PREREQUISITES FOR THE PROGRAM ARE:
| 1. | MATH-103 College Algebra for allied Health OR MATH-105 College Algebra | 4.0 Units |
| 2. | Biology 100 General Biology | 4.0 Units |
| - - - - OR | ||
| Biology 107 Intro to Human Biology | 4.0 Units | |
| 3. | Chemistry 100 Introductory Chemistry | 4.0 Units |
All of the above classes must be completed before starting RSPT 230.
PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS MUST APPLY TO THE PROGRAM, AS WELL AS, THE COLLEGE. OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS, FOR WHICH ALL CREDIT IS BEING REQUIRED, MUST BE SENT TO THE VVC ADMISSIONS OFFICE AND ATTACHED TO THE APPLICATION FOR THE RESPIRATORY THERAPY PROGRAM.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Applications will be available January through April of each year. The application materials and required documents must be submitted by the time specified on the application. Applications should include the following:
- Submission Materials (Checklist, application form, worksheet, policy statement, and statistical information.)
- Essay (described below).
Each student will include an essay with their application that consists of the following information:- Description of the scope of practice for a respiratory therapist to the best of their knowledge.
- Discuss why they are choosing to go into the field of respiratory care.
- Describe what characteristics or attributes they possess that will enhance respiratory therapy as a profession. Each should be described with an example of experiences or observations that have molded such characteristics/attributes rather than general statements for the purpose of demonstrating the uniqueness of each individual.
- Unofficial transcripts of all completed college coursework.
Also, an interview will be scheduled and conducted by the program director. Applicants will be notified of the date, time, and location of the interview.
Acceptance will be based on application completeness, including attachments, essay, and interview. Notification of acceptance or denial will be made as soon as practical after the end of the application period. Students may be placed on a wait list. Any applicant who is accepted but declines admission for a given year, must reapply to the program.
All contents of the application packet should be submitted in their entirety and stapled together. Applicants are responsible for the completion of the application submission materials and submitting the required attachments. Oversight or omission of any item will prevent the application from being processed. Applicants will NOT be notified of missing items.
Should you have any questions concerning the above, please contact the Respiratory Therapy Program Director at traci.marin@gmail.com.
The Associate Degree Respiratory Therapy Program is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. There has been an increased demand for qualified respiratory therapy graduates. This has generated a great deal of interest in our program here at the College. It is important for you complete the admission process as soon as possible as a limited number of 26 students will be enrolled.
ADMISSION AND ADVANCEMENT
Remember, acceptance to the Program is based upon established criteria due to limitation of class size. The application requirements reflect the minimum standards for consideration.
Transfers From Other Schools of Respiratory Therapy
- Will be considered on an individual basis.
- Must apply for admission to VVC.
- Must apply for admission to the RT Program.
- Prior RT courses taken must be equivalent to the VVC Program for transfer to be approved.
Promotion
- All Respiratory Therapy didactic classes must be passed with a "C" of higher.
- Clinical classes must be passed with a satisfactory evaluation.
- All associated classes taken for obtaining the Associate in Science Degree must be passed with a grade "C" or higher.
- All RT classes must be taken consecutively. Progression is RSPT 230, 231, 221, 232, 239, 50, 233, 222, 234 and 243.
- Students must pass both Anatomy and Physiology with a grade "C" or higher to be promoted to RSPT 233. Microbiology must be passed with a grade "C" or higher prior to entry into RSPT 234.
- Overall 2.0 GPA must be maintained.
- An "incomplete" will be given if all assigned work is not completed by the end of each semester.
Withdrawal and Dismissal
- A student may repeat one (1) Respiratory Therapy course during the program without competing for class placement.
- Only one (1) RT course may be repeated and that course may be repeated only once.
- Any student who withdraws from the program should appear for an exit interview and submit a written resignation.
- If a student meets the requirement for re-entry into the program at a later date, a new application must be made in writing.
- Returning students, who meet re-entry criteria, must notify the Program Director in writing six (6) months in advance of intent to return.
Certificate of Completion
A Certificate of Completion in Respiratory Therapy will only be given to those students who satisfy the A. S. Degree requirement in addition to the completion of the Respiratory Therapy core courses.
Documentation Requirements for Program Continuation out of RSPT 230
These items are obtained at the student's expense and include, but may not be limited to:
- Physical (including TB, immunization, titers and drug tests).
- Criminal background check completion certificate (Forms will be provided for the physical and criminal background check.)
- Valid CPR card. (Professional Provider or Healthcare Provider from American Heart Association)
More information will be given to the student after they are accepted for entry into the program.
STUDENT BACKGROUND CHECK
In an effort to comply with the recommendations of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the majority of the major healthcare facilities and agencies used by the Respiratory Therapy Program for clinical training require that each student undergo and pass a student background check prior to participating in clinical rotations. Each student, at his/her expense, is responsible for acquiring the student background check report and authorizing the submission of results to the college.
No student will be permitted to participate in a clinical rotation until the results have been received, reviewed, and accepted by the designated program director. Failure to submit to and pass the required student background check will result in the student being terminated from the respective program.
Students accepted into certain programs, will be required to have a physical examination, a chest X-ray and/or PPD, lab tests, required immunizations/titers, drug screening and a criminal background check. These are required in order to comply with the program and clinical agencies’ contractual requirements. Also, the following items are commonly required: a current American Heart Association CPR Certificate and liability insurance (certain limits apply). Most Health Sciences programs have a group policy available, or the students may purchase their own policy. All of the above will be completed at the student’s expense. In most cases these items will be completed, with copies submitted, before the first day of the semester. Not submitting the required documentation may preclude the student’s ability to continue in the program.
Details regarding these requirements may be obtained from the respective program.
It is always recommended that students considering a career or transfer for an advanced degree in health careers meet with Diane Wollan, VVC Counselor. Contact the Counseling Department for an appointment. Walk—in appointments are also available during certain times of the semester. They can be reached at (760) 245-4271, Extension 2296.
Should you have any questions concerning the above, please contact the Respiratory Therapy Program Director at traci.marin@vvc.edu.