rt student handbook

7/30/2019 RT Student Handbook

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2011/2012

East

Los

Angeles

College

1301AvenidaCesarChavez

MontereyPark,CA917546099

SantaMonicaCollege

1900PicoBoulevard

SantaMonica,CA 90405

East Los Angeles College /

Santa Monica College

Respiratory Therapy ProgramStudent Handbook


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i

TableofContentsEducationalMissionandPhilosophies............................................................................................ 4

EastLosAngelesCollegeMission,Vision,andValues................................................................. 4

SantaMonica

College

Mission,

Vision,

and

Goals

.......................................................................

6

ProgramDescriptionandRequirements......................................................................................... 9

ProgramClinicalStudentLearningOutcomes............................................................................. 9

ApplicationProcessandRequirements......................................................................................... 11

CampusAssignment.................................................................................................................. 11

ApplicationSubmission............................................................................................................. 12

NotificationofApplicationStatus............................................................................................. 12

AlgorithmforRespiratoryTherapyProgramApplication......................................................... 13

PrerequisiteRequirementsTable............................................................................................. 14

PrerequisiteCourseDescriptions EastLosAngelesCollege.................................................. 15

PrerequisiteCourseDescriptions SantaMonicaCollege....................................................... 17

AdmissionsProcess....................................................................................................................... 21

ConditionsforAdmissions......................................................................................................... 21

WrittenConfirmationoftheIntentiontoAcceptSpace....................................................... 23

RespiratoryTherapyEducationalPlan.................................................................................. 24

AAGeneral

Education

Degree

Audit

.....................................................................................

25

RespiratoryTherapyProgramOrientationPurposeandSampleAgenda............................. 26

TestforEssentialAcademicSkillsDescriptionandPurpose................................................. 27

ConditionsforClinicalPlacement.............................................................................................. 28

CriminalBackgroundCheckandDrugScreeningPolicy........................................................ 28

RespiratoryCarePractitionerStudentJobDescription......................................................... 31

TechnicalStandardsforRespiratoryTherapyStudents(Table)............................................ 32

ReadinessInitiative.................................................................................................................... 33

ProgramEnrollmentandProgression........................................................................................... 35

RetentionInitiative.................................................................................................................... 35

PoliciesonProgressionthroughtheRTProgram...................................................................... 35

RemediationInitiative............................................................................................................... 37

AlgorithmforRespiratoryTherapyProgramAdmissions/Enrollment...................................... 38


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ProgramPolicies............................................................................................................................ 39

StudentCodeofConduct.......................................................................................................... 39

ResponsibilitiesoftheStudents............................................................................................ 39

HonorCodeStatement.............................................................................................................. 39

ClinicalAssignment.................................................................................................................... 40

ClinicalHoursRequirement................................................................................................... 40

BankingofClinicalTime......................................................................................................... 40

LeavingaClinicalAssignment................................................................................................ 40

CurriculumDocumentationinClinicalAssignment............................................................... 40

ClinicalEvaluation.................................................................................................................. 41

CellPhoneUseonClinicalAssignment................................................................................. 42

ProgramExit

and

Re

admission

.................................................................................................

43

VoluntaryWithdrawalfromtheProgram............................................................................. 43

CourseFailureandProgramDismissal.................................................................................. 43

ReadmissionProcessandRequirements................................................................................. 45

RemediationRequirements................................................................................................... 45

ReApplication....................................................................................................................... 47

AssociateDegreeProgramCurriculum......................................................................................... 48

RecommendedProgramCoreCourseSequence...................................................................... 49

ProgramCorequisiteCourses................................................................................................... 50

GeneralEducationDegreeRequirements................................................................................. 50

NonTraditionalAssociateinScienceDegree............................................................................ 52

NonTraditionalProgramPrerequisites:................................................................................... 52

RespiratoryTherapyProgramCoreCourseDescriptions ELAC............................................... 54

RespiratoryTherapyProgramCorequisiteCourseDescriptions ELAC................................... 57

RespiratoryTherapyProgramCoreCourses SMC................................................................... 58

RespiratoryTherapy

Program

Co

requisite

Course

Descriptions

SMC

...................................

59

Appendices.................................................................................................................................... 61

AdministrativeRegulationsforEastLosAngelesCollege......................................................... 62

AdministrativeRegulationsforSantaMonicaCollege.............................................................. 63

SantaMonicaCollegeMajorSheetforAADegree.................................................................... 64

SantaMonicaCollegeRespiratoryTherapyCourseofStudyForm........................................... 65


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EducationalMissionandPhilosophies|RTStudentHandbook 4

EducationalMissionandPhilosophies

EastLosAngelesCollegeMission,Vision,andValues

MISSIONSTATEMENT

EastLosAngelesCollegeisdedicatedtofacilitatingstudentlearningthroughthehighestquality

of transfer, career technical, basic skills, and community service courses and programs. We

serve a culturally diverse community of lifelong learners in a dynamic urban setting by

supportingstudentsuccess inachievingassociatedegrees,generaleducation,certificates,and

personaldevelopment.Todevelopthepotentialofeachstudent,thecollegeprovidesaccessto

innovative teaching methods, alternative modes of course delivery, the latest in educational

technology,and

comprehensive

support

services.

VISION

East Los Angeles College endeavors to be an exemplary model for student academic,

technological and artistic achievement. Through our evolving physical and technological

infrastructures,designedtofacilitateteaching,learningandculturalexpression,wewillbecome

thefirstchoiceinhighereducationandtheculturalcenterofourdiversecommunity.

STRATEGICDIRECTIONSorVALUES

EducationalOpportunityandAccess

We are offering an everimproving quality education by broadening student pathways,

empoweringourcommunitymembersand transforming theireducationalaspirations through

anaffordableeducation.

StudentCenteredInstructionandSupportServices

We are increasing our teaching effectiveness by employing interactive, studentcentered

strategiesthatengagestudents inthe learningprocessandprovidethemwiththeopportunity

to reflect on their own learning as they pursue their academic goals. We are continually

enhancingeachstudent'sabilitytosucceedthroughstudentfocusedsupportservicesandstate

oftheart educational technology. All aspects of our educational program, be it basic skills,

careertechnical,or transfer instruction, fostereachstudent'sdevelopment asaglobalcitizen

andlifelonglearner.


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SkilledWorkforcefortheCompetitiveGlobalMarket

We are developing stronger ties with local and global organizations, businesses, high schools

andotheracademicinstitutions,ourdistrictandthestatetobuildinnovativeprogramsthatwill

cultivateasustainablecommunity.

CommunityCenteredInstitution

Wearegrowingourcampusasamulticulturalcenter,providingdiverseactivitiesthatpromote

cultural awareness, sensitivity, and unity and enrich the community through the arts and

scholarlyenhancement.

AccountabilityandFiscalResponsibility

Wearestrengtheningourcommitmenttosharedgovernanceanddatadrivendecisionmaking

by giving priority to endeavors that ensure student success while maintaining the financial

viabilityofthecollegethroughouraccountableplanningprocess.


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SantaMonicaCollegeMission,Vision,andGoals

MISSION

Santa Monica College strives to create a learning environment that both challenges students

and supports them in achieving their educational goals. Students learn to contribute to the

globalcommunityastheydevelopanunderstandingoftheirpersonalrelationshiptotheworlds

social,cultural,political,economic,technological,andnaturalenvironments.

Tofulfillthismission,SantaMonicaCollegeprovidesopenandaffordableaccesstohighquality

associate degreeand certificate of achievement programs. These programs prepare students

forsuccessfulcareers,developcollegelevel skills,enable transfer touniversities,and fostera

personalcommitmenttolifelonglearning.

Santa Monica College serves the worlds diverse communities by offering educational

opportunitieswhichembracetheexchangeof ideas inanopen,caringcommunityof learners

andwhichrecognizethecriticalimportanceofeachindividualscontributiontotheachievement

ofthecollegesvision.

VISIONANDCOREVALUES

SantaMonicaCollegewillbealeaderandinnovatorinstudentlearningandachievement. Santa

MonicaCollege

will

prepare

and

empower

students

to

excel

in

their

academic

and

professional

pursuitsforlifelongsuccessinanevolvingglobalenvironment.

As acommunity committed toopen inquiry thatencourages dialogand the free exchange of

ideas,SantaMonicaCollegewillserveasamodelforstudentsinthepracticeofitscorevalues:

intellectual inquiry, researchbased planning and evaluation, democratic processes,

communicationandcollegiality,globalawareness,andsustainability.

GOALS

Toachieve thisvision,SantaMonicaCollegehas identifiedthe following InstitutionalLearning

Outcomesandsupportinggoals.


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InstitutionalLearningOutcomes

SantaMonicaCollegestudentswill:

Acquire the selfconfidence and selfdiscipline to pursue their intellectual curiosities

withintegrityinboththeirpersonalandprofessionallives.

Obtainthe

knowledge

and

skills

necessary

to

access,

evaluate,

and

interpret

ideas,

images, and information critically in order to communicate effectively, reach

conclusions,andsolveproblems.

Respect the interrelatedness of the global human environment, engage with diverse

peoples, acknowledge the significance of their daily actions relative to broader issues

andevents.

