fall 2021 respiratory care program handbook
TRANSCRIPT
Fall 2021
Respiratory Care Program Handbook
Associate of Applied Science Degree
CoARC # 200239
Supplement to the
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Catalog and Student Handbook
First edition August 2019
Updated August 20, 2021
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Table of Contents DISCLAIMBER STATEMENTS................................................................................................................. 5
CONTACTS ................................................................................................................................................. 6
CAMPUS DIRECTORY .......................................................................................................................... 6
RESPIRATORY PROGRAM FACULTY DIRECTORY ....................................................................... 6
SERVICES AND RESOURCES .............................................................................................................. 7
GENERAL OVERVIEW SECTION ............................................................................................................ 8
ACCREDITING AGENCIES ....................................................................................................................... 9
PROFESSIONAL OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................. 10
AARC STATEMENT OF CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION .......................................... 11
AARC STATEMENT OF ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT ........................................... 12
PROGRAM POLICY SECTION................................................................................................................ 13
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 14
FULL TIME COMMITMENT ............................................................................................................... 14
TECHNICAL and CLINICAL FACILITIES ......................................................................................... 14
PROGRAM GOALS AND PURPOSES ................................................................................................ 14
PROGRAM METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................. 15
FACULTY RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT .................................................................................... 15
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT ..................................................................................... 16
ACCOMODATIONS ............................................................................................................................. 16
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND HONESTY ........................................................................................ 16
PATHWAY FOR STUDENT COMMUNICATION ............................................................................. 17
COMMUNICATION & CORRESPONDENCE .................................................................................... 17
INTEGRITY & RESPECT ..................................................................................................................... 17
DIDACTIC COURSE WORK POLICIES ............................................................................................. 17
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS ......................................................................................................... 18
PROGRAM ATTENDANCE POLICY .................................................................................................. 18
PUBLIC SAFETY EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM .......................................................................... 18
EXAM POLICY ..................................................................................................................................... 18
GRADING .............................................................................................................................................. 19
ASSESSMENT AND REMEDIATION ................................................................................................. 19
WITHDRAWING FROM COURSES.................................................................................................... 20
PROGRAM PROGRESSION ................................................................................................................. 20
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................................................... 21
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES............................................................................................................... 21
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REINSTATMENT POLCY .................................................................................................................... 21
Reinstatement Criteria: ....................................................................................................................... 21
HIPAA .................................................................................................................................................... 24
MEDIA ................................................................................................................................................... 24
STUDENTS WHO WORK AS RESPIRTORY THERAPY STUDENTS ............................................ 25
STUDENT CLASS REPRESENTATIVES ........................................................................................... 25
COMMUNITY SERVICE ...................................................................................................................... 25
NATIONAL CREDENTIALING ........................................................................................................... 26
LICENSURE........................................................................................................................................... 26
NEEDLE STICKS / AIRBORNE AND BLOODBORNE PATHOGEN EXPOSURES ....................... 26
ADVANCED PLACEMENT POLICY .................................................................................................. 28
CLINICAL POLICY SECTION ................................................................................................................. 30
CLINICAL OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................................ 31
ADMISSION REQUIREEMENTS ........................................................................................................ 31
CLINICAL SAFEGARDS ...................................................................................................................... 31
GRADING CRITERIA & GRADE POINT REQUIREMENTS ........................................................... 32
UNSATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE ............................................................................................... 32
UNIFORM POLICY ............................................................................................................................... 33
FOOD & BEVERAGES ......................................................................................................................... 35
COMPETENCY LIST ............................................................................................................................ 35
BREAKS AND LUNCH PERIODS ....................................................................................................... 35
PHONES & USE OF HOSPITAL COMPUTERS ................................................................................. 35
GUM CHEWING ................................................................................................................................... 35
LEAVING PATIENT CARE AREA ...................................................................................................... 35
SMOKING .............................................................................................................................................. 35
GIFT AND GRATUITIES ..................................................................................................................... 35
TRANSPORTATION ............................................................................................................................. 36
CLINICAL SCHEDULING ................................................................................................................... 36
ATTENDANCE AND PUNCUTALITY ............................................................................................... 36
CONFIDENTIALITY ............................................................................................................................. 38
ATTITUDES........................................................................................................................................... 38
NBRC EXAM REQUIRMENTS............................................................................................................ 38
RECORDS .............................................................................................................................................. 39
PHYSICIAN CONTACT TIME ............................................................................................................. 39
ADVERSE REACTIONS TO THERAPY ............................................................................................. 39
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CRIMINAL BACKGROUND AND DRUG SCREENING .................................................................. 41
CLINICAL SUSPENSION PENDING INVESTIGATION .................................................................. 41
CLINICAL AFFLIATE LIST ................................................................................................................. 42
DEMANDS OF A RESPIRATORY THERAPIST ................................................................................ 42
RECEIPT ................................................................................................................................................ 44
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DISCLAIMBER STATEMENTS
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
It is the policy of Kalamazoo Valley Community College not to discriminate on the basis
of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, height, weight, familial status,
veteran status, or marital status in its programs, services, employment or activities. The
following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination
policies: Executive Vice President for Enrollment and Campus Operations, 6767 West O
Avenue, P.O. Box 4070, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49003–4070; 269-488-4434.
POLICY STATEMENT
Kalamazoo Valley Community College policies and the Respiratory Care Program
academic and clinical policies apply to all students and faculty, regardless of site of
instruction.
All activities associated with the program, including personnel and student policies,
student and faculty recruitment, student admission, and faculty employment practices,
must be non-discriminatory and in accord with federal and state statutes, rules, and
regulations.
HANDBOOK DISCLAIMER
This handbook is intended to supply accurate information to the reader. The College
reserves the right to change the program and course requirements; however, every effort
will be made to inform students of any program changes.
This handbook is a supplement to the Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Catalog
and Student Handbook.
Student Handbook can be found on the Student Resource Page:
http://www.kvcc.edu/studenthandbook
Catalog:
https://kvcc.smartcatalogiq.com/2021-2022/Catalog
POLICY STATEMENT
Kalamazoo Valley Community College policies and the Respiratory Care Program
academic and clinical policies apply to all students and faculty, regardless of site of
instruction.
All activities associated with the program, including personnel and student policies,
student and faculty recruitment, student admission, and faculty employment practices,
must be non-discriminatory and in accord with federal and state statutes, rules, and
regulations.
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CONTACTS
CAMPUS DIRECTORY Resource Contact Information
Bookstore Texas Township Store (TTC)
6767 West O Avenue
269-488-4030
Provost & Acting Dean Dr. Paige Eagan (TTC 3392)
Dean of Instruction for
Health Careers &
Sustainable Foods
TBD -
269-548-3210
CAH 2nd Floor Office area
Office Manager Faith Bentley
CAH 2nd Floor Office area
269-548-3251 [email protected]
Library TTC Library
Rooms 3210 & 8420
269-488-4328
Arcadia Commons Campus Library
Anna Whitten Hall room 321
269-373-7848
Student Services Centers TTC (North “flag” entrance)
269-488-4100
Arcadia Commons Campus
Rose Street entrance to Anna Whitten Hall
269-373-7800
Student Success Services Texas Township Campus Room 9200
269-488-4040
Arcadia Commons Campus Room 109 (AWH)
269-373-7800
Bronson Healthy Living Campus Room 211 (CAH)
269-548-3300
RESPIRATORY PROGRAM FACULTY DIRECTORY
Program Director Susan Pearson, MPA, RRT, NPS
CAH 316
269-548-3232
Director of Clinical
Education Megan Roe, RRT, NPS
CAH 317
269 548-3252
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SERVICES AND RESOURCES
Health Careers Admission
Coordinator Amy Murray
TTC 7464
269-488-4144
Processes health program
applications, health forms &
immunizations, Livescans and
drug screens
Student Services Specialist Terri Zirkle-McDonald
CAH 2nd floor office area
269-548-3205
Schedule student appointments
with support staff (counsellors,
advisors, etc.)
Office Specialist,
receptionists Yvonne Cooley – a.m
Villo Denke-Zomer- p.m
CAH reception desk, main floor
269-548-3203
Receive homework, help with
parking passes, and schedule
rooms for study sessions.
Director of Student Life Coty Dunten
TTC
269-488-4825
Student Life and Student Clubs,
and help connecting students to
community resources (housing,
childcare, etc.)
Academic and Career
Pathway Advisor Ana Abenschein
TTC 269-488-4732
Advises health care students on
pre-requisite courses and works
with counselors
Academic and Career
Pathway Advisor Kelly Reed
269.488.4436
Advises health care students on
pre-requisite courses and works
with counselors
Academic Advisor &
Counselor Christopher Stroven
269-488-4040 [email protected]
At CAH 2/week
Counsels students who are
struggling with stress, pressures,
anxiety. Help with F.A. appeals.
Student Employment
Liaison Tracey Corbett 269 488 4676
Resume, interviewing, job skills
and employment help.
Financial Aid Advisor Don Florinchi 269.488.4820/ [email protected]
269-488-4340/ [email protected]
Help with FA and Scholarships
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GENERAL OVERVIEW SECTION
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ACCREDITING AGENCIES
FOR THE RESPIRATORY CARE PROGRAM
The Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Respiratory Care Program #200239 is accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)
www.coarc.com
(817) 283-2835
(817) 354-8519 (fax)
CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this
end, it utilizes an ‘outcomes based’ process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators
that reflect the extent to which the educational goals of the program are achieved and by which
program effectiveness is documented. The Accreditation Programmatic Outcome Data can be
found: https://coarc.com/students/programmatic-outcomes-data/
Kalamazoo Valley Community College is accredited by
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
230 South LaSalle St., Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois 60604-1413
https://www.hlcommission.org/
Phone: 800-621-7440 / 312-263-7462
Fax: 312-263-0456
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PROFESSIONAL OVERVIEW According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), the need for respiratory therapists is growing
faster than the average for all job growths. It has the projected growth of 19% from 2019 to 2029. The
national annual median salary of a respiratory therapist is $62,810. The median annual salary in
Michigan is $60,260, May 2020 (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm).
