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Program Chair: Greg Carter, M.Ed., RRT Clinical Education Director: Kellee Rickerl, B.A., RRT Program Support: Sean Vandommelen Phone: 253-566-5076 Email: RespiratoryCare@tacomacc.edu

The Respiratory Therapy program leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree. The program is full-time, sequential, consisting of seven (7) quarters of instruction offered during daytime hours. Students complete classroom and laboratory work on campus and gain clinical experience in affiliated clinical sites. Students acquire skills in reviewing and recording clinical patient data, performing respiratory therapeutic procedures, and providing for the comforts and needs of the patient during procedures. Respiratory therapists work under the direction of a physician to assist in diagnosis and treatment for patients with cardiopulmonary diseases and disorders. Positions are available in acute/critical care hospitals, extended care facilities, outpatient clinics, private physicians’ offices, home care companies, sleep studies, pulmonary function testing, and equipment sales. Thoroughness, accuracy, mechanical aptitude/ability to troubleshoot equipment, and empathy are traits needed by people interested in this program. Prospective respiratory therapists should also be versatile and able to follow precise and detailed directions.

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates are eligible to take the Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination (TMC) administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). The Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination is designed to objectively measure essential knowledge, skills, and abilities required of entry-level respiratory therapists. There are two established cut scores for the Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination. If a candidate achieves the lower cut score, they will earn the CRT credential. If a candidate achieves the higher cut score, they will earn the CRT credential AND become eligible for the Clinical Simulation Examination to earn their Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. The CRT and/or RRT credentials are used as the basis for the licensure in all 50 states that regulate the practice of respiratory care. Washington State Requirements for Licensure: Respiratory therapists must be licensed by the state as Respiratory Care Practitioners. Requirements include: completion of an approved training program; a background investigation; and passing the entry level certification examination given by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).

Tacoma Community College's Respiratory Therapy program (#200306) Associate of Applied Science degree is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care www.coarc.com.

Tacoma Community College's Respiratory program will prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by the registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).

Respiratory Therapy Program

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To be considered as a candidate for the program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Apply to Tacoma Community College (Building 7, Enrollment Services or http://www.tacomacc.edu/gettingstarted/theenrollment process/apply/ )

2. Accuplacer: Assessment (Reading, English, and Mathematics) at college level or eligibility to take English 101 is required. Below college level test scores will result in placement in remedial courses and will delay eligibility to apply.

3. Apply online to the Respiratory Therapy program by the application deadline of June 20th.

4. Provide documentation of completion of program prerequisites with a grade of “C”

(2.0) or better by the end of spring quarter, and an overall GPA of 2.5. Each prerequisite course must have been successfully passed within two attempts of taking the course. After five years, an unsuccessful course grade will be forgiven. Math and science courses must have been taken within the last ten years. Withdrawals (W) or (WI) do not count as an attempt. Unofficial transcripts (and spring quarter registration, if applicable) will be uploaded during online application. Official transcripts will need to be provided to Enrollment Services within two weeks of receiving contingent offer of acceptance.

5. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the beginning of the program in Fall quarter, be fluent in the English language, and possess the physical and emotional ability to complete the program as described in the technical standards (see pages 9 – 11).

Admission policies are subject to change. Applications will be accepted under the terms in place at the time an application is received. It is the responsibility of the applicant to keep up-to-date on any changes that may affect his/her qualifications for acceptance. Tacoma Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability.

1. Math 95 or higher – Intermediate Algebra or higher (5 credits)

2. BIOL& 241 and 242 – Anatomy and Physiology I and II (10 credits)

3. PSYC& 100 or 200 – General Psychology or Lifespan Psychology (5 credits)

Program Admission Requirements

Pre-requisites

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4. HIT 130 – Medical Terminology (3 credits) – or equivalent medical terminology course.

All of the above prerequisites courses must be completed with a grade “C” or better and within two attempts before application will be accepted. After five years, an unsuccessful course grade will be forgiven. There is a ten-year time limit for all math and science courses.