Assume responsibility for their own impact on the earth by living a sustainable and

ethicallifestyle.

SupportingGoals

InnovativeandResponsiveAcademicEnvironment

Continuouslydevelopcurricularprograms,learningstrategies,andservicestomeetthe

evolvingneedsofstudentsandthecommunity

SupportiveLearningEnvironment

Provideaccess

to

comprehensive

student

learning

resources

such

as

library,

tutoring,

andtechnology

Provide access to comprehensive and innovative student support services such as

admissionsandrecords,counseling,assessment,outreach,andfinancialaid

StableFiscalEnvironment

Respond to dynamic fiscal conditions through ongoing evaluation and reallocation of

existingresourcesandthedevelopmentofnewresources

SustainablePhysicalEnvironment

Apply sustainable practices to maintain and enhance the colleges facilities and

infrastructureincludinggrounds,buildings,andtechnology


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SupportiveCollegialEnvironment

Improveandenhancedecisionmakingandcommunicationprocessesinordertorespect

thediverseneedsandgoalsoftheentirecollegecommunity


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ProgramDescriptionandRequirements|RTStudentHandbook 9

ProgramDescriptionandRequirementsTheEastLosAngelesCollege/SantaMonicaCollegeRespiratoryTherapyProgramisarigorous

academic and clinical practice program demanding a fulltime commitment. This unique

partnershipprovidesthestudentawealthofresourcestomaximizethelearningexperienceand

offers

a

unique

opportunity

to

gain

the

knowledge

and

skills

necessary

to

enter

this

exciting

profession through twohighly regarded institutionsofhighereducation. The investment that

studentsmaketowardsacareer inrespiratorycarepaysoffwhentheygraduatefromourEast

LosAngelesCollege/SantaMonicaCollegeAdvancedPracticeconsortiumprogram.

Throughthispartnershipprogramstudentsmaychooseahomecampusfromwhichtheywill

graduate. StudentsselectingEastLosAngelesCollegemaytakealloftheircourseworkthrough

theEastLosAngelesCollege. StudentsselectingSantaMonicaCollegeastheirhomecampus

are

able

to

take

5

of

the

6

first

year

courses

at

SMC,

followed

by

a

second

year

of

classroom

and

clinical study through enrollment on our ELAC partner campus. In addition to Respiratory

Therapycorecoursesstudentsmustalsofollowtheirhomecampusgraduationrequirements

inordertosatisfythecampusesAssociateDegree.

WhetherthestudentchoosesEastLosAngelesCollegeorSantaMonicaCollegefortheirhome

campus, the program structure is the same. The first year consists of didactic course

instructionandthe"secondyear"consistsofonedayperweekofclassroomworkontheELAC

campusand24hoursofclinicalpracticumcompletedatavarietyof localHealthcare facilities.

The program has a strong commitment to student success and no matter which campus a

student selects they are offered the support, instruction, and skills assistance necessary to

succeed.

ProgramClinicalStudentLearningOutcomes

Studentswillknowhowtoapplyclinicalassessment,lungexpansion,bronchialhygiene,

andairwaymanagementskillsintheclinicalsetting.

Inanypatientcaresetting,therespiratorycarestudentwillknowhowtoreviewexisting

clinicaldataandcollectorrecommendobtainingadditionalpertinentclinicaldata. The

student evaluates all data to determine the appropriateness of the prescribed

respiratorycareplan,andparticipatesinthedevelopmentoftherespiratorycareplan.

In any patient care setting, the respiratory care student will know how to evaluate,

monitorandrecordpatientsresponsetocare.


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ProgramDescriptionandRequirements|RTStudentHandbook 10

The student will know how to maintain patient records and communicate with other

healthcareteammembers.

The therapist will know how to initiate, conduct, and modify prescribed therapeutic

procedurestoachievethedescribedobjectives.

Thestudent

will

know

how

to

provide

care

in

emergencies.


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ApplicationProcessandRequirements|RTStudentHandbook 11

ApplicationProcessandRequirementsStudents may apply for admission to the Respiratory Therapy program once they can submit

documentation verifying completion of all program prerequisite courses with a grade of C or

better. AdmissiontotheRespiratoryTherapyprogramoccursonceayearinthefallsemester.

Applications

are

accepted

on

a

continuous

basis

for

each

Fall

Freshmen

class

with

an

application

deadline of April 1st for each fall admissions. Once the fall class for a specific year is full,

applicationsareacceptedforthefollowingfallclass. Studentsareadmittedonthebasisofthe

completionofadmissioncriteriaandthecompletedapplicationdate.

**ThisprogramprovidesveteranspriorityservicesundertheJobsforVeteransAct. Completed

applicationsfromU.S.veteransandthequalifyingspousesofU.S.veteransreceiveanApril2nd

application receipt date for each fall class. Documentation of veteran status or qualifying

spouse

status

is

required

in

order

to

receive

priority

services.

ProgramApplicationsandtranscriptsfromallcollegesattended (PhotocopiesareOK)mustbe

mailed/deliveredtotheprogramofficeofyourdesiredAssociateDegreecampus. Assignment

ofanapplicationdate isbasedon thedateandtimeacompletedapplication isreceivedby

theprogramofficeofthedesiredcampus.

CampusAssignment

AtthetimeofapplicationthestudentmayselectELACorSMCforthepurposesofattainmentof

his/herdegree

and

for

qualification

for

financial

aid.

At

student

may

only

submit

application

to

onecampus. Thisdesignationwillbeplacedonthestudentsfileatthetimeofadmissioninto

theprogram.

The requirements for the Associate Degree vary slightly on each campus and it is the

responsibilityofthestudenttomakeanappointmentwithanacademiccounselorasacondition

foradmissions tocompleteaAA GeneralEducationDegree Audit inorder toverify that they

have the required GE coursework to qualify for the degree, once their RT coursework is

complete.

Thiscoursework

is

NOT

aprerequisite

to

program

admittance,

but

it

MUST

be

completetoobtainthedegree,graduatefromtheprogram,andbeeligiblefor licensure inthe

stateofCalifornia.


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ApplicationSubmission

ApplicationsareacceptedonacontinuousbasisforeachFallFreshmenclasswithanapplication

deadline of April 1st for each fall admissions. Applications are accepted at the following

locationsbasedonthedesiredAssociateDegreeCampus. Applicationsmailed/deliveredtothe

incorrect

campus

will

not

be

forwarded.

Please

be

sure

to

submit

your

application

to

the

correctcampus.

EastLosAngelesCollegeapplicationscanbedeliveredormailedto

EastLosAngelesCollege

1301AvenidaCesarChavez

MontereyPark,CA 917546099

ATTN:RespiratoryTherapyProgramOffice,BungalowC2.6

SantaMonicaCollegeapplicationscanbemailedto

Santa

Monica

College

1900PicoBlvd

SantaMonica,CA90405

ATTN:HealthSciences,RespiratoryTherapyProgramOffice

SantaMonicaCollegeapplicationscanbedelivered*to

SantaMonicaCollegeBundyCampus,3rdFloorHealthSciencesOffice

3171S.BundyDr.

LosAngeles,CA90066

*applicationsmailedtothisaddresswillbereturnedtosenderbytheUSPostalService

Notificationof

Application

Status

Once received by the Respiratory Therapy program office, applications are screened to

determine whether they are complete. Prospective students are sent notification of the

screeningresult(COMPLETEORINCOMPLETE)viaemailandUSPost.

Applicants who submitted Complete applications are assigned an application date and

applicantswhosubmittedIncompleteapplicationsareprovidedwithachecklistofitemsneeded

to complete their application and will be assigned an application date only when all items

neededhave

been

received

by

the

home

campus.

Students

who

do

not

respond

to

the

checklist

or who are unable to provide the necessary materials will be notified at the time of class

invitation that they are not eligible for the program and may apply for a future class.

Incompleteapplicationsaredestroyedatthistime.


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AlgorithmforRespiratoryTherapyProgramApplication

Studentisnotifiedvia

USPostandemailthat

he/sheisnoteligible

fortheprogram

StudentisassignedanapplicationdateSTEPFOUR

Studentisnotified

viaUSPostand

emailthattheir

applicationis

incomplete. A

checklistisprovided

noting

what

is

neededtocomplete

theapplication.

Studentapplicationmeetsprogram

requirementsandisComplete

Studentapplication

doesnotmeetprogramrequirements

foradmission

Studentapplication

meetsprogram

requirements,butis

Incomplete

StudentcompletesprogramprerequisitecourseswithaCorbetter

Studentsubmitsaprogramapplicationtotheirselectedhomecampus

Studentapplicationisreviewed

STEPONE

STEPTWO

STEPTHREE

AlgorithmforRTProgramApplication

Studentsubmits

neededmaterials

Studentdoesnot

respond

StudentisnotifiedviaUSPostand

email

that

he/she

is

not

eligible

for

theprogramatthistime

StudentisnotifiedviaUS

Postandemailthattheir

applicationiscomplete.

Studentisnotified

via

US

Post

and

email

thattheirapplication

iscom lete.


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Pre-requisiteRequirementsTable

ProgramPrerequisiteCoursesmustbecompletedwithaCorbetterpriortoapplicationtothe

program.