The increase demand for respiratory therapists, according to the BLS, is due to the middle-aged and
elderly population with respiratory conditions such as pneumonia, chronic obstructive lung disease, and
other lung disorders that permanently damage the lungs. Advances in preventing diseases, improving
medications, and sophisticated technology and treatments requires more respiratory therapists. Also,
according to the BLS, growth in demand is a result from the expanding role of respiratory therapists in
case management, disease prevention, emergency care, and early detection of pulmonary disorders.
Respiratory therapists are members of the health care team who work in collaboration to evaluate, treat,
and manage patients from birth to end of life with illnesses and cardiopulmonary disorders in a wide
variety of clinical settings. Respiratory therapists are involved in clinical decision-making (such as patient
evaluation, treatment selection, and assessment of treatment efficacy) and patient education. This is a fast
paced career that requires therapists to critically think, make rapid decisions and communicate effectively.
The scope of practice for respiratory therapy includes, but is not limited to:
Acquiring and utilizing data to assess patients, develop treatment plans, and evaluate
appropriateness and effectiveness of therapy, and assess outcomes.
Performing and/or assisting with diagnostic procedures such as pulmonary function testing,
bronchoscopies, blood gas analysis, etc.
Implementing case management for patients with cardiopulmonary and related disease.
Managing life support equipment (ventilators) and airway management.
Treating patients using oxygen, specialty medical gases, bronchial hygiene techniques, lung
inflation techniques, airway clearance therapy, and inhaled medication therapies.
Promoting cardiopulmonary health and wellness through patient education and disease
management.
Providing lifesaving interventions such as CPR
Career opportunities for program graduates include respiratory therapist, shift supervisors and clinical
supervisors in the hospital setting. Additional career opportunities exist in extended care facilities, home
care facilities, physician’s offices, rehabilitation centers, equipment sales, land/air transports, emergency
rooms, adult intensive care units, pediatric intensive care units, and intensive care units for premature
babies. Respiratory therapists may also find employment in chronic disease management, conscious
sedation, etc.
Graduates of the program must complete the Therapist Multiple Choice exam (TMC). Graduates who
take the TMC exam and score between the entry cut score and the higher cut score will be awarded the
Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential. Graduates who successfully complete the TMC exam at
or above the higher cut score will be eligible to take the clinical simulation exam, and upon successful
completion of the simulation exam will be awarded the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
credential.
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AARC STATEMENT OF CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Effective 12/94; Revised 7/18
The AARC professional community embraces diversity and multi-culturalism in all of its forms and
promotes respect, cultural competence, and inclusion in every facet of its mission
The AARC is enriched by the unique differences found among its diverse members, their patients/
clients, and other stakeholders. The AARC values and embraces equal opportunity, and promotes the use
of personal and cultural backgrounds to enhance our profession. The AARC accomplishes this by:
Demonstrating sensitivity to all forms of diversity and multiculturalism including, but not
limited to: age, gender and gender identity, race, color and ethnicity, nationality and national
origin, ancestry, religious affiliation and creed, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status,
political affiliation, physical and mental abilities, veteran and active armed service status, job
responsibilities and experience, education and training.
Acknowledging the varied beliefs, attitudes, behaviors and customs of the people that constitute
its communities of interest, thereby creating a diverse, multicultural, and inclusive professional
environment.
Promoting an appreciation for communication between, and understanding among, people with
different beliefs and backgrounds.
Accommodating the needs of the physically disabled at events and activities. • Using
multicultural content and gender-neutral references in documents and publications.
Promoting diversity and inclusion through education and cultural competence in its education
programs.
Actively recruiting candidates from under-represented groups for leadership and mentoring
programs.
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AARC STATEMENT OF ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
Effective 12/94; Revised 04/15
In the conduct of professional activities the Respiratory Therapist shall be bound by the following ethical
and professional principles. Respiratory Therapists shall:
Demonstrate behavior that reflects integrity, supports objectivity, and fosters trust in the
profession and its professionals.
Promote and practice evidence-based medicine.
Seek continuing education opportunities to improve and maintain their professional competence
and document their participation accurately.
Perform only those procedures or functions in which they are individually competent and which
are within their scope of accepted and responsible practice.
Respect and protect the legal and personal rights of patients, including the right to privacy,
informed consent, and refusal of treatment.
Divulge no protected information regarding any patient or family unless disclosure is required for
the responsible performance of duty as authorized by the patient and/or family, or required by
law.
Provide care without discrimination on any basis, with respect for the rights and dignity of all
individuals.
Promote disease prevention and wellness.
Refuse to participate in illegal or unethical acts.
Refuse to conceal, and will report, the illegal, unethical, fraudulent, or incompetent acts of others.
Follow sound scientific procedures and ethical principles in research.
Comply with state or federal laws which govern and relate to their practice.
Avoid any form of conduct that is fraudulent or creates a conflict of interest, and shall follow the
principles of ethical business behavior.
Promote health care delivery through improvement of the access, efficacy, and cost of patient
care.
Encourage and promote appropriate stewardship of resources.
Work to achieve and maintain respectful, functional, beneficial relationships and communication
with all health professionals. It is the position of the American Association of Respiratory Care
that there is no place in a professional practice environment for lateral violence and bullying
among respiratory therapists or between healthcare professionals.
Respiratory Therapy Students will be held to the AARC statements as stated above. These
statements provide a working guideline for how each and every respiratory therapist should conduct
themselves throughout their career. If any of these AARC statements are broken, the student will be
counseled and written documentation placed in their file and may result in further disciplinary
actions.
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PROGRAM POLICY SECTION
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INTRODUCTION Welcome to the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Respiratory Care Program located at the Culinary
and Allied Health Building (CAH), 418 E. Walnut Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
The Respiratory Therapy faculty and staff of Kalamazoo Valley Community College are pleased to have
you in our Respiratory Care Program. Since you will be new to the program and perhaps to the clinical
and hospital environments, it is our desire to provide you with answers to many of the questions
frequently asked. This handbook is designed to provide a framework within which the faculty and
students can function to meet your educational goals. All policies herein are in effect for the duration of
your student respiratory career. However, if changes are made you will be notified in writing and be
required to sign a form signifying that you received the new information.
Faculty are here to assist you in achieving your educational goals. They will provide academic guidance
and support to you for successful completion of the program. A positive attitude toward study,
classmates, patients and yourself, will be necessary to successfully complete the educational process.
FULL TIME COMMITMENT The respiratory program is a full time program. You will need to budget a minimum of 40 hours/week
for attending classes, labs, clinical, studying and completing assignments.
TECHNICAL and CLINICAL FACILITIES The facilities and resources of Kalamazoo Valley Community College are available to all respiratory
therapy students. Students may use any Kalamazoo Valley Community College library, open computer
lab, Library, Student Services and other academic services. All courses are taught by faculty with
advanced degrees in the appropriate fields of study.
Clinical experience is an integral part of the educational experience for all respiratory therapy students.
In clinical, students are there for the educational experience, and will not be considered as part of the
hospital staff. When attending clinical, students will be dressed in appropriate uniform and wear a
clinical ID badge. The Respiratory Care Program has affiliation agreements with their local hospitals,
clinics etc, to provide student-learning experiences.
Professional liability insurance coverage is provided to all students enrolled in clinical/externship courses
with the Respiratory Care Program as part of their paid tuition. This insurance only extends to
clinical/externships while the student is onsite for a specific clinical training experience. Each student
may obtain additional individual liability insurance.
Students must be appropriately supervised at all times during their clinical education coursework and
experiences. Students must not be used to substitute for clinical, instructional, or administrative staff.
Students shall not receive any form of remuneration in exchange for work they perform during
programmatic clinical coursework.
PROGRAM GOALS AND PURPOSES The goal of the Respiratory Care Program is “To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the
cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory
therapy practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).” Kalamazoo Valley
Community College is able to meet these goals by offering the Respiratory Care Program as a first-
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professional degree program and providing the knowledge and clinical skills necessary to function as a
registry-eligible respiratory therapist.
Graduates of the Respiratory Care Program can fulfill the following:
1. Recognize, adapt to and assist in fulfilling the changing health requirements of the community.
2. Develop capabilities and potentials to function as a contributing member of the health care team
and society.
3. Appreciate the inherent worth of human life and the role that the respiratory therapist plays.
4. Establish effective relationships with respiratory therapy colleagues, patients and their families
along with other health care disciplines.
5. “Aid the supervising physician or osteopath in the treatment, management, diagnostic testing,
control and care of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities associated with the
cardiopulmonary system," as defined in the state of Indiana licensure laws.
PROGRAM METHODOLOGY The Respiratory Care Program is a two-year associate of applied science degree program.
The philosophical base of the educational program for respiratory therapy is that education is ongoing and
continuous; that education creates change in the affective, cognitive, and psychomotor domains of the
learner; and that education, as learning proceeds within a simple to complex framework. The Program is
competency-based and follows the current National Board for Respiratory Care‘s (NBRC) detailed
content outlines.
The curriculum is designed to provide opportunities to develop skills in communication, professionalism,
analytical thinking, inquiry and information gathering, practical application of respiratory therapy
modalities, and psychomotor skills.
The Respiratory Care Program involves motivation, curiosity, professional fulfillment and personal
satisfaction. The program is both challenging and rewarding.
Communication with faculty, fellow therapists, physicians, nurses and members of the health care team is
an essential element of the program. Students engage in seminars, intensive classes, laboratories, and
clinical training in hospitals. The result is an outstanding education in respiratory therapy.
The faculty is committed to excellence in teaching and community service by promoting lifelong
learning, scholarship, and service.
FACULTY RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT An effective faculty-student partnership is an essential component to achieving student academic success.
