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Most people take breathing for granted. But for the thousands of Americans who suffer from breathing problems, each breath is a major accomplishment. These include patients with chronic lung problems such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema, but they also include heart attack and accident victims, premature infants, and people with cystic fibrosis, lung cancer, or AIDS.
In each case, the patient will most likely receive treatment from a respiratory care practitioner (RCP) under the direction of a physician. Respiratory care practitioners, also known as respiratory therapists, work to evaluate, treat, and care for patients with breathing disorders. Career Opportunities
There are more than 150,000 respiratory care practitioners in the United States. They are a vital part of a hospital’s lifesaving response team that answers patient emergencies. An increasing number of practitioners have branched out into alternate care settings such as nursing homes, physicians' offices, home health agencies, specialized care hospitals, medical equipment supply companies, and patients' homes.
The outlook for respiratory care professionals
is expected to grow in the coming years due to the large increase in the
elderly population, the impact of environmental problems that have contributed
to breathing problems, and technological advances that are prolonging the
lives of those suffering from heart attack, cancer and accidents, as well
as premature babies.
You will find more information on career outlook on the website of the U.S. Department of Labor.
For job openings, contact the
ARC
Career & Job Opportunity Center, or see listings on the
After
College website. [Note: Linkage to the "After
College" website does not imply endorsement of any of the listed job
postings.]
The ARC Respiratory Care Program
The two-year program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs. Successful completion of the Respiratory Care Program qualifies the graduate for an Associate in Science degree and eligibility to apply for: (1) the examination for the respiratory care practitioner license issued by the California Respiratory Care Board, and (2) the national registry examination for advanced practitioner (registered respiratory therapist) which is administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care.
A grade of "C" or better is required in BIOL 430, BIOL 431, BIOL 440, ENGWR 300 OR ESLW PHYS 310, and AH 110 . Safe, ethical, and professional levels of practice are necessary for retention of students in the respiratory care program. The student is responsible for providing laboratory coats, malpractice insurance, and transportation to off-campus facilities. There may be morning, afternoon or evening clinical experiences in a variety of clinical settings with limited notice.
NOTE: In accordance with Article 5 of the Respiratory Care Practice Act, a person convicted of any offense other than a minor traffic violation may not qualify to be licensed as a Respiratory Care Practitioner. Questions regarding this matter must be directed to the Respiratory Care Board, or visit their website at www.rcb.ca.gov. 1. Graduation from an accredited high school in the United States or successful completion of General Education Development (GED) or California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) as defined by the current requirements of the State of California and the National Board for Respiratory Care: a) b) Students who possess an Associate of Arts/Associate of Science Degree or higher from a regionally accredited college are exempt from the educational requirement stated above. c)
2. A G.P.A of 2.5 in the following science prerequisites: BIOL 430, BIOL 31, BIOL 440, PHYS 310, and AH 110 3. A cumulative G.P.A of 2.0 in all college courses 4. Current Curriculum Planning Summary Sheet 5. Satisfaction of math competency for graduation is strongly encouraged NOTE: For the initial evaluation of all transcripts and previous coursework and to determine if the above eligibility requirements have been met, an appointment must be scheduled with an ARC counselor at 484-8572. For course equivalency of pre-respiratory care and degree major courses completed outside of the Los Ros Community College District, students must provide course descriptions (from the semester in which the course were completed). Requirements for Degree Major
BIOL 430, BIOL 431, BIOL 440, AH110, ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340, PHYS 310, PSYC 300, or PSYCH 320, or ANTH 310,or PSYCH 390, RC 110, 111, 112, 113, 120, 121, 122, 123, 130, 131,132, 140, 142
Courses Required for the Associate Degree in Respiratory
Care Pre-Respiratory Care Courses
Course Sequence for Degree Major
Additional Graduation Requirements
ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340 PSYCH 300 or 320 or 390 or Anth 310
Communication & Analytical Thinking
General Education Graduation Requirements: Students must also
complete the general education graduation requirements for an A.S. degree.
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