Registered Respiratory Therapy Program Brochure

Introduction

This program equips aspiring Respiratory Therapists with the foundational knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes needed for interactions with various Healthcare Disciplines including the Clinical laboratory settings. Through hands-on practice, instructor guidance, and a clinical practicum, students build confidence in Respiratory Therapy techniques. The Bakersfield College Registered Respiratory Therapy Program (RRTP) is designed to educate and train students for entry level practice, obtain an Associate of Science degree, be eligible to take the national exams and work in a structured health care setting. Students must complete pre-requisite coursework before applying to the program. 

Mission

The mission of the Registered Respiratory Therapist Program is to prepare students to become competent, compassionate, and highly skilled healthcare professionals who specialize in cardiopulmonary care. This program aims to develop proficiency across three key domains:

• Cognitive (Knowledge): Equip students with a deep understanding of respiratory anatomy, physiology, pathology, and therapeutic interventions.
• Psychomotor (Skills): Train students in hands-on clinical procedures such as airway management, mechanical ventilation, and diagnostic testing.
• Affective (Behavior): Foster professional behavior, ethical decision-making, and effective communication within interdisciplinary healthcare teams.

Recommended Courses

MEDS B37: Medical Terminology - course is strongly recommended prior to completion of BIOL courses

Pre-requisite Requirements

• BIOL B32: Human Anatomy and Physiology I
• BIOL B33: Human Anatomy and Physiology II
• BIOL B16: General Microbiology
• CHEM B11: Introduction to General, Organic, and Biochemistry or CHEM B1A: General Chemistry I
• MATH B27: College Algebra or any transfer-level Math

Assessment Tests

All conditionally accepted students and alternates will be required to take the ATI TEAS exam, a standardized exam used for admission into nursing and allied health programs. The ATI TEAS is not a pre-requisite to the Bakersfield College RRTP program, however it is a requirement to secure an offered seat in the program. Students need to study and test using the ATI TEAS, 7^th edition, as earlier editions are no longer accepted. Bakersfield College students can look into a free study guide made available through the Student Success Lab-CSS 143. Students must rank at or above 62% on their first attempt on the ATI TEAS exam to be eligible for admission into the program. Students not meeting the criteria will be offered a remediation program. If students have already taken and passed the current version of the exam, they are not required to retake the exam if passed.

Remediation Program

Students who do not meet the ATI TEAS Score of 62%, will be considered eligible for enrollment into the RRTP ONLY upon successful completion of the remediation courses listed below. These courses MUST be completed within 12 months from the initial application date to the RRTP. Failure to meet this requirement will result in ineligibility. For those students with a prior 1^st attempt TEAS that do not meet this requirement, contact Educational Advisors for further instruction: Olly Garcia Beltran: alejandra.garciabeltran@bakersfieldcollege.edu, or Luz Vega: luz.vega@bakersfieldcollege.edu.

1. ACDV B70 A through F Series — Study Skills with a “P” (passing grade)
2. Purchase the ATI Testing Basic Package study guide-provide copy of transcript reflecting time spent studying and multiple attempts at pre-test and post-test scores — a minimum of 6 weeks of study time must be documented to meet requirement

*Once remediation has been completed, students must retake the ATI TEAS at any approved test site AND achieve a score of at least 62% to be considered eligible to re-apply. If the retake score is less than 62%, the student is no longer eligible for the RRTP.

Bakersfield College General Education Pattern - RRTP

General education courses are required to graduate from BC with an Associate Degree in Respiratory Therapy. It is strongly suggested that most of these courses be completed prior to beginning the RRTP Program:

• Area 1.A. English Communication (3 units)
  • ENGL C1000 Academic Reading and Writing ("C" grade or higher)
• Area 1.B. Oral Communication and Critical Thinking (3 units)
  • Any course listed in Area 1B
• Area 2: Mathematics or Quantitative Reasoning (3 units)
  • MATH B27 (previously MATH B75/B70) - College Algebra or transfer-level Math*
• Area 3: Arts and Humanities (3 units)
  • Any course listed in Area 3
• Area 4: Social Sciences and Behavioral Sciences (3 units)
  • Any course listed in Area 4 
• Area 5: Natural Sciences (3 units)
  • BIOL B32* (Human Anatomy and Physiology I), B33* (Human Anatomy and Physiology II), B16* (General Microbiology) and CHEM B11 (Intro to General, Organic, and Biochemistry)OR CHEM B1A (General Chemistry I)* - prerequisite courses
• Area 6: Ethnic Studies (3 units)
  • Any course listed in Area 6
• Area 7.A. Lifelong Learning and Understanding (3 units)
  • RRTP students are not required to take a course in this area
• Area 7.B. Kinesiology Movement-Based Course (1 unit)
  • Any course listed in Area 7.B.
• Area 8: American (U.S.) Institutions (3 units)
  • Any course listed in Area 8

*Respiratory Care Board of California requirement. 