PrerequisiteCourse EastLosAngelesCollege SantaMonicaCollege

HumanAnatomy

ANATOMY1: IntroductiontoHuman

Anatomy,4units**withlab

ANATMY1: GeneralHuman

Anatomy,4units**withlab

HumanPhysiology

PHYSIOL1: IntroductiontoHuman

Physiology,4units**withlab

PHYS3: HumanPhysiology,4units**

withlab

ChemistryIntro

CHEM51: Fundamentalsof

ChemistryI,5units**withlab

or

CHEM65: IntroductoryGeneral

Chemistry,4units**withlab

CHEM10: IntroductoryGeneral

Chemistry,5units**withlab

OralCommunication

SPEECH101: OralCommunicationI,

3units**

SPEECH1: ElementsofPublic

Speaking,3units**

SPEECH5: Interpersonal

Communication,3units**

SPEECH7: Intercultural

Communication,3units**

IntermediateAlgebra

MATH125: IntermediateAlgebra,5

units**

MATH18: IntermediateAlgebrafor

StatisticsandFiniteMathematics, 3

units**

or

MATH20: IntermediateAlgebra,5

units**

Readingand

Composition

ENGLISH101: CollegeReadingand

CompositionI,3units**

ENGL1: ReadingandComposition1,

3units**

* HumanPhysiologymustbecompletedwithinthelast7yearsatthetimeofadmission

**SemesterUnits


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Pre-requisiteCourseDescriptions - EastLosAngelesCollege

ANATOMY1:IntroductiontoHumanAnatomy1

1IntroductiontoHumanAnatomy1(4)UC:CSUIGETCArea5B

Advisory:English101.

(UCcreditlimit:Anatomy1+Physiology1combinedisequivalenttoBiology20,

maximumcredit

8units).

Lecture,3hours;Laboratory,3hours.

This course includes a study of the gross structure and function of the human body.

Dissection of the cat is made in the laboratory and comparison is made with human

structures. Thesheepsheartandbrainandthecowseyeareusedfordissectioninthe

laboratorytosupplementthestudyofcattissues.Theinterrelationshipofanatomywith

otherbiologicalandothersciencedisciplinesisemphasized.

PHYSIOL1: IntroductiontoHumanPhysiology1

1IntroductiontoHumanPhysiology1(4)IGETCArea5B

Prerequisites:Anatomy1andChemistry51orhigher.

(UCcreditlimit:Physiology1andAnatomy1combinedisequivalenttoBiology20,

maximumcredit8units)


Humanphysiologyisthestudyofthefunctionsofthebody. Itcoversallmajorsystems

ofthebody including thenervous,musculoskeletal,circulatory,respiratory,digestive,

urinary,endocrine,andreproductivesystems.Emphasisisgiventotheinteractionsand

integration of multisystems which are required to maintain homeostasis which is

essential for life. Microscopic examination of selected organs and tissues, as well as

laboratorymeasurements

of

physiological

functions,

are

covered

during

the

laboratory

sessions.

CHEM51: FundamentalsofChemistryI

51FundamentalsofChemistryI(5)CSU


This is an introductory course designed for nursing (and other paramedical students)

and liberal arts majors, who will not be taking Chemistry 101, yet need a physical

science course with a laboratory. This course covers, in an introductory manner, the

basicprinciples,laws,andnomenclatureofinorganicchemistry,organicchemistry,and

biochemistry.

CHEM65: IntroductoryGeneralChemistry

65IntroductoryGeneralChemistry(4)UC:CSUIGETCArea5A

(UCcreditlimit:Nocreditfor65iftakenafter101)

Prerequisite:SatisfactorycompletionofMathematics115.


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Advisory:Mathematics125.


ThisisanintroductorycourseforstudentswhowillbetakingChemistry101.Itpresents

thebasicprinciples,laws,andnomenclatureofinorganicchemistry,withemphasisupon

nomenclature and problemsolving. It can be used as a refresher course. This course

emphasizes problemsolving skills as they apply to chemical principles. Topics include

chemical measurements, significant figures, scientific notation, dimensional analysis,

namingofelementsandcompounds,discussionoftheperiodictable,chemicalbonding,

atomic and molecular structure, introduction to chemical reactions, stoichiometry,

thermochemistry,gases,solutions,acidsandbases.Onehourperweekisusedasato

bearranged(TBA)labsupplementalhourusingthechemistryPLATOsoftware.

SPEECH101: OralCommunicationI

101OralCommunicationI(3)UC:CSUIGETCArea1C

Lecture,3hours.

Training isoffered in theprinciplesandpracticesofeffectivespeechcompositionand

delivery. The course assists in building confidence and assurance in the delivery of

original presentations, acquaints students with the sources of speech materials, and

develops discriminating listening through speech analysis. Topics that concern the

students basicbeliefs and objectives in lifeare encouraged. Critical thinking, analysis

andevaluationareincorporatedintoallassignments.

MATH125: IntermediateAlgebra

125IntermediateAlgebra(5)

Prerequisite:

Satisfactory

completion

of

Mathematics

115,

or

acceptable

level

of

skill

as

demonstratedintheMathematicsplacementprocess.

Note:Ascientificorbusinesscalculatorisrequiredforthisclass.

Lecture,5hours.

Thiscoursestrengthensandfurtherdevelopsmanipulativeskillsinelementaryalgebra.

Topics include the fundamental operations on algebraic expressions, solutions of

equations and inequalities, exponentiation, graphs of algebraic, exponential and

logarithmicfunctions,systemsofequationsandinequalities,andanintroductiontothe

conicsections.Applicationsareincludedinawidevarietyofwordproblems.

ENGLISH101: CollegeReadingandCompositionI

101CollegeReadingandCompositionI(3)UC:CSUIGETCArea1A

Prerequisite:AcceptablelevelofskillasdemonstratedintheEnglishplacementprocess

orsatisfactorycompletionofEnglish61,62,63or65.

Advisory:Reading101.

Lecture,3hours.


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Thisisacollegelevelfreshmancompositioncoursewhichfocusesonexpositorywriting

andargumentationandrequiresthewritingofaminimumof6000wordsinessaysand

aresearchpaper.Studentsstudyavarietyoftextswrittenatthecollegelevel,including

literature, that reflect current academic concerns relating to issues of language,

ethnicity,class,gender,identity,psychology,andculturalstudies.Thecourseisintended

forstudents

who

plan

to

transfer

to

afour

year

college

or

university

Pre-requisiteCourseDescriptions - SantaMonicaCollege

ANATMY1: GeneralHumanAnatomy

4units

Transfer:UC,CSU

IGETCAREA5B(BiologicalSciences,+LAB)

Prerequisite:English1.

Thiscourse

is

an

intensive

study

of

the

gross

and

microscopic

structure

of

the

human

body including the four major types of tissue and their subgroups, and the following

organ systems: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, digestive,

urinary, reproductive,endocrine,nervous,andsenses.Functionsof theorgansystems

are included at the introductory level to prepare students for a course in Human

Physiology. Laboratory assignments develop the skills of observation, investigation,

identification, discovery and dissection. The use of actual specimens, including cat

dissectionandobservationofahumancadaver, isemphasizedtoassurethatstudents

learn the relative structure, functions, textures and variations in tissues not

incorporated inmodels. Supplemental materials such as models, photographs, charts,

videotapes,and

digitized

images

are

also

provided.

This

course

is

required

for

students

preparing for many Allied Health professions including, but not limited to, Nursing,

RespiratoryTherapy,PhysicalTherapy,PhysicalEducationandKinesiologyTraining,and

PhysiciansAssistant.

PHYS3:HumanPhysiology

4units

Transfer:UC,CSU

IGETCAREA5B(BiologicalSciences,+LAB)

Prerequisite:Anatomy1andChemistry10oreligibilityforChemistry11.

SkillsAdvisory:

Eligibility

for

English

1.

Thisrigorouscourseprovidesabasicunderstandingofphysiologicalmechanismswitha

focuson thehumanbody. Basicconceptsof cellularphysiology, including:molecular

control; mechanismsofgeneexpression; ligandbindingsite interactions; energyand

cellularmetabolism;membranetransport;membraneandactionpotentials;andcellular

communication, includingsignal transduction,willbe integratedwithintheconceptof

homeostasis involving the following body systems: nervous and sensory, endocrine,


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muscular, circulatory, immune, respiratory, renal, digestive, and reproductive. The

coursecontentincludesbothgeneralandclinicalapplicationsandisintendedtoprepare

students for advanced courses in Allied Health and Medical professions including

Nursing, Physical Therapy, Respiratory Therapy, Physicians Assistant, Pharmacy, and

ExerciseScience/KinesiologyTraining.

CHEM10:IntroductoryGeneralChemistry

5units

Transfer:UC,CSU

IGETCAREA5A(PhysicalSciences,+LAB)

Prerequisite:Math31.

*U.C.givesnocreditforChemistry10iftakenafterChemistry11.

This is an introductory laboratory course. It introduces principles, laws, and

nomenclature of inorganic chemistry and organic chemistry. Chemistry 10 prepares

studentstotaketheGeneralChemistrysequence (Chemistry11andChemistry12). It

additionallyserves

as

abasic

chemistry

course

for

the

allied

health

majors

(such

as

nursing and physiology). It also serves to fulfill general education requirements.

