Respiratory Care (A.S.)
Associate in Science
Margaret Goss, Program Advisor
mgoss@berkshirecc.edu
413-236-4766
Sean Reagan, One Stop Advisor
sreagan@berkshirecc.edu
413-236-1627
This program is accredited by The Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), 264 Precision Blvd., Telford, TN 37690. 817-283-2835, http://www.coarc.com/
For more information on accreditation and specific programmatic outcomes please use the following link. https://coarc.com/students/programmatic-outcomes-data/
Respiratory care practitioners help treat patients with a wide range of cardiopulmonary illnesses, including such problems as asthma or heart failure. Respiratory care includes diagnostic testing and administering oxygen, various other gases and aerosol drugs.
Under a physician’s supervision, respiratory care practitioners plan and assist with patient care and serve as a resource for professionals in other health care fields. They work in various settings, including hospital acute care and intensive care units, hospital neonatal units (for premature infants), outpatient rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, home care and diagnostic laboratories.
This program is a sequence of lecture, laboratory and clinical courses. Comprehensive on-site training provides opportunities for students to become skilled and confident in respiratory care procedures. Program graduates are eligible to take the National Board for Respiratory Care examination to become registered Respiratory Therapists. A related major at the baccalaureate level is respiratory care.
Essential Functions
Enrollment in the Respiratory Therapy program requires that the student, with or without reasonable accommodations (see Notes), must be able to:
- Physical Stamina Required
- Lift up to 50 lbs. to assist moving patients, supplies, equipment;
- Stoop to adjust equipment;
- Kneel to manipulate equipment, perform CPR, plug in electrical equipment;
- Reach overhead lights, equipment, cabinets, and stocking, and attach oxygen to outlets;
- Demonstrate motor skills and manual dexterity to store and move small and large equipment, apply sterile gloves, take BP, operate computers, perform CPR, utilize syringes, tubes and catheters, set up and maintain a sterile field;
- Stand for prolonged periods of time to deliver therapy, check equipment and patient; and perform surgical procedures;
- Feel to palpate pulses, perform physical exams, feel arteries or veins for puncture, and assess skin temperature;
- Push and pull large wheeled equipment (mechanical ventilators, wheelchairs, equipment with patients, x-ray equipment, EKG machines and office equipment);
- Walk for extended periods of time;
- Walk quickly or run (with a sense of urgency) to respond to emergency calls or assist in critically-ill patient transports;
- Manipulate small instruments, syringes, and knobs and dials associated with diagnostic or therapeutic devices;
- Hear verbal directions, alarms, telephone; hear through a stethoscope for heart sounds, lung sounds and blood pressure;
- See patient conditions such as skin color, work of breathing; read small print and calibration on equipment; perceive color;
- Communicate goals and procedures to patients in English;
- Read typed, handwritten, computer information in English; and
- Write and communicate pertinent information (patient assessment, outcome assessments) in English.
- Mental Attitude
- Function safely, effectively and calmly under stressful situations;
- Maintain composure and concentration while managing multiple tasks simultaneously;
- Prioritize multiple tasks;
- Demonstrate social skills (respectfulness, politeness, discretion) necessary to interact with patients, families, coworkers of the same or different cultures — and to work as a team;
- Maintain personal hygiene consistent with close contact during direct patient care;
- Display the actions and attitudes consistent with ethical standards of the profession; and
- Understand the potential for exposure to blood borne pathogens.
Admission Requirements
Students who meet all admission requirements are accepted in the Respiratory Care program on a space available basis at any time. Those who do not initially qualify for the program may become eligible through BCC’s Health Sciences program in Pre-RSP.
Admission Requirements Include:
- Math: ACCUPLACER Next Generation QAS score of 250 or greater, successful completion of MAT 028B or MAT- 028, readiness to take MAT 136 based on HS GPA OR successful completion of MAT 102 with a C.
- Biology: Successful completion of BIO 105 with a B- or better or BIO 101 with a C or better or their equivalent OR completion of BIO 201 with a C or better within the last 7 years.
Complete the Respiratory Care Matriculation Form (PDF). Submit this completed form to the Admissions Office as soon as you meet all requirements. This program is offered on a cyclical basis; the next program cycle begins in September 2023. Admission to the program is done on a continuous basis with applications due by Aug. 1. Immunizations must be completed and submitted by Sept. 1, 2023. Application deadline may be extended if space is available.