1. ENGL 101 – English Composition (5 credits)

2. Communications Studies – Choose one of the following: CMST& 101 – Introduction to Communication, CMST& 210 – Interpersonal Communication, CMST& 220 – Public Speaking, CMST& 110 – Multicultural Communication (5 credits)

3. Basic Computer Course- Choose one of the following: CU 102, 103, 104, or 105 –

Word I, Excel I, Power Point (IT 235 substitute is acceptable.)(1-5 credit requirement)

These courses are not required for admission into the program and may be taken while in the Respiratory Therapy program. These courses MUST be completed to receive your degree and become eligible to take national board examination. It is highly recommended that the additional co-requisite courses be taken prior to entry in the program.

Admission into the Respiratory program is a competitive process and acceptance into the program will be offered to the top scoring applicants. There are typically more applicants to the program than there are available positions. Therefore, if a student takes all of the pre-requisite classes and meets the other requirements for a completed application, it does not guarantee admission into the program. There is no waitlist system for this program.

Each applicant will receive a score based on:

Grades received in the five pre-requisite courses

Additional college level science (Biology 222 or 260, Chemistry 110, 121 or higher, Physics) and upper level math courses (Calculus or Statistics) passed with a B or better (2 pts. each)

Additional healthcare related experience

Points awarded for grades earned in the five prerequisite courses (using 4.0 scale)

Co-requisites

Application Factoring System

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A = 4.0 A- =3.7 B+ = 3.3 B = 3.0

B- = 2.7 C+ = 2.3 C = 2.0 < C = Not Accepted

Points awarded based on direct patient care experience (optional)

All applicants may attempt to earn additional points towards their overall application score by providing proof of patient related healthcare experience (paid or volunteer). If applicable, a completed form must be included with the application submission. A direct supervisor must verify and sign this form. All experience will be verified upon submission of the application. Falsification or inability to verify this form will result in disqualification of the application. Points are awarded based on the scale below.

100 – 199 hours 2 points

200 – 299 hours 4 points

300 – 399 hours 6 points

The following are examples of direct patient care related healthcare that are accepted and do not require prior approval. These include, but may not be limited to:

1. NAC experience (including clinical time from NAC courses) 2. EMT/Paramedic – (estimate of time spent working with patients) 3. Certified, Registered or licensed PN, RN, Radiology Technologist, Sonography

Technologist, Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant/Hygienist

For direct patient related experience obtained but not listed above, written approval is required from the Program Director or Director of Clinical Education PRIOR to application submission. Contact information is listed on the first page of this document.

Applicants will be notified of their admission into the Respiratory Therapy program via email and will be asked to confirm their acceptance of admission. In the event class openings occur, others will be considered for admission.

Respiratory Therapy Online Application Process

Beginning winter quarter the Respiratory Therapy application will be available online. Applications will be accepted until 5:00 pm June 20. Applications will only be accepted via the online submission process.

To apply to the Respiratory Therapy program, you will need to be an admitted or registered student at Tacoma Community College and have access to the student portal and a TCC e-mail account. If you have not attended TCC in the past 12 months, please fill out the admission application link on the main TCC web page, or you can type in the following link: http://www.tacomacc.edu/gettingstarted/theenrollmentprocess/

It may take 24-48 hours for your account to be activated and for you to be granted TCC student portal and email access. There is no fee to apply to the Respiratory Therapy program. Here is how to access the online application.

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1. Sign into the TCC portal (requires you to have an active TCC student account) 2. Go to your Quick links area and expand the All Reports and Applications

3. Select the Academics tab and click on make button for the Allied Health/Nursing

link

4. You should now see a button called Allied Health/Nursing on your Quick Links list.

5. This will allow you to access the online application. The application process involves selecting the program you are applying for (e.g. Respiratory Therapy), the quarter (e.g. Fall 2019) and uploading the required documentation, i.e. unofficial transcripts, spring quarter registration (or blank page if not applicable), Virtual Information Session completion, and Healthcare/Patient care Verification Form (or blank page if not applicable).

