DACC Catalog - Dona Ana Community College - New Mexico State ...

2012-2013 Catalog 73Associate Degree (76 credits)NOTE: Radiologic Technology majors must have a C or better in all requiredcourses to graduate. Courses with course prefixes appearing in italics areidentical to those offered at New Mexico State University Las Cruces (main)Campus.Core Requirements10 creditsengl 111G Rhetoric and Composition 4math 120 Intermediate Algebra3or ahs 116 Math for Health Occupationspsy 201G Introduction to Psychology3or soc 101G Introductory SociologyRelated Requirements7 creditsC S 110 Computer Literacy3or oecs 105 Introduction to Microcomputer TechnologyBIOL 154 Introductory Anatomy and Physiology4or BIOL 225 Human Anatomy and Physiology ITechnical Requirements59 creditsNOTE: All RADT classes are restricted to students who have completed the Coreand Related Requirements and have been accepted into the Radiologic TechnologyProgram.RADT 100 Introduction to Radiologic Technology and 2Patient CareRADT 101 Radiographic Positioning I 4RADT 102 Radiographic Positioning II 4RADT 103 Introduction to Radiographic Imaging 3RADT 104 Special Radiologic Modalities 2RADT 105 Radiographic Physics and Equipment 3RADT 106 Introduction to Clinical Education in6RadiologyRADT 110 Radiographic Pathology 1RADT 154 Radiographic Anatomy and Physiology 3RADT 200 Radiation Biology and Protection 1RADT 201 Clinical Education I 6RADT 202 Clinical Education II 11RADT 203 Clinical Education III 10RADT 205 Radiographic Image Critique 1RADT 206 Applied Radiographic Procedures 2RADT 155 OPTIONAL: Special Topics 0–6RADT 156 OPTIONAL: Independent Study 0–6Respiratory TherapyAssociate of Applied Science Degree(575) 527-7607Respiratory Therapy is an allied health specialty encompassing the diagnosis,treatment, management and prevention of problems affecting the respiratoryand cardiovascular system.Respiratory Therapy practitioners work side-by-side with physicians, and otherhealthcare professionals in the hospital setting. They set up oxygen, performpulmonary function testing, set up and maintain ventilators, administer respiratorydrugs, and evaluate patient health status.Respiratory therapy is a rapidly growing, people-oriented profession. Thedemand for practitioners is increasing in New Mexico and throughout theUnited States. While most graduates continue to find employment in hospitals,opportunities are opening up with medical equipment suppliers andagencies providing home health care to pulmonary patients.The Respiratory Therapy program at Doña Ana Community College is a fulltimeprogram that leads to an associate of applied science degree. Throughclassroom instruction and laboratory practice, students develop the knowledgeneeded to care for patients. They acquire additional hands-on experience in theclinical setting at surrounding hospitals.The curriculum and clinical hour content is based on the National StandardCurriculum from the American Association of Respiratory Therapy (AARC)and the national accrediting body, the Commission on Accreditation for RespiratoryCare (CoARC); www.coarc.com; 1228 Harwood Rd., Bedford, TX76021; telephone (817) 283-2835. The Respiratory Therapy Program is alsoaccredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. Theprogram is designed to prepare students to have mastered competency inassessment, diagnosis and treatment of the cardiopulmonary patient. Uponcompletion of the program graduates are eligible to sit for their nationallicensure certification and registry examinations.Required Skills and AbilitiesStudents should be able to demonstrate good oral expression (speech clarity)and written comprehension, critical thinking skills, the ability to hear througha stethoscope or augmented listening device, and physical stamina (e.g., theability to stand for long periods of time, manipulate respiratory therapy equipment,and move/lift patients and equipment up to 50 pounds, unassisted).Program Admissions CriteriaRespiratory Therapy is a limited-entry program. The following items areamong the criteria are used in the selection of successful program applicants:• Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test scores care curriculum• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better• Completion of the following courses: CHEM 110G and MATH 120, orAHS 116, AHS 253, BIOL 221+L, BIOL 225, and BIOL 226 (NOTE:One may take BIOL 221+L after being accepted into the program.)A complete list is included in the application packet, available at the RespiratoryTherapy program office in room DAHL-191 (phone: 527-7607).Requirements to Participate in Clinical PracticeClinical course work is required for completion of this program. Uponadmittance and throughout the program, students will be required tomeet requirements of each clinical site in order to complete the requiredcourse work. Requirements include but are not limited to thefollowing:1 Background check and fingerprinting through the designated collegeaffiliate (adverse findings may disqualify a student from continuing inthe program)2 Current CPR certification3 Current TB test4 Record of current tuberculin, rubella, tetanus, varicella, and HepatitisB immunizations, or titers.5 Drug screeningNOTE: In a majority of cases, continuing employment in the field is contingentupon successful completion of both the Certified Respiratory Therapist(CRT) exam, as well as the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) exam. TheRRT designation serves as the only credential officially recognized in thefield. It provides evidence that the holder possesses the skills and abilitiesessential to the practice of respiratory therapy, among them critical thinking,problem solving, and advanced patient-assessment skills.