As is true in any partnership, both parties are expected to contribute. Faculty brings knowledge and
expertise to the partnership. Their responsibilities are to create an environment conducive to learning and
to promote opportunities for student learning, while respecting the diversity of the student body. Faculty
has a professional responsibility to plan and deliver quality instruction as defined by course objectives
and to clearly outline expectations. The program must ensure that course content, learning experiences
(didactic, laboratory, and clinical), and access to learning materials are equivalent for each student
regardless of where that experience was acquired, (CoARC 4.08). This includes, but is not limited to:
Ensuring all activities associated with the program must be non-discriminatory and in accord with
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federal and state statutes, rules and regulations, (CoARC 5.04);
Ensuring the health, privacy, and safety of patients, students, and faculty associated with the
educational activities and learning environment of the students must be adequately safeguarded,
(CoARC 5.08);
Evaluating student work in a fair, objective, and timely manner;
Respecting opinions without demeaning the student;
Giving help and clarification when needed;
Being accessible and approachable to students (i.e. maintain posted office hours and arranged
appointments);
Having a positive, caring attitude toward teaching and learning;
Presenting facts and skills in an organized manner that respects various learning styles;
Assures appropriate supervision for students in all locations where instruction occurs;
Ensure learning experiences and access to learning materials are substantially equivalent for each
student regardless of location;
Ensure guidance is available to assist students in understanding and abiding by program policies
and practices;
Ensure that students have timely access to faculty for assistance and counseling regarding their
academic concerns and problems.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT Students contribute effort and potential to the partnership. Students are responsible for participating in
the learning process in a conscientious manner while taking full advantage of educational opportunities
available. Students are also expected to conduct themselves in such a matter as not to interfere with the
learning of others. The following list, not meant to be inclusive, further defines the student role:
Come to all class sessions prepared and on time;
Display interest in the subject matter through participation, questions, etc.;
Bring forth concerns to appropriate individuals;
Seek help and clarification when necessary (i.e. tutoring, study groups, questions);
Engage in accurate, objective self-assessment of own work and continually be aware of class
standing/performance;
Understand the instructor’s expectations and methods of assessment; (see course syllabus).
Initiate all paperwork necessary to enroll in and exit from the course, including financial aid
documents.
ACCOMODATIONS Student needing accommodations should make an appointment with the Office for Student Access at (269) 488-4397. Please have a letter sent each semester to the appropriate course faculty. This will be the student’s responsibility to request that such notification is sent and to notify the current course faculty. Accommodations will only be made when appropriate notice is received by the faculty member.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND HONESTY At Kalamazoo Valley Community College, learning is valued and honored. Our learning community
cannot thrive if its students copy the work of others, known as plagiarism, and seek an unfair advantage
over their fellow students by cheating. The academic standards of Kalamazoo Valley Community College
are based on a genuine pursuit of knowledge and demand a high level of integrity from every one of its
students.
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Honesty is an integral characteristic for all health care professionals. With your decision to enroll in the
Respiratory Care Program, you have committed yourself to uphold this standard. Furthermore, it is your
responsibility to maintain peer group control of dishonesty by reporting any alleged acts of misconduct to
the instructor.
When this trust is violated the learning process suffers injury and steps must be taken to ensure that
learning standards remain meaningful. Any student caught cheating will forfeit his/her grade and will
receive zero (0) for that test or assignment. Cases of student misconduct and/or lack of academic integrity
will be referred to the Dean, who then notifies the Provost/ Vice President for Instruction and Student
Services. The student may be subject to disciplinary actions and are grounds for dismissal as deemed by
the College. See Student Handbook. http://www.kvcc.edu/studenthandbook. All students are encouraged
to avoid dishonest behavior and seek available tutorial and counseling services to help them succeed.
PATHWAY FOR STUDENT COMMUNICATION
It’s important for you to follow the communication sequence listed below to address any questions or concerns you might have.
Student
Clinical Instructor Course Instructor
Director of Clinical Education
Respiratory Program Director
Dean of Instruction for Health Careers and Sustainable Foods
Provost/Vice President for Instruction and Student Services
COMMUNICATION & CORRESPONDENCE All communication whether verbal, voicemail, text messages or email, is expected to be respectful and
professional. With regards to email, students should avoid slang and abbreviations. All email messages
must be sent through your KVCC email account. Instructors may not respond to emails that are not
signed. Any communication that is deemed unprofessional, the student will be counseled.
INTEGRITY & RESPECT Students are expected to respect their fellow students by listening to lectures and discussions quietly, by
participating without anger or sarcasm, and respecting others’ thoughts, ideas, heritage, and culture.
Good class citizens contribute actively to the learning of their classmates by initiating interesting
discussions in class or helping students understand material outside of class. Poor citizenship behavior
includes “hogging air time” with comments that are too long-winded, repetitive, irrelevant, or not
allowing others a turn to talk.
DIDACTIC COURSE WORK POLICIES Students must abide by the criteria stated in the syllabus for each course. Students will be required to
purchase program course textbooks and are responsible for preparing for lectures in advance.
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CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS This is a professional program and unparalleled professional behavior is expected during all classroom,
laboratory sessions, and all interactions and communications with students, faculty, and staff. As future
health care providers, it is imperative that students embrace different cultures, ideas, opinions openly and
without ridicule.
Any behavior that is disruptive to the teaching-learning process is prohibited. This includes, but is not
limited to using electronic devices and phones for conducting personal business during class time,
sleeping during class, coming to class late, or talking and disrupting your classmates while the instructor
is lecturing. Restroom breaks are to be taken during the scheduled break time. Cellular phones and
electronic devices must be turned off during exams and on silence during class. See course syllabi.
It is highly recommended that you have a calculator for in-class activities
Students using personal electronic devices for non-academic purposes will be counseled.
Students training for the respiratory therapy profession are bound by the AARC Statement of Ethics and
Professional Conduct. The student must conduct himself/herself in a manner consistent with this code
during classroom, laboratory, at hospital affiliates, as well as any off campus program related activity.
PROGRAM ATTENDANCE POLICY The program expects students to attend every class, scheduled laboratory and clinic. The student is
responsible for obtaining missed notes, assignments or handouts. Any missed clinic must be made up.
Students who miss more than 1/8 of laboratory or classroom sessions may be withdrawn from the course
by the instructor. For example, if a course meets 18 times for class and lab and misses 3 sessions, the
student may be withdrawn from the course by the instructor. See individual course syllabi. COVID
related absences will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
PUBLIC SAFETY EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM It is recommended that you sign up for the KVCC Emergency Alert System. You will be notified of
emergencies and college closings. https://www.kvcc.edu/services/safety/ps_emergencyalert.htm
Notification of College closure may be obtained by calling KVCC and/or through radio and TV coverage
after 6:00 a.m.
o Weather number (college open vs. closed) 269-488-4750
o www.kvcc.edu generally has college closings listed in the banner
See Clinical Policy Section of this handbook for further weather for listings of radio stations.
EXAM POLICY
Policies that apply to all exams:
All assessments and exams will be taken as scheduled. If an exam is not taken as scheduled or by the
deadline established, the score may be recorded as a zero.
All exams and assessments will be proctored and monitored either by a college designated proctor or
instructor, a third-party proctoring service (fees may apply), or through a remote secure system, such as
Lockdown Browser with camera. Students will be notified in advance if there are fees associated with
proctoring. All electronic devices including cell phones and smart watches must be powered off
during exams. Leaving the room during exams (example to use the phone or restroom) is prohibited.
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In extenuating circumstances, a student may be allowed to take an exam early or late at the discretion of
the instructor. When there is an extenuating circumstance, it is important that the student call or email the
instructor prior to the start of the exam. If a student is allowed to take an exam late, a 10% reduction in
the percentage score may be assessed. (For example 83% = 73%). Only the use of approved calculators
may be used during exams.
Online Exams and Assessments:
All materials, notes, and textbooks must be removed from the student’s testing area. The only materials
that are permitted is a glass of water and an approved calculator. Before starting the exam, the student
will be required to show their student ID and span the room to show their surroundings. Leaving the
room during the exam or assessment is not permitted. Acts of questionable academic dishonesty will be
reported to the appropriate administrator for further review (see the Academic Integrity and Dishonesty
section of this handbook).
GRADING A minimum grade of 2.0 must be maintained for continuance in the RCP Program. Any average grade
falling below 2.0 will result in the appropriate failing grade. See individual course assignment schedules
(syllabus) for grading criteria.
Grade distribution will be based on the following:
Percentage Grade
100 - 90 4.0
89 - 85 3.5
84 - 80 3.0
79 - 75 2.5
74 - 70 2.0
69 - 65 1.5
64 - 60 1.0
Less than 60 0.0
ASSESSMENT AND REMEDIATION Tests/quizzes are placed within each course at strategic times to assess learning objectives that has
occurred to that point; tests/quizzes may be cumulative. Faculty will review with the class commonly
missed questions within one week of test/quiz. It is the expectation that students will review their
individual tests/quizzes and set an appointment with faculty to address their concerns.
Laboratory skills will be assessed through competency check–offs and lab practical exams will be
scheduled throughout the semester for courses with laboratory component (see syllabi).
Grading Lab Practical Exams: Lab practical exams are an opportunity for the student to demonstrate
proficiency in a set of related skills. Students must attain a minimum of 70% on each of the related set
of skills in the lab practical exams to pass the course. If a student does not attain a 70% on the individual
sections of the lab practical exam, the student will be given one remediation session followed by one
retest date. The retest must occur before the next regularly scheduled lab session. If the student passes
the retest, the score for the lab practical exam will be entered as 70%. If a student does not pass during
the 2nd testing attempt, the student will not have demonstrated proficiency in required skills for the course
and therefore will not pass the course.
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Students wanting additional lab practice time are to contact the learning assistants in advance to schedule
a time. During the timeframe where the college is operating with limited access to the campus, lab
practice time will be limited to small groups of students (ten or less) and require advance approval.