6. When you have completed the application, the system will send a confirmation e-

mail to your TCC e-mail address. This is the only e-mail that Tacoma Community College/Allied Health Division will use to communicate with students regarding their Respiratory Therapy application.

Tuition (Resident) as of Fall 2019

1st Quarter – 17 Credits $1,484.66

2nd Quarter – 14 Credits $1,320.92

3rd Quarter – 15 Credits $1,375.50

4th Quarter – 16 Credits $1,430.08

5th Quarter – 11 Credits $1,157.18

6th Quarter – 11-15 Credits $1,157.18-$1,375.50

7th Quarter – 16 Credits $1,430.08

Estimated Program Costs

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Approximate TOTAL $9,355.60- $9,573.92

Additional fees per quarter include (based on full-time credit load): Facility Fee - $7.50 Technology Fee - $17.50 Heath & Wellness Center Fee - $30.00 Early Ed. Childcare Building Fee - $12.50 Safety Fee - $15.00 Student Center Building Fee - $15.00 eLearning Fee (for web enhanced, hybrid, and online courses) - $6/credit Course Fees – as displayed in class schedule for individual classes

Approximate Miscellaneous Costs:

Course, Lab and Clinical Fees $650

Books $1,500

Uniform (Scrubs) per set $50

Shoes $100

Name Tag $6

Stethoscope $60

Watch with Second Hand or Digital Variable

Conference fees (Vary by Location) $250

Trajecsys Clinical Report system $150

Verified Credentials $82.50

CPNW (Clinical Placements Northwest) $75/year

Washington State Patrol Background Check $12/year

Graduation and National Board Examination Fees:

Therapist Multiple Choice Exam $190.00

Clinical Simulation Exam $200.00

State License fee $140.00

Graduation Regalia (optional) $25.00

Please note: Due to variations in books, disposables, and other associated costs, prices are subject to change.

Tuition and fee rates are established by the Washington State Legislature and are based on WA resident rates (2019-20 academic year).

Mandatory fees are added at the time of registration. Tuition and fees are due at the time of registration and payment must be completed

within 2 business days of registration. Continuing students and new students who register early may defer fee payment until the published deferment date (see Quarterly Class Schedule calendar).

U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have not yet established Washington residency may now attend TCC at state resident rates. This optional waiver has been approved by the TCC Board of Trustees, but may not be available at all state colleges. A student who plans to transfer to a college that does not participate in this waiver is advised to establish Washington residency before transfer. Residency information is available at the Admissions office.

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Pre-requisites BIOL& 241 & 242 Anatomy and Physiology I and II .......................................... .............10 MATH 95 Intermediate Algebra (or higher)……………………………………………………5 ENGL& 101 English Composition………………………………………………………………5 PSYC& 100 or 200 General Psychology or Lifespan Psychology ................................... 5 HIT 130 Medical Terminology…………………………………………………………………...3 ___________________TOTAL CREDITS (Pre-requisites)______________________28 Co-requisites ENGL& 101 English Composition…………………………………………………………….....5 Communication Studies (e.g. CMST& 101, 110, 210, or 220)……………………………….5 Computer Course (CU 101, 102, 103, 104, or 105) ………………………………………….1-5 ___________________TOTAL CREDITS (Co-requisites)_______________________11-15 First Quarter – Fall Credits RC 1751 Respiratory Care Orientation .................................................................... 2 RC 150 Fundamentals of Respiratory Care I ......................................................... 4 RC 160 Cardiopulmonary A & P and Pathophysiology .......................................... 4 RC 263 Pulmonary Functions ................................................................................ 3 RC 180 Respiratory Therapy Clinical I .................................................................. 3 RC 193 Respiratory Pharmacology I ..................................................................... 1

Total Credits ........................................................................................... 17 Second Quarter – Winter Credits RC 151 Fundamentals of Respiratory Care II ........................................................ 4 RC 161 Arterial Blood Gases ................................................................................ 3 RC 171 Respiratory Therapy Equipment II ............................................................ 3 RC 181 Respiratory Therapy Clinical II ................................................................. 3 RC 194 Respiratory Pharmacology II ................................................................... 1

