Academic Catalog

Respiratory Care (AS)

Associate in Science Degree

NEIT Program Image - Respiratory Care

The Associate in Science degree program in Respiratory Care prepares students to pursue a career as a highly-skilled, critical thinking Respiratory Therapist (RT). RTs assess, treat, and monitor patients with disorders of the cardiopulmonary system. Practicing under the guidance of a physician, RTs perform a wide array of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures on adult, pediatric, and newborn patients.

Typical responsibilities for an RT include interviewing and examining patients with breathing problems, performing diagnostic studies such as obtaining and analyzing arterial blood gases, pulmonary function testing, hemodynamic monitoring, and polysomnography. RTs administer aerosolized medications, initiate mechanical ventilation, perform bronchopulmonary hygiene, maintain airway patency, and provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

RTs play an integral role in the development and monitoring of a patient’s cardiopulmonary treatment plan. RTs utilize evidence-based medicine to educate patients, families, and the community regarding cardiopulmonary wellness, disease prevention and management.

RTs work in a variety of healthcare environments such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, homecare agencies, sleep disorder centers, clinical transport operations, physicians’ offices, wellness clinics, educational institutions, traveling agencies, and medical equipment sales and service providers.

Through the combination of classroom, laboratory, and hands-on clinical experiences, students will be provided the opportunity to apply their knowledge and create real-world understanding. Students who complete the Associate in Science in Respiratory Care program are eligible to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) credentialing examinations. The NBRC examinations objectively measure essential knowledge, skills, and abilities required of respiratory therapists for entry into practice. Graduates who have passed the NBRC credentialing examinations can apply it to the state board of respiratory care in the state they choose to practice (currently 49 states require licensure). The NBRC exams do not need to be taken again once a student has passed the exam as long as the minimum number of Continuing Respiratory Care Education (CRCE) hours are maintained as required by the NBRC and state licensure boards. In addition, graduates of this program are eligible to continue on for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management with a Healthcare Management/Respiratory Care (MGTH) concentration.

Accreditation Status

The Respiratory Care program at New England Institute of Technology, CoARC program number 200599, at the associate degree level and campus located at One New England Tech Boulevard, East Greenwich, Rhode Island is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (www.coarc.com). CoARC’s outcomes webpage https://coarc.com/students/programmatic-outcomes-data/. CoARC accredits respiratory therapy education programs in the United States. To achieve this end, it utilizes an ‘outcomes based’ process. Programmatic outcomes are performance indicators that reflect the extent to which the educational goals of the program are achieved and by which program effectiveness is documented.

CoARC Accreditation

Commission on Accreditation For Respiratory Care
264 Precision Boulevard
Telford, TN 37690
(817) 283-2835

In accordance with the 2019 Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, New England Institute of Technology hereby discloses only that the curriculum for this program meets the educational requirements for licensure as Certified Respiratory Therapists in the State of Rhode Island. The applicable licensing board in Rhode Island may impose additional requirements on candidates prior to granting a license, we encourage you to investigate those requirements. NEIT has not determined whether the curriculum for this program meets the educational requirements for licensure in any other states or territories and we encourage you to investigate the requirements in your state or territory prior to accepting an offer of admission at NEIT.