Students who successfully complete this course will understand basic chemical

principles and will have practiced quantitative reasoning and problem solving skills.

Students will also have learned various lab techniques, including the safe and

competenthandlingofchemicalsandlaboratoryequipment.

SPEECH1,ElementsofPublicSpeaking

3units

Transfer:UC,CSU

IGETCAREA

1C

(Oral

Communication)

Prerequisite:None.

Thisisacourseinpublicspeakingforstudentslearningtoprepareanddeliverplatform

speeches. Assignments include speeches of description, exposition, and persuasion.

Techniques forcontrolling tension,buildingselfconfidence,andeffective listeningare

emphasized.

SPEECH5,InterpersonalCommunication

3units

Transfer:UC,CSU

Prerequisite:None.

Techniques for effective interpersonal communication are studied with emphasis on

developing awareness of ones own actions and their impact on relationships. Verbal

andnonverbalcommunicationstylesareanalyzedandpracticedinonetooneandsmall

groupsituations.Lecture,discussion,andclassparticipationareutilizedtodemonstrate

avarietyofskillsincludinglisteningconflictresolution,andtheeffectiveuseoflanguage


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inpersonalandprofessional interactions. Inaddition,exercises inbody language, role

playing,andselfdisclosureandpositive/negativethinkinghelpstudentsunderstandthe

powerofthecommunicationprocess.

SPEECH7,InterculturalCommunication

3units

Transfer:UC,CSU

IGETCAREA4(SocialandBehavioralSciences)

SkillsAdvisory:EligibilityforEnglish1. ThiscoursesatisfiesSantaMonicaColleges

GlobalCitizenshiprequirement.

This course focuses on the identification and analysis of processes and challenges of

communicationasaffectedbydifferentcultures,especiallyasitaffectscommunication

amongthevariousculturesfoundwithintheUnitedStates(e.g.AfricanAmerican,Asian

American, Latino/a, Middle Eastern, Native American, European American and

Gay/Lesbiancultures)andamongthevariousculturesthroughouttheworld.Thecourse

focuseson

the

principles

of

communication

theory

as

they

apply

to

the

intercultural

settingwithanemphasisontheeffectsofdifferencesinbeliefs,values,attitudes,socio

politicalorganization, roleexpectations, languageandnonverbalbehavior,etc.allof

whichareinterrelated.

MATH18,IntermediateAlgebraforStatisticsandFiniteMathematics

3units

Prerequisite:Math31.

Topics include linear, quadratic, exponential and logarithmic functions and equations;

systems

of

linear

equations

and

inequalities;

sequences

and

series.

The

emphasis

is

on

setting up and solving applications of the algebraic material. Math 18 is designed for

studentswhoarerequiredtocompleteMath54onlyorMath21only.Ifyouareunsure

which transfer level math course you need, it is recommended you take Math 20.

MaximumallowableunitsforMath18andMath20is5units.

MATH20,IntermediateAlgebra

5units

Prerequisite:Math31

Topics include rational, irrational and complex numbers; fundamental operations on

algebraicexpressions

and

functions;

introduction

to

polynomial,

rational,

exponential

and logarithmic functions, equations and graphs; circles and parabolas; matrix row

reduction. Emphasis is on advanced algebraic factoring and simplification. Math 20

servesasaprerequisitetoallcollegelevelmathclasses.Studentswhoseterminalmath

courseisMath54orMath21maywanttoconsidertakingMath18instead.


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ENGL1,ReadingandComposition1

3units

Transfer:UC,CSU

IGETCAREA1A(EnglishComposition)

Prerequisite:English21Bor22,ESL21BorGroupAonthePlacementTest.

This introductorycourse inrhetoricemphasizesclear,effectivewrittencommunication

andpreparationoftheresearchpaper.


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AdmissionsProcess|RTStudentHandbook 21

AdmissionsProcessIn early May after the Admissions Committee meeting, applicants who submitted complete

applicationswillbesentnotificationthroughtheU.S.PostandEmailregardingtheirstatusfor

admissions. Applicants may receive one of two letters clarifying their status. These are a

Conditional Admissions invitation or an Alternate Status invitation. Those students receiving

ConditionalAdmissionslettersarethosethatareatthetopoftheapplicationlist(chronological

orderbasedonsubmissionofacompletedapplication). AllotherstudentsreceiveanAlternate

Statusinvitationexplainingthatthefallclasshasbeenselected,butthatshouldaseatbecome

available,alternatestudentswillbecontactedinchronologicalorderforconditionaladmissions

consideration. Inbothcases,the letters informstudentsoftheirpotentialstatusateitherthe

EastLosAngelesCollege campusor SantaMonica Collegecampusand requestan immediate

responseto

the

invitation.

Based

on

these

responses

and

the

students

ability

to

meet

the

Conditions for Admissions, the class of students is created. Alternate students who are not

offeredaseat inthecurrentfallclassareofferedaseat inafuturefallclassmaintainingtheir

assignedapplicationdate.

EastLosAngeles

College

SantaMonica

College

Howmanystudentsareadmittedforeachfallclass 50students 40students

The RT Program admits a class of new Freshmen in the Fall of each year. This class, once

formally admitted, will take two semesters of preclinical RT coursework, followed by a

Summer Preclinical preparation class (RT 15). They will then proceed into the final Clinical

YearwhichconsistsofaFallsemester,Wintersession,andSpringsemester.

ConditionsforAdmissions

ConditionsforAdmissionsaretasksorrequirementsthatmustbecompletedandverifiedprior

toofficial

admissions

to

the

program.

The

following

list

is

anon

comprehensive

list

of

the

ConditionsforAdmissionswhichmustbemetinordertosecureofficialadmissionstotheEast

Los Angeles College / Santa Monica College Respiratory Therapy Program. Conditions for

Admissions are subject to change upon the approval of the ELAC / SMC Respiratory Therapy

ProgramFacultyorupontherequirementofaffiliateagencies.


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Writtenconfirmationoftheintentiontoacceptspaceinthefall2011classortoaccept

Alternatestatusfromeachstudent(ConditionalAdmissionsResponseformorAlternate

Responseformortherespectiveelectronicconfirmationoption).

CompletionofanRTFacultyAdvisorymeetingtobecompletednolaterthanJune1st.

ForELACstudents,call3232658813tomakeanappointment.

ForSMCstudents,call3104343446,tomakeanappointment.

Creation and submission of a RT Educational Plan to the home campus RT Program

Office. ThisisdoneduringtheRTFacultyAdvisorymeetingandtheRTEducationalPlan

isthescheduleofclassestakenwhileintheprogram.

Completion of an academic counseling meeting for the home campus to verify all

currentgraduationrequirements.

For ELAC students, call 3232658751 or 3232658773 to make an appointment with

KeithHayashi.

For SMC students, call 3104343446 to make an appointment with Jose Cue or Kym

McBride

CreationandsubmissionofanAAGeneralEducationDegreeAudittothehomecampus

RTProgramOffice. Thisisdoneduringyouracademiccounselingmeetingforthehome

campus;makesuretoobtainwrittenverificationofwhatnonRTdegreecoursework is

stillneededorhasalreadybeensatisfiedfortheAssociateDegreeforthehomecampus.

AttendanceattheELACSMCProgramOrientation.

Completion and submission of results for the Test for Essential Academic Skills V or

above. Pleasebeassuredthattheresultsofthisassessmenthavenobearingonyour

program acceptance. The results are simply used in advisementwhileyou are in the

program. However,completionandsubmissionofresultsismandatory. NOTE: Thereis

nocosttothestudenttotakethetest.


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WrittenConfirmationoftheIntentiontoAcceptSpace

Thewrittenconfirmationoftheintentiontoacceptspaceintheprogramisthefirststepinthe

Admissions process. Once the program receives this written confirmation your space in the

programisreserveduntilallconditionsofadmissionsareverified.


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RespiratoryTherapyEducationalPlan

Onceadmitted,thestudentwillcreate inconsultationwiththeirassignedprogramAdvisoran

official Education Plan. The Advisor is assigned at the time of student acceptance of the

ConditionalAdmissions invitationandstudentreceivesnotificationofhis/herassignedadvisor

withtheConditionalAdmissionchecklist.

OncetheEducationalPlaniscompleted,itinthensignedbyboththestudentandAdvisorandis

placedinthestudentsprogramfolder. Studentsmustfollowthisplantomaintaintheiractive

status in the program. Changes will only be made to this plan under extenuating

circumstances. A student, who feels that a change is needed, can fill out the appropriate

request on the Education Plan Change Form. This student should supply appropriate

documentationandrationaleforwhythechange isrequired. TheAdvisorcaneitherrejector

support the students request for an Educational Plan change. If the Advisor accepts the

students rationale and supports the proposed change, the Advisor then brings the proposed

change to the fullAdmissionscommittee fordiscussion. The fullAdmissionsCommitteewith

makethefinaldecisionastoapprovaloftheproposedEducationalPlanchange.


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AAGeneralEducationDegreeAudit

The requirements for the Associate Degree vary slightly on each campus and it is the

responsibilityofthestudenttomakeanappointmentwithanacademiccounselortocompletea

AAGeneralEducationDegreeAuditinordertoverifythattheyhavetherequiredGEcoursework

toqualifyforthedegree. Thiscoursework isNOTaprerequisitetoprogramadmittance,but it

MUST be complete to obtain the degree, graduate from the program, and be eligible for

licensureinthestateofCalifornia.