Total Credits ........................................................................................... 14 Third Quarter – Spring Credits RC 152 Mechanical Ventilation ............................................................................. 4 RC 162 Advanced Pathophysiology ..................................................................... 3 RC 172 Respiratory Therapy Equipment III ........................................................... 4 RC 182 Respiratory Therapy Clinical III ................................................................ 3 RC 195 Respiratory Pharmacology III ................................................................... 1

Total Credits ........................................................................................... 15 Fourth Quarter – Summer Credits CMST 101 Introduction to Communication ................................................................. 5 RC 153 Alternative Procedures in Respiratory Therapy ........................................ 3 RC 165 Evolving Roles in Respiratory Therapy ..................................................... 2 RC 183 Respiratory Therapy Clinical IV ................................................................ 4 RC 290 Ethics & Professionalism in Respiratory Care........................................... 2

Total Credits ............................................................................................ 16

1 The orientation is a week-long class. The class is completed between Summer and Fall Quarters.

Respiratory Therapy Program Curriculum Associate of Applied Sciences Degree

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Fifth Quarter – Second Fall Credits RC 192 Advanced Mechanical Ventilation ............................................................. 4 RC 240 Advanced Assessment & Diagnosis ......................................................... 3 RC 280 Specialty Clinical Rotation ........................................................................ 4 Total Credits ........................................................................................... 11 Sixth Quarter – Second Winter Credits Computers Word I, Excel I, and/or Power Point ......................................... 1-5 variable RC 251 Respiratory Pathophysiology Cases ......................................................... 2 RC 261 Pediatric and Neonatal Respiratory Care ................................................. 4 RC 281 Advance Critical Care Clinical Rotation .................................................... 4 Total Credits ........................................................................................... 15 Seventh Quarter – Second Spring Credits ENGL 101 English Composition................................................................................. 5 RC 262 Review of Application of Respiratory Care (hybrid) .................................. 4 RC 272 Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Home Care & Assistance in Specialty Procedures ...................................................... 3 RC 282 Neonatal Clinical Rotation ....................................................................... 2 RC 283 Specialty Clinical Rotation II ..................................................................... 2 Total Credits ........................................................................................... 16 Additional Optional Program Course Individual Study (RC 299) ............................................................................... 1-5 variable Total Program Credits ........................................................................................ 128-132

Please note - It is the student’s responsibility to arrange for dependable transportation to and from the clinical site. Some clinical rotations begin as early as 5:30 am, some may be evening or night shift, and may be 6, 8, or 12 hour shifts. Dependable child/dependent care is necessary.

The Associate in Applied Sciences degree is not typically a transferable degree to a four-year institution, although some courses within the degree may be accepted for transfer. Students wishing to transfer to a 4-year institution after graduation from the respiratory program are encouraged to take support courses for the general Associate of Arts and Sciences. They are also encouraged to apply for TCC’s Baccalaureate of Applied Science in Community Health with the Specialization in Advanced Respiratory Care. For more information on this degree pathway, please email bachelordegrees@tacomacc.edu. Please refer to the college catalog of the school you wish to transfer to for complete degree requirements. TCC’s advising office is available to assist with educational planning for transfer students.

Transfer Information

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The profession of respiratory therapy is a highly respected one. The reasons for this are many, but a great deal of it has to do with the fact that patients put their lives in our hands. Patients place their trust in healthcare providers and we, in turn, must be worthy of that trust.