Plan of Study Grid
Term IQuarter Credit Hours
RC 110 Foundations of Respiratory Care 4
RC 111 Introduction to Respiratory Care Clinical 2
BIO 100 Anatomy & Physiology I 4
BIO 101 Anatomy and Physiology I Lab 2
MA 100/110 Introduction to College Math with Lab (MA/SCI Core) 1 4
 Quarter Credit Hours16
Term II
RC 120 Principles of Cardiopulmonary Physiology 3
RC 121 Respiratory Care Pharmacology 2
BIO 120 Anatomy & Physiology II 4
BIO 121 Anatomy and Physiology II Lab 2
EN 100 Introduction to College Writing (COM Core) 1 4
 Quarter Credit Hours15
Term III
RC 130 Theory & Application of Respiratory Care I and Lab 5
RC 131 Respiratory Care Clinical I 4
RC 132 Respiratory Care Pathophysiology I 3
BIO 122 Microbiology and Lab (MA/SCI Core) 1 4
 Quarter Credit Hours16
Intersession (Respiratory Care)
SS 272 Psychology of Healthcare 4
Elective100-200 Level Humanities (or Arts/Foreign Language) Core 1 4
 Quarter Credit Hours8
Term IV
RC 240 Theory & Application of Respiratory Care II & Lab 5
RC 241 Respiratory Care Clinical II 4
RC 242 Respiratory Care Pathophysiology II 3
Elective100-200 Level Humanities (or Arts/Foreign Language) Core 1 4
 Quarter Credit Hours16
Term V
RC 252 Theory & Application of Respiratory Care III & Lab 5
RC 253 Respiratory Care Clinical III 6
RC 254 Specialty Principles & Practice of Respiratory Care 2
EN 110 Health Science Communications (COM Core) 1 4
 Quarter Credit Hours17
Term VI
RC 261 Theory & Application of Respiratory Care IV & Lab 5
RC 262 Respiratory Care Clinical IV 8
SS 274 Human Relations in the Workplace 4
 Quarter Credit Hours17
 Total Quarter Credit Hours105
1

Liberal Arts Core.

Legend

C = Number of lecture hours per week
L = Number of laboratory hours per week
T = Total Quarter Credit Hours where each lecture hour per week is one credit, every 2-4 laboratory hours are one credit depending on the expected amount of pre- or post-lab work.

All associate degree students are required to take (or transfer) 32 credits of liberal arts and math/science courses as selected from the liberal arts core. See the course descriptions section of this catalog for a list of the core area courses. Students who place out of MA 100 Introduction to College Math with Lab/MA 110 Introduction to College Math must still take 32 credits of core courses.

Subject to change.

Program Mission

The mission of the Respiratory Care (RC) program is to provide a specialized associate degree program to prepare students for careers as registered respiratory therapists. Through a combination of didactic, laboratory, and clinical learning experiences the program emphasizes the knowledge, critical thinking, and professional behaviors graduates will need to become effective respiratory care practitioners.

Program Goals

1. The RC program will prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory care practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the program will be able to:

  1. Collect, review, and evaluate patient cardiopulmonary assessment data and recommend the appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic modalities.
  2. Initiate, monitor, and modify respiratory care treatment plans and critical care activities based upon the therapeutic goals of the patient.
  3. Manipulate and manage respiratory care equipment while maintaining the appropriate infection and quality control standards.
  4. Apply critical thinking and problem-solving strategies in the adult, pediatric, and neonatal patient care settings.
  5. Consult with physicians, nurses, and other members of the patient care team to develop and modify individual respiratory care plans.
  6. Perform evidence-based respiratory care practices established by current clinical practice guidelines and published research.
  7. Utilize interpersonal communication skills to promote cardiopulmonary wellness and educate diverse patient population groups, families, and the community.

Questions and Answers

1. When do my classes meet?
Days: Technical classes normally meet for at least three hours a day for up to five days a week. Classes normally begin in the early morning (7:45), late morning (usually 11:25), or mid-afternoon. Your class starting time will be confirmed on registration day. The time slot for your program may vary from term to term.

In addition, to achieve your associate degree, you will take a total of eight liberal arts courses which will be scheduled around your respiratory class schedule over the course of your entire program. Each liberal arts course meets approximately four hours per week. Liberal arts courses are offered day, evening and Saturdays. Some liberal arts courses are available through distance education.

At the beginning of each term you will receive a detailed schedule giving the exact time and location of all your classes. The College requires that all students be prepared to take classes and receive services at any of NEIT’s locations where the appropriate classes and services are offered.

When a regularly scheduled class falls on a day which is an NEIT observed holiday (Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and Memorial Day), an alternate class will be scheduled as a make up for that class. The make-up class may fall on a Friday. Students should be prepared to attend clinical courses when the regularly scheduled class falls on a day which is an NEIT observed holiday (such as Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and Memorial Day). It is the student’s responsibility to take note of when and where classes are offered.

