Paula Fuller, Program Director
Allied Health 105
301-784-5522
https://allegany.edu/respiratory-therapist/index.html
This program is designed to prepare the graduate to work as a Respiratory Therapist;
that is, one who specializes in the application of specific theory to practical clinical
problems of respiratory care. The respiratory therapist is qualified to assume primary
clinical responsibility for all respiratory care modalities. The therapist may be
required to use considerable independent judgment in the care of patients under the
direction of a physician. Further, the therapist may serve as a resource person to
a physician, regarding current practices in respiratory care, and as a resource person
to hospital staff regarding effective and safe methods for administering respiratory
therapy. The therapist's scope of practice includes, but is not limited to, diagnostic
and therapeutic procedures for cardiopulmonary disorders. Duties range from patient
education to the performance of emergency life-sustaining procedures. "Hands-on" patient
interaction forms a significant portion of the therapist's work and the use of elaborate
high-tech equipment is common.
The Respiratory Therapist program at Allegany College of Maryland has been designated
as a Health Manpower Shortage Program. The Maryland State Department of Health and
Mental Hygiene has determined certain health occupations in the state to be in short
supply. The Maryland Higher Education Commission has designated educational programs
that correspond to these health occupations to be eligible for the Health Manpower
Shortage Program. Maryland residents from counties other than Allegany County who
register in this eligible program will be charged the out-of-county tuition rate.
However, these students may be eligible to receive reimbursement for a portion of
the cost difference between the in-county and out-of-county tuition rates. Funding
availability for this program is based on funding from the State of Maryland and is
thus subject to change each semester. Some restrictions apply. More information can
be obtained by contacting the Admissions Office.
The Respiratory Therapist curriculum is designed to be completed within four college
semesters and one summer session. This time frame may be prolonged due to unforeseen
circumstances; however, a maximum time limit of eight consecutive semesters is allowed
for completion of the program.
Respiratory Therapist students must maintain the scholastic standards of the college
and must achieve a grade of "C" or better in each Respiratory Therapist course. CPR
certification is a prerequisite to clinical respiratory therapy. Certification and/or
recertification are the responsibility of the student. The college regularly offers
such courses.
A student making unsatisfactory progress in a Respiratory Therapist course may repeat
it only once and may repeat only two Respiratory Therapist courses due to unsatisfactory
progress.
A satisfactory health record must be on file prior to clinical experience. In order
to participate in clinical experiences, students must obtain a Criminal Record Check
prior to entrance into Respiratory Therapy. If participating in clinicals at a Pennsylvania
clinical site, the student must also obtain a Child Abuse History Clearance. During
enrollment, any official change or the initiation of any governmental proceeding affecting
the information revealed by the required criminal or child abuse background check
must be reported immediately by the student to the director of the Respiratory Therapy
program.
The program cost beyond tuition, fees, and books is approximately $1,500. This covers
uniforms, liability insurance, a stethoscope, and travel. This is a career program
and is designed to enable students to seek employment at the program's completion.
Students planning to transfer should consult with their advisor or the Advising Center
staff regarding specific program and course transfer issues.
Successful completion of this program qualifies a student to apply for an Associate
of Applied Science degree in Respiratory Therapist.
This program is composed of non-clinical and clinical components. The Respiratory Therapist Program accepts students at the end of the fall semester for admissions into the clinical phase of the program in the spring semester. During the fall semester, students are enrolled in the non- clinical phase of the Respiratory Therapist curriculum. During this semester, students are evaluated for admissions to the clinical component. This component consists of those courses designated as "Clinical Practice." Hospital facilities are limited and should the number of clinical applicants be greater than the available seats, admission to the clinical component may be competitive. Minimum requirements for admission to the clinical component are a GPA of 2.0 in Chemistry 100, Mathematics 102, Biology 116, and Respiratory Therapist 101. (The last class accepted had a GPA range of 2.5 to 4.0.) Please consult the Respiratory Therapist Office for further information.
RESPIRATORY THERAPIST
TWO-YEAR CAREER PROGRAM
PREPARATION FOR EMPLOYMENT
1 Students who are planning to enter the Respiratory Therapist Program and have had no chemistry must take Chemistry 100.
NOTE: All courses specifically identified by course number are graduation requirements for this program.
The Respiratory Therapist Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), 264 Precision Blvd Telford, TN 37690. Graduates receive an Associate of Applied Sciences degree and are eligible to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) examinations to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist.
