RESPIRATORY CARE
Program Description
The Respiratory Care profession is a rapidly expanding dynamic allied health career. The program trains individuals to become respiratory therapists who, under medical direction, work in the treatment, management, diagnostic evaluation and overall care and education of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system. Respiratory therapists are involved with patients of all ages, from the premature newborn whose lungs are not fully developed to the elderly people whose lungs become diseased.
Utilizing classroom lecture, laboratory and clinical experiences, the Respiratory Care Program prepares students to assume responsible positions as part of a health care team. The curriculum is designed to provide a broad knowledge so that students are academically prepared and competent to enter the profession. Students are prepared to practice in a variety of settings and as graduates can find employment in hospitals and other acute care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, physician offices, laboratories and home care.
Graduates of the program become eligible to obtain the Certified and Registered Respiratory Therapist credentials. Graduates can then apply for a license to practice through The Office of Professions, New York State Education Department. Most states currently require a license to practice as a respiratory therapist.
Accreditation
The respiratory care program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Respiratory Care (CoARC).
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
1248 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX 76021-4244
Programmatic outcomes data referring to credentialing success, attrition, job placement and the number of enrollees and graduates can be found at www.coarc.com.
Admission and Academic Advisement
Application to the College and program are to be completed on the college website at www.ecc.edu. Applications are processed on a continuous basis and students are encouraged to apply early. Due to the competitive nature of the program, applicants may be ranked based on their academic preparation and preference will be given to those who applied earliest. A new class is admitted only each fall semester.
Coursework greater than 10 years old at the time of application will not be transferred and any Erie Community College course greater than 10 years will not be used in the ranking of the applicant. English and math placement exams will be required of all students who cannot show competency within 5 years of application.
Because of the competitive nature of the program most students complete some, if not all, the non-Respiratory Care Program requirements prior to beginning the professional coursework. Applicants who do not meet minimum requirements will be individually advised in an effort to improve their academic success. This path provides an opportunity to meet program requirements and improve ranking. Students may begin this option at any time, spring, and summer or fall semester. The Respiratory Care Program faculty will act as the student's advisor along the way. Acceptance to begin Respiratory Care coursework will be based on a student's academic success and space availability.
Clinical Experiences
- The program utilizes many clinical affiliates throughout Western New York.
- Students will be assigned to several clinical sites throughout the educational experience.
- Students must provide his/her own transportation to clinical affiliates.
- Students must purchase uniforms and other specific equipment prior to clinical coursework.
- Students must provide evidence of updated required immunizations and a completed physical exam ensuring that they are in good physical and mental health and are capable of completing the requirements of the clinical part of the program.
- Students must maintain current CPR certification throughout their clinical experience.
- Students in the program may be subjected to drug testing and criminal background checks at their own expense. Failure to meet clinical site requirements may preclude completion of the Respiratory Care program.
Scholarships
The Respiratory Care Foundation of the American Association for Respiratory Care and the Erie Community College Foundation offer various scholarships. Students are encouraged to apply.
Degree: Associate in Applied Science
Hegis: 5215
Curriculum Code: 0655
Total Degree Credits: 72.0
Campus Location: North
Health Sciences Division