Non-Academic technical standards for the program are assessed at the beginning of the program
utilizing the Student Vaccination and Physical Examination Form, specifically the portion Review
of Essential Functions. Academic technical standards for the program are assessed near the end of
the program through the use of NBRC Self-Assessment Examinations; each students will be
required to pass the Therapist Multiple Choice examination and attempt the Clinical Simulation
Examination.
WITHDRAWING FROM COURSES Due to sequencing and limited seat availability, students are encouraged to talk with the course professor or director before making a decision to withdraw from any respiratory course. When considering whether or not to withdraw, the student should understand that having withdrawals may have financial implications. Students who are receiving financial aid should contact the financial aid office before withdrawing from courses. Withdrawing form a course does not affect student’s GPA. Tuition charges may apply.
PROGRAM PROGRESSION Program faculty need to ensure demonstrated retained competency of the student, to maintain the safety
of patients/clients of clinical affiliate organizations, and to promote student retention and completion. All
respiratory care courses must be taken in a sequential order. A final course grade of 2.0 is needed to
successfully pass each program course. A student not successfully completing a required programmatic
course(s) will not be able to progress to the next semester.
Respiratory Care Curriculum
Professional Course Sequencing* – 48 credits
Course Title Credits Contact Hrs
Fall Entry:
RCP 100 Basic Respiratory Procedures 4 6
RCP 106 Pharmacology for Respiratory Care 3 3
RCP 107 Cardiopulmonary Pathophysiology I 5 5
Semester total 12 14
Winter Semester:
RCP 112 Cardiopulmonary Pathophysiology II 3 3
RCP 130 Respiratory Care Seminar/Clinic I 9 23
Semester total 12 26
Fall Semester:
RCP 200 Advanced Respiratory Procedures 4 7
RCP 210 Respiratory Care Seminar/Clinic 8 18
Semester total 12 25
Winter Semester:
RCP 225 Respiratory Care Seminar/Clinic III 9 23
RCP 230 Contemporary Respiratory Topics 3 3
Semester total 12 26
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*The Professional Course Sequencing list above represents only the professional respiratory care courses
and does not include the required pre-requisite or general education needed for the degree. For complete
and current list of all required courses, see the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Respiratory Care
Information Page, under the Program Information Link:
https://www.kvcc.edu/programs/health_careers/rcp.php
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS College graduation requirements can be found in the Catalog:
https://kvcc.smartcatalogiq.com/2021-2022/Catalog
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES The program follows the college’s grievance procedure which can be found in the Student Handbook:
http://www.kvcc.edu/studenthandbook
REINSTATMENT POLCY Reinstatement is a provision of allowing a respiratory care student who has recently stopped out of the
program for academic or personal reasons, to petition to return. Stopping out is defined as not being able
to progress in the course sequence due to a drop, a withdrawal, or a final course grade less than 2.0.
Reinstatement considerations for students who stop out for professional behavior issues will be evaluated
on a case-by-case basis.
Following the reinstatement procedure in a timely manner, will allow the respiratory care program the
maximum opportunity to plan for reinstatement seats.
Reinstatement Criteria: 1. The student seeking reinstatement will need to submit an Intention to Seek Reinstatement Letter.
The Intention to Seek Reinstatement Letter should:
1.1 Be type written in a business letter format or email; and submitted to the program director
within 6 weeks after stopping out of the program.
1.2 Identify obstacles, barriers, and personal behaviors the student feels impaired their ability
to succeed during their first attempt in the program.
1.3 Explain an action plan for success. Address personal behavior changes or identify
barriers that have been resolved.
2. Prior to returning to the program, the student will need to document that they have met all the
entry requirements that are applied to the next cohort of students seeking program admission.
These may include but are not limited to:
2.1 Drug Test Authorization Form and Affidavit Regarding Criminal History
2.2 Students will need to complete a drug screen(s) that is acceptable to the program.
2.3 Students will need to complete Live Scan Fingerprinting and the results must be
acceptable to the program prior to re-entering any clinical course.
2.4 All of the items on the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Immunization and
Diagnostic from must be current. The date of the provider signature on the form must be
within 6 months of re-entry to the program.
2.5 Returning students must attain required scores in reading, math, and writing. (See the
current application packet.)
2.6 Returning students must have a minimum grade point average in prerequisite courses of
2.0 and a minimum college grade point average of 2.0.
2.7 Students must document and demonstrate understanding of previously learned material.
(Details of this requirement are described items 5 through 10 below.)
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3. A student may repeat a respiratory care course once. A student may repeat a maximum of two (2)
different respiratory care courses in the program. Students, who stop out, withdraw (failing), or
fail more than twice, will generally need to complete their respiratory therapy education at
another college.
4. A student who has withdrawn due to an issue that is not related to academic performance, clinical
performance, affective behavior, and/or clinical policy issues, and has exceeded the maximum of
two (2) different respiratory therapy courses will be expected to meet with the Program and
Clinical Director to further discuss the matter. Any decision to reinstate the student in this
circumstance will be by consensus of the Program Director and the Clinical Director. The student
will generally need to provide evidence that the issue leading to the withdrawal has been
overcome. Students will generally be required to provide evidence that they have support
systems in place to overcome the challenges associated with the issue leading to the withdrawal.
For students reinstated under these circumstances, any additional failure, or withdrawal, from a
program course will generally require that the student complete their respiratory therapy
education at another college.
5. Students are accountable for the content taught in all previous theory, lab, and clinical courses in
the respiratory care program. Students are responsible for reviewing this content, as needed, in
preparation for subsequent courses, National Board for Respiratory Care exams, and prospective
employers.
6. Students must reinstate within one calendar year of stopping out, regardless of reason.
7. Students that have been out of the program more than one year will generally be required to
complete all previous respiratory courses.
8. Students must complete all identified prerequisite courses and conditions before reinstatement
into the program. If students have prerequisite conditions identified, it is the students’
responsibility to complete the conditions by the specified date(s). Students should submit
documentation of completion of prerequisite conditions to the program by the specified date(s).
If a student fails to do so, their reinstatement application will be withdrawn.
9. Permission to reinstate is dependent on:
9.1 completion of the reinstatement procedure according to the defined time lines
9.2 completion of prerequisite courses and conditions (as specified) and submission of the
appropriate documentation
9.3 completion of required refresher courses
9.4 seat availability for the course(s) seeking reinstatement
9.4.1 Reinstatement is also dependent on available seats in the following clinical
semester.
9.4.2 A student may be given provisional permission to reinstate in pre-clinical courses
pending open seats in the clinical portion of the program.
9.4.3 Successful students in the current cohort of students will be given clinic seats
prior to clinical seats being assigned to reinstated students.
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10. Students will be required to take refresher courses and exams if they stop-out in a clinical
semester.
10.1 Students stopping out after successfully completing RCP 100 (minimum grade 2.0), but
prior to completing the all RCP courses in the second semester of the first year, must take
RCP 291. The RCP 291 course reviews all the content and skills offered in RCP 100.
10.2 Students that have successfully completed RCP 130, and do not enter second year will be
required to complete both RCP 291 (see above) and RCP 292. The RCP 292 course
reviews the content of RCP 130.
10.3 Students seeking clinical reinstatement must also complete the current essential drug
examination with a score of 95%.
10.4 Students stopping out after successfully completing RCP 200 (minimum grade 2.0), but
prior to successful completion of RCP 210 or 225 will be required to take RCP 293 which
reviews all the content and skill offered in RCP 200.
10.5 Students stopping out after successfully complete RCP 210 will be required to complete
RCP 295, which reviews the content of RCP 210. As indicated, RCP 293 will also be
required as a refresher course.
11. Clinical Course placement:
11.1 RCP 292 and RCP 295 are clinical courses.
11.2 Students must complete current net learning pre-clinical modules.
11.3 Students must complete any requirement mandated by the clinical affiliates prior to
reinstatement. These could include but are not limited to
11.3.1 Additional health care training on personal protective equipment – N95
Respirators or Powered Air Purifying Respirator training
11.3.2 Electronic Medical Record Orientation
11.3.3 Clinical Affiliate orientation
11.4 Students who are required to enroll in refresher courses (291, 292, 293, and 295) will be
given an outline of course completion requirements. These expectations will be based
strength of the student’s previous performance and may vary by student. The student will
be required to sign the outline indicating that they understand course expectations.
12. Students will be notified as to their reinstatement status as soon as possible prior to the beginning
of the course.
13. Once reinstatement is granted, students are expected to contact the instructor and program
director before the beginning of courses to discuss expectations.
14. Students must notify the respiratory care program of their intent to accept a seat in the respiratory
care program according to the time lines specified by the program.
15. Once students have accepted the seat, failure to utilize their seat will be considered a withdrawal
and may jeopardize any future application for reinstatement.
16. Should a student decline to accept their seat or if a seat is not available, the student will be
required to submit a new reinstatement application.
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HIPAA All students in the program will complete Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996
(HIPAA) training prior to attending clinical. Below is a summary of the HIPAA policy intended to
supplement the complete HIPAA laws and hospital policies.
As a student in the program, you will be privy to patient/client names, health status, medical treatments,
and any knowledge gained through conversation, records, or by other means which are all confidential.
Maintaining patient confidentiality which includes not speaking, writing about, or divulging by any other
means a patient (client) by name. Further, students must not discuss any patient cases outside the clinical
classroom setting or with anyone other than their instructors. When patients request medical information,
students must follow hospital policy.
Patient/client records are only to be accessed for use with program business and with the permission of
the hospital in accordance to hospital policies. Students may only access certain information in the
patient record that is pertinent to the cardiopulmonary care. Records may not be reviewed for personal
use or to review information that is not necessary to provide respiratory therapy. Duplicating patient
records and/or removing patient records from the facility is strictly prohibited.
Safeguards must always be taken to protect patient information, such as safeguarding computer screens,
logging off computers, not sharing passwords, keeping notes and records private, and not discussing
patients in public spaces.
Violating patient (client) confidentiality can result in dismissal from the Respiratory Care program and
may result in legal reprisal.
