Respiratory Care

The MCC Respiratory Care Program is a selective admission program that requires additional steps beyond the general admissions application to the college. 

1. You MUST watch the Pre-Admission Conference video below.

2. Complete the Admission Consideration Form found at the button below. 

Admission Consideration Form

In addition to MCC's general admission requirements, candidates to the program must complete the following:

• Have a cumulative G.P. A. of 2.0 or higher.
• Have completed MAT 150 or MAT 146, BIO 137 and ENG 101 with a grade of “C” or better.
• Have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours of the general education classes required for the Respiratory Care program.
• Have a G.P.A of 2.5 in general education classes required for the Respiratory Care program.
• Provide documentation supporting student success in distant education courses to the Program Director, if applying for distance education placement within the program.

Preference for admission will be given to students with the following: 

• A GPA greater than 2.5 in general education coursework required for the Respiratory Care program
• A Cumulative GPA greater than 2.5
• Completed all general education coursework associated with the Respiratory Care program
• Made a “B” or higher in program required mathematics and human anatomy and physiology courses
• Successfully completed program required general education coursework on the first attempt of each course
• Completed a minimum of 4 hours of observation of a Respiratory Therapist.

You can request a program handbook with policy and procedure manual, or contact Kelly Hayes, Program Coordinator at 270-824-1747 or email: kelly.hayes@kctcs.edu for more information.

 Click here for the Academic Calendar 

Program Competencies

Upon completion of the Respiratory Care Program, the student can:

1. Demonstrate proficiency in conducting thorough patient assessments, including evaluating respiratory conditions, recognizing signs of distress, and interpreting clinical data.
2. Perform appropriate selection and delivery of respiratory care interventions, encompassing oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy, airway management, and mechanical ventilation.
3. Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving to make informed clinical judgments, prioritize care, and effectively respond to rapidly changing patient conditions.
4. Display ethical standards and effective communication with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
5. Demonstrate cardiopulmonary anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology, knowledge by interpreting diagnostic data effectively in assessment and diagnosis of respiratory conditions.

 

For information on the MCC admission policies for new and transfer students, please click here. 

Enrollment in the Respiratory Care Program may be limited because of available facilities within the community and the college.

Each applicant must submit the following credentials in order to be considered for admission by the committee as well as attend a Preadmission Conference:

1. Have a cumulative G.P. A. of 2.0 or higher.
2. Have completed MAT 150 or MAT 146, BIO 137 and ENG 101 with a grade of “C” or better.
3. Have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours of the general education classes required for the Respiratory Care program.
4. Have a G.P.A of 2.5 in general education classes required for the Respiratory Care program.
5. Provide documentation supporting student success in distant education courses to the Program Director, if applying for distance education placement within the program.

Preference may be given to applicants who have the following:

1. A GPA greater than 2.5 in general education coursework required for the Respiratory Care program;
2. A cumulative GPA greater than 2.5,
3. Completed all general education coursework associated with the Respiratory Care program;
4. Made a “B” or higher in program required mathematics and human anatomy and physiology courses;
5. Successfully completed program required general education coursework on the first attempt of each course; and
6. Completed a minimum of 4 hours of observation of a Respiratory Therapist.

 

Advanced Placement Policy for Currently Practicing CRTs

Respiratory Care: National Board For Respiratory Care (NBRC) Examination

A student who has passed the NBRC entry-level examination will be awarded thirty-seven to thirty-nine (37 – 39) semester hours of credits in the Respiratory Care Program after completion of at least 15 credit hours of the general education courses in the approved curriculum.  The student must also provide evidence of successful completion of the American Heart Association Basic Life Support course for health care providers.  Credit will be awarded for the following courses in the Respiratory Care Program:

RCP 110 Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology (3 hr)
RCP 120 Theory and Principles of Respiratory Care (4 hr)
RCP 125 Basic Cardiopulmonary Evaluation (4 hr)
RCP 130 Pharmacology (3 hr)
RCP 150 Clinical Practice I (2 hr)
RCP 175 Clinical Practice II (3 hr)
RCP 180 Ventilatory Support (3 hr)
RCP 190 Advanced Ventilatory Support (2 hr)
RCP 200 Clinical Practice III (3 hr)
RCP 210 Cardiopulmonary Pathophysiology (3 hr)
RCP 212 Neonatal / Pediatric Respiratory Care (3 hr)
RCP 225 Clinical Practice IV (3 hr)
RCP 228 Preventive and Long Term Respiratory Care (1 hr)
*RCP 204 Special Procedures I (2 hr) 

*Credit for RCP 204 will be awarded to the Certified Respiratory Therapist who additionally provides documentation of training/certification for Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and Neonatal Resuscitation Procedures (NRP).