2. How large will my classes be?
The average size for a class is about 20 to 25 students; however, larger and smaller classes occur from time to time.

3. How much time will I spend in lab?
Almost half of your technical courses consist of laboratory work. In order for you to get the most out of your laboratory experiences, you will first receive a thorough explanation of the theory behind your lab work.

4. Where do my classes meet?
Students should be prepared to attend classes at any of NEIT’s classroom facilities: either at the Post Road, Access Road or East Greenwich campus.

5. I have not earned my high school diploma or GED: can I enroll in an Associate Degree Program?
A candidate for admission to an associate degree program must have a high school diploma, have earned a recognized equivalency diploma (GED), or meet the federal home school requirements.

6. How long should it take me to complete my program?
To complete your degree requirements in the shortest possible time, you should take the courses in the order outlined in the prescribed curriculum. For a typical six-term curriculum, a student may complete the requirements in as little as 18 months.

To complete all your degree requirements in the shortest time, you should take at least one liberal arts course each term.

Students may also elect to complete some of their liberal arts requirements during Intersession (except for EN courses), a five-week term scheduled between Spring and Summer Terms. Students will not be assessed any additional tuition for liberal arts courses taken during the Intersession but may be assessed applicable fees.

Respiratory Care Students wishing to extend the number of terms to complete the required technical courses in their curriculum will be assessed additional tuition and fees.

7. Is NEIT accredited?
NEIT is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Accreditation by NECHE is recognized by the federal government and entitles NEIT to participate in federal financial aid programs. Some academic departments have specialized professional accreditations in addition to accreditation by NECHE. For more information on accreditation, see NEIT’s catalog.

8. Can I transfer the credits that I earn at NEIT to another college?
The transferability of a course is always up to the institution to which the student is transferring. Students interested in the transferability of their credits should contact the Office of Teaching and Learning for further information.

9. Can I transfer credits earned at another college to NEIT?
Transfer credit for appropriate courses taken at an accredited institution will be considered for admission based on the following table and upon receipt of an official transcript:

Courses Age of Courses Grades Needed to Transfer
EN 100 Introduction to College Writing B- or above
EN 200 Workplace Communications (or EN 110 Health Science Communications) B or above
MA 100/110 Introduction to College Math B- or above
English/Communications Liberal Arts Courses 10 years old C or above
Math Course 3 years old C or above
Biology Course 3 years old B- or above
Major Courses 3 years old B- or above

The Office of Teaching and Learning maintains the prerogative to waive these requirements based upon individual review.

An official transcript from the other institution must be received before the end of the first week of the term for transfer credit to be granted for courses to be taken during that term. Students will receive a tuition reduction for the approved major courses based on the program rate and will be applied against the final major term of the curriculum's tuition amount. No tuition credit is provided for courses which are not a part of the major curriculum. If the student has a degree from another institution, every opportunity will be reviewed to give the student as many transfer credits as possible for liberal arts courses (math, science, English, humanities, and social sciences) regardless of the age of the degree. Courses in the major will be reviewed individually for relevancy.

10. What is the "Feinstein Enriching America" Program?
New England Institute of Technology is the proud recipient of a grant from the Feinstein Foundation. To satisfy the terms of the grant, the College has developed a one-credit community enrichment course which includes hands-on community enrichment projects. The course can be taken for a few hours per term, spread over several terms. Students who are already engaged in community enrichment on their own may be able to count that service towards course credit.

11. How many credits do I need to acquire my Financial Aid?
In order to be eligible for the maximum financial aid award, you need to maintain at least 12 credits per academic term.

12. What does my program cost?
The cost of your program will be as outlined in your enrollment agreement, along with your cost for books and other course materials. Students who decide to take more terms than the enrollment agreement describes to complete the technical courses in their curriculum will be subject to additional fees and possible additional tuition costs. Students who elect to take the technical portion of the degree requirements at a rate faster than the rate prescribed in the curriculum and the enrollment agreement will be assessed additional tuition.