In order to become a member of a trustworthy allied health profession, there are several requirements that are essential. These have to do with responsibility, accountability, knowledge, skill and safety. The Respiratory Program has the responsibility to the public to assure that its students and graduates are competent in all of these areas and at the appropriate level. The program adheres to the definition, requirements, and procedures for licensing as defined in the state statutes (WAC 246-928-410 and WAC 246-928-510). The faculty models professionalism and requires that students be accountable and assumes a measure of responsibility to adhere to the standards of practice. The profession of respiratory therapy requires the acquisition of respiratory science knowledge and technical skills. Respiratory faculty, students, as well as graduates are held to these laws. The educational process to achieve the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Respiratory Therapy requires assimilation of this knowledge, as well as the development of critical thinking, judgment and appropriate decision-making. State licensure requires for reporting of unprofessional conduct (WAC 246-928-710).

With the acquisition of this knowledge, students and graduates must be able to function as safe practitioners. Patient safety is a major concern for establishing requirements for capabilities of students. In order to safely function in the roll of a student and/or respiratory therapist, one must exhibit physical, cognitive and behavioral abilities that are required for satisfactory completion of all aspects of the respiratory therapy program. Collection, evaluation and synthesis of data are vital to this discipline. In addition, there are professional attributes that are required by the profession. All of these are every bit as important as the knowledge and skill

The therapeutic modalities provided by respiratory care practitioners require technical skills involving manual dexterity and a mechanical aptitude to perform in a safe and acceptable manner. Respiratory Therapists must be mobile and have the ability to operate in relatively small spaces. These requirements are necessary because of the critical and accurate care that is often provided in crisis situations. To make sure these requirements can be met. The Respiratory Care program at Tacoma Community College has come up with the following technical standards.

Physical Demands: Respiratory therapy students must be able to display the medium strength rating, as described by the Dictionary for Occupational Titles, which reflects the ability to exert 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally (occasionally: activity of condition exists up to 1/3 of the time), and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently (frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time), and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly (constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects.

Technical Standards for Respiratory Therapy Students

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Motor Skills: Respiratory therapy students must be able to execute motor movements including the physical/dexterity strength to stand and ambulate and possess the physical/dexterity strength to lift and transfer patients. Candidates/current respiratory therapy students must also have the physical strength to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Respiratory therapy procedures require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and functional use of the senses of touch and vision. For this reason, candidates for admission to the Program of Respiratory Therapy must have manual dexterity and the ability to engage in procedures involving grasping, pushing, pulling, holding, manipulating, extending and rotating. Examples of such procedures would include, but not limited to:

Draw venous and arterial blood Perform endotracheal suctioning Provide percussion and postural drainage for bronchial hygiene Perform manual resuscitation (CPR) in the event of a cardiac emergency Maintain and modify equipment in routine emergency situations Be able to move life support equipment in a rapid manner during a crisis situation Be sensitive to changes in pressure when performing emergency breathing with a

manual resuscitator in the newborn and small infant as compared to the adult victim Tactile sensitivity required to perform arterial puncture on the newborn and small

infant.

Sensory/Observational Skills: Respiratory therapy students must be able to observe demonstrations and participate in laboratory experiments as required in the curriculum. Respiratory therapy students must be able to observe patients and be able to obtain an appropriate medical history directly from the patient or guardian. Such observation requires the functional use of vision, hearing, and other sensory modalities. Respiratory therapy students must have visual perception which includes depth and acuity.

Communication Skills: Respiratory therapy students must be able to communicate in English effectively and sensitively with patients. In addition, candidates/current respiratory therapy students must be able to communicate in English in oral and handwritten form with faculty, allied personnel, and peers in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings. Respiratory therapy students must also be sensitive to multicultural and multilingual needs. Such communication skills include not only speech, but reading and writing in English. Respiratory therapy students must have the ability to complete written assignments and search and evaluate the literature. Respiratory therapy students must have the ability to complete written assignments and maintain written records. Respiratory therapy students must have the ability to complete assessment exercises. Respiratory therapy students must also have the ability to use therapeutic communication, such as attending, clarifying, coaching, facilitating, and touching. These skills must be performed in clinical settings, as well as the didactic and laboratory environments. Intellectual/Conceptual, Integrative, and Qualitative Skills: Respiratory therapy students must have the ability to measure, calculate reason, analyze, and synthesize data. Problem solving and diagnosis, including obtaining, interpreting, and documenting data, are critical skills demanded of respiratory therapists which require all of these intellectual abilities. These skills allow students to make proper assessments, sound