Note: Students seeking the Associate in Applied Science from the Respiratory Care Program must complete an individualized orientation program to assist in the transition to the Respiratory Care Program.

 

You must complete a graduation packet at the start of the term in which you will graduate. Graduation packets can be picked up at the admissions office.  You must meet with your academic advisor to complete the packet and confirm that you have met all degree requirements.  Return the completed graduation packet to the Dean of Student Affairs by the date on the packet (mid-March for Spring term graduation, mid-May for Summer term graduation, and mid-October for Fall term graduation).

All courses specifically state the required objectives, goals, and outcomes of each course, which will lead to all terminal objectives being met and the Program’s mission accomplished.

Program Graduation Requirements

• Successful completion of all clinical and program competencies.
• Successful completion of all RCP coursework with a minimum of “C” in each course.
• Successful completion of all required general education course work.
• Successful completion of a NBRC TMC SAE.
• Attendance of an exam preparation seminar.

 

Kelly Hayes MS, RRT | Program Director 

Steven Survant BIS, RRT | Instructor/Clinical Coordinator

Dr. Thomas Gallo | Medical Director

 

To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive(knowledge), psychomotor(skills), and effective(behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).

 

Students who are enrolled in an accredited Respiratory Care program may be employed as a student Respiratory Care practitioner (RCP). The Limited Mandatory Certificate issued by the Kentucky Board for Respiratory Care (KBRC) governs the duties of the student RCP. The Limited Certificate must be applied for before beginning employment.

The following are requirements of the program:

• The student must not be on probation for any reason at any time during the time of employment.
• The student must maintain a “C” average in each course and clinical performance must be evaluated as satisfactory.
• The student must complete specific competencies to be eligible.  Go to the KBRC website for more information.
• The student must maintain regular attendance.
• If the student is too ill to attend scheduled clinics or didactic sessions, then the student is considered too ill to work as a student RCP.  The student must attend clinical or class for the full day.  Should the student call in for clinics or class, and work as a student RCP the same day, it is considered as a violation of program policy.  The employer will be contacted and informed.
• Employment time is not substituted for clinical experience.
• Clinical performance evaluations may not be completed during the time the student is employed.

Delineation between Clinical Time and Clinical Site Employment

While enrolled in and attending the Respiratory Care program many students are employed at various clinical sites.  There must remain a clear distinction between the student and employee roles; and to that end:

• Students must not be utilized at facilities to substitute for clinical, instruction, or administrative staff.
• Students must not complete clinical coursework while working in an employee status at any clinical site.
• Students may not receive/accept remuneration in exchange for work performed at or during their clinical education, course work, and experiences.
• Students may not use patient information gained during employment to complete clinical coursework.

 

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System has zero tolerance for illegal discrimination of any kind.  Any student who feels he/she may have been discriminated against or subjected to harassment by students or employees because of their race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, beliefs, political affiliation, veteran status, age, or disability (including denial of a request for an accommodation), has the right to pursue an informal and/or formal discrimination grievance.  The informal student discrimination grievance procedure is described below.  The chief student affairs officer or his/her designee shall be responsible for investigating student discrimination grievances.  If appropriate, this shall be conducted in collaboration with the college human resources director.  Each college shall provide a letter, statement, or poster containing information regarding the KCTCS Student Discrimination Grievance Procedure with the name, address, and phone number of the local chief student affairs officer.  Most difficulties can be resolved by talking to someone.  Therefore, students are encouraged to discuss these problems promptly and candidly with the chief student affairs officer or his/her designee.

1.  If a student thinks that he/she has been discriminated against, the student shall inform the chief student affairs officer or his/her designee within thirty (30) calendar days of the occurrence of the alleged incident.  The chief student affairs officer or his/her designee shall conduct a preliminary investigation of the discrimination grievance.
2. The student, chief student affairs officer or his/her designee, and other involved parties shall work informally to negotiate a solution within fourteen (14) calendar days.  The informal student discrimination grievance procedure shall be completed within forty-four (44) calendar days of the occurrence of the alleged incident.
3. If the grievance is not resolved to the satisfaction of the student through the informal grievance procedure, the student may file a formal appeal according to the KCTCS Code of Conduct.

 

Dropping classes and online withdraw process

All students who need to drop, or withdraw from, a class(es) must submit a request online through their student self-service account. Students are responsible for any and all financial delinquencies which result from failure to complete the withdrawal process by the dates established in the Academic Calendar. Students who are enrolled in an online class through a KCTCS college other than MCC are advised to check the Academic Calendar for that campus, as dates may vary.