*ThissampleisaSantaMonicaCollegeDocument. TheEastLosAngelesCollegedocumentmay

haveasignificantlydifferentformat.


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RespiratoryTherapyProgramOrientationPurposeandSampleAgenda

ThepurposeoftheRespiratoryTherapyProgramorientation isacquaint, inform,andmotivate

ournewstudents.

Acquaint: We welcome our new students to the respiratory therapy care profession and

acquaintthem

with

the

program

organization

and

each

other.

Inform: We provide essential information for students regarding the academic and clinical

practicumdemands,requiredtimecommitment,andprogramstructure. Wealsoseektodispel

anymythsandrumorsthatmaybebroughtup.

Motivate: We know the students are excited by the prospect of beginning the Respiratory

Therapy program and we seek to channel this excitement into productive successful student

behaviors.


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TestforEssentialAcademicSkillsDescriptionandPurpose

TheTEASexaminationwasdevelopedtomeasurebasicessentialskillsintheacademiccontent

areadomainsofReading,Mathematics,Science,andEnglishandLanguageusage. Theseentry

levelskillsweredeemedimportantfornursingandalliedhealthprogramapplicants.

TheTEAS

examination

is

a170

item,

four

option,

multiple

choice

examination

offered

in

both

paperandpencilandcomputeradministeredformat. Toprepare inanorganizedandefficient

manner,youshouldknowwhattoexpectfromtherealexamination.

ContentArea Numberof

TestItems

Reading 40

Mathematics 45

Science 30

EnglishandLanguageUsage 55

TEASTotal 170

Theresultsofthisexaminationhavenobearingonstudentprogramadmissions. Theresultsare

simplyusedinacademicadvisementofthestudentwhileintheprogram. However,completion

of the assessment and submission of results is mandatory. NOTE: There is no cost to the

studenttotakethetest.


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ConditionsforClinicalPlacement

Inaddition to theConditions forAdmission to theprogram studentsarealso informedat the

timeofadmissionoftheConditionsforClinicalPlacement. Ifastudentisunabletomeetthese

conditionsshortlybeforeentryintoand/orduringtheclinicalportionoftheprogram,students

will

be

unable

to

progress

through

the

program

and

will

be

required

to

exit

the

program.

Clear criminal background check and drug screening (completed prior to entering

and/or during the clinical portion of the program). Please communicate immediately

with the Program Director if you have any questions or concerns regarding this

condition.*

Verification that student meets the Technical Standards for Respiratory Therapy

Students

(completed

prior

to

entering

and/or

during

the

clinical

portion

of

the

program). PleasecommunicateimmediatelywiththeProgramDirectorifyouhaveany

questionsorconcernsregardingthiscondition.*

Completion and submission of clinical facility Physical Health Requirements such as a

Physical Exam, Immunizations, etc. (completed prior to entering and/or during the

clinicalportionoftheprogram)*

*Theseconditions

are

verified

shortly

before

entry

into

and/or

during

the

clinical

portion

of

the

program. Official Admissions are given to the student prior to the verification of these

conditions. Failure to meet these conditions at anytime during the program will result in

programexit.

CriminalBackgroundCheckandDrugScreeningPolicy

Aclearcriminalbackgroundcheckandadrugscreeningtestarerequiredfromallconditionally

acceptedapplicants foradmissionand from returning students requesting readmission to the

program. The purpose of this requirement is to comply with the policies of the healthcare

facilities where students complete the clinical practicum courses. The clinical practicum

component of the program is fundamental to respiratory therapy education. Therefore, we

mustabidebytherulesandpoliciesofthefacilitiesthatprovideclinicalpracticumexperienceto

the respiratory therapystudents.The facilities require thatallstudentsplacedat the facilities

have a clear or negative background check and a negative drug test. Consequently, all


29/72


conditionallyacceptedapplicantsandstudentsrequestingreadmissionarerequiredtoprovide

evidence of a clear or negative background check and a negative drug test for entry to the

clinical practicum portion of the East Los Angeles College / Santa Monica College Respiratory

TherapyProgram.

CriminalBackgroundCheck

Thebackgroundcheckmustbedoneuponentryandreentrytotheclinicalpracticumportionof

theprogram. Thetimeframeinwhichthebackgroundcheckmaybecompletedandtheresults

submittedwillbedesignatedbytheProgramDirector. Continuingrespiratorytherapystudents

whohavenothadabreakinenrollmentintheprogrammustsignanaffidavitthattheyhavenot

had any arrests and/or convictions each semester. The healthcare facilities require a

negative/clear background check. Therefore, if the students background check is not clear,

studentswillnotbeabletoenterorremain intheprogram. Ifthere isaquestionregardinga

students results, the Program Director will confer with the Chief of the college police

departmenttodetermineeligibilityfortheprogram.

DrugScreeningTest

Thedrugscreeningtestmustbedoneuponentryandreentrytotheclinicalpracticumportion

oftheprogram. Thetimeframeinwhichthetestmaybecompletedandtheresultssubmitted

willbedesignatedbytheProgramDirector. Additionally,continuingstudentsmaybesubjectto

randomdrugtestingattheclinicalpracticumsiteperthediscretionofthehealthcarefacilities.

Thehealthcare

facility

affiliates

of

the

Respiratory

Therapy

program

require

evidence

of

a

negativedrugscreeningtest fromallstudentsassigned toparticipate in theclinicalpracticum

experienceattheirfacilities. Thereforeanystudentwithapositivedrugscreeningtestcannot

beadmittedtoorcontinueenrollmentintheRespiratoryTherapyprogram.

Instructions

Inpreparationforentrance intotheclinicalpracticumportionoftheprogram,studentswillbe

provided with instructions on how and where to complete the background check and drug

screening.

Thebackground

check

and

drug

screening

are

performed

by

independent

services

andthecost istheresponsibilityofthestudent. Resultsofbackgroundcheckanddrugtesting

willbeacceptedonlyfromEastLosAngelesCollege/SantaMonicaCollegeRespiratoryTherapy

programapprovedagencies/organizations. Thecriminalbackgroundcheckanddrugscreening

testmaynotbecompletedpriortonotificationfromtheProgramDirector.


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The Program Director of the respiratory therapy program will review the results after the

student has signed a release allowing the Program Director access to the information. The

backgroundcheckcertificatesandtestresultswillbeassignedidentifyingpasswordsandwillbe

keptconfidential. Thedetailsofthetestresultswillnotbeprovidedtothehealthcarefacilities.

However,in

situations

where

the

clinical

agency

requires

further

details,

the

clinical

agency

will

makearequestdirectlytothestudentfortheneededinformation.

Positive results on the drug screening test or refusal to be tested and/or unsatisfactory

background checks, including failure to disclose information, may result in forfeiture of

admissiontoorcontinuedenrollmentintheprogram.


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RespiratoryCarePractitionerStudentJobDescription

Thefollowingisusedtoadvisethestudentandisnotusedtodetermineadmissiontotheprogram

Respiratory Care Students must demonstrate numerous competencies representing all three

learning domains: cognitive, psychomotor and affective. Students learn, practice, and verifythesecompetenciesinanumberofsettings,includingclassroom,laboratory,andclinical.

Toachievetherequiredcompetencies intheclassroomsetting,respiratorycarestudentsmust

perceive,assimilate,andintegrateinformationfromavarietyofsources. Thesesourcesinclude

oral instruction, printed material, visual media, and live demonstrations. Students must

participate in classroom discussions, give oral reports, and pass written and computerbased

examinations of various formats; completion of these tasks requires cognitive skills, such as

reading,writing,andproblemsolving. Tobephysicallycapableoftheclassroomwork,students

must,withassistance,heabletohear,see,speak,sit,andtouch.

Respiratory care laboratories provide students with the opportunity to view demonstrations,

evaluateand

practice

with

medical

devices,

and

perform

simulated

clinical

procedures.

In

addition to the cognitive skills required in the classroom, students must demonstrate

psychomotor skills in manipulating patients and equipment, as well as general professional

behaviors like teambuilding and interpersonal communications. To satisfy laboratory

requirements,studentsmustperformallprocedureswithoutcriticalerror. Thisrequireshigh

levels of cognitive, perceptual, and psychomotor function. In addition to the physical

capabilitiesforclassroomwork,the laboratoriesrequirestudents,withassistance,toassemble

equipment,standwhileusingbothhandstoperformprocedures,performfinemotorskills,and

performproceduresrequiringconsiderablestrength. Examplesofthelatterproceduresinclude

turningandmovingpatients,endotrachealintubation,andcardiopulmonaryresuscitation.

Clinicaleducationinrespiratorycareinvolvesapplicationofskillsacquiredintheclassroomand

laboratory settings to actual patients in the clinical selling. In addition to the cognitive skills

required in those settings, students must demonstrate skills in patient assessment, clinical

reasoning, problemsolving, synthesizing care plans, and trouble shooting equipment.

