra, biology, chemistry, and English.

Transcripts on file in the MJC Enrollment Services

All college transcripts must be submitted with the program application to Allied Health, prior to the program application deadline, unless the transcripts are already on file in the MJC Enrollment Services, Student Services building 102, 209-575-6853. We will accept hand-carried transcripts that are in a sealed envelope with a school seal.

Required Math Competency for Acceptance into the Respiratory Care Program

- Eligibility for entrance into any 100-level MATH course through the MJC Assessment Process or
- Score of 3, 4, or 5 on AP Exam: Calculus AB or Calculus BC or Statistics or
- Score of 5 on IB Exam: Mathematics HL

Students who possess a bachelor’s degree or higher, completed at a regionally accredited college or university, will have satisfied general education and competency requirements including guidance and activities for the associate in arts or associate in science degree.

PREREQUISITES AND CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS

Program Prerequisites	Units
Anatomy 125: Human Anatomy	4.0
Physiology 101: Introductory Human Physiology	4.0
Microbiology 101: Microbiology	4.0
Psychology 101: General Psychology	3.0 or
Psychology 141: Human Lifespan Development	3.0
English 101: Composition and Reading	3.0 or
English 100: Intensive Reading, Writing and Reasoning	5.0
Total units in prerequisite courses	18-20

Required Courses (Respiratory Care)
Fall
RSCR 220 [1] Introduction to Respiratory Care Principles	5.0
RSCR 222 [1] Basic Cardiopulmonary Anatomy & Physiology	3.0
RSCR 230 [1] Clinical 1	1.0
Spring
RSCR 224 [2] Respiratory Care Theory	5.0
RSCR 240 [2] Advanced Cardiopulmonary Physiology	4.5
RSCR 232 [2] Clinical 2	3.5
Fall
RSCR 242 [3] Critical Care Procedures	4.5
RSCR 244 [3] Neonatal-Pediatric Respiratory Care	2.0
RSCR 250 [3] Clinical 3	3.5
RSCR 251 [3] Neonatal and Pediatric Clinical Practice	1.0
Spring
RSCR 246 [4] Current Issues in Respiratory Care	3.0
RSCR 252 [4] Physician Rounds for Respiratory Care	0.5
RSCR 255 [4] Clinical 4	4.5
RSCR 257 [4] Clinical Preceptorship	2.5
Total Units in Respiratory Care A.S. Major	43.5
Total Units with Prerequisite Coursework and Respiratory Care Major Coursework	61.5 - 63.5

Additional A.S. Degree Requirements

To earn an Associate in Science degree in Respiratory Care, the student must complete
the requirements detailed in the Career Technical Education Pathway or the University Preparation Pathway in addition to the Respiratory Care coursework. Consult with an
educational counselor for selection of the following MJC requirements.

*Activities	2.0
Guidance	0.5
Area C: Humanities	3.0
Area D2: Communication and Analytical Thinking	3.0
Additional A.S. Degree Units	8.5
Total Units for A.S. Degree in Respiratory Care	70 - 72

*    Veterans or reservists who submit proof of US military basic training will receive two (2)
     units of activities. File copy of DD 214 with the MJC Veterans Office.
** The Health Education requirement has been waived for all Allied Health certificates and degrees.
*** General education requirements for student planning to enroll in the Bachelor’s Degree Program
     in Respiratory Care should follow the CSU-GE or IGETC Transfer Pattern.

Program Application

Students who have met/completed the Program Eligibility and Preparation may complete and submit a Respiratory Care Program Application electronically to Allied Health within the application period from February 1 through February 28 annually.

Selection Process

In order to be fully qualified for admission, applicants must have completed the program prerequisites with a grade of C or better on transcript at the time of application. In the event that there are more qualified applicants than space available, a weighted lottery system will be employed. An applicant’s name will be entered an additional time for:

- Science GPA – A grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 or higher for anatomy, physiology and microbiology.
- Previously Qualified Applicant – If during the past three application periods you were a waitlisted applicant who was not selected for the Respiratory Care Program, your name will be entered an additional time for each application period.
- Veteran Status – Copy of Defense Department form DD214, Honorable discharge required.

Scholastic Requirements

Continuation in the Respiratory Care Program is dependent upon completion of all courses with a C grade or better. If a student receives less than a C in any required course, that course must be repeated with a C or better in order to qualify for an A.S. degree.

Educational Counseling

It is recommended that you receive educational counseling in order to prepare for the Respiratory Care Program. It would be most beneficial to you if you would complete the following steps prior to scheduling your advising appointment:

1. Submit an application to MJC
2. Verify with the Records Office that your transcripts are on file.

Additional Requirements for Accepted Applicants Only

Accepted applicants will receive a letter with information regarding the clinical clearance process that includes the following four steps:

Health Clearance

- A medical history and physical examination completed by a physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner within six months prior to program start date. The physical must state that the applicant does not have any health conditions that would create a hazard to self, employees, or patients.
- Documentation of required immunizations.
- A negative PPD skin test must be obtained. If a positive reaction is obtained, or has previously been obtained, a chest x-ray must be taken unless medically contraindicated.

Background Check
All students participating in clinical assignments are required by acute care hospitals to complete a background check and be cleared by the clinical facility in order to participate in the clinical experience. (See Policy for Imposing Penalties or Denial of Licensure.)

Drug Screen
All students participating in clinical assignments will be required to pass a drug screen.

BLS Certification
Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification must be from the American Heart Association; for the Healthcare Provider (infant, child and adult); eligible for recertification; and current throughout the program.

Policy for Imposing Penalties or Denial of Licensure

The law provides for denial of licensure for crimes or acts, which may in any way be related to patient care activities, i.e. sex crimes, drug crimes, alcohol or drug abuse, and crimes of violence. In such cases, it is the applicant’s responsibility to present sufficient evidence of rehabilitation to the Respiratory Care Board of California prior to taking the licensure examination. If the above violations are only misdemeanors, an in-house review and penalty determination may be performed and fines, warning letters, and/or probation may be issued without denial of a license. The Respiratory Care Board of California will screen applicants individually. Any student considering a career as a Respiratory Therapist who might be denied licensure is advised to consult the Disciplinary Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, 1399.374) published by the Respiratory Care Board of California before entering the program. This document is available on reserve in the MJC library. Further information on disciplinary guidelines may be obtained from:

Respiratory Care Board of California
3750 Rosin Court, Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95834
Phone: (916) 999-2190 or Toll Free: (866) 375-0386
Fax: (916) 263-7311
http://www.rcb.ca.gov/index.html

revised 12-12-18 BH-ml

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