Students are encouraged to meet with a Health Science Counseling team member if there is a desire to pursue their Bachelor's in Respiratory Therapy (BSRT).

 

Note: All graduation requirements must be met to earn an Associate Degree and to take the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Therapist Multiple-Choice (TMC) licensure exam. The TMC exam is a significant step in the licensure process for respiratory therapists, ensuring that candidates are well-prepared for the challenges of practicing in the field.

Applying

Application Period

All application forms and transcripts must be received in the Nursing/Allied Health Department (MS-178) during the designated filing period outlined below. APPLICATIONS RECEIVED PRIOR TO, OR AFTER THESE DATES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

February 1 – February 15 - for the Program scheduled to start in the SUMMER

• Transcripts from other colleges/universities must be submitted to the Admissions & Records office no later than January 15th along with a Request for Evaluation form. This form can also be obtained in the Admissions & Records office. 
• Please note, the Admissions & Records office evaluation process has been updated.

Application Procedure

• Read ALL instructions in their entirety before completing the application.
• It is the applicant's responsibility to complete ALL application requirements/procedures. FAILURE TO MEET THESE REQUIREMENTS WILL RESULT IN AN INCOMPLETE APPLICATION AND WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR SELECTION.
  1. RRTP Application with complete Appendix A - Print and complete all sections. The application must be legible.
     1. Attach supporting documentation for areas that have Required Documentation
     2. Appendix B and C if applicable
  2. Program Demographic Information and Authorization to Release Information form
  3. Unofficial or official Bakersfield College transcripts and any college(s) attended showing all pre-requisite courses posted. ALL applicants must submit, regardless of evaluation status.

If you have taken courses from any college other than Bakersfield College:

• Apply for Admission to BC either in person at the Admissions & Records office or apply on-line. Follow the Steps.
• Order an official copy of your transcripts from your previous college(s);
• Submit the official copy of your transcripts along with a Request for Evaluation to the Admissions & Records office. 
• If you have taken courses from Porterville College or Cerro Coso Community College you do not need to submit official copies of transcripts for evaluation, but rather you ONLY need to submit the Request for Evaluation form to the BC Admissions & Record Office so they can convert the coursework to BC equivalent courses.
• *Upper division course work will not be posted on a BC transcript, therefore the student must meet with the BC Department Chair of the appropriate subject and discuss the possibility of accepting that upper division course as a BC equivalent course. Allow time for review given program deadlines. Include this approval along with your application.

Application Selection Process

The program utilizes a blended combination of multi-criteria selection AND a random lottery. Seventy five percent (75%) of the available seats will be filled by applicants with the highest ranking score using the Multi-Criteria Point Allocation Form. All other eligible applicants will be placed in a random lottery to fill the remaining twenty five percent (25%).

Veterans

Veterans with previous experience/education should refer to the Military Challenge Advanced Placement Policy to verify how to receive credit for Nursing courses. Eligible Veterans with relevant experience must request an appointment with the Program Director at least eight (8) weeks prior to the application period.

Application Status

The status of applications will be posted on the website on the Respiratory Therapy page under Application Status. Applicants will be notified approximately EIGHT (8)- TEN (10) weeks after the application deadline by their student assigned email with one of the following responses:

Eligibility

The application and all supporting documents have been reviewed, and the applicant has met all program requirements.

Conditionally Accepted

Conditionally accepted is the reservation of a seat prior to the ATI TEAS Assessment. Once the top ranked students and random lottery selected students have completed the assessment with a minimum score of 62%, they will then move from conditionally accepted to “officially accepted” in the RRTP. *Intake requirements such as drug screen and background must also be met.

Alternate Status

Alternate students are students who are eligible but are only selected if a seat becomes available for the cohort in which they applied. Alternates will also be asked to complete the TEAS Assessment. Once all alternate applicants have taken the ATI TEAS Assessment, a re-ranking will occur based on their post-TEAS overall score (Multi-criteria + ATI TEAS Score points). Alternates will then be selected based on their ranking order. *Please note that being considered an Alternate does not guarantee selection in future application periods for the Bakersfield College RRTP. If an Alternate applicant is not selected, they must reapply. There is NO waitlist.