Professionalbehaviorsrequiredforclinicaltrainingincludeconstructiveresponsestosituations

involving emergencies, deaths, stress, frustrating situations, and complex interactions with

othermembersof thehealthcare team. Studentsmustalsodemonstraterespect forothers,

empathy, responsibility, efficiency, integrity, and initiative. I n addition to the physical

capabilities required during the classroom and laboratory sessions. Clinical training includes

movingbriskly

between

patient

care

areas,

and

meeting

the

mental

and

physical

demands

of

twelvehourshiftsbothdayandnightrotations.

*Please see the Technical Standards for Respiratory Therapy Students Table for specificphysical, mental and aptitude standard s required of a respiratory therapy student.*Accommodations are available for students with a documented learning disability. Torequestaccommodations,contacttheDisabledStudentServicesofficesofthehomecampus.


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TechnicalStandardsforRespiratoryTherapyStudents(Table)

PHYSICALSTANDARDS Frequency

LIFT: Upto50poundstoassistmovingpatients F

STOOP: Toadjustequipment F

KNEEL: ToperformCPR OCROUCH: Tolocateandpluginelectricalequipment F

REACH: 51/2 abovethefloortoattachoxygendevicestowalloutlet, C

HANDLE: Smallandlargeequipmentforstoring,retrieving,andmoving, C

GRASP: Syringes,larvnooscooeEndotrachealtubes C

STAND: Forprolongedperiodsoftime(e.g.,delivertherapy,checkequipment,) C

FEEL: Topalpatepulsesarteriesforpuncture,skintemperature, C

PUSH/PULL: Large,wheeledequipment,(e.g.,mechanicalventilatorsand C

compressthepatient'schestduringCPR),

WALK: forextendedperiodsoftimetoallareasofhospital, C

MANIPULATE: Knobs,dialsassociatedwithdiagnostic/therapeuticdevices, C

HEAR: Verbaldirections C

HEAR: Gasflowthroughequipment C

Alarms C

Throughastethoscopesuchasbreathorheartsounds C

SEE: Patientconditionssuchasskincolor,workofbreathing C

Mistflowingthroughtubing F

shapesandformsassociatedwithradiographs F

TALK: TocommunicateinEnglishgoals,proceduresandpatientdatato C

patients,co workersandphysicians,

READ: Typed,handwritten,andcomputerinformationinEnglish C

WRITE:

To

communicate

in

English

pertinent

information

(e.g.,patientevaluationdata,therapyoutcomes) C

DEXTERITY: Handlesharpobjects C

MENTALANDAPTITUDESTANDARDS FrequencyFunctionsafely,effectively,andcalmlyunderstressfulsituations, F

Maintaincomposurewhilemanagingmultipletaskssimultaneously F

Prioritizemultipletasks, C

Exhibitsocialskillsnecessarytointeracteffectivelywithpatients,families,

supervisors,andcoworkersofthesameordifferentculturessuchasrespect, C

politeness,tact,collaboration,teamwork,discretion,

Maintainpersonalhygieneconsistentwithclosepersonalcontactassociatedwith Cpatient

care,

Displayattitudes/actionsconsistentwiththeethicalstandardstheprofession, C

FrequencyKey: O=occasionally133%;F=frequently3466%; C=constantly67100%


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ReadinessInitiative

TheprimarypurposeoftheELAC/SMCRespiratoryTherapyProgramsReadinessInitiative isto

assist students in preparation for respiratory therapy program. Additional outcomes of the

readiness and retention initiative are a decrease in the attrition rate of the program and an

increase in thenumberofhighlyqualifiedRespiratoryTherapists inCalifornia. Readinessand

Retentionservicesandsupportwillbeavailabletoallstudentswhohavesuccessfullycompleted

the ELAC/SMC Respiratory Therapy Programs application process (Conditionally Admitted

studentsandAlternatestudents). However, studentswhodemonstrateaneed foradditional

servicesinordertobesuccessfulintheprogramwillberequiredtoparticipateinReadinessand

RetentionActivities.

Studentswhohavecompleted theprogramapplicationprocess foradmission to theprogram

mustcompletea readiness/admissionsassessmentpriortoentrance intotheprogram. These

assessmentresultsaswellas,academicrecords,andinformationgainedthroughameetingwith

anAcademicCounselorwillbeusedtocreateaReadinessPlan. TheintentoftheReadiness

Plan istoprovidethestudentwithtangiblemethodsofpreparationwhichcanbecompleted

duringthesummerpriortotheirofficialstartintheprogram.


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35/72

ProgramEnrollmentandProgression|RTStudentHandbook 35

ProgramEnrollmentandProgressionThe East Los Angeles College / Santa Monica College Respiratory Therapy program works to

ensurethatallRTstudentsmeetwithsuccessintheprogram. StudentSuccessinvolvesateam

approach integratingtheworkofthefaculty,clinics,staff,andstudentsupportservices. Allof

theseareas

are

essential

in

preparing

ahighly

qualified

respiratory

care

professional.

However,

the program also recognizes that success requires the students dedication and a fulltime

commitment by the student to the program. Past experience shows that students with

competingresponsibilitiesaremorepronetoexperienceacademicdifficultiesandhaveahigher

rate of probation and program disqualification. In order to assist students in fulfilling this

requirement,theprogramhasinstitutedseveralinitiativestoensurestudentsuccess.

RetentionInitiative

Inan

effort

to

ensure

all

enrolled

Respiratory

Therapy

Students

have

the

support

necessary

to

successfullycompletetheRespiratoryTherapyProgram,enrolledstudentsarerequiredtomeet

with an Academic Counselor for a Retention Meeting at least once per semester. The

Retention Meeting is designed to survey the students commitment to the program, level of

achievement in completing the RT Educational Plan, knowledge and utilization of support

services,andifneeded,referthestudenttoneededservices. Throughthisregularcontactwith

theAcademicCounselorstheprogramhopestoidentifyissuesearlythatmightinterferewitha

studentsprogressintheprogramandtosupplynecessaryinterventionspriortoanysignificant

dropinstudentachievement.

Regular contact with the Academic Counselor will help the student focus on retention in the

program and set priorities appropriately. During the Retention meeting issues such as Time

Management,TestTakingSkills,StudentSuccessStrategies,optionsfortutoring,andschool/life

balancemaybeaddressed. DuringtheRetentionMeetingsthestudentmayalsoparticipatein

creatingandupdatingaRetentionPlanwhichidentifiestangibleactivitiesthatcanbedoneto

enhancethestudentsachievement.

PoliciesonProgressionthroughtheRTProgram

1. Students MUST meet with an Academic Counselor for a Retention Meeting at least

once per semester. The Retention Meeting is designed to survey the students

commitment to the program, level of achievement in completing the RT Educational


36/72


Plan,knowledgeandutilizationofsupportservices,andifneeded,referthestudentto

neededservices.

2. StudentsMUST follow theirEducationalPlanas theyproceed through theProgram.

Anychangesinthisplancanonlybedonethroughconsultationwith,andagreementby,

theirRTFacultyAdvisor. AnyvariationstothisplanMUSTbeonlyonwrittenapproval,

in advance, given by the RT Faculty Advisor, andwill only be granted for extenuating

circumstances.

3. Students MUST earn a C or better in ALL RT Freshman Year theory courses to

proceed intothenextsemesteroftheprogram. NOTE: AstudentwhoearnsONED

mayproceed

into

the

next

Semester,

but

they

will

receive

formal

written

notification

thattheyareonprogramProbationaryStatus,andthatanysubsequentlessthanC

gradeswillresultintheirbeingdisqualifiedfromtheProgram. Astudentwhoearnsan

Finacoursewillbedisqualifiedfromtheprogramatthattime,andmaynotproceed

furtherthatyear. Astudent,undereitheroftheabovecircumstances,(morethanone

DoranF)willberequiredtocompleteaRemediationPlanpriortoeligibilitytore

applyforAdmission.

4. Students MUST make satisfactory progress in all required RT program courses and

maintainenrollmentinRTprogramcoursesasoutlinedintheirEducationalPlan. Upon

a students Withdraw from an RT Freshman Year theory course a grade status

checkwillbeperformedbytheprogramwiththecourseInstructor. Ifthestudentwas

earning a D at the time of withdrawing, this will be treated by the Program in the

samemannerasiftheyearnedaD(see#3policyabove). Ifastudentwasearningan

F at the time of the Withdraw, this will be treated as a Withdraw whileFailing

grade.(see

policy

#3

above

on

earning

F

grades)

5. AstudentwhohasearnedallpassinggradesinALLRTFreshmanYeartheorycourses,

butwho then failstopassRT15cannotenter intotheclinicalyear that followingFall

Semester. RT15withaCorhigherisanabsolutePrerequisiteforallfollowingclinical


37/72


classes. ThisstudentmustsuccessfullycompleteaRemediationPlanpriortorepeating

RT 15. His/her Remediation plan may include the Audit of RT 2, and possibly other

Freshmantheorycourses. NOTE:onlyONEREPEATofRT15ispermitted.

6. AstudentwhoelectstotakeRT2,oranyothercoreprogramcourse,early(priorto

formal program admittance) should be aware that the above W/D/F and REPEAT

policiesabovewillapplytoanyattempt,inanyoftheseclasses.

