Respiratory Therapy Program Brochure - Program Requirements

Essential Technical Standards

Bakersfield College faculty has the responsibility to educate and prepare students to become competent nursing/allied health employees who safely care for their patients and families using critical judgment, broadly based knowledge, and refined technical skills. Individuals interested in applying for admission to the programs should review the Essential Technical Standards to develop a better understanding of the skills, abilities and behavioral characteristics required to successfully progress in, and graduate from our programs. To be qualified for the course(s), individuals must be able to meet Essential Technical Standards, with or without reasonable accommodations. For further information regarding services and resources to students with disabilities and/or to request accommodations please contact the Disabled Student Programs & Services located in the Center for Student Success (CSS) Building, 1st floor, CSS 11(661)395-4334.

Requirements	Standards	Examples	Student's Initials
Mobility	Physical ability, flexibility, strength, and stamina	Various abilities for long periods of time, including: standing, walking, bending, flexing, twisting, kneeling, reaching over head above shoulders Pushing, pulling lifting and carrying a minimum of 35 pounds Assist patients with repositioning, transfers, and/or transport Move quickly to respond to emergencies
Motor Skills	Coordination and dexterity	Gross and fine motor skills sufficient to perform patient care and procedures such as manipulate medical equipment and accessories, knobs, buttons, computers and keyboards
Visual	Use of sight	Visual skills, depth perception, color identification necessary to perform assessments, including signs and symptoms Read body/facial expressions Read and interpret written word
Hearing	Use of auditory sense	Ability to hear and interpret environmental noises, including verbal orders, equipment and fire alarms, cries for help, elements of physical assessment
Tactile	Use of touch	Ability to sense heat, cold, pain and pressure
Communication	Use the English language effectively by means of speech, reading and writing. Demonstrate sensitive and effective interactions with patients, families and health care team	Accurately elicit, interpret and convey medical and other info using verbal, nonverbal, written, assisted (TTY) and/or electronic devices Effectively communicate with individuals and teams Determine a deeper meaning or significance in what is being expressed Connect with others to sense and stimulate reactions
Acquire Knowledge	Ability to possess clinical inquiry, seek resources of knowledge, and become a lifelong learner	Demonstrate curiosity while learning Acquire, conceptualize and use evidence-based information Develop solutions and responses beyond memorization
Clinical Judgment	Ability to critical think, problem solve and make decisions Intellectual and conceptual abilities	Accomplish, direct, and interpret assessment of persons, families and/or communities Develop, implement and evaluate plans of care or direct the development, implementation and evaluation of care
Professional Attitude	Demonstrate concern for others, integrity, ethical conduct, interest, motivation and accountability Acquire interpersonal skills for professional interactions and diverse individuals, families and health care teams Emotional and mental stability	Maintain effective, mature and sensitive relationships with clients/patients, students, faculty, staff and other professionals under all circumstances Function effectively under stress and adapt to changing environments Operate in different cultural settings Work productively, drive engagement and demonstrate presence as a member of a team

Physical Examination Requirements

A physical examination completed by a Healthcare Provider, of the student's choice, is required upon entering the Program. This is to demonstrate that a student is in good physical and mental health and meets the Essential Technical Standards necessary to meet the course objectives. Appropriate immunizations and/or vaccinations are also required and are performed at the student's expense.

Drug/Alcohol Screening

As a condition of enrollment into any Allied Health course with a clinical laboratory component, students are required to submit to, and pass, a designated drug and alcohol screening at the student's expense. *Although the State of California has legalized cannabis use, it is still illegal under federal law.

Background Screening and Certification Eligibility

As a condition of enrollment into any Allied Health course with a clinical laboratory component, students are required to complete and submit a background check at the student's expense. Please note:

• A history of felony conviction(s) or any bar, exclusion or other ineligibility for federal program participation could render a student ineligible for clinical placement, as determined by the clinical agencies.
• If students are unable to attend clinic due to background restrictions, then the student's seat will be forfeited as they will not be able to meet Program/Course Objectives.

Estimated Program Costs (Gainful Employment)

Students will be required to purchase uniforms, textbooks and selected equipment, provide transportation to off-campus clinical education sites and pay current college fees. See the Estimated Program Costs.

Program Accreditation

Bakersfield College is currently in the process of seeking CoARC accreditation for a respiratory care program. However, Bakersfield College can provide no assurance that accreditation will be granted by the CoARC. Graduation from a respiratory therapist education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation on Respiratory Care (CoARC) is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states.

Licensure/Certification Eligibility

Students with misdemeanor and/or felony convictions may be prevented from receiving certification or licensure from the State. Anyone who would like clarification may contact the Respiratory Care Board (www.rcb.ca.gov )

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Statement

In accordance with the requirements of the Civil Rights Act, Bakersfield College provides services and benefits to students regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, marital status, medical condition, or disability. The lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to administration and participation in vocational education programs. (Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.)