Respiratory Therapy, A.A.S.

The Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy is offered in both Fort Wayne and Crown Point. 

The Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy degree prepares graduates for entry-level practice as a respiratory therapist. The goal of the program is to prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs). Guided by the Franciscan Values and Catholic Social Teaching, students will learn the value of service, lifelong learning, and caring behaviors as the foundation of being a respiratory therapist. The program curriculum is based upon the nation Board of Respiratory Care’s (NBRC) most recent examination matrix and national respiratory therapy job description survey, and specific community needs as identified by the program advisory board. After completing the degree, graduates are eligible to apply for the Therapist Multiple Choice examination by the NBRC.  

Accreditation 

The University of Saint Francis is currently in the process of seeking CoARC accreditation for a respiratory care program. However, the University of Saint Francis can provide no assurance that accreditation will be granted by the CoARC.

The Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy at the University of Saint Francis is anticipated to be accredited by Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, 264 Precision Blvd Telford, TN 37690, (817)-283-2835. 

AAS RT Student Learning Outcomes  

Graduates of the University of Saint Francis Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy are prepared for entry level practice who are able to: 

• Evaluate Data in the Patient Record 
• Perform Clinical Assessment 
• Perform Procedures to Gather Clinical Information 
• Evaluate Procedure Results 
• Recommend Diagnostic Procedures 
• Assemble/Troubleshoot Devices 
• Ensure Infection Prevention 
• Perform Quality Control Procedures 
• Maintain a Patent Airway Including the Care of Artificial Airways 
• Perform Airway Clearance and Lung Expansion Techniques 
• Support Oxygenation and Ventilation 
• Administer Medications and Specialty Gases 
• Ensure Modifications are Made to the Respiratory Care Plan 
• Utilize Evidence-Based Practice 
• Provide Respiratory Care in High-Risk Situations 
• Assist a Physician/Provider in Performing Procedures 
• Conduct Patient and Family Education 

Licensure 

After successful completion of the AAS RT program, the graduate is eligible to apply to the NBRC to take the Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) examination. Any student who passes the TMC exam can then apply to their state for licensure to practice. 

Degree Requirements 

The AAS RT program requires 75 credit hours which includes 27 general education credits and 48 respiratory therapy credits. 

Admission Requirements 

All applicants to the AAS RT program will be evaluated by the Admissions Committee and must meet the following requirements: 

• The applicant without previous college experience must meet two of the following criteria:  
  • Rank in the upper half of the high school graduating class.  
  • Have a high school GPA of 2.4 or higher on a 4.0 scale.  
  • Earn an SAT score of 1,000 (verbal/critical reading and math combined) or above or an ACT composite score of 21 or higher. For SAT test administrations prior to April 1995, a score of 800 or above is required.  
  • Possess a General Educational Development (GED) total score of 2,500, with no sub-score below 500. Prior to 2002, a composite score of at least 50 and no sub-score below 40 is required.  
• Applicants who have previously attended an accredited college or university must submit official college transcripts with a GPA of 2.4 or higher on a 4.0 scale in 12 credit hours of academic subjects.  
• Previous healthcare experience is helpful, but not required.  
• Final consideration for acceptance will be made by the Respiratory Therapy Admissions Committee. Each applicant will be reviewed on an individual basis. Exceptions to the stated requirements may be made at the discretion of the Admissions Committee.  
• The accepted student must submit proof of a physical exam, required immunizations and ability to meet technical standards required of healthcare students.  In addition, proof of certification in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation is required and a current Criminal Background History must be completed.  Negative information found in the criminal background check could result in the affiliating agencies withholding the clinical experience.  If this were to happen, the student cannot complete all aspects of the program and would be dismissed from the program.  

Progression Requirements 

To be in good academic standing, students must maintain a GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale, a grade of 79 percent (C+) or higher in all professional courses, a “C” or higher in general education courses and achieve all clinical competencies required in each semester or summer session to advance in the program.  Students also must achieve a “P” for passing in all clinical education courses.  

Graduation Requirements 

To complete the Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy Degree the student must meet the following criteria:  

• Complete a minimum of 75 hours of credit.  Total credit hours completed will depend on placement exams.    
• Complete all required respiratory and required general education courses.  
• Meet the requirements for academic standards (AAS Progression, Probation and Dismissal sections of this Handbook).  
• Payment of all financial obligations to the University.  
• Complete requirements for the University graduation no more than eight (8) Semesters after starting their respiratory clinical course work.