MEDIA Social Media or Social Networking would include but not limited to personal email/websites, Facebook,
Twitter, You Tube, My Space, any blogs, message boards, and chat rooms.
If you identify yourself as a student at Kalamazoo Valley Community College in the Respiratory Care
Program, you should act responsible at all times and uphold the standards of the college and Respiratory
Care Program.
Always maintain professional standards as described by the AARC.
Remember that everything you post online is public. Be aware of your conduct online. Unprofessional
behavior, language or subject matter could jeopardize your ability to remain in the program or endanger
any future employment.
Social Media or Social Networking should not be used to carry out clinical-related duties or share
clinical-related documents or experiences with anyone. You must uphold HIPAA standards in all
situations. Do not discuss clinical related issues online. This includes but not limited to conversations
about patients, or patient’s family, discussion about a particular facility and employees or fellow students
and instructors. Do not “friend” a patient or patient’s family on Facebook. Never post pictures of patients
or staff/faculty on any social media.
Students may not use the Hospital’s hardware, software, network, blog, posting board or any other Social
Media to create, send receive download, transmit store display or otherwise access or control personal
Social media/Social Networking communications. Students may not use any property, logos, and
trademarks of any clinical affiliate on Social Media/Networking.
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To maintain a professional work and learning environment students should not use Social
Media/Networking to harass, threaten, slander, smear, disrespect, embarrass or offend fellow students,
employees or faculty and or employees of any clinical affiliate. This also includes the college and any
hospital.
Violation of these guidelines will result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the
Respiratory Care Program. Hospital affiliates may pursue legal action when applicable.
STUDENTS WHO WORK AS RESPIRTORY THERAPY STUDENTS Many students are required to work while enrolled in the Respiratory Care Program. However, it is
presumed that successful completion of the Respiratory Care Program and successful passing of the
NBRC examination process is the ultimate desire of each student. Therefore, if a student's progress in the
program begins to show undesirable negative effects which appear to be related to work, the faculty
reserve the right to notify the clinical affiliate. It is the consensus of faculty and clinical affiliates that
student's work no more than 24 hours per week.
Students can start working as respiratory care students after successfully completing the 1st year in the
respiratory therapy program. Working at the hospital cannot be done during scheduled KVCC clinical
times. The scope of practice for students who are working should be limited to general floor therapy for
procedures in which they have demonstrated competency. It is not recommended that students work in
the ICU or perform invasive procedures until after they have graduated.
Fatigue: Fatigue contributes to errors and puts patients, staff, and respiratory students at risk.
Students are expected to work NO MORE than 12 hours in a 24 hour period, including their
KVCC clinical shift. If the faculty determines that the student has exceeded this limit and is too
fatigued to critically think and provide safe care, the faculty will send the student home. This
will be considered a student absence and jeopardizes the student’s ability to meet clinical, l ab,
or simulation objectives.
STUDENT CLASS REPRESENTATIVES The respiratory care student class representatives are two current students in the Respiratory Care
Program selected by the program faculty. Class representatives must be students in good standing and
possess the ability to positively represent the program and their class. The student class representatives
have the following responsibilities:
1. Serve as a student representatives at meetings.
2. Function as the student representative to the program advisory board committee.
3. Leads class meetings and solicits class input on activities or events.
4. After graduation, will function as the graduate representatives to the program advisory board
committee.
COMMUNITY SERVICE Community service is an important part of becoming a well-rounded health care provider. There will be
opportunities throughout the year to volunteer for community events. This is a great addition to your
resume.
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NATIONAL CREDENTIALING The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) is a credentialing agency who evaluates professional
competency through national board exams. After you graduate you can apply to take the NBRC board
exams on-line: www. nbrc.org or call for more information at (888) 341-4811.
Graduates of Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Respiratory Care Program are eligible to take the
NBRC Therapist Multiple Choice Exam (TMC). Passing the TMC exam at the low cut score will earn
the graduate a CRT Credential. Passing the TMC exam at the high cute score will earn the graduate a
CRT credential and eligibility to take the NBRC Clinical Simulation Exam (CSE). Passing the CSE will
earn the graduate a RRT credential.
When you pass your NBRC TMC board exam, you are NOT automatically granted a state license
to practice. You MUST APPLY to the state licensing agency and complete their requirements.
Kalamazoo Valley Community College cannot guarantee that any graduate will pass the national board
exam.
LICENSURE Completing the respiratory care program does not guarantee licensure. You must meet the eligibility
requirements for licensure as established by the Michigan Bureau of Professional Licensing for
Respiratory Care https://www.michigan.gov/lara/. (517) 373-8068
Beginning March 17, 2021, individuals seeking licensure must have completed training to identify victims
of human trafficking prior to obtaining a license as a Respiratory Therapist.
Licensees, or individuals seeking licensure, must complete training in identifying victims of human
trafficking only one time. The Department may select and audit a sample of individuals and request
documentation verifying the completion of training.
Beginning June 1, 2022, implicit bias training will be required to obtain and renew a Michigan license as
a Respiratory Therapist. Training requirements are listed on LARA’s website.
https://www.michigan.gov/lara/
NEEDLE STICKS / AIRBORNE AND BLOODBORNE PATHOGEN
EXPOSURES Caring for patients in the hospital may put you at risk for needle sticks, exposure to blood and body
fluids, and airborne pathogens. Following proper guidelines and infection control precautions will help
decrease the risk for exposure. However, in the event that you do experience an exposure, in addition to
following the clinical affiliate’s policies, the following applies:
1. What to Do When a Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Occurs:
If you experience a contaminated needle stick or sharps cut, or are exposed to the blood or other body
fluid of a patient during the course of your work, immediately follow these steps:
Wash puncture site with soap and water
Flush splashes to the nose, mouth, or skin with water
Irrigate eyes with clean water, saline, or sterile solution
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When an exposure occurs at a clinical facility, follow that facility’s policy. Immediately
report the details of the incident to your Kalamazoo Valley instructor and clinical supervisor.
You will also need to notify KVCC Public Safety at 269-488.4911 from any phone or campus
emergency phone to report injury accidents.
Immediately seek medical evaluation and treatment by a medical professional. Do not wait.
Source testing of blood to determine infectious disease status is preferred whenever possible
where consent has been obtained. When an exposure occurs at a clinical facility, you should
follow that facility’s policy as they will handle notice and consent with the source. When an
exposure occurs the college, the instructor should advise the source following an incident and ask
if the source will consent to testing at a medical provider of his or her choosing.
Review these suggested resources:
o Exposure to Blood: What Healthcare Personnel Need to Know (CDC):
http://www.cdc.gov/HAI/pdfs/bbp/Exp_to_Blood.pdf
o Emergency Needle Stick Information (CDC):
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/bbp/emergnedl.html
o Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Resources:
http://nccc.ucsf.edu/clinical-resources/pep-resources/pep-quick-guide/
For clean needle/sharp sticks, wash the affected area with soap and water. You do not need to
seek medical care unless there is a visible injury which requires attention. Report the incident
to your Kalamazoo instructor and clinical instructor. Notify KVCC Public Safety at 269-
488.4911
2. What to do when an Airborne Pathogen Exposure Occurs
Students will be trained in the program on methods of compliance and proper use of
personal protective equipment. Students must strictly adhere to instructions on isolation signs
and warning labels.
When an exposure occurs at a clinical facility, follow that facility’s policy. Immediately report
the details of the incident to your Kalamazoo Valley instructor and clinical supervisor. You will
also need to notify KVCC Public Safety at 269-488.4911 from any phone or campus emergency
phone to report injury accidents.
Immediately seek medical evaluation and treatment by a medical professional. Do not wait.
Review these suggested resources:
TB Elimination – Infection Control in Health-Care Settings:
http://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/factsheets/prevention/ichcs.pdf
CDC Division of TB:
http://www.cdc.gov/tb
Michigan Department of Health and Human Service :
https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-71550_5104_5281_46528---,00.html
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/tb
Respiratory Protection in Health Care Settings (CDC) Fact Sheet:
http://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/factsheets/prevention/rphcs.htm
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OSHA:
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/tuberculosis/index.html
3. Where to Seek Treatment:
Time of day and facility capability may impact where you seek treatment. The key is to know
your options before an accident, and then, obtain an evaluation and treatment as soon as possible
from a health care provider of your choosing.
You may seek treatment at the clinical site (if equipped and willing), an urgent care facility,
emergency room, or physician office for assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. It remains your
responsibility to obtain the initial appointment and any follow-ups ordered with a health care
provider of your choice. If an incident occurs in a Kalamazoo Valley classroom, lab or facility, an
instructor cannot provide evaluation, diagnostic test or treatment beyond first aid and emergency
assistance.
Assess the situation and either call 9-1-1 or notify your instructor and KVCC Public Safety
at 269-488.4911 from any phone or campus emergency phone to report injury accidents
4. What Happens Next?
A health care provider will provide an evaluation, diagnostic testing (if necessary), and treatment
(if necessary). Diagnostic testing may include testing the source of the exposure, with his or her
consent, and baseline testing of the exposed person. Testing for HIV, HBV, and HCV is
typically included, along with other blood tests or diagnostic examinations the health care
provider recommends. If post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is indicated, efficacy is time
sensitive. The first dose should be given as soon as possible. Optimal time to start PEP is within
hours of exposure, rather than days.
5. Will I need follow-up testing? This direction will come from the health care provider. Follow-up will depend upon the testing
outcome of the source person. It is important for your health that you understand and comply with
the provider’s follow-up testing and recommendations.
6. How will this be paid?
You will need to file all claims with your private health insurance. Provide all the necessary
information to KVCC Public Safety and discuss the details on how to file a claim with the
college’s liability insurance. Not all claims are eligible under the college’s liability plan. Filing a
claim does not guarantee acceptance and payment of claim. Costs not covered by the student’s
private insurance or by the college’s liability insurance are the responsibility of the student.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT POLICY Graduates from Technician Programs that hold the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential from
National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) into the Respiratory Care Program (RCP) at Kalamazoo
Valley Community College (KVCC) requesting advance placement status must provide documentation
showing that they possess the skills and knowledge required to be admitted to the advanced standing
status.