Students who require prerequisite courses will incur additional tuition and fees above those outlined in their enrollment agreement.

If a student elects to take a course(s) outside of the prescribed curriculum, additional tuition and fees will be assessed.

Remember, students who withdraw and re-enter, one time only, pay the tuition rate that was in effect for them at the time of their last day of attendance for up to one year from their last day of attendance. Second re-entries and beyond pay the tuition rate in effect at the time they re-enter. The most economical way for you to complete your college degree is to begin your program now and continue your studies straight through for the six terms necessary to complete your degree requirements.

13. What kind of employment assistance does NEIT offer?
The Office of Career Services assists NEIT students and graduates in all aspects of the job search, including resume writing, interviewing skills, and developing of a job search strategy. Upon completion of their program, students may submit a resume to to the Career Services Office to be circulated to employers for employment opportunities in their fields. Employers regularly contact us about our graduates. In addition, our Office of Career Services contacts employers to develop job leads. A strong relationship with employers exists as a result of our training students to meet the needs of industry for over fifty years. No school can, and NEIT does not, guarantee to its graduates employment or a specific starting salary.

14. Where will job opportunities exist?
Graduates have obtained employment in the local area. However, one of the most exciting aspects of this program is the ability to look nationally for employment opportunities.

15. Is there any open lab time?
Yes. The NEIT Respiratory Care skill laboratory will be opened during selected hours for clinical practice. Students are encouraged to attend the lab for skill development. Additionally, the Respiratory Care Simulation Center will be available during selected hours to practice patient scenarios. Patient scenarios enhance successful learning experiences.

16. Is the Respiratory Care program accredited?
The Respiratory Care program at New England Institute of Technology, CoARC program number 200599, at the associate degree level and campus located at One New England Tech Boulevard, East Greenwich, Rhode Island is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (https://coarc.com/).

Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care
264 Precision Boulevard
Telford, TN 37690
(817) 283-2835

17. Is there any state or federal licensing required in my field?
Yes. All states except Alaska require respiratory therapists to be licensed. State licenses are usually based on the results of the National Board for Respiratory Care’s (NBRC’s) entry-level and advanced-level examinations. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBRC examinations or attain state licensure.

18. Will this program prepare me for the national certification & registration examinations?
Yes. Students who complete the Associate in Science in Respiratory Care program are eligible to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) credentialing examinations. The NBRC examinations objectively measure essential knowledge, skills, and abilities required of respiratory therapists for entry into practice. Graduates who have passed the NBRC credentialing examinations can apply it to the state board of respiratory care in the state they choose to practice (currently 49 states require licensure). The NBRC exams do not need to be taken again once a student has passed the exam as long as the minimum number of Continuing Respiratory Care Education (CRCE) hours are maintained as required by the NBRC and state licensure boards.

19. When I graduate, will I be a Respiratory Therapist?
No. Upon successful completion of the entire course of study, graduates will receive an Associate in Science Degree in Respiratory Care and be eligible to sit for the National Board for Respiratory Care credentialing examinations to become a Registered Respiratory Therapist. Additional student costs are associated with the NBRC examinations and state licensure. The costs and requirements associated with state licensure vary from state to state.

20. Does this program have a dress code?
Appropriate attire will be required during your laboratory and fieldwork training. Specific dress codes will be provided to you prior to the laboratory and fieldwork training. Students will be required to purchase a laboratory coat and scrub attire. It is understood that in a professional work environment, clothing must adhere to the standards of the profession and be practical to allow the individual to carry on his/her job responsibilities.

21. What is a Respiratory Therapist?
A respiratory therapist (RT), also known as a respiratory care practitioner (RCP), is an individual who assesses, treats, and monitors patients with disorders of the cardiopulmonary system. Practicing under the guidance of a physician, RTs can perform a wide array of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures on adult, pediatric, and newborn patients.

