Respiratory Care

Goal 1: 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 therapists (RRTs).

Goal 2: Function as an integral part of the health care team.

Goal 3: Provide patients with competent, efficient and professional cardiopulmonary care.

Goal 4: Utilize theoretical knowledge, clinical experience and critical thinking as the basis for professional practice.

Goal 5: Practice responsibly within the ethical and legal realm of the respiratory therapist.

Goal 6: Demonstrate compassionate and culturally sensitive patient care.

A student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5. It is recommended that students get a C or better, according to the University grading scale, in all non-program specific courses.

A student must earn a C or better in any Natural Science courses that are required for the major.

A student must have a minimum earned cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher to enter into the program specific courses. Any student with an earned cumulative GPA lower than 2.5 will be provided with Academic Advising relative to other majors/options.

To meet requirements for successful completion of the Respiratory Care program, students must complete the following courses with a B (84%) or higher:  RCP 240C and RCP 290.  All other courses with the RCP prefix require a grade of C (74%) or higher.

If a student earns less than the required grade in a program specific course, they are dismissed from the program, regardless of GPA.  Students receive one attempt at a program specific course.  An ‘attempt’ is defined as earning a grade in a course or withdrawing from the course.

Students who wish to return to the University after a leave of absence or re-enroll after withdrawing from the program or University will follow the re-enrollment policies of the University.  This process requires the student to reapply for program admission.  Acceptance will be based on factors such as clinical space available and the student’s statement relative to changes in their current situation that will support their success.  Prior to a student re-entering the program of study, faculty reserve the right to assign placement in the curriculum and to require remedial activities.

Technical Standards

All candidates for the Respiratory Care program must possess the physical and mental skills and abilities to successfully complete the program. The program requires students to possess minimal physical, mental, emotional, motor, and cognitive abilities. These technical standards are required for admission, promotion, and graduation.

Although these technical standards identify the required physical and mental abilities of all candidates, the technical standards are not intended to deter any prospective student for whom reasonable accommodation will allow the prospective student to access the curriculum.

Observation

• Observe materials presented in the learning environment including audiovisual presentations, experiments, and written documents.
• Identify sounds related to bodily functions using stethoscope.
• Observe and collect data from recording equipment and measuring devices.
• Recognize odors from patients (e.g., foul smelling drainage, infections, etc.)

Communication

• Capacity to effectively converse and communicate with faculty members, fellow students, clinical staff and patients in order to receive information, respond to nonverbal communication, and describe changes in mood, activity, and posture.
• Monitor the condition of patients and medical equipment.
• Recognize alarms and alert others of emergency situations.
• Read analog and digital displays, patients' condition charts, and information systems.

Motor Function

• Use gross and fine motor function, manual dexterity, and physical strength.
• Apply general care and emergency treatment to patients in a timely manner.
• Move and reposition patients and equipment.
• Perform physical assessment accurately (e.g. auscultation, physical inspection, palpation, etc.).
• Reach hospital equipment and electrical outlets, including oxygen administering systems.
• Maneuver in small areas.
• Manipulate small equipment and containers. 
• Move objects (50 pounds or more routinely).
• Capacity to perform diagnostic maneuvers and manipulate equipment and instruments as required to meet curricular goals, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• Perform up to a 12-hour clinical experience in a single 24-hour period.

Cognitive

• Apply knowledge and reasoning to solve problems in a timely manner as required by the curriculum.
• Efficiently process verbal information, either in written or spoken form.
• Gather and process information simultaneously and categorize this information effectively for recall.
• Sustain concentration to a task over an extended period of time.
• Think clearly and act calmly in stressful situations.

Behavioral and Social

• Possess the emotional health to apply intellectual skill, exercise good judgment, and to complete all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients.
• Demonstrate emotional stability to function effectively under stress and adapt to changing environments.
• Develop a mature, sensitive and effective relationship with patients and colleagues.
• Behave in an ethical manner consistent with professional values and standards.
• Exhibit sufficient interpersonal skills, knowledge, and attitude to interact positively and sensitively with others.

Cornerstone Core Curriculum Requirements

Consist of five core and one overlay requirements.  See below for additional detailed information for each of these requirements.

Recommended CCC Courses

Major Requirements

Free Electives

To be awarded an associate's degree at Saint Joseph's University, students must complete at least 60 total credits. As such, elective credits may be required in addition to Cornerstone Core Curriculum (CCC) and major requirements. Any credits necessary to reach at least 60 total credits outside of the CCC and major requirements are considered free electives. Under the CCC, there are no fixed number of electives required. A student's total number of electives will vary based on major requirements, transfer credits, as well as math and/or language coursework.