Cochise College Respiratory Therapy Program
Cochise College, 901 N Colombo Ave., Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
Spring Semester 2016
Admission Packet for the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Respiratory Care
THE APPLICATION DEADLINE IS NOVEMBER 25, 2015
Dear Applicant,
Thank you for your interest in our Associate in Applied Science Degree for Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)
and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) training at Cochise College. The two year program is approved for
Respiratory Care training under the auspices of the *A.M.A., and CoARC. Please find enclosed the general
information that will be of benefit to your understanding of the program.
More information can be found at the American association for Respiratory Care (AARC) website,
www.aarc.org
.
If at any time you have additional questions, please feel free to call, write, or stop by the College, so we may be of
assistance to you. We look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
James W. Nosek, BA, RRT
Program Director
(520) 515-5491
nosekj@cochise.edu
Kathy Sosa, BS, RRT
Director of Clinical Education
(520) 515-2612
sosak@cochise.edu
Accreditations
Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, 1248 Harwood Road, Bedford, TX 76021-4244
(817) 283-2835 www.CoARC.com
Program Description/Introduction
Respiratory Care is one of the newest in the allied health professions. Its sophistication has come about through
the latest advances in biomedical engineering, computer technology, aerospace research, applied physiology, and
medicine. The Respiratory Therapist is the health care professional responsible for basic life support systems
(artificial ventilation) as applied to the management of patients with cardiopulmonary disease. The Associate in
Applied Science Degree for Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
training is a two year program.
There are five pre-admission requirements that must be completed prior to admission to the program. The
Respiratory Therapy Program Coordinators require the following on file in the Health Sciences Offices by the
application deadline.
1.____Complete the Cochise College application form in the Admissions Office. (if first time Cochise college
student)
2.____Complete the Respiratory Therapy Program application form. Your signature is required and must be
returned to the Health Sciences Office. Early application submission is advised.
3.____Proof of high school graduation or its equivalent, (GED). Please send transcripts, high school and college.
Forms are available from the Cochise College Records Office. Students who have completed college course work
outside the United States must also submit documentation of enrollment/completion of English as Second
Language (ESL) courses.
(NOTE: Transcripts are to be sent to the Cochise College Records Office. The student is responsible for submitting
the Advisor request form.
4.____Completion of program pre-requisites to include : Math, Sciences, and English, Liberal Arts requirements
for the AAS degree.
5.____The student must also schedule an individual advising session with Jim Nosek, Program Director or Adela
Sanchez, Clinical Education Director. Phone (520) 515-5491
It is suggested that the student schedule this advising session after having completed steps 1-4 listed above.
This session provides: individualized advising, allows students to ask questions about the program, and permits
students to review their admission file.
Once accepted into the program, the students will begin a two year intensive study and actively participates in the
practice of clinical procedures 2-3 full days per week at local hospital affiliates. Upon successful completion of the
program, the student is granted an Associate in Applied Science Degree. New graduates complete the entry level
examination administered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Passing this exam affords the
national credential of CRT. As a CRT, the individual is also eligible for Licensure with the Arizona Board of
Respiratory Care. Once passing the CRT exam students complete the National Registered Respiratory Therapist
(RRT) exams (written and clinical simulations). Upon successfully completing these exams the Respiratory Care
Practitioner receives the credentials of RRT.
Applicants often ask about job availability. Career mobility (professional and geographical) is available. Please
note that positions may be limited in the local area.
Cochise College Respiratory Therapy Program Essential Functions / Core Performance Standards Review the list of skills below. If you are unable to meet the standard(s), even with correction (example eyeglasses, hearing aids) on any of the items below, list those on the page following the descriptions.
The Respiratory Therapy Program complies with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), and consistent with the ADA, the attached Essential Functions/Core Performance Standards Worksheet provides the framework to relate functional ability categories and representative activities/attributes to any limitations/deficits in functional abilities. These standards shall be used by the Respiratory Therapy Program in combination with the professional scope of practice, job analysis, other resources, and expert consultation to make decisions related to the ability of the respiratory care student to perform the essential functions of respiratory care.