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Credit based on credential
Applicants who have taken and passed the NBRC Therapist Multiple Choice Exam (TMC) at the low cut
score within the previous two years, and who are able to document competency in skills currently
performed in RCP 130, may be given credit for the following RCP courses:
RCP 100 Basic Resp Care Procedures
RCP 106 Pharmacology for Respiratory Care
RCP 107 Cardiopulmonary Pathophysiology I
RCP 112 Cardiopulmonary Pathophysiology II
RCP 130 Respiratory Care Seminar/ Clinic I
Documenting competency in RCP 130 skills requires a current or recent supervisor of the applicant to
complete a competency evaluation. The supervisor must rate the student as proficient in the skills
normally tested in these classes. The supervisor will need to rate the competency of the potential
advanced standing student on the skills required in laboratory and clinic courses.
Admission to the second year
CRT applicants applying for advanced standing into the second year must also complete a Health Careers
Application and meet all other current application requirements including completing all prerequisite
courses.
Permission to take second year courses
Once the CRT student meets the requirements detailed above, the program may allow the student to
participate in the second year of the program.
Students will be required to complete the following second year courses:
RCP 200 Advanced Resp Care Procedures
RCP 210 Respiratory Care Seminar/Clinic II
RCP 225 Respiratory Care Seminar/Clinic III
RCP 230 Contemporary Respiratory Topics
Science and General Education Requirements
Students must complete science and general education requirements for an Associate of Applied Science
Degree in Respiratory Care. To meet these requirements, students holding the CRT or CRTT credential
will need to complete or transfer in equivalent course work.
Petition to Graduate: Once the student has received credit (with a grade of 2.0 or better) for all of the
courses in the RCP program and completed the Science, Math and General Education requirements,
described above, the student may submit a petition for graduation from KVCC’s Respiratory Care
Program. Once the student meets all the requirements on the petition to graduate with an AAS in
Respiratory Care they will be able to graduate. The graduate may apply to the National Board for
Respiratory Care for their Therapist Multiple Choice Exam followed by the Clinical Simulation Exam
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CLINICAL POLICY SECTION
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CLINICAL OVERVIEW The clinical training in the Respiratory Care program is offered under contract with several local hospitals
and related health care providers.
Although most of the training will occur in these facilities with clinical affiliate staff as instructors,
individuals participating in the program are considered KVCC students and not employees. However,
during clinical training, clinical affiliate policies regarding dress, patient records, standards of care,
attendance and punctuality, etc., must be followed.
ADMISSION REQUIREEMENTS Admission to each clinical course is based on:
1. Admission to the program or permission from the Director of Clinical Education.
2. Successful completion of prerequisite courses.
3. Student must have current immunity as specified on the Health History and Physical
Examination form. Current immunity is determined by either verification of recent
vaccinations and serum titers as described on the healthcare program physical form.
4. Students should be aware that infection control of various diseases is a major concern in all
affiliates. The clinical affiliates may require additional immunization or documentation for
other diseases after the start of the clinical course. The student must follow all clinical affiliate
guidelines for immunizations and immunity and/or disease testing.
5. Students must have a criminal conviction history as part of the screening process. This history
must be acceptable to the program.
6. Students may be required to have a drug screen completed at any time during the program. This
screen must be acceptable to the program.
CLINICAL SAFEGARDS Prior to attending any clinical affiliate for training, students must complete hospital mandated orientations
and learning modules (see course event schedule). Additionally students must annually complete and
pass the following KVCC training modules listed below. As the healthcare environment changes,
additional training modules may be added or removed.
KVCC Health Care Core:
Bloodborne Pathogens for Clinical Staff
Patient Rights, Confidentiality, and HIPAA Privacy
Health Care Safety and Injury Prevention
Health Care Security (HIPAA)
Additional Modules for RCP:
Diversity in Health Care
Ethics in Providing Patient Care
Patient Safety Goals for Clinical Staff
Understanding & Preventing TB for Clinical Staff
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GRADING CRITERIA & GRADE POINT REQUIREMENTS Successful completion of each clinical course is based on all of the following:
1. Satisfactory completion of all Proficiencies, Procedures, and assigned clinical tasks as defined
in the class assignment schedule for each clinical course.
2. Criteria and oral questions for completion of competencies may be found in Trajecsys online.
When the oral and/or procedure proficiency is completed the Performance Evaluation Record
should be signed by your clinical preceptor or clinical instructor. There is a paper signature
required AND computer record in Trajecsys. The student is responsible for their performance
evaluation competencies at the clinical site, and if not completed the student will not continue
in the course.
3. Continued mastery of all previous competencies, procedures, and clinical tasks from this course
as well pre-requisite clinical courses must be maintained. In the event that a previously
"completed proficiency" is performed sub optimally; the Clinical Instructor, Clinical Director,
or Program Director may require a re-evaluation of the competency.
4. Consistent demonstration of appropriate clinical behaviors in each rotation is expected. You
must score a minimum of 3 in each category in the Affective evaluation form in Trajecsys. It
will be completed at the end of each rotation. A 2 in any category may result in a “Pass with
Reluctance”. Two 2s in one evaluation will result in a “Pass with Reluctance”. Two Affective
evaluations with a “Pass with Reluctance” will result in a failure for the course.
5. A minimum average of 2.0 on the quizzes and exams must be maintained. Quizzes and exams
may be written, oral, practical, and clinical simulation in format.
a. If a quiz or exam is not taken on the day it is scheduled in class, or by due date in Learning
Lab, the score may be recorded as a zero. In extenuating circumstances, the student may
be allowed to take a test early or late at the discretion of the instructor. When allowed to
take test late a 10% reduction in score penalty may be assessed.
b. Grade distribution is as follows:
Percentage Grade Percentage Grade
100-90 4.0 74-70 2.0
89-85 3.5 69-65 1.5
84-80 3.0 64-60 1.0
79-75 2.5 Less than 60 0.0
NOTE: Because of the sequential nature of the courses, unsatisfactory performance (less than 2.0
grade) in any required course will usually prevent continuation in the program.
UNSATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE Students who receive an unsatisfactory grade (below 2.0), have two options:
1. All courses with unsatisfactory (below 2.0) grades must be repeated or an acceptable equivalent
provided prior to graduation.
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or -
2. Petition the Dean of Instruction, Health and Science, who may (in consultation with the
instructor and/or the Medical and Program and Clinical Directors) allow continuation on a
probationary status.
UNIFORM POLICY Minimally, students must conform to the affiliate's policies regarding dress. Students must abide by
dress codes when they are in clinical affiliates or KVCC Respiratory Therapy Program activities. At
such time that a Respiratory Care Program student's appearance is not appropriate as defined by a
Clinical Instructor, that student may be instructed to leave the setting to change his/her appearance
and may, at the discretion of the Clinical Instructor, return to the clinical area when acceptable
standards are met. The student may be asked to leave for that clinic day and must make up all time
lost because of inappropriate appearance.
A. RCP Student Uniform 1. Lab Coat
a. Lab coats are not required at this time; however, students may be required to wear
a short (hip length) white lab coat at some events. If required, the student will be
given notice.
b. The lab coat must be worn over either dress clothes or approved scrubs.
c. If the student prefers to wear a jacket over their scrubs it must be gray scrub
material.
2. Dress Clothes (worn for meetings and volunteer events)
a. No denim, T-shirts, sweat pants, yoga pants, capri pants, cargo pants, and off-
shoulder tops are allowed.
b. Students may wear short sleeve "polo" type shirts.
3. Scrubs (worn for hospital clinical)
a. Scrubs are required for all hospital based rotations.
b. Students must purchase their own scrubs. Navy scrub pants or skirt and grey scrub
top.
c. Optional grey scrub jacket.
4. Students must wear KVCC nametags on their lab jackets. The clinical director will
provide details on obtaining nametags.
5. Students may be required to wear photo ID badges at certain clinical affiliates. Students
may acquire these at the affiliate. The cost for the badges is the responsibility of the
student.
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6. In the interest of student and patient safety, students must wear rubber heeled and soled
shoes. Tennis and/or running shoes are only acceptable if they are solid white, black, or
grey and do not have visible emblems on their surface. Socks must be worn at all clinical
affiliates.
7. Required clinical accessories: Stethoscope and blue or black ink pen. Recommended
items: bandage scissors and watch with second hand (that can be washed off).
8. No long sleeves (below the elbow) are allowed in the Neonatal Unit at Spectrum & BMH.
9. Note: This dress code is maintained by most clinical affiliates. If a change is made in
this policy by an affiliate institution, students will be informed and will be expected to
comply. Any attire not mentioned above is considered inconsistent with the dress
code and therefore not permitted.
B. Grooming Appearance and Personal Hygiene 1. Students will be groomed in accordance with affiliate policies (i.e., bathed, use of
deodorant, avoidance of strong colognes and or perfumes, etc.).
2. Hair must be neat, clean, and of natural color. Students with long hair must keep it tied
back so that as they lean over a patient, and the hair cannot come into contact with the
patient. Hairnets may be required. No scarves are allowed.
3. Beards, mustaches, and sideburns are to be kept trimmed short, neat and clean in the
judgment of the appropriate department heads, Administrator, and/or Clinical Instructor.
4. All clinical campuses are smoke free. Students have been removed from a clinical
rotation based on smelling like smoke. Simulated smoking devices (electronic
cigarettes) are also not allowed.
5. Jewelry
a. Jewelry that is allowed includes only one unobtrusive finger ring total, and one
pair of unobtrusive stud-type earrings. The following jewelry is not allowed under
this policy:
1. NO jewelry: including body, facial or oral (tongue) piercing that are
visible or impair speech.
2. Any other visible jewelry other than one unobtrusive finger ring total and
one pair of stud-type earrings.