Expected Outcomes
Graduates of this program should be able to:
- Practice as a registered respiratory care practitioner;
- Demonstrate professional behavior consistent with employer expectations;
- Comprehend, apply and evaluate clinical information relevant to their roles as advanced level respiratory care practitioners;
- Critically think and problem solve;
- Promote a team approach to patient care and interact with all health workers; and
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing and practice therapeutic communication.
Graduation Requirements
To earn a degree in this program, a student must complete all program and general education credits, plus the following Additional Requirements.
Program Courses
| AHS-121 | Essentials of Pharmacology | 3 |
| AHS-230 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
| BIO-201 | Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 |
| BIO-202 | Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 |
| BIO-207 | Microbiology | 4 |
| RSP-105 | Respiratory Care I: Theory & Practice | 7 |
| RSP-107 | Respiratory Care Practicum | 2 |
| RSP-205 | Respiratory Care II: Theory & Practice | 7 |
| RSP-207 | Respiratory Care III: Theory & Practice | 8 |
| RSP-241 | Cardiopulmonary Anatomy & Physiology | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 44 |
General Education Courses
| CHM- | Chemistry | 3 |
| COM- | Communication | 3 |
| ENG- | English Composition/Writing | 6 |
| MAT- | Mathematics | 3 |
| - | Behavioral & Social Science | 3 |
| - | General Education Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 21 |
CHM Chemistry: See footnote 1
COM Communication: See footnote 2
ENG English Composition/Writing: See footnote 3
MAT Mathematics: See footnote 4
General Education Elective: See footnote 5
Additional Requirements
| Core Competencies Portfolio |
4 items |
| FORUM |
4 units |
| Health/Fitness |
30 hours |
| Minimum grade required in each RSP course |
2.000 |
Minimum Cumulative Average
| Overall |
2.000 |
| Program requirements (RSP courses) |
2.000 |
Health/Fitness: See footnote 6
Pathway to Graduation
The following is a suggestion for completing this program in two years. The actual time needed to complete the program will vary according to each student’s individual needs.
First Semester
| BIO-201 | Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 |
| CHM- | Chemistry | 3 |
| ENG- | English Composition/Writing | 3 |
| MAT- | Mathematics | 3 |
| - | Behavioral & Social Science | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
CHM Chemistry: See footnote 1
ENG English Composition/Writing: See footnote 3
MAT Mathematics: See footnote 4
Second Semester
| AHS-121 | Essentials of Pharmacology | 3 |
| BIO-202 | Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 |
| RSP-105 | Respiratory Care I: Theory & Practice | 7 |
| ENG- | English Composition/Writing | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 17 |
ENG English Composition/Writing: See footnote 3
Summer Session
| RSP-107 | Respiratory Care Practicum | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 2 |
Third Semester
| AHS-230 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
| BIO-207 | Microbiology | 4 |
| RSP-205 | Respiratory Care II: Theory & Practice | 7 |
| RSP-241 | Cardiopulmonary Anatomy & Physiology | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Fourth Semester
| RSP-207 | Respiratory Care III: Theory & Practice | 8 |
| COM- | Communication | 3 |
| - | General Education Elective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 14 |
Footnotes
- Chemistry chosen from CHM-150 or higher level.
- Communication chosen from COM-105 or COM-107.
- English Composition/Writing chosen from ENG-101 and ENG-102, or ENG-103 and ENG-104.
- Math: ACCUPLACER Next Generation QAS score of 250 or greater, successful completion of MAT-028B or MAT-028, readiness to take MAT 136 based on HS GPA OR successful completion of MAT 102 with a C.
- General Education Elective chosen from History, Humanities and Fine Arts, or Environmental Studies.
- Fulfilled by successful completion of RSP-105.
Notes
Berkshire Community College seeks to provide equal access to its pro- grams, services and activities for people with disabilities. Therefore, to the extent practicable, the College will endeavor to make a reason- able academic adjustment for an applicant with a disability who is otherwise qualified.
There are specific sensory, motor and psychosocial skills needed to successfully complete the Respiratory Care program. Any student who feels he/she will require accommodations with these skills should contact the coordinator of the Services for Students with Disabilities program.