If a prospective student is or becomes unable to meet the required Essential Functions/Core Performance
Standards, the Respiratory Therapy Program in consultation with ADA Coordinator will determine, on an individual basis, whether or not reasonable accommodations can be made that would permit the student to meet these Essential Functions /Core Performance Standards and thus, to continue in the program.
Please note “Skills tied to” under each of the sections is not intended to be a complete listing of skills but rather as an example of a skill for which that ability is linked.
Please carefully review the 16 items and complete the page following the descriptions. 1. Gross motor ability
Move within confined spaces Sit and maintain balance Stand and maintain balance Reach above shoulders Reach below waist
Linked skills: Function in an ICU environment move about in an ICU room in order to perform procedures on the patient. Must also read patient chart, equipment settings, and/or equipment displays. Sit to record findings. Change equipment settings above head and below waist.
2. Fine motor ability
Pick up objects with both hands Grasp small objects with both hands Write clearly and neatly with pen or pencil Type on a keyboard
Pinch/squeeze or pick up objects with fingers of both hands Twist knobs with both hands
Must have adequate manual dexterity as to be capable of maintaining sterility
Linked skills: Lift medication vials to eyes to read. Squeeze medication vials to empty. Squeeze Ballard suction catheter button. Grasp, hold and read small instruments such as volume measuring devices. Write in patient chart. Record patient data in record. Change settings on equipment by turning knob and observing change.
3. Physical Endurance
Stand at client’s side during procedure
Sustain repetitive movements (example chest compressions in CPR) Maintain physical tolerance (continue tasks throughout a shift) Work and complete tasks at a reasonable pace
Linked skills: Stand and perform repetitive procedures on patients such as chest physical therapy and CPR. Repeat this procedure periodically throughout a shift.
4. Physical Strength Lift 45 pounds
Move light objects up to ten pounds Restrain combative client
Carry equipment/supplies
Squeeze with hands (example use of a fire extinguisher) Able to push/roll 60 pounds
Move heavy object weighing from 10-50 pounds. Use upper body strength
Linked skills: Assist patient from bed to chair. Hoist patient up in bed. Move patient from stretcher to bed and back. Carry medications, pulse oximeter, stethoscope or other equipment to patient room. Push ventilator or other heavy equipment from respiratory care department to patient room. Move other equipment such as pulse oximeter or IPPB machine. Lift equipment from bed height to shelf height above chest level.
5. Mobility Twist Bend Stoop/squat Move quickly Climb ladders/stools/stairs Walk
Linked skills: Turn to change settings on monitor while standing at patient bedside. Bend to change equipment settings on floor, at knee level, waist level, chest level, eye level, above head. Gather equipment and manually resuscitate patient without delay. Make rapid adjustments if needed to ensure patient safety. Make way to patient room if an emergency is called using stairs.
6. Hearing
Hear normal speaking level sounds Hear faint voices
Hear faint body sounds (example breath and heart sounds) Hear audible alarms
Hear telephones
Hear sounds with stethoscope
Linked skills: Listen to patient breath sounds to determine if patient is breathing. Listen to heart sounds to determine if heart is beating. Determine the intensity and quality of patient breath sounds in order to help
determine a diagnosis. Hear audible alarms such as a ventilator alarm. Hear overhead pages to call for emergency assistance.
7. Visual
Visually assess clients
See object up to 20 inches away See object more than 20 feet away Use peripheral vision
Distinguish color
Distinguish color intensity See emergency lights/lamps
Linked skills: Read patient chart to determine correct therapy. Visually assess patient color to assess for hypoxia. Read settings on monitors and other equipment. Visually assess for changes. Confirm settings visually such as with ventilator display.