22. What does a Respiratory Therapist do?
Typical responsibilities for a respiratory therapist include interviewing and examining patients with breathing problems, performing diagnostic studies such as obtaining and analyzing arterial blood gases, pulmonary function testing, hemodynamic monitoring, and polysomnography. RTs can administer aerosolized medications, initiate mechanical ventilation, perform bronchopulmonary hygiene, maintain airway patency, and provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Respiratory therapists play an integral role in the development and monitoring of a patient’s cardiopulmonary treatment plan. RTs utilize evidence-based medicine to educate patients, families, and the community regarding cardiopulmonary wellness, disease prevention and management.

23. Where do Respiratory Therapists work?
RTs work in a variety of healthcare environments such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, homecare agencies, sleep disorder centers, clinical transport operations, physician offices, wellness clinics, educational institutions, traveling agencies, and medical equipment sales and service providers.

24. Will I actually have the opportunity to practice these skills in a real professional environment while still in school?
Yes. The RC Program will provide you with a clinical laboratory. During course work and laboratory training, you will have the opportunity to practice skills used by the RT in clinical settings. Level I and Level II Clinical Education will require students to actually go to facilities which provide respiratory care services. You will have the opportunity to experience the duties which you will perform on the job.

25. How much time will I spend in practice settings while still in school, and how will that course work?
Clinical education will be provided in two parts during your academic program. The clinical course work requires that you attend an off-campus facility selected by the university. Clinical education training is provided in facilities such as hospitals, skilled-nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, sleep centers, homecare agencies and a variety of community-based settings.

26. Where do I go for the Respiratory Clinical? Will that site be provided for me or must I find a site on my own?
Clinical rotations are completed at various hospital, community, and healthcare facilities throughout the states of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. The clinical experiences may be held on weekends, and weekday morning and evening time schedules and holidays. The clinical rotations will be assigned to the student. The College cannot guarantee that placement for internships will be in or near the student's hometown. The Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) requires that a student cannot complete fieldwork at a facility in which the student is an employee.

Students may be required to commute up to an hour from their home. The College does not provide transportation to internship sites. The College does not reimburse students for traveling expenses (parking, mileage, etc.). Students should be prepared to attend clinical experiences when and where they are assigned. The hours and locations will vary from term to term.

27. If I should experience a disruption in my Respiratory Care (RC) courses, due to illness, or other reasons, is there a way to make up the course work?
Students unable to complete coursework or clinical training due to illness or other unforeseen problem will need to consult with their student advisor and the Chair of the Respiratory Care program to determine the appropriate plan of action as per NEIT’s policies and procedures.

28. Do I need to maintain a certain grade point average?

  1. Students are required to maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.67 (B-) throughout the program. For all terms, a grade of B- or better must be attained in MA, BIO and RC technical subjects in order to advance to the next term, or to graduate.
  2. Students who fail to achieve the above-stated grades must meet with the RC Department Chair and the Student Advisor for the RC program to discuss modifications to their class schedule. Failing to achieve a required grade may delay a student’s graduation date. Failure to progress may also have financial implications. Each student is responsible for meeting with Student Accounts and Financial Aid personnel to discuss his or her individual situation.
  3. Students are allowed only one withdrawal from an RC, MA or BIO course during their program of study. Students will be allowed to repeat one RC, MA or BIO course and must earn a grade of B- (80%) or better in the course to remain in the program.
  4. A student may repeat only one failed (less than B-) RC course over the course of the program. A student who earns less than a B- in the repeated course or any other RC course will be dismissed from the program.
  5. A student may repeat only one failed (less than B-) BIO or MA course over the course of the program. A student who earns less than a B- in the repeated course or any other BIO or MA course will be dismissed from the program.
  6. A student who does not earn at least a B- (80%) in either two RC courses, or two BIO or MA courses, or one of each, will be dismissed from the program.
  7. A student who fails two RC clinical rotations will be dismissed from the program.
  8. Students are allowed only 2 attempts to achieve a passing grade at the proctored, NBRC Student Assessment Exam (SAE)/Therapist Multiple Choice (TMC) Exit Exams administered during terms 5 & 6. See class syllabus for details.