3. Necklaces must not dangle at any time. If hanging type must be worn
inside the students’ top garment with no chance of exposure to patient.
4. No bracelets other than a watch.
6. Tattoos-
a. Tattoos must be covered if at all possible; however, small non offensive tattoo(s)
are okay. The Clinical Instructor, Clinical Director, or the Program Director will
decide if the tattoo is okay to show. Students with full sleeve tattoos on their
arms must wear long sleeved tops or cover them.
7. Fingernails
Must be natural (no artificial nails accepted), clean and no more than one-quarter
inch beyond finger-tip.
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FOOD & BEVERAGES Eating is allowed only in designated areas. Eating in any lab setting where blood and or other body
fluids may be found is completely prohibited and may result in being dismissed from clinic. This
applies to any area where ‘stat’ labs may be run i.e. blood gas machines (Battle Creek Health Systems,
Borgess Medical Center, Bronson Hospital, and SPECTRUM have such areas)
COMPETENCY LIST Student must have their clinical competency list present at all clinic rotations.
BREAKS AND LUNCH PERIODS Students will observe the departmental policies at the assigned facility regarding breaks and lunch periods.
Occasionally, due to high acuity times, these breaks/lunches will be missed. The student cannot leave the
hospital setting during any break or period for any reason. A 30 minute lunch period will not be
counted in the total clinical hours for the day.
SLEEPING Sleeping during the 12 ½ hour clinical rotation is prohibited. If a student is sleeping during any part of the
clinical rotation, they may be sent home at the discretion of the clinical affiliate. The student will meet with
the Clinical Instructor or Clinical Director to discuss an action plan. A consult report will be written, and if
the student is sleeping during the clinical rotation a second time they will not pass the course.
PHONES & USE OF HOSPITAL COMPUTERS Students may use cell their personal cell phones during lunch and breaks only and not in patient care areas.
Use of hospital phones must be limited directly to clinical business. Conversations should be concise and
to the point so as not to tie up the lines any longer than necessary.
Personal computer internet access for non-clinical related business during clinical time is strictly
prohibited.
GUM CHEWING
Chewing gum looks unprofessional and is not permitted.
LEAVING PATIENT CARE AREA Students must communicate to the CI/Preceptor if they are leaving the patient care area or department.
Students are prohibited from leaving the building.
SMOKING Students are not allowed to have any type of tobacco products on their person while in the clinical setting.
If the student smells of tobacco, they may be required by the clinical affiliate to leave. If program faculty
visits the clinical site and the student smells of tobacco, the student WILL be required to leave. This will
count as an occurrence and the entire day will be made-up. Guidelines of the affiliating agencies must be
followed.
GIFT AND GRATUITIES Under no circumstances should a student accept gifts or gratuities for services.
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TRANSPORTATION Students must be responsible for furnishing their own transportation. Students must park in designated
areas only. Hospital parking stickers may be required at some affiliates. The cost of these parking stickers
is the responsibility of the student. Details on obtaining parking stickers for clinical affiliates will be
discussed in class.
CLINICAL SCHEDULING Clinical rotations will be scheduled to provide the best possible educational experience for students without
adversely impacting the delivery of patient care services. The clinical schedule will be distributed to
students prior to the beginning of each semester. It should be recognized that changes in clinical affiliate
staff or patient load might require temporary adjustment of published schedules. To provide the necessary
diversity of clinical experience and ensure equity in student assignments, students may be rotated between
clinical facilities, as well as day, evening, and night shifts.
Students with specific scheduling problems during a specific semester may submit letters to the Clinical
Director requesting assignments to a specific shift. The letter should identify specific scheduling constraints
and provide a rationale for special consideration. It must be remembered that clinical schedule is based on
all of the factors mentioned above and the Clinical Director cannot guarantee that schedule requests will be
honored.
ATTENDANCE AND PUNCUTALITY A. Students who miss more than 1/8 of scheduled clinics may be withdrawn from the course by the
instructor. Students are required to attend all clinics as scheduled, and students are expected to be
at the clinical affiliate ready to work at the start of their assigned shift. (It is recommended that
students arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the shift to allow time to get ready to begin
the shift assignment.) The student should not schedule other appointments on clinical days. If
for some reason the student is unable to attend part of a clinical day due to a scheduling conflict,
that student will be required to miss the whole day of clinic. As a student, you must notify your
primary Clinical Instructor prior to any absence or tardiness. Direct discussion of your absence or
tardiness with your primary Clinical Instructor is mandatory. If you have prior knowledge of an
unavoidable absence or tardiness, you must discuss the situation with your primary Clinical
Instructor in advance.
B. If you are absent or tardy and have no prior knowledge of the situation, and if you are unable to
contact your Clinical Instructor prior to your absence or tardiness, you must contact your Clinical
Instructor at the very earliest possible opportunity. In the event that your Clinical Instructor is
unavailable, you must leave a telephone number where you can be reached with a departmental
supervisor or designated therapist (NO ONE ELSE). While ‘calling in’ to the clinical affiliate, note
the name of the person you spoke to, and report this to your Clinical Instructor and the Clinical
Director.
C. If you do not notify the Clinical Instructor, Clinical Director, and the Affiliate of your absence there
will be a meeting with the Clinical Director to create an action plan. A consult report will be written
along with the action plan. If the behavior continues, a consult report will be written along with
the possible failure of the course.
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REMINDERS 1. Talk to a supervisor/charge person when calling in unless stated otherwise. Document the
name and the title of the person who you reported your absence.
2. Call the Clinical Director (Megan) 269-548-3252. You may leave a message on the voice
mail.
3. When arranging make-up time - make sure Megan knows the make-up time and verification is
made with appropriate facility. (Megan knows it has been Ok’d with the appropriate person at
each facility involved).
WEATHER
A. Weather related closing can be verified by calling 269-488-4750.
1. Should the College be closed due to inclement weather or for other reasons, scheduled off-
campus clinical classes will not meet. In the event of such a cancellation, it may be necessary
for the student to make up that clinical day at a later date. If a number of cancellations occur or
if the student is in a very specialized clinical rotation (e.g., neonatal, PFT, Rehabilitation,
intubation or any other rotation at the discretion of Clinical Director) the student will be
required to make-up the inclement weather day(s).
2. If the College closes in the middle of a student's clinical shift due to inclement weather, the
student will be notified of the college closure for the clinical day. It is recommended that
student leave clinic when the college closes for inclement weather.
3. It is recommended that students secure lodging near the clinical affiliate if travel back to their
residence is dangerous. Any expenses incurred for overnight accommodations are the
responsibility of the student.
*Notification of College closure may be obtained by calling KVCC and/or through radio and
TV coverage after 6:00 a.m.
*Weather number (college open vs. closed) 269-488-4750
If you go to www.kvcc.edu the college generally has a banner indicating that is closed
due to inclement weather.
Radio/TV stations notified:
WKZO 590 AM WQLR 106.5 AM
WWMT Channel 3 TV WQSN 1470 AM
WKMI 1360 AM WMUK 102 FM
WKFR 103.3 FM
4. When the College is in session and the student is unable to travel to clinic due to
inclement weather, the student should call the clinical affiliate per the absence
procedure described above. Clinic days missed due to bad weather will have to be
made up at the clinical site the student was scheduled.
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5. Absence or tardiness for which you do not have a valid reason (such as documented illness,
emergencies, etc.) as determined by the Clinical Instructor or Clinical Director will not be
permitted. The first such absence will result in a Consultation Report of failure to meet your
clinical responsibilities. A second unexcused absence during the semester will mean automatic
clinical probation. A Consultation Report will be issued, and you will be required to attend a
conference with your Clinical Instructor and Clinical Director prior to your return to clinic. A
third unexcused absence during the semester will mean automatic clinical dismissal for the
semester. All absences will require clinic make-up time. For any absence due to illness a note
from your physician addressed to your Clinical Director may be required. The student will be
required to make-up two clinic days for every absence greater than two. Significant amount of
excused absences as determined by the Clinical Director can impede the progress of a student,
and the student may be placed on probation or be dismissed for the semester.
6. Any tardiness during the semester as defined by individual clinical affiliate policy may result
in your dismissal from clinic for that day, and will constitute one unexcused absence. A
Consultation Report will be issued for each tardiness. If you are tardy two times during the
semester, you will automatically be placed on clinical probation. You will be issued a
Consultation Report and will be required to attend a conference with your Clinical Instructor
and Clinical Director before you may return to clinic. Any additional tardiness will
constitute automatic dismissal for the semester.
7. In general, all absences and tardiness must be made up at the same clinical affiliate and shift
on which they occurred. Absences and tardiness will be made up at the convenience of the
clinical affiliate in keeping with departmental policy.
CONFIDENTIALITY As part of your clinical training, you will have access to certain confidential information, such as patients'
records and conversations. All students must follow the strict ethical standards of the profession, including
honesty in communication, respect for the confidentiality of the patients' records and conversations, and
protection of patients' rights.
ATTITUDES The delivery of health care depends on a positive interpersonal relationship between each of the persons
involved: the patient, the patient's family, physicians, nurses, allied health care professionals, and other
support staff. To function effectively in this cooperative effort, health students must cultivate attitudes and
skills that will foster productive relationships. They should recognize that each member of the "team" brings
a unique set of competencies, responsibilities, and personal needs, and the inevitable conflicts between
individual needs, the needs of other team members, and the patient must be constructively resolved.
Such attributes as respect for others, cheerfulness, honesty, courtesy, diligence, attention to detail, and
punctuality--all relate to being a "helping person." Above all, the goal of meeting the patient's needs must
remain central.
