RESPIRATORY THERAPY

Associate in Applied Science (RSP.APP)

   This program leads to an Associate in Applied Science Degree and is designated as an Extended Degree Program in that the student must complete a minimum of 73 or more required credit hours.

   The first year consists of pre-respiratory therapy courses and the second year consists of both theory and clinical experience specific to respiratory care of patients in hospitals, extended care facilities, nursing homes or outpatient clinics. For admission to the second year of the program, see Program Admission Procedures below.

   Respiratory Therapists who graduated from a program approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) but do not have the required college credit will be able to take these credits at OCC and be granted a degree upon completion.

Program Admission Procedures:

   Students must first be admitted to the college and must declare Respiratory Therapy (RSP) as their curriculum and request that the records department send their file to the Health Professions and Technologies Department, Southfield Campus, before February 1 of each year. Each year a limited number of students are admitted to the program through a selection procedure. Basic admission requirements include:

• Attendance at a respiratory therapy information session
• Graduation from high school or GED
• Declaration of Respiratory Therapy as the designated curriculum choice.
• Completion of all required supportive courses with a grade of “C” or higher.
• Completion of General Education Requirements with a grade of “C” or higher.
• Overall Grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 or better.
• Attendance at a record review session.
• Completion of BIO 1570, or BIO 2710, BIO 2630, BIO 2640, CHE 1000, and MAT 1100 with 2.0 or better grade point within five years of the start of the fall respiratory therapy courses. The five-year period dates from the session during which the course was taken and closes at the first session in which the student is enrolled in the respiratory therapy program.

   Students who are eligible for the program are notified in writing no later than June 15. All requirements and procedures for admission, as outlined at the Respiratory Therapy Information sessions, must be completed by Fall of the year in which the student is intending to enroll in the program.

   Requirements and procedures for admission are outlined in the Respiratory Therapy program information booklet available at the respiratory therapy website at www.oaklandcc.edu/Health/RespiratoryTherapy.

   In order to be eligible to take the national credential examinations administered by the National Board of Respiratory Care, students must obtain a “C” or better grade in all the currently required college and program courses for an Associate in Applied Science Degree.

   The policies and regulations regarding admission, progression and retention in the respiratory therapy program, as well as certification, registry, and state licensure qualifications are outlined in the Respiratory Therapy Student Handbook which is provided to each student enrolled in the respiratory therapy program. In addition to the regular tuition, respiratory therapy students incur extra costs such as liability insurance, pre-admission health examination, uniforms, supplies, travel and registry application.

   The Respiratory Therapy Program Traditional Model is designed as a full-time study. Supportive courses must be completed before entering the respiratory therapy training portion. However, students may elect part-time study by electing to enroll in the Integrated Model. The Integrated Model allows students to complete Respiratory Therapy core courses during the first year of the program.

   A mandatory criminal history check will be conducted on all students selected to the Respiratory Therapy Program, prior to the start of the program. 1) Conviction of a felony or any attempt to commit a felony within the 15 years immediately preceding the date of the criminal history check; or 2) conviction of a misdemeanor within the 10 years immediately preceding the criminal history check, will preclude eligibility for admission. In addition, all selected students must have a drug screen test prior to the start of the program. For details contact the Respiratory Therapy Department at 248.233.2919.