29. Are there any additional costs/activities associated with this program?
All students must have a complete physical examination and required immunizations completed prior to the first respiratory clinical placement. Mumps, Measles, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Varicella immunization or titres, and tetanus immunizations are required. A TB test is required each year. Personal negligence and malpractice insurance is also required by affiliating facilities where internships are scheduled. A certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is required some time before the 3rd academic term through the American Heart Association (CPR-C, Healthcare Provider Course). Additional costs for the entry-level and advanced-level national exam preparation courses and specialty certifications such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Neonatal Resuscitation will be incurred. Uniforms, equipment, laboratory fees and textbooks will also need to be purchased.

30. Where can I purchase a uniform and what kind of uniform do I need?
Students may purchase items for their uniforms online at Alexander's Uniforms http://aucorporateapparel.com/. At the site's homepage, click "New England Institute of Technology" from either the icon or the left tab, then select your department from the list. All items are priced to include a discount. If you have any questions, contact Wendy Magnette via email at wmagnette@alexandersuniforms.com or at 401-654-6500.

The required uniforms include:

Required Uniform Size/Pricing
Unisex Scrub Top XXS-XL (Contact Alexander's Uniforms for current pricing.)
Unisex Scrub Pant XXS-5X, S T-XL (Contact Alexander's Uniforms for current pricing.)
Identification Pin D23 (Contact Alexander's Uniforms for current pricing.)

You may also purchase your uniform items at Alexander’s Uniforms at one of their three locations (recommended if you are unsure of the size): 1) Rhode Island: Marshall's Plaza, 1 Lambert Lind Highway, Warwick RI 02886, 860-889-7744, 401-654-6500; 2) Connecticut: 77 Salem Turnpike, Norwich, CT 06360, 781-762-1449; 3) Massachusetts: 500 Providence Highway, Norwood MA 02062. A Student ID is needed to ensure you receive your discount at checkout.

31. Do I need to have a Criminal Background check?
The Joint Commission requires all healthcare facilities which they accredit to perform criminal background checks on students. Prior to entering fieldwork, students will be required to undergo a criminal background check. In addition to the criminal background check required by The Joint Commission, some clinical sites may also require a national criminal background check. It will be necessary for students to sign a Consent and Disclaimer permitting NEIT to perform a criminal background check and a Release and Authorization permitting NEIT to disclose the results of the criminal background check to a clinical site where the student is being considered for placement. In the event that a criminal conviction or pending criminal federal, state or local charge occurs after a criminal background check has been performed, the student must undergo an updated background check. If a background check reveals any criminal convictions, the student may be disqualified from a clinical placement or employment in the field. When a student is declined a placement by a site as a result of a positive background check, another attempt will be made to place a student in a clinical site. Students assume the cost for all background checks.

NEIT makes no guarantee that once a student is matriculated, the student will be able to attend any fieldwork training setting, sit for the national certification or gain licensure if the student has a prior criminal conviction. This is the student’s responsibility to discover what they must do to manage a positive criminal background investigation.

32. Must I attend classes during the summer 5-week intersession?
The liberal arts courses need to be completed by Term 5. This may include having to take up to two liberal arts classes during Intersession.

33. Are there any behavior standards for this program?
Respiratory students are expected to exhibit professional behavior on an ongoing basis. This behavior will be assessed on a continual basis and will not only encompass grades, but also adherence to classroom protocol, laboratory safety, attendance, participation and preparedness for class, appearance, ability to work as a team member, and general professional behavior. Clinical placement is dependent on the above.

34. Are there evening classes?
Currently there are no Respiratory Care evening classes offered in the respiratory program. However, students may choose to take their liberal arts classes during evening hours, on Saturday or online.

35. Which personal traits fit best with a career in Respiratory Care?
Students need good study habits and excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Confidence, reliability, perseverance, and an eagerness to learn will guide you in your pursuit to help others as a respiratory therapist.