8. Tactile
Feel vibrations (example pulses) Detect temperature
Feel the difference in surface characteristics
Feel the differences in sizes, shapes (example palpate artery/vein) Detect environmental temperature
Linked skills: Assess patient by feeling for pulse, temperature, tactile fremitus, edema, subcutaneous emphysema. 9. Smell
Detect odors from client Detect smoke
Detect gas or noxious smells
10. Reading
Read and interpret physicians’ orders Read and understand written documents Read very fine or small print
Linked skills: Read and interpret physician orders, and physician, therapist and nurse’s notes. Read from a
computer monitor screen. Gather data accurately, and in a reasonable amount of time to ensure safe and effective patient care relative to other care givers.
11. Arithmetic
Read and understand columns of writing (example flow sheets) Read digital displays
Read graphic printouts Calibrate equipment Convert numbers to metric Read graphs (vital sign sheets) Tell time
Measure time (duration)
Count rates (example pulses, breathing rate) Use measuring tools (example thermometer) Read measurement marks (scales)
Perform basic arithmetic functions add, subtract, multiply, divide Compute fractions
Use a calculator
Record numbers (example chart observed parameters)
Linked skills: Read and interpret patient graphics charts and graphic displays. Per-form basic arithmetic functions in order to calculate minute ventilation, convert temperature, correctly place graduated tubing, and other functions. 12. Emotional Stability
Establish therapeutic boundaries
Provide client with appropriate emotional support Adapt to changing environment/stress
Deal with the unexpected (example crisis) Focus attention on task despite distractions Monitor own emotions
Perform multiple responsibilities concurrently Handle strong emotions (example grief)
Show appropriate compassion through communications
Linked skills: Provide for safe patient care despite a rapidly changing and intensely emotional environment. Perform multiple tasks concurrently, example delivery of medication or oxygen in one room while performing an arterial blood gas in another such as in an emergency room environment. Maintain enough composure to provide for safe and effective patient care despite crisis circumstances.
13. Analytical Thinking
Transfer/extrapolate knowledge from one situation to another Process information
Evaluate outcomes Problem solve Prioritize tasks
Use long and short term memory
Linked skills: Evaluate different sources of diagnostic information to help arrive at a patient diagnosis. Evaluate priorities in order to provide for the most appropriate care. Appropriately evaluate data in order to notify physician and nurses when necessary.
14. Critical Thinking
Identify cause-effect relationships Plan/control activities for others Synthesize knowledge and skills Sequence information
Linked skills: Evaluate different sources of diagnostic information to help arrive at a patient diagnosis and treatment. Evaluate data in order to formulate an appropriate action plan.
15. Interpersonal
Negotiate interpersonal conflict appropriately Respect differences in clients
Establish rapport with clients Establish rapport with co-workers
Work effectively with physicians, staff, clients and their families
Linked skills: Communicate effectively with disagreeable patients, family, doctors, nurses and other staff in order to meet therapeutic goals for the patient.
16. Communication
Teach (example client and family) Explain procedure
Give oral reports Interact with others Speak on the telephone Direct activities of others
Convey information through writing (example progress notes) Speak clearly and distinctly
Linked skills: Communicate effectively and appropriately with doctors, nurses, patients, family, and other staff to provide most effective and efficient patient care.
All students entering the clinical portion of the program will need to complete the following:
(Students will be expected to pay for and comply with these requirements.)
1. Statement of Health
Applicants admitted to health programs must complete and submit a physical history and physical
examination which certifies that their health status will allow them to safely pursue the educational
objectives of the Associate in Applied Science degree for Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and
Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) training. The physical examination must include a TB skin test,
chest X-ray if indicated, and Rubella, Rubeola, Varicella and Mumps titers to determine immunity. If no
immunity exists, then the student must obtain appropriate vaccinations. The Hepatitis B vaccine is also
required. Any future testing required by clinical affiliates or by state law is also the responsibility of the
student.
Students with chronic medical problems such as diabetes, heart disease, epilepsy and physical limitations
will be required to submit a report of current health status relating to their specific condition. The
statement will include the physician’s assessment as to the student’s ability to meet the program
objectives and the current medication, which the student is required to take for maintenance. The
statement of health must be signed by the physician. Students are responsible for their own medical care
and health insurance.
2. Annual Drug testing is mandatory for all Cochise College Health Care students.
3.