Before the semester begins, students may drop classes via their student self-service, in person at the Records Office or by emailing the Records Staff from their KCTCS email address. Emails must include student ID# and course details. As of the first day of the semester, students must submit drop requests using their student self-service.

Students who withdraw after the 100% date will receive a 50% refund and a grade of “W” until the last day to withdraw at the 50% rate. Students may continue to withdraw from classes and receive a “W” until the established, last date to drop. However, after mid-term, students must have instructor permission to withdraw. Instructors are notified for permission once the student’s online withdraw request is submitted. Permission will be granted at the instructor’s discretion.

Students who stop attending class and do not officially withdraw, will receive a failing grade.

 

Academic probation, suspension, and dismissal

The faculty and staff at Madisonville Community College are interested in student success and want to provide the necessary assistance to ensure students are afforded such opportunity. The academic probation and suspension systems are based on grade point average (GPA). When students earn a GPA below a 2.0 at the end of a term, they will be notified by the Registrar and Dean of Academic Affairs, respectively.

Academic Probation: A student earning a cumulative GPA below a 2.0 at the end of a term shall be placed on academic probation. Further semesters on academic probation may lead to academic suspension. Students will be encouraged to meet with their advisor and to take advantage of available student support resources. A student shall be removed from academic probation by earning at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA.

Academic Suspension: If a student is placed on academic probation for two consecutive terms and does not earn either a cumulative GPA or a term GPA of at least a 2.0 in the third term, the student shall be academically suspended. Non-enrollment has no effect on probation status. The president (or designee) may grant an exception based upon an individual’s case. A student on academic suspension may not enroll in courses which count toward a KCTCS degree.

Reinstatement: A student who has been academically suspended may be reinstated by the president (or designee) after remaining out of the college for at least one 16-week semester and providing evidence of ability to perform at the level required. A student who has been academically suspended shall, upon reinstatement, be placed on academic probation and be subject to academic suspension if the student has failed to earn a current term GPA of 2.0 during the first term of reinstatement. Upon a second suspension, a student may be reinstated by the president (or designee) after remaining out of the college for at least two 16-week semesters and providing evidence of ability to perform at the level required.

 

1. Critical thinking skills sufficient to make clinical judgments related to the assessment of patients’ physical and psychosocial needs in a variety of clinical settings by utilizing interpretation of written, verbal and sensory observations to determine appropriate therapies for patient care.
2. Problem solving skills appropriate to adjust therapeutic interventions in response to patient needs in a variety of settings.
3. Interpersonal skills sufficient to allow appropriate interaction with individuals and groups from a variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds; such as interacting with patients, families, co-workers to create and maintain professional relationships.
4. Written and verbal communication that is appropriate to create clear and concise dialogue in a clinical setting.
5. Physical abilities appropriate to maneuver in small spaces while maneuvering equipment.
6. Gross and fine motor skills appropriate to perform patient care procedures to national standards which include safety and efficiency. This includes manipulating machine controls, occasionally crouching, squatting, bending, and performing invasive patient procedures.
7. Appropriate physical strength and endurance to be able to access patients as well as perform therapies on patients for extended periods of time. This may include transporting patients and equipment within a facility, standing or being mobile for 6 or more hours, constant standing and walking, lifting up to 20 pounds.
8. Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health care needs of patients. This may include hearing monitors and alarms, voices with background noise and through protective equipment and calls for help.
9. Tactile ability appropriate for assessment of physical health conditions.
10. Ability to deal effectively with stressful situations and maintain professional and positive interactions with others.

 

Books -- $2,500.00

Scrubs (2 sets) Monogrammed & Lab coat -- $100.00

Shoes (1) Pair -- $70.00

ID Badge -- $5.00

Stethoscope -- $100.00

Background check, drug screen, immunization tracker-$100.0

Liability Insurance -- $44.00

NBRC Application Fee (TMC Exam $190/Clinical Simulation Exam $200) -- $390.00

Watch with Second Hand -- $30.00

Cap, Gown, Diploma Cover for Graduation -- $40.00

Vaccinations --Variable

Attendance of Examination Preparation Seminar -- $425.00

School Pin -- $10.00

Online CRT/RRT Preparation Course -- $90.00

Calculator -- $10.00

Tuition (74 Hrs. @ $186 per credit hour) - $13,764.00

NBRC TMC SAE X 2/ CSE SAE -- $170.00

AARC Membership -- $50.00

NRP Exam -- $35.00

Optional ACS/PALS Certification Cards -- $16.00

Estimated Total Cost -- $16,371.00