36. Is there a Polysomnography Specialty Option in this program?
At this time there is no Polysomnography Specialty Option in this program. Consideration is being given to offering this option sometime in the future.

37. Is the COVID-19 vaccination required for the Respiratory Care program?
The Respiratory Care (RC) program clinical affiliates have different COVID-19 vaccination requirements than the university’s requirements. The clinical affiliates have a responsibility to their employees and patients to minimize the risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus. Therefore, all clinical affiliates require RC students to provide proof that they have received the COVID-19 vaccination along with one booster. If a student chooses not to be vaccinated the RC program may not be able to assign a student a clinical site. This will prevent the student from completing the program. Clinical sites may have exemptions for their employees; however, most clinical sites do not accept exemptions from students as they are guests at their facility.

If a clinical site has exemption requirements it is the student’s responsibility to submit any required documents and follow the clinical affiliate’s COVID-19 protocol. It is up to the clinical facility to grant or deny the exemption based on the documentation provided by the student. The university has no control over policies mandated by the clinical affiliates. Students may not know if their exemption is approved by a clinical site prior to the start the 3rd term.

If an exemption is granted, individuals may also be asked to complete regular COVID-19 testing, often on a weekly basis. Additional PPE protocols may also be required. The student will assume responsibility for any additional costs associated with the exemption protocols.

Students may not be able to complete all of the clinical requirements at one clinical site. If a student needs to be assigned more than one clinical site, the student will need to apply for an exemption at each clinical site they are assigned to.

The failure to comply with the clinical affiliate’s policies with regard to vaccination and/or exemption requirements will result in being dismissed from the RC program.

In the event the exemption is denied, the RC student will be unable to complete the RC program.

Professional Standards for Respiratory Care Program

The Respiratory Care program policies will adhere to all of the standards set forth by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Students enrolled in NEIT’s Respiratory Care program will be held to the American Association for Respiratory Care’s (AARC’s) “Statement of Ethics and Professional Conduct” listed below:

AARC Statement of Ethics and Professional Conduct

In the conduct of professional activities, the Respiratory Therapist shall be bound by the following ethical and professional principles. Respiratory Therapists shall:

  • Demonstrate behavior that reflects integrity, supports objectivity, and fosters trust in the profession and its professionals.
  • Seek educational opportunities to improve and maintain their professional competence and document their participation accurately.
  • Perform only those procedures or functions in which they are individually competent and which are within their scope of accepted and responsible practice.
  • Respect and protect the legal and personal rights of patients, including the right to privacy, informed consent and refusal of treatment.
  • Divulge no protected information regarding any patient or family unless disclosure is required for the responsible performance of duty authorized by the patient and/or family, or required by law.
  • Provide care without discrimination on any basis, with respect for the rights and dignity of all individuals.
  • Promote disease prevention and wellness.
  • Refuse to participate in illegal or unethical acts.
  • Refuse to conceal, and will report, the illegal, unethical, fraudulent, or incompetent acts of others.
  • Follow sound scientific procedures and ethical principles in research.
  • Comply with state or federal laws which govern and relate to their practice.
  • Avoid any form of conduct that is fraudulent or creates a conflict of interest, and shall follow the principles of ethical business behavior.
  • Promote health care delivery through improvement of the access, efficacy, and cost of patient care.
  • Encourage and promote appropriate stewardship of resources.
     

Technical Standards

In addition to the acquisition of the appropriate knowledge in the sciences and humanities, the faculty of the New England Institute of Technology Respiratory Care program are committed to the education of all qualified individuals. The essential requirements for the successful completion of an Associate in Science Degree in Respiratory Care are described below. The student needs to demonstrate the following skills and abilities, with or without reasonable accommodation. When a student’s ability to perform is compromised, the student must demonstrate alternative means and/or abilities to perform the essential functions of the respiratory care student described below.