Fingerprint Cards and background checks are also mandatory. Fingerprinting and criminal backgrounds
will be required by the various healthcare facilities that we utilize for clinical education.
**A completecriminal background check will be completed prior to program beginning. It is not guaranteed that medical facilities or state certification boards will process applications containing
confirmed criminal activity.
4. Transportation – students are required to have their own transportation. Clinical sites will be assigned to
meet the needs of all students and the program. There are no guaranteed individual clinical placements.
Cost for transportation to clinical sites is at the student’s expense. There may be an additional cost for
accommodations at the student’s expense.
Rules, Regulations and Procedures
Students are expected to comply with the rules, regulations, and procedures of Cochise College and the
affiliated clinical sites. Noncompliance with rules, regulations and procedures will be the basis for student
dismissal from the Respiratory Care Program.
Important Notes
1. The Associate in Applied Science Degree for the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered
Respiratory Therapist (RRT) training requires a Respiratory Care Admission Committee recommendation
and acceptance prior to official entry into the program.
2. Students interested in the Respiratory Care Program will consult with the Program Coordinator or Clinical
Education Coordinator as early as possible. Early application and advising are highly recommended for
any health care program with limited enrollment. The Respiratory Care Program with limited enrollment.
The Respiratory Care Program admits students based upon the available clinical seating.
3. The Respiratory Care Program is looking for students who are energetic, dedicated, enthusiastic,
reliable, and who possess the desire to deliver quality patient care. Students will be adult learners who
are able to adapt to a variety of teaching/learning styles. Competent communication skills are
Clinical Affiliates for Hospital Instruction
Sierra Vista Regional Health Care
Benson Hospital
Sierra Vista, AZ
Benson, AZ
Northern Cochise Community Hospital
Southeast Arizona Medical Center
Wilcox, AZ
Douglas, AZ
Holy Cross Hospital
Mt. Graham Medical Center
Nogales, AZ
Safford, AZ
Kingman Regional Medical Center
Yuma Regional Medical Center
I plan to begin the program in: Spring________ Please print clearly
Legal Name (Last) (First) (Middle)
Address (Street)
(City) (State) (Zip)
Former Name(s) which may appear on transcripts
__________________________________________ _______________________________________
Home Phone Number Cell Phone Number
Email Address
Student ID #
__________________________________________ _______________________________________ Person to Notify in a Emergency Phone Number
Address
Are you currently enrolled in college? [ ] Yes [ ] No
If “Yes”, Name of institution: ____________________________________________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________________
Cochise College Respiratory Therapy
Admissions Application
Previous Colleges Attended:
Name of Institution ________________________________________________________________________ City & State ________________________________________________________________________ Dates of Attendance From: ___________________ To: __________________
Degree or Diploma: ____________________________ Major: ________________________________________
Name of Institution ________________________________________________________________________ City & State ________________________________________________________________________ Dates of Attendance From: ___________________ To: __________________
Degree or Diploma: ____________________________ Major: ________________________________________ List any prerequisite classes and grades earned:
________________________________________________________________________________
Please note: submit one unofficial transcript of all colleges attended, for advising with Respiratory Therapy Program application. Additionally, an OFFICIAL transcript from each institution attended will need to be submitted to our Records office for evaluation of degree requirements. For more information on evaluation of transcripts or the transfer of international credits, please visit http://www.cochise.edu/transfer-to-cochise .
Mail Official transcripts to:
Cochise College Transcript Evaluations 901 N. Colombo Avenue Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
List any health care experience:
Certification
I certify that the above statements are true, correct, and complete. I understand that any false statements or intentional misrepresentation of information on this application may be prevent acceptance to the program, dismissal from the Respiratory Care program and from Cochise College.
_______________________________________________ ________________________________
Signature Date
Completed applications and unofficial transcripts may be submitted in person or mailed to:
Jim Nosek, RRT, BA
Program Director of Respiratory Care 901 N. Colombo Avenue
Sierra Vista, AZ 85635 520-515-5491
*Note: Application to the program does not guarantee acceptance, nor does acceptance guarantee completion of the program.