RemediationInitiative

ThosestudentswhohaveenteredProbationaryStatusorwhohaveexitedtheprogramduetoa

coursefailureorasaresultofearningmorethanoneDinprogramcourseswillberequiredto

successfully complete a Remediation Plan. Probationary Students complete the Remediation

Plan while continuing with program courses. Students who have exited the program must

successfullycompletetheRemediationplanpriortosubmittingaReapplicationtotheprogram.


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ProgramPolicies|RTStudentHandbook 39

ProgramPolicies

StudentCodeofConduct

TheEastLosAngelesCollege/SantaMonicaCollegeRespiratoryTherapyProgramisarigorous

academic and clinical practice program demanding a fulltime commitment. This unique

partnershipprovidesthestudentawealthofresourcestomaximizethelearningexperienceand

offers a unique opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to enter this exciting

profession. Theprogramcannotandwillnottolerateacademicdishonesty.Inordertouphold

theacademic integrityoftheprogramandtherespiratorycareprofession,allmembersofthe

program, faculty and students alike, must assume responsibility for providing an educational

environmentofthehigheststandards,characterizedbyaspiritofacademichonesty;therefore,

underno

circumstances

will

academic

dishonesty

be

tolerated.

ResponsibilitiesoftheStudents

Inordertomaintainanenvironmentofacademicintegritystudentswill:

1. Behaveinamannerthatencourageslearningandupholdsacademicintegrity.

2. Act with fairness (i.e., not seek undue advantage) towards other students in

classroom interactions, completion of assignments, examinations, or any other

academicactivity.

3. Makeevery

attempt

to

prevent

the

unauthorized

use

of

their

work.

HonorCodeStatement

As testament to students commitment and readiness tojoin the East Los Angeles College /

Santa Monica College academic community, all students are expected to uphold the Honor

Code. AcommitmenttoupholdtheHonorCodeisarequirementforallenrolledstudents.

In thepursuit of the high ideals and rigorous standards of academic life, Icommit myself to respect and uphold the Santa Monica College Honor Code,Code ofAcademic Conduct, and Student Conduct Code. I will conduct myselfhonorably as a responsible member of the SMC community in all endeavors I

pursue.


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ClinicalAssignment

ClinicalHoursRequirement

All students are required to do 24 hours ofclinical work each of the 15 clinical weeksof the

semester. Ifacollegeholidayshouldoccuronadaythatisastudentsusualclinicalday,the

student

does

not

need

to

attend

clinical

that

day,

but

the

student

does

need

to

make

arrangementstocompletetheclinicalhoursonanalternateday. Arrangementsmustbemade

inadvanceoftheholidayandthehealthcarefacultymustagreetothealternateday.

BankingofClinicalTime

AsageneralruleBankingofClinicalTimeisnotpermitted. Theoneexceptionisaconsequence

of the varyingcampusSpring Break schedules. The student maybank up to 2clinical days

giventheyhavereceivedpriorapprovalbytheDirectorofClinicalEducation.

LeavingaClinical

Assignment

Students are not permitted to leave the healthcare facilities premises at any time during the

clinical assignment day unless for a program scheduled activity (ex: Clinical Rounds with the

MedicalDirector). Thisincludesduringpersonaltimebreaksandlunchbreaks.

CurriculumDocumentationinClinicalAssignment

TheEastLosAngelesCollege/SantaMonicaCollegeRespiratoryTherapyprogramusesavariety

ofmethodsandevaluationsystemstosetanddocumentthestudentclinicalcompetencies. This

includesthefollowing:

1. DailyClinicalLogs: TheprogramutilizestheDataArcwebbasedsystemofdocumenting

studentclinicalexperiences. Thissystemrequiresthatthestudentkeepadailywritten

draft of their clinical experiences which is then submitted each clinical day through a

DataArcLog. The log is then reviewedby the facultymemberassigned to theclinical

location. Ifthelogadequatelydocumentsthestudentsclinicalexperiences,thefaculty

memberacceptsthelogthroughaprocedurecallvalidatingthelog.

The Daily Clinical Log submission includes a narrative statement, tabulation of clinical

procedurescompleted,andan indicationofhis/her levelofparticipation. The levelof

participation may reflect observation only, assisting the staff, or providing care

without assistance. The narrative statement is a critical reflection of what the

studentsthoughtprocessesandlearningoutcomesachievedduringthatspecificclinical

day.


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2. DocumentationofPhysicianInteractions(PIs): ThisDataArcwebbasedsystem isalso

used to facilitate this method of evaluation and undergoes the same review and

validationprocessastheDailyClinicalLog.(12PIsarerequiredduringtheclinicalyear,6

fromeachsemester)

The Documentation of Physician Interaction includes a verbatim description of

interactionswithPhysiciansduringtheclinicaldayandasummarystatement.

3. ClinicalActivitiesSummary Log: Facultyuse this tool toassesswhetherstudentsare

progressingthroughclinicalcompetenciesatanappropriatepaceandtoidentifyifthere

areanyrequiredclinicalexperiencesthestudenthasnotbeenexposedto. Thispaper

summary log is kept, at all times, in the clinical notebook in the healthcare facility

department. This it isavailableforreviewbystaff,supervisors,orfacultyatanytime.

TheClinicalActivitiesSummaryLog istheprimarymethodof identificationofthedaily

clinicalobjectives.

ClinicalEvaluation

1. ClinicalStaffInput: Thefirstlevelofevaluation iscompletedbytheclinicalstaffwhen

they

initial

in

the

Summary

Log

that

a

student

appears

competent

and

knowledgeable

ofthedepartmentproceduresandpoliciesforanyparticularclinicalactivity. Note: This

isNOTrelieduponbytheprogramforevaluationofstudentsclinicalcompetencies.

2. Fall and Spring Formative Evaluation Process: This is a practice and feedback

applicationoftheevaluationprocess,toidentifyareasthatneedfurtherimprovement.

Then,attheendofeachsemester,thisevaluation isperformedbyprogramfacultyto

confirmclinicalcompetency.(Fall BronchialHygieneEvaluationandSpring Ventilator

ManagementEvaluation.

3. Affective Domain Evaluation: At the midpoint and the end of each semester, the

supervising staff from the healthcare facility (or whomever the management has

designatedordelegatedthistaskto),completesanevaluationandprovidesfeedbackto


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thestudentandprogramonthoseskillsandprofessionalattributesunderthisdomain

ofskillsdevelopment. This isdonethroughentry intotheDataArcwebbasedsystem.

thestudentthenmustreviewandelectronicallysigntheevaluation.

CellPhoneUseonClinicalAssignment

Thefollowingguidelinesoutlinetheappropriateuseofcellphonesbystudentswentonclinical

assignment:

Note: Personal Cell phone use is generally not allowed by healthcare facilities. Emergency

phone calls from relatives or others are to be made to the appropriate healthcare facility

departmentnumberthathasbeendesignatedforthispurpose.

Studentsarenotpermittedtheuseofcellphones(includingtextmessaging)whileofficiallyon

dutyintheclinicalareasoftheirhealthcarefacilityassignment. Anycellphonestudentsmight

haveontheirpersonmustbeseton"silentorvibratemode." Studentsarenottoanswerany

callswhileonofficialclinicaltime.

Useof cell phones for personalbusiness in the clinical area is viewed as "unprofessional and

inappropriate" as well as having infection control implications. Violation of this policy is

considered a failure to comply with established college or department regulations and

requirements,andmayimpactthestudentscoursegradeand/orstatusintheprogram. Repeat

offensesofthispolicymayleadtoclinicalcoursesuspensionorprogramdismissal.

Duringanytime intervalswherebythestudent isnotofficiallyondutyand isonpersonaltime

i.e.theyareoutoftheclinicalareaofthehealthcarefacilitiesandinapublicarea,thestudent

maydowhattheywishwiththeircellphones.

Studentsshouldgivetheappropriatehealthcarefacilitydepartmentcontactnumbertoanyone

whoisinapositiontopotentiallymakeanemergencycalltothestudentwhytheyareinclinic.

Anemergency

contact

would

only

be

appropriate

for

amatter

which

requires

the

student

to

immediately receive the call and urgently leave the clinical assignment to take care of

emergencybusiness.


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ProgramExitandRe-admission

AstudentsoptionsforReadmissiontotheprogramoncetheyhaveexitedaredeterminedby

thecircumstancesatthetimeofexit,thestudentsabilitytomeetRemediationrequirements,

lengthoftimeabsentfromtheprogram,andspaceavailableintheprogram.

TheRespiratory

Therapy

program

will

allow

students

who

had

once

been

admitted

into

the

program,but,whothensubsequentlyexitedtheprogramduetopooracademicperformanceor

duetolifecircumstancesanopportunitytoreapplyforadmission. Itisextremelyimportantto

notehowever,thattheApplicationforReAdmissionWILLNOTautomaticallybeaccepted.

VoluntaryWithdrawalfromtheProgram

Programsuccessrequiresdedicationandafulltimecommitmentbythestudent. Theprogram

recognizesthatstudentsmayexperiencebarrierbeyondtheircontrolwhichresult intheneed

toexittheprogram. Studentswhovoluntarilyexittheprogramwhilemaintainingsatisfactory

progress intheprogramshouldcommunicatewiththeAcademicCounselorand/ortheFaculty

Advisortheir intentiontowithdrawfromtheprogram. Atthetimeofexit,thestudentwillbe

informed of the requirements for Remediation and ReApplication. Readmission for this

studentfollowsthesameprocedureasanyotherstudentexit.