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judgments, appropriately prioritize therapeutic interventions, and measure and record patient care outcomes. Respiratory therapy students must have the ability to learn to use computers for searching, recording, storing, and retrieving information. Behavioral/Social Skills and Professionalism: Respiratory therapy students must demonstrate attributes of empathy, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest and motivation. Respiratory therapy students must possess the emotional well-being required for use of their intellectual abilities, the exercise of sound judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the evaluation and care of patients, and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients. Respiratory therapy students must be able to adapt to ever-changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in the face of uncertainties and stresses which are inherent in the educational process, as well as the clinical problems of many patients. Respiratory therapy students must be able to maintain professional conduct and appearance, maintain client confidentiality and operate within the scope of practice. Candidates/current respiratory therapy students must also have the ability to be assertive, delegate responsibilities appropriately, and function as a part of a medical team. Such abilities require organizational skills necessary to meet deadlines and manage time. The Respiratory Care program at Tacoma Community College will makes every effort to provide the physically compromised student the opportunities to learn and develop into a safe, rational respiratory care practitioner. It is incumbent upon the student to realize that certain manual, technical, and professional tasks must be mastered in order to achieve passing grades and to successfully complete the respiratory therapy curriculum.

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Job Description

Treat people who have difficulty breathing due to heart or lung problems.

Determine most suitable method of administering inhalants, precautions to be observed, and potential modifications needed, compatible with physicians’ orders.

Perform the tests that aid in the diagnosis and evaluation of respiratory problems using special apparatus and administering therapies.

Determine requirements for treatment, such as type and duration of therapy, and medication and dosages.

Monitor patient progress.

Teach patients how to use prescribed respiratory treatment methods and equipment.

Provide emergency respiratory care.

Healthcare occupations that could transition into Respiratory Therapy, with training: Lab Assistant/Phlebotomist, Health Unit Clerk, Service Workers (including housekeeping and food services), Nursing Assistant or Medical Assistant.

Career Advancement

Respiratory therapists advance in clinical practice by moving from care of general to critical patients who have significant problems in other organ systems, such as the heart or kidneys. Respiratory therapists, especially those with 4-year degrees, may also advance to supervisory or managerial positions in a respiratory therapy department. Respiratory therapists in home care and equipment rental firms may become branch managers. Some respiratory therapists advance by moving into teaching positions.

RESPIRATORY THERAPIST (Pierce County Employment & Training Consortium- Information Sheet)

Employment Outlook • Faster-than-average employment

growth is projected for respiratory therapists.

• Employment of respiratory therapists is expected to grow 15.1 percent over the next 10 years.

• Job opportunities will be best for therapists with cardiopulmonary skills or experience working with newborns and infants.

Average Annual Earnings in Pierce County* Entry Level: $54,905 Median: $71,297 Experienced: $95,355 *Based on WOIS Career Information System

On-line Sources for Additional Information

The National Board of Respiratory Care, Inc. (NBRC): www.nbrc.org

American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC): www.aarc.org

Respiratory Care Society of Washington (RCSW): www.rcsw.org

Commission for Accreditation of Respiratory Care (CoARC): www.coarc.com

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Healthcare/Patient care Verification Form Respiratory Therapy Program

For additional points, please provide proof of patient-related volunteer or paid patient related healthcare experience. Please fill out this form and have your direct supervisor verify and sign. Points will be given based on overall hours. Please refer to page 4 for examples of accepted direct patient-related healthcare experience. Print Name: _____________________________________________________________ Signature: ______________________________________________________________ Hospital/Clinic/Facility: _____________________________________________________ Number of Hours: ____________________ Start Date: _____________________ End Date: _____________________ Please list specific type of healthcare/patient care experience. Supervisor:

Print Name: ____________________________________ Signature: _____________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________ *By signing above you verify that this applicant has had direct patient related healthcare experience.