Respiratory Care, AS (RESP-AS-MA and RESP-AS-NN)

This 2024-25 Curriculum Guide is intended as a reference for Fall 2024 registration. The complete 2024-25 Academic Catalog will be finalized on July 1, 2024.

The Respiratory Care Program prepares students to enter a dynamic and progressive health care profession. Respiratory Therapists work with advanced technology making it possible to help patients with respiratory and cardiac disorders. The associate degree program in Respiratory Care provides hands-on education in diverse settings including human patient simulation, adult and neonatal/pediatric critical care, emergency care, long-term care, pulmonary rehabilitation, and diagnostic services. Respiratory Therapists are vital members of the health care team who work closely with physicians providing education and support to patients with acute and chronic lung conditions.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate will:

• Assist physicians/licensed independent practitioners in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of patients affected by cardiopulmonary disorders.
• Collect and evaluate clinical information relevant to their role as a respiratory therapist.
• Participate in the inter-disciplinary plan of care.
• Provide patient education concerning health management and prevention of respiratory disease.
• Demonstrate proficiency in all skills and competencies required of a respiratory therapist described by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).
• Promote evidence-based practice by using established clinical practice guidelines and evaluating published research for its relevance to patient care.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with patients, their families, and members of the health care team to enhance patient care.
• Adhere to American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) statement of ethics and professional conduct.
• Apply principles and practices of patient safety and process improvement in all aspects of respiratory care.
• Incorporate principles of social, behavioral, biological sciences and humanities to the role of Respiratory Therapist.

Admission Process:

Respiratory Care is a selective admissions program. All students must first apply to Connecticut State Community College. There is also a Respiratory Care Application that must be submitted prior to the application deadline date. Detailed information regarding selective admisson events and deadlines is available on the CT State Selective Admissions Webpage.

Unless waived, all applicants must take placement tests in reading, English and mathematics. Students must meet the following admission requirements:

• Attend a mandatory Respiratory Care Program information session.
• Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and complete the following courses prior to the application deadline.
• ENG 1010  Composition (grade of “C “or higher)
• MATH 1010  Intermediate Algebra or higher {grade of “C” or higher) 
• CHEM 1110 Concepts of Chemistry  or CHEM 1210 General Chemistry I  (grade of “C” or higher and within 5 years of program start date)
• BIO 2111 Anatomy & Physiology I  (meets the grade pre-requisite of BIO 2112 and within the past five years of the program start date) 
• BIO 1005 Introduction to Biology , BIO 1111 Cell Biology with Organ Systems , or BIO 1210 General Biology I 

TEAS (test for essential academic skills) testing is required as part of the application process. Applicants will be considered for admission to the program if they have earned a score of 53.3% or higher. (www.ATItesting.com)

Criminal Background checks and Toxicology screenings.

Clinical sites require criminal background checks and toxicology screening completed on any Respiratory Care student who will be attending a clinical rotation at their facility. Some clinical sites require additional FASC III background check checks at an additional cost.
Students must follow instructions for obtaining these tests.
The following guides the response to a positive toxicology screening for any student

• All specimens identified as non-negative/positive on the initial test shall be confirmed, reviewed, and interpreted by the vendor.
• The student is required to provide documentation by a healthcare provider in the event there is a medical explanation for a positive result (i.e., the result of a prescribed medication). In accordance with federal law, a positive toxicology screen for legally prescribed marijuana can prohibit a student from being placed in a clinical setting that accepts federal funding.
• If a student challenges a result, only the original sample can be retested.

Any student that does not pass a background check or toxicology screen may be prevented from participating in a clinical assignment per facility contractual agreements. Results of student background checks and toxicology screenings do not become a part of the student’s educational records, as defined by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Health Requirements:

All students are required to have a physical examination performed within 12 months of the Respiratory Care program clinical start date, with documentation of ability to perform the technical standards with no restrictions. In addition to the college’s healthcare requirements, a health assessment form and immunization records must be completed and submitted electronically by the student into the health form tracking system, by the assigned date, prior to attending clinical rotation.

Additional Program fees:

Students will be charged the Supplemental Course (program) Fee Level 1 every fall and spring semester while in the program.
Some other additional fees include:

• Uniforms and stethoscope
• Medical insurance
• Physical examination, blood work, immunizations, vaccinations
• CPR training
• Textbooks and lab supplies
• Transportation and associated costs for clinical sites
• Electronic clinical management system subscription.
• Electronic medical tracking/background management system subscription.
• Toxicology screening(s)
• Background check(s)
• TEAS test

The Manchester Community College Respiratory Care Program (A.S. degree) is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. Information about COARC can be obtained by visiting www.coarc.com. Manchester Community College Program number: 200044. Program outcomes can be obtained by clicking on the link below: https://coarc.com/students/programmatic-outcomes-data/

The Naugatuck Valley Community College Respiratory Care Program (A.S. degree) is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. Information about COARC can be obtained by visiting www.coarc.com. Naugatuck Valley Community College Program number: 200460. Program outcomes can be obtained by clicking on the link below: https://coarc.com/students/programmatic-outcomes-data/

The Norwalk Community College Respiratory Care Program (A.S. degree) is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. Information about COARC can be obtained by visiting www.coarc.com. Norwalk Community College Program number: 200090. Program outcomes can be obtained by clicking on the link below: https://coarc.com/students/programmatic-outcomes-data/