NBRC EXAM REQUIRMENTS Post Program Completion Employment Requirements and the NBRC National Credentialing Exam Process
Present testing policy of the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) requires all graduates of
therapist programs to take and pass the Entry Level exam. Upon completion of the program the
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student will need to take the Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) exam. The TMC has two levels of
scores. The first cut score is 88-94 and this score range will give the graduate a CRT. The score of
95 and above will give the graduate a RRT eligible and they will be allowed to advance to the Clinical
Simulation exam. If the graduate does not get a score above 88 they will have to take the exam over,
also if they score 88-94 they will have to take the TMC again to achieve a score of 95 or greater. The
second exam is the clinical simulation exam (CSE). Students who pass their TMC and CSE earn the
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential. Students must take the RRT within time limits
as established by the NBRC. These exams should be taken at the earliest date available after program
completion. Students should keep advised through the AARC or NBRC publication for application
requirements and deadlines.
RECORDS The Clinical Director in cooperation with each of the KVCC Clinical Instructors maintains a record
of Time Clock, Affective Evaluations, Competencies, appropriate Daily logs (Adult, Pediatric, or
Neonatal) and grades.
It is the student's responsibility to ensure that he/she is current on Trajecsys in each of the above
areas. Each student must show his/her the above Trajecsys documentation to the Clinical Director or
Clinical Instructors upon request and then turn the materials in at the end of every semester.
If a student does not produce the above requirements by the end of the semester, they may not pass
the course.
PHYSICIAN CONTACT TIME Historically, the Committee on Accreditation in Respiratory Care (CoARC) has suggested a
minimum of one (1) hour of physician contact time per week. Although KVCC's program usually
exceeds this requirement, the nature of these experiences prevents a structuring and scheduling of the
total required time.
In an effort to document these experiences and meet CoARC requirements, it is imperative that the
student consistently lists in his/her daily logbook all professional interactions with physicians. The
student must list the name of the physician involved, the type of experience, and the amount of time
of each experience. The following experiences are meaningful in the student's education, and may
be considered physician contact:
A. Case Presentations
B. Teaching Rounds
C. "In-house" conferences/lectures (including the weekly Pulmonary Conference)
D. Physician performed procedures
Falsification of any portion of the clinical logs, proficiencies or behavioral evaluations will result in
immediate termination of the student from the Program.
ADVERSE REACTIONS TO THERAPY Appropriate Action Regarding a Patient Who is Having an Adverse Response to Therapy:
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Adverse Responses Any patient may have adverse response to therapy. Adverse responses may include but are not
limited to the following:
A. Pain during treatment (especially Positive Pressure Ventilation)
B. Nausea or vomiting during therapy
C. Hemoptysis during therapy
D. Wheezing or bronchospasm brought on by aerosol therapy
E. A change in pulse rate + or - 20 beats per minute
F. A change in respiratory rate + or - 10 breaths per minute
G. Cardiopulmonary arrest
H. Alarm conditions on ventilators or monitoring equipment
I. A change in the patient's level of consciousness or sensorium
J. A change in a patient's color (cyanosis, duskiness, flushing, etc.)
K. A sudden change in chest physical assessment findings (observation, auscultation, percussion,
or palpation)
Appropriate Actions In the event that a patient has an adverse response to therapy you are administering; you are
to adhere to the following protocol:
A. Interrupt therapy immediately and take the patient's vital signs, also note time that the adverse
reaction first noticed.
B. Immediately notify (by beeper or overhead page, if necessary) your Clinical Instructor
(preceptor), and the patient's R.N. and/or the Head Nurse. Note times that each person arrived.
C. Stay with the patient until your Clinical Instructor/supervisor arrives.
D. In the event that the patient has a cardiopulmonary arrest, call for help and immediately begin
CPR in accordance with the Standards and Guidelines of the American Heart Association.
When a second qualified person or the CPR Teams arrive at the arrest, immediately notify your
instructor/ supervisor.
E. Stay with your patient until it is appropriate to leave as deemed by your Clinical
Instructor/supervisor.
F. Document the incident according to clinical affiliate policy. The policy may require you to
note in the medical record the time of the adverse reaction, the time that the nurse and Clinical
Instructor/supervisor were notified and the time that the physician was notified.
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CRIMINAL BACKGROUND AND DRUG SCREENING As a requirement by the clinical affiliates, all respiratory care students are mandated to obtain a criminal
background check and drug screen before entering the clinical experience and an annual update while in
the program. Individuals who do not pass, or refuse to take a drug screen will not be placed into the
clinical component or rotation of any course which requires such clinical component or rotation, and will
be removed from any such clinical component or rotation if already placed. The clinical courses are
required to earn a degree in respiratory therapy, and therefore the student will not meet the requirements
to graduate.
CLINICAL SUSPENSION PENDING INVESTIGATION A. You may be suspended from clinic for inappropriate clinical actions. This may be
recommended by the: Program Director, Clinical Director, Clinical Instructor, department
supervisor, or department manager.
B. Inappropriate clinical actions may involve acts of omission or commission, which have the
potential to, or cause harm to a patient. In the event that the student performs inappropriately
the following steps shall be taken:
1. The student will be informed as soon as possible that she/he has committed an
inappropriate action and the nature of that action. Every effort will be made to control
the environment such that the student is not being reprimanded in front of clinical affiliate
staff or his peers.
2. The Clinical Instructor will tell the student that the incident must be documented, and
may ask the student to leave the immediate patient care area and proceed to the
department or other appropriate meeting place.
3. The Clinical Instructor will document the incident on a consultation report.
4. The Clinical Instructor will inform the Clinical Director (or Program Director, or dean
of health and science) of the decision to suspend the student from clinic.
5. The Clinical Instructor will review the consultation report with the student and tell the
student, if warranted, that she/he is suspended from clinic pending investigation by the
clinical and program faculty.
6. The clinical staff, Clinical Director, and Program Director will review the incident and
determine if the student will be allowed to return to the clinic course.
7. A follow-up conference with the Clinical Director, Clinical Instructor, Program Director,
and the student will take place to let the student know of his or her status in the program.
C. In the event that a student comes to their clinical assignment smelling of alcohol, or
demonstrating unusual physical, mental, or emotional behavior, believed to be substance
abuse oriented, the Clinical Instructor shall refer to the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention
Program(DAAPP) already established by the college.
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CLINICAL AFFLIATE LIST Below is a list of current clinical affiliates. Please note the list can change without notice. Reminder you
will need your own transportation and the clinical assignments are at the discretion of the Director of
Clinical Education. In effort to ensure a balance experience for all students, special requests for
placement cannot be granted.
1. Airway Oxygen Inc. 51 miles from the KVCC CAHC
2955 Clydon Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49519
2. Ascension Borgess Hospital 2.4 miles from the KVCC CAHC
1521 Gull Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49048
3. Bronson Battle Creek Hospital 29 miles from KVCC CAHC
300 North Ave, Battle Creek, MI 49017
4. Bronson Methodist Hospital 0.2 miles from the KVCC CAHC
601 John St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
5. Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital 53 miles from the KVCC CAHC
100 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI
6. Spectrum Health, Lakeland Hospital 54 miles from the KVCC CAHC
1234 Napier Ave, St Joseph, MI 49085
7. Mary Free Bed Rehab Hospital 51 miles from the KVCC CAHC
235 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
8. Metro Health University of Michigan Health 46 miles from the KVCC CAHC
5900 Byron Center Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49519
9. Ascension Borgess PIPP Hospital 15 miles from the KVCC CAHC
411 Naomi St, Plainwell, MI 49080
10. Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital 53 miles from the KVCC CAHC
100 Michigan Street NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
DEMANDS OF A RESPIRATORY THERAPIST The typical demands placed on the health career student in training as well as on the entry-level health
career provider include:
STRENGTH – Frequently and repetitively perform physical activities requiring ability to push/pull
objects of more than 50 pounds and to transfer objects of more than 100 pounds.
MANUAL DEXTERITY – Constantly perform simple gross motor skills such as standing, walking,
handshaking, writing, and typing; and complex fine motor manipulative skills such as insertion of IV
lines, calibration of equipment, drawing blood, endotracheal intubation, etc.
COORDINATION – Constantly perform gross body coordination such as walking, filing, retrieving
equipment; tasks which require eye-hand coordination such as keyboard skills, and tasks which require
arm-hand steadiness such as taking B/Ps, calibrating tools and equipment, holding retractors, probing
periodontal spaces, etc.
MOBILITY – Constantly perform mobility skills such as walking, standing, prolonged standing or
sitting in an uncomfortable position; move quickly in an emergency and maneuver in small spaces;
requires frequent twisting and rotating.
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VISUAL DISCRIMINATION – Constantly see objects far away, discriminate colors, and see objects
closely as in reading faces, dials, monitors, fine small print, etc.
HEARING – Constantly hear normal sounds with background noise and distinguish sounds. Some
examples include conversations, monitor alarms, emergency signals, breath sounds, cries for help, heart
sounds, etc.
CONCENTRATION – Consistently concentrate on essential details even with interruptions, such as
client requests, IVAC’s, alarms, telephone ringing, beepers, conversations, etc.
ATTENTION SPAN – Frequently attend to task/functions for periods exceeding 60 minutes in length
with interruptions such as those mentioned above.
CONCEPTUALIZATION – Consistently understand, remember, and relate to specific and generalized
ideas concepts, and theories generated and discussed simultaneously.
MEMORY – Remember task/assignments given to self and others over both short and long periods of
time as well as significant amount of patient data with interruptions and distractions.
CRITICAL THINKING – Critical thinking skills sufficient for clinical judgment: making
generalizations, evaluations, or decisions.
COMMUNICATION – Interact with others in non-verbal, verbal and written form and explain
procedures, initiate health teaching, and document care. Must be able to read, write, and understand
written English.
STRESS – Perform all above skills and make clinical judgments correctly when confronted with
emergency, critical, unusual, or dangerous situations.
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Kalamazoo Valley Community College
RESPIRATORY CARE PROGRAM STUDENT HANDBOOK
RECEIPT
I, the undersigned, have received the KVCC Respiratory Care Program Student Handbook. I understand my signature indicates that I am responsible for the content contained in the handbook, as well as the content of KVCC’s Catalog/Programs of Study and Student Handbook.
Signature
Printed Name
Date
V 0 0 KVCC ID Number