Overview
The Respiratory Care program derives its mission from its sponsoring institution, Labouré College of Healthcare, a private, non-profit institution offering associate of science degrees, certificate programs, and bachelor of science degrees.
The mission of the Respiratory Care program is to educate students to become competent, entry-level respiratory therapists. The education provided both clinically and didactically will prepare students to delivery quality care in a variety of healthcare settings and incorporate an understanding and appreciation for the profession's diverse patient population.
The program strives to build upon sound principles in arts and sciences by preparing students to communicate effectively, develop critical thinking skills, and apply ethical standards and values to the practice of respiratory care.
The Associate of Science in Respiratory Care program (CoARC 200654) at Labouré College of Healthcare in Milton, Massachusetts holds Provisional Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com).
This status signifies that a program with an Approval of Intent has demonstrated sufficient compliance with the Standards (through submission of an acceptable Provisional Accreditation Self-Study Report (PSSR) and any other documentation required by the CoARC, as well as satisfactory completion of an initial on-site visit) to be allowed to admit students. It is recognized as an accredited program by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC), which provides enrolled students who complete the program with eligibility for the Respiratory Care Credentialing Examination(s). The program will remain on Provisional Accreditation until it achieves Continuing Accreditation.
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, 264 Precision Blvd, Telford, TN 37690. Website: http://coarc.com/
Professional Practice
Treating and caring for respiratory patients is a challenge that demands both skill and compassion. Professionals have to master a high level of technical knowledge. They have to also be able to work well with critically ill patients, understanding their needs and fears. Labouré's program prepares graduates to assume responsibilities as a Respiratory Therapist.
Curriculum
The Associate of Science in Respiratory Care degree program provides a broad academic background that prepares the student to play a critical role in the treatment and caring for patients with cardiopulmonary disorders. Working as part of the healthcare team, respiratory therapists assist in the evaluation, treatment, management, and rehabilitation of these disorders. Along with professional courses in the theory and application of respiratory care, courses in the sciences and humanities are included.
The program has many outstanding clinical affiliates. Students gain valuable experience in all of these facilities, and learn all aspects of conventional treatment, along with innovative techniques.
Learn more about the field of Respiratory Therapy at the American Association of Respiratory Care and the Massachusetts Society of Respiratory Care websites.
Progression in Professional Courses
- Students who receive a failing grade in any professional course will be dismissed from the Respiratory Care program
- Students who wish to return must meet with an academic advisor and receive an academic plan for readmission to the Associate of Science in Respiratory Care program
- Once the academic plan is complete, students are eligible to reapply to the program
- Students who wish to reapply must follow the reapplication and readmission policy
Program Outcomes
Program Goals
- 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)
- To prepare graduates to obtain the RRT (Registered Respiratory Therapist) credential
- To prepare graduates to obtain gainful employment as a Licensed Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP)
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate professional behaviors consistent with the respiratory care code of ethics, ethical obligations, and professional conduct
- Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills, time management skills, interpersonal communication skills, and technical skills necessary to provide competent patient-centered respiratory care in multidisciplinary care settings for patients of all ages
- Demonstrate the knowledge and application of physical principles of gas and fluid dynamics
- Demonstrate knowledge and application of anatomy and physiology of the cardiac and pulmonary systems and the mechanisms of homeostatic control for acid/base balance ventilation, gas transport, and circulation for patients of all ages
- Demonstrate implementation, monitoring, troubleshooting, evaluation, and strategies for discontinuing select therapeutic modalities employed in respiratory therapy such as gas, humidity, bland and medicated aerosol therapies, passive hyperinflation, chest physiotherapy, postural drainage, airway clearance and management techniques, non-invasive and invasive ventilation strategies for patients of all ages
- Demonstrate knowledge and application of concepts and techniques of patient assessment through inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. The student will demonstrate proficiency in the patient interview and physical examination, arterial blood gas sampling and analysis, basic pulmonary and sleep diagnostics, electrocardiography, imaging, and laboratory diagnostic testing for patients of all ages
- Demonstrate competency in the initiation and maintenance of artificial airways
- Demonstrate knowledge and application of the indications, contraindications, hazards, and routes of administration and correct dosages for all classes of respiratory drugs for patients of all ages
- Demonstrate knowledge and application of the etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic and therapeutic of diseases and conditions of cardiopulmonary patients of all ages
- Demonstrate basic competencies in the sub-acute care setting
- Identify the roles and responsibilities of respiratory therapists in alternate care sites (i.e., pulmonary and sleep diagnostics, rehabilitation, and home care settings)
- Demonstrate the ability to inspect, clean, test, and maintain respiratory therapy equipment to ensure equipment is functioning safely and efficiently
Curriculum Outcomes
The curriculum outcomes reflect the professional role of the graduate of the Respiratory Care program. Graduates of the Respiratory Care program will be able to accomplish the following:
- Contribute to patient-centered care in accordance with the ethical and legal framework of the Respiratory Care profession
- Collaborate as a member of the healthcare team
- Engage in evidence-based practice that integrates the latest research and expertise in Respiratory Care
- Use information technology to effectively communicate, support decision-making, and uphold management principles
- Apply quality-improvement and utilization review principles to ensure safe practice according to professional standards
Program Measurable Outcomes
The program's measurable outcomes reflect CoARC's expected minimum thresholds for the Respiratory Care program
- At least 60% of total number of graduates achieving the TMC high cut score (3-year average)
- The program retention rate will be at least 70%
- Graduate Survey - overall satisfaction, a rating of 3 or higher on a 5-point Likert scale for overall satisfaction
- Employer Survey - overall satisfaction, a rating of 3 or higher on a 5-point Likert scale for overall satisfaction
Course Sequence and Prerequisites
Course Sequence
The 2000-level courses build on knowledge gained from the 1000-level courses. To ensure that students are adequately prepared for their programs of study, certain prerequisites may be required for some 2000-level courses. These prerequisites may be satisfied by transfer credit or a previous associate or bachelor degree. Division Chairpersons may waive prerequisites for courses within their control. Professors have discretion to waive prerequisites for their own courses.
Semester I
Semester II
Semester III
Semester IV
| RSC 2050 | Respiratory Care Procedures IV | 4 |
| RSC 2060 | Advanced Clinical Applications II | 3 |
| RSC 2070 | Advanced Clinical Applications III | 3 |
Prerequisites
ANA 1010, and ANA 1120 prior to RSC 1010, RSC 1020, and RSC 1030. All arts and sciences courses prior to or concurrent with RSC 2030 (if taking final arts and sciences courses concurrently with RSC 2030, they must be taken at Labouré).
Program of Study
While the College makes every effort to avoid schedule changes, the College may cancel courses or alter course schedules without prior notification.
Students may choose to take three or more years to complete this program based on work schedules or family responsibilities. With this option, Arts and Sciences courses are taken before the Professional course sequence.
Arts and Sciences Courses
Professional Courses
Total: 69 credits
Students are awarded the degree after meeting the program requirements below:
- Completion of a minimum of 32 credit hours at the College
- Successful completion of the degree program as prescribed by the College
- A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher
- A minimum grade of 75 (C) for all Associate of Science in Respiratory Care courses, except for Anatomy & Physiology I and II, which require a minimum grade of 77 (C+)
- A minimum grade of C in degree professional courses
- A minimum grade of D- in arts and sciences courses
- A failing grade (F) in an arts and sciences course will not count toward a program requirement and the course must be retaken, or a chairperson-approved substitute course taken
- Completion of all program requirements within six years of enrollment at the College