Eligible, Not Selected

Your application meets program requirements however your name was not selected in multi-criteria point allocation and/or random lottery selection for this enrollment period. Applicants who are not selected are encouraged to reapply during the next application period. There is NO waitlist.

Not Eligible/Incomplete

We have reviewed your application, and based on program requirements, your application is not qualified. You will be emailed with further information.

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
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 RRTP. 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 program 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 program 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 Commission on Accreditation on Respiratory Care (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 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.)

Registered Respiratory Therapy Program Curriculum

The following courses are taken AFTER the student enters the Program

First Semester

Course	Course Name	Units
RSPT B1A	Foundations of Respiratory Therapy	5.5
MEDS B52	Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Healthcare Providers (if needed)	0.5
Total		5.5-6

Second Semester

Course	Course Name	Units
RSPT B1T	Assessment of Patient and Review of Cardiopulmonary Disease	4.0
RSPT B1C	Respiratory Clinical 1	4.0
RSPT B51L	Respiratory Learning Lab Level 1	1.5
RSPT B61	Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support - In Hospital Support	1.0
Total		10.5

Third Semester

Course	Course Name	Units
RSPT B2T	Respiratory Therapeutics and Ventilatory Support	4.0
RSPT B2C	Respiratory Clinical 2	4.0
RSPT B52L	Respiratory Learning Lab Level 2	1.5
RSPT B62	Pediatric Advanced Life Support - In Hospital Support	1.0
Total		10.5

Fourth Semester

Course	Course Name	Units
RSPT B3C	Respiratory Clinical 3	4.0
RSPT B3T	Neonatal, Pediatric, and Advanced Ventilator Practice	4.0
RSPT B53L	Respiratory Learning Lab Level 3	1.5
RSPT B63	Neonatal Resuscitation Program	1.0
Total		10.5

Fifth Semester

Course	Course Name	Units
RSPT B4C	Respiratory Clinical 4	4.0
RSPT B4T	Comprehensive Respiratory Therapy Review	4.0
RSPT B54L	Respiratory Learning Lab Level 4	1.5
RSPT B64	Neonatal Stabilization and Transport	1
Total		10.5

Program Units: 47.5 – 48 units

Students Transferring from Other Respiratory Therapy Programs

Students who desire to transfer from another respiratory therapy program into our BC RRTP program must meet with the Program Director to ensure course/program alignment and be in good standing from their previous program. Good standing is defined as a student who was not on academic or clinical probation, and who is eligible for re-entry into their previous program. An original letter stating standing in previous program is required by previous Program Director on school letterhead. A transfer approval is still contingent on an available seat in the program level that student is intending on transferring into.If interested in this option contact the program advisors:Olly Garcia Beltran alejandra.garciabeltran@bakersfieldcollege.edu

 

Appendix A - Multi-Criteria Point Allocation SAMPLE

3. Healthcare Work and/or Volunteer Experience MAXIMUM POINTS = 8

Work and/or volunteer experience	Possible Points	Applicant's Points	Required Documentation
3a. Worked/volunteered in healthcare that has direct human patient care >1000 hours in the last 2 years	8	-	Letter from current/former employer/organization verifying employment/volunteer service. The letter must be on the organizations letterhead with an original signature. The applicant's name (name must match applicant), start date and end date, employment status (full/part time), number of hours worked/volunteered(from/to date), job title, department and examples of duties including patient interaction must be included.
3b. Worked/volunteered in healthcare that has direct human patient care > 500-999 hours in the last 2 years	5	-	Letter from current/former employer/organization verifying employment/volunteer service. The letter must be on the organizations letterhead with an original signature. The applicant's name (name must match applicant), start date and end date, employment status (full/part time), number of hours worked/volunteered(from/to date), job title, department and examples of duties including patient interaction must be included.
3c. Worked/volunteered in healthcare that has direct human patient care >300-499 hours in the last 2 years	2.5	-	Letter from current/former employer/organization verifying employment/volunteer service. The letter must be on the organizations letterhead with an original signature. The applicant's name (name must match applicant), start date and end date, employment status (full/part time), number of hours worked/volunteered(from/to date), job title, department and examples of duties including patient interaction must be included.