CourseFailureandProgramDismissal

Anyofthefollowingmaybecauseforfailureinacourseand/ordismissalfromtheprogram:

Finalgrade

below

D

in

any

required

course

in

the

respiratory

therapy

program

curriculum(coursefailure);

TwofinalgradesofDorbelow inanyrequiredcourse intherespiratorytherapy

programcurriculum;

Failuretoshowaconsistentpatternofappropriatebehaviorintheclinicalsettingas

established by the Respiratory Therapy Program and/or East Los Angeles College

(coursefailure);

Behavior inconsistentwiththeprogramsCodeofEthics(coursefailureorprogram

dismissal);

Failure to comply with established college or department regulations and

requirements(coursefailureorprogramdismissal);

Unsafe clinic performance determined initially by any faculty and Associate Dean

(programdismissal);


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Any form of dishonesty (refer to Honor Statement of and Code of Student

Conduct)(coursefailureorprogramdismissal).

Incriticalcases,suchasunsafeclinicalperformance,dismissalmaybeconsideredwithoutprior

warning or probation. This may be determined initially by any faculty member followed by

concurrenceof

the

faculty

as

awhole.

Unsafe

students

are

not

eligible

for

re

entry

into

the

ELAC/SMCRespiratoryTherapyProgram.


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Re-admissionProcessandRequirements

Students wishing to be considered for Readmission must do the following to prepare

themselvesforpossiblereentryintotheprogram.

RemediationRequirements

1. Creation

of

a

Remediation

Plan:

The

Remediation

Plan

is

created

in

conjunction

with

theRTFacultyAdvisor,AcademicCounselor,andthestudent.

ARemediationPlanmayinclude,butisnotlimitedtomandatory

i) assessment of basic skills (Reading Comprehension, Math, and English), if not

previouslycompleted;

ii) enrollment and successful completion of remedial/skills development and or

studentsuccesscourses(gradeofCorbetter);

iii) meetings

with

an

Academic

Counselor,

RT

Faculty

advisor,

and/or

other

staff

person;

iv) skillspracticehoursintheSkillsLaboratoryandverificationofskillsproficiency;

v) participation and successful completion of Web Accessible Tutorials or other

availabletutoring,

vi) CompletionofanyremainingGeneralEducationrequirements;and/or

vii)Audit or repetition of any applicable RT program core course or program co

requisitecourse(Remediationstudentsmayenroll inRTprogramcorecourseonly

withthepriorwrittenapprovalofhis/herRTFacultyAdvisor).

2. Successfully completion of the Remediation Plan: Successful completion of the

Remediation Plan must occur within one year of the date of exit unless there are

extenuatingcircumstances.


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Re-Application

Upon completion of the remediation plan, a previously exited student may submit a Re

application to the program. The student will be asked to document and provide statements

verifyingtheircompliancewithRemediationRequirements.

Readmission

applications

will

be

reviewed

for

admission

by

the

Admissions

committee

of

the

program, which consists of all FT Faculty in the program. Each reapplicants application and

documentation will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Readmissions will be made

availableonaspaceavailablebasis.


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AssociateDegreeProgramCurriculum|RTStudentHandbook 48

AssociateDegreeProgramCurriculumThisprogramprovidesstudentswithastrongacademicfoundationandtheclinicalproficiency

to utilize modern respiratory devices (under the direction of a physician) in the treatment of

respiratoryandcardiacailments. IntheFall1996semester,EastLosAngelesCollegeandSanta

Monica College merged their respective Respiratory Therapy programs. This partnership

provides increased access to medical and related clinical resources for students. Under the

merged program, all prerequisite science courses and the First Year Respiratory Therapy

theorycourses(withtheexceptionofRespiratoryTherapy2,whichmustbetakenatELAC)can

betakenateithercampus. AllsecondyearRespiratoryTherapycoursesaretakenontheELAC

campus.Studentsuponcompletionofthesecondyear,thenpetitiontheiroriginatingcampus

fortheirAssociateDegree.

TheGeneralEducationrequirementsfortheAssociateDegreevaryslightlyoneachcampusand

itistheresponsibilityofthestudenttocompletethesecourses. Studentsarerequiredtomeet

with an Academic Counselor prior to admissions in order to either verify that they have the

requiredGEcourseworktoqualifyforthedegreeortomakeaplanwhichwillensurethetimely

completionofrequirements. ThiscourseworkisNOTaprerequisitetoprogramadmittance,but

it MUST be complete to obtain the degree, graduate from the program, and be eligible for

licensureinthestateofCalifornia.

The Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) nationally accredits the

Respiratory Therapist Program in conjunction with the Commission on Accreditation of Allied

HealthEducationalPrograms(CA.A. HEP).TheRespiratoryCareBoardofCalifornia,underthe

DepartmentofConsumerAffairs,licensesrespiratorycarepractitioners.

Upon completion of the Respiratory Therapy program, graduates receive the Associate in

Science Degree from East Los Angeles College or the Associate in Arts Degree from Santa

Monica College. Respiratory Therapy program graduates are eligible for licensure as a

RespiratoryCarePractitioner(RCP)inthestateofCaliforniathroughtheRespiratoryCareBoard

ofCalifornia. Inaddition,asanAdvancedPractitionergraduate,graduatesafter licensurecan

immediatelyapplyfortheNationalBoardforRespiratoryCares,AdvancedPractitionerRegistry

Exams,toearnthenationalcredential,RegisteredRespiratoryTherapist,RRT.


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RecommendedProgramCoreCourseSequence

AllProgramCoreCoursesmustbecompletedwithaCorbetterinordertomeettheCalifornia

RespiratoryCareBoardLicensurerequirements.

EastLosAngelesCollege SantaMonicaCollege

1. FallSemester:

RESTH

1Introduction

to

RespiratoryTherapy,1unit

RESTH6,RespiratoryPhysiology,4

units

RESTH29,NeonatalandPediatric

RespiratoryTherapy,4units

RESTH

1:

Introduction

to


RESTH:60,RespiratoryPhysiology,

4units

RESTH29:NeonatalandPediatric


2. SpringSemester:

RESTH:2#,Fundamentalsof


RESTH7,AppliedMedicineand

Pathology,3units

RESTH23,AdvancedRespiratory

Pathophysiology,1unit

RESTH30,AdultCriticalCare

MonitoringandDiagnostics,3units

RESTH:2#,Fundamentalsof

RespiratoryTherapy,4units(taken

ontheELACcampus)

RESTH:70,Respiratory

Pathophysiology,4units

RESTH30:AdultCriticalCare

MonitoryandDiagnostics,3units

3. SummerSession:

RESTH15,IntroductiontoClinical

Practice,4units

4. FallSemester:

RESTH3,ApplicationofRT&

ClinicalI,5units


ClinicalII,

5units

RESTH27,PhysicianClinical

Rounds,1unit

5. WinterSession:

RESTH31,NeonatalResuscitation,

1unit

6. SpringSemester:


ClinicalIII,5units


ClinicalIV,5units

RESTH

28,

Physician

Clinical

Rounds,1unit


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ProgramCo-requisiteCourses

Program Corequisite courses must be completed with a C or better prior to clinical practice

courses. However,itisstronglyrecommendedtocompletethesecoursespriortoadmissionto

theprogram.

CorequisiteCourse EastLosAngelesCollege SantaMonicaCollege

MicrobiologyIntroMICRO20

#:GeneralMicrobiology

MCRBIO1:Fundamentalsof

Microbiology,5unitswithlab

PhysicsIntro

RESPTH21**:Physicsfor

RespiratoryCare

PHYSCS12:IntroductoryPhysics,3

units

**Ageneral(nonlab)Physicscoursemaybesubstitutedforthiscourse.#Microbiology20(ELAC),1(SMC),RespiratoryTherapy21,orPhysics12maybetakeneither

semesterofthetheoryyear.

GeneralEducation

Degree

Requirements

Studentsgeneraleducationrequirementsmayvaryaccording toMathandEnglishplacement

results. Generaleducationcoursesmaybecompletedbefore,during,oraftertheRespiratory

TherapyProgram. StudentswillmeetwithanAcademicCounselorfromtheirhomecampusfor

specificgeneraleducationplanning.

EastLosAngelesCollege SantaMonicaCollege

GeneralEducationCourses(PlanB)10units 15units

SpecialNotes1. Respiratory Therapy courses are scheduled sequentially in each semester and must be

completedbeforeprogressingtothenextsemester.

2. Malpracticeinsuranceisrequiredfortherespiratoryprogram(purchasedduringthesecond

yearoftheprogram).

3. Students transferring from another respiratory therapy program will be evaluated by the

Department forrespiratorycoursecredit.Ageneralpetition formmustbecompletedand

submittedto

Admissions

with

syllabi

and

college

catalog

course

descriptions

of

the

courses.

Inaddition,alltransfersmustsubmitaletterfromtheirformerrespiratorytherapyprogram

directorstatingtheyareclinicallysafe.

rt student handbook

Documents