Cognitive Abilities

Frequency* Ability

Frequency Key: O = Occasionally (1-33%); F = Frequently (34-66%); C = Constantly (67-100%)

Ability Description O F C
Cognitive Abilities Process, synthesize, organize and learn new material. X
Plan a variety of activities. X
Obtain information for processing through primary senses. X
Problem solve independently. X
Utilize basic math concepts for measurement and construction tasks. X
Imitate or mimic role modeling of professional skills and behaviors X
Perceive events realistically, think rationally and clearly to function in routine and emergency situations X
Follow written or verbal instructions. X
Ability Description O F C
Communication Abilities Communicate effectively with faculty, patients, staff and other professionals. X
Orally report data and observations. X
Read English sufficiently to understand and comprehend college level text books, written protocols, documentation in patient’s chart, information necessary for documentation, evaluation, and package directions. X
Write English sufficiently to record legibly, course assignments and provide documentation for patient’s chart. X
Express thoughts clearly and succinctly. X
Ability Description O F C
Cultural Abilities Communicate accurately, sensitively, and effectively with clients and professionals from different cultural and social backgrounds. Includes expression and reception of non-verbal behaviors. X
Ability Description O F C
Behavioral/Social Abilities Adjust to a variety of individuals and their distinct needs. X
Maintain a professional attitude during all work performance X
Adjust to changes in scheduling and flexibility to meet department or facility needs. X
Respect the integrity of all human beings and right for all individuals to receive appropriate treatment. X
Identify one’s own strengths and weaknesses and to request assistance when needed. X
Maintain emotional stability and the maturity necessary to interact with other members of the faculty, students and professionals in a responsible manner. X
Ability Description O F C
Physical Abilities Lift to carry or maneuver equipment weighing up to 60 lbs. X
Transfer or maneuver individuals weighing up to 200 lbs. X
Transfer patients to heights of up to 19 inches by lifting. X
Use physical strength, coordination, and mobility to effectively operate and maintain equipment, safely move clients, carry out procedures, and provide interventions. X
Kneel, crouch, crawl, bend, and maneuver in and out of various positions to address client and equipment needs. X
Kneel to assist patients or to work in pediatrics. X
Utilize safe body mechanics (ergonomics) for lifting, pushing, and pulling. X
Navigate through various environments in a safe manner. X
Reach to obtain items overhead. X
Tolerate activities such as sitting or standing for extended periods of time and to respond to emergency situations. X
Be mobile within the work facility. X
Move from sitting to standing, walking and weight shifting to assist in the maintenance of a patient’s posture or position for treatment intervention. X
Ability Description O F C
Manual Abilities Manipulate fine motor tasks for testing and treatment; modalities. X
Locate and palpate correct anatomical location for treatment. X
Assess changes in a client’s cardiopulmonary status X
Use assistive technology, computer, typing, writing for documentation. X
Gross motor skills sufficient to guide patients in physical skills development to manage patients during transport, transfer training, bedside treatment, and other tasks. X
Sufficient manual dexterity and mobility to move equipment independently for treatment and evaluative purposes. X
Sufficient motor function and sensory abilities to participate effectively in the classroom laboratory and clinical setting. X
Ability Description O F C
Sensory Abilities Visual: Observe patients during treatment. X
Visual: Identify changes in a patient’s skin color such as cyanosis, pallor, etc. x
Visual: Use modalities safely x
Visual: Acute enough to read small printed labels on medications X
Auditory: Receive verbal directions in English. X
Auditory: Auscultate breath and heart sounds via a stethoscope. X
Auditory: Acute enough to hear and understand words spoken by staff and patients. X
Tactile: Identify hot and cold. X
Olfactory: Distinguish smells which are contributory to assessing and/or maintaining a client’s health status or environmental safety. X
Ability Description O F C
Environmental Abilities Work in areas where personal boundaries may be violated (i.e. hugging from clients or other uncontrolled behaviors X
Work in areas of exposure to infectious waste, bodily fluids, wet, or humid conditions. X
Work under stressful conditions and irregular hours while reacting calmly to emergency situations X

Respiratory Care - AS

Degree Progress Checklists