4. Life Experiences or Special Circumstances MAXIMUM POINTS = 2.5

Points will only be awarded in ONE category.

Life Experiences or special circumstances	Possible Points	Applicant's Points	Required Documentation
4a. Students with Disabilities	2.5	-	Proof of eligibility for Disabled Student Program and Services
4b. Students from Low-Income or Financially Limited Households	2.5	-	Proof of eligibility of receipt of financial aid under a program that may include, but not limited to: California College Promise Grant (CCPG) Cal Grant Program Federal Pell Grant Program CalWORKS/Welfare-to-work Proof must be from the period enrolled
4c. First-Generation College Students	2.5	-	Appendix B - Personal written statement
4d. Students with a need to work	2.5	-	Paycheck stub/ W-2 from the period of time enrolled in prerequisite course(s), OR a letter from employer verifying employment on business letterhead. Appendix B - may include a personal statement.
4e. Students from Historically Underserved or Educationally Disadvantaged Backgrounds	2.5	-	Proof of participation in an equity-focused program such as Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS), A2MEND, AB540, CARE, CalWORKS, NextUP
4f. Students Who Have Experienced Personal or Family Hardships Affecting Their Education	2.5	-	Appendix B - Personal written statement
4g. Students with Refugee, Asylee or Humanitarian Immigrant Background Status	2.5	-	Documentation or letter from USCIS

5. Special Population Groups MAXIMUM POINTS = 5

Points will only be awarded in ONE category.

Special Population Group	Possible Points	Applicant's Points	Required Documentation
5a. Participation in Umoja Community ASTEP	5	-	Verification of participation in Umoja Community ASTEP program
5b. Verified former Foster Youth	5	-	Verification that you were ever in Foster Care after age 13
5c. Native American Status	5	-	Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) issued by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)

6. Veteran Status MAXIMUM POINTS = 10

Veteran Status	Possible Points	Applicant's Points	Required Documentation
6a. Veteran Status from active service in the U.S. Armed Forces	10	-	Copy of DD214 reflecting Honorable Discharge status. Eligible spouse/dependent, must also submit current and eligible copy of Certificate of Eligibility (C.O.E.)

7. Proficiency or Advanced Level Coursework in Languages Other Than English MAXIMUM POINTS = 2.5

While the applicant may be proficient in more than one language, only a maximum of 2.5 points will be awarded.

High Frequency Languages	Possible Points	Applicant's Points	Required Documentation
7a. Credit awarded for high frequency languages as identified by the California Community College Chancellor's Office, other than English, including, but not limited to: American Sign Language Arabic Chinese Farsi Russian Spanish Tagalog The various languages of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia The various languages of the African continent	2.5	-	Appendix C Applicants may submit any of the approved documentation options listed on Appendix C to verify language proficiency for application point consideration. Please note that completed coursework does not guarantee proficiency. Applicants must be able to speak, understand, and translate the language at a functional, conversational level, including in medical or emergency situations.  Bilingual proficiency certifications accepted. Please note: If it is later found that an applicant cannot speak or perform at the stated proficiency level, the student will be dismissed from the program.

8. Prior Eligible Applicants Who Were Not Selected

Students may only achieve a maximum of 10 points in this category

Prior Applicant, not selected	Possible Points	Applicant's Points	Required Documentation
8a. Ten points will be awarded to applicants who previously submitted 3 or more ELIGIBLE RRTP applications within the past 2 years without being offered admission.	10	-	Submit copies of the three (3) “Eligibility Letters” from the Bakersfield College Registered Respiratory Therapy Program
8b. Completed STDV B6 – Tools for College Success OR STDV B3 – Career and Life Planning	2	-	Successful completion of course, or its equivalent documented on BC transcripts with a “C” or better
8c. Completed MEDS B37- Medical Terminology or its equivalent	2	-	Successful completion of course, or its equivalent documented on BC transcripts with a “C” or better
8d. Completed PSYC B5 - Elementary Statistics for the Behavioral and Social Sciences OR STAT C1000 - Introduction to Statistics (formerly MATH B22)	2	-	Successful completion of course, or its equivalent documented on BC transcripts with a “C” or better

MULTI-CRITERIA 1-9: MAXIMUM POINTS POSSIBLE PRE-TEAS = 98, POST-TEAS = 128

APPLICANTS POINT TOTAL PRE-TEAS: __________

OFFICE USE ONLY