Respiratory Care Program Handbook - Fall 2021 - Kalamazoo ...
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Fall 2021
Respiratory Care Program Handbook
Associate of Applied Science Degree
CoARC # 200239
Supplement to the
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Catalog and Student Handbook
First edition August 2019
Updated August 20, 2021
Table of Contents
DISCLAIMBER STATEMENTS................................................................................................................. 5
CONTACTS ................................................................................................................................................. 6
CAMPUS DIRECTORY .......................................................................................................................... 6
RESPIRATORY PROGRAM FACULTY DIRECTORY ....................................................................... 6
SERVICES AND RESOURCES .............................................................................................................. 7
GENERAL OVERVIEW SECTION ............................................................................................................ 8
ACCREDITING AGENCIES ....................................................................................................................... 9
PROFESSIONAL OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................. 10
AARC STATEMENT OF CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION .......................................... 11
AARC STATEMENT OF ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT ........................................... 12
PROGRAM POLICY SECTION................................................................................................................ 13
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 14
FULL TIME COMMITMENT ............................................................................................................... 14
TECHNICAL and CLINICAL FACILITIES ......................................................................................... 14
PROGRAM GOALS AND PURPOSES ................................................................................................ 14
PROGRAM METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................. 15
FACULTY RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT .................................................................................... 15
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT ..................................................................................... 16
ACCOMODATIONS ............................................................................................................................. 16
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND HONESTY ........................................................................................ 16
PATHWAY FOR STUDENT COMMUNICATION ............................................................................. 17
COMMUNICATION & CORRESPONDENCE .................................................................................... 17
INTEGRITY & RESPECT ..................................................................................................................... 17
DIDACTIC COURSE WORK POLICIES ............................................................................................. 17
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS ......................................................................................................... 18
PROGRAM ATTENDANCE POLICY.................................................................................................. 18
PUBLIC SAFETY EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM .......................................................................... 18
EXAM POLICY ..................................................................................................................................... 18
GRADING .............................................................................................................................................. 19
ASSESSMENT AND REMEDIATION ................................................................................................. 19
WITHDRAWING FROM COURSES.................................................................................................... 20
PROGRAM PROGRESSION................................................................................................................. 20
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................................................... 21
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES............................................................................................................... 21
2
REINSTATMENT POLCY .................................................................................................................... 21
Reinstatement Criteria: ....................................................................................................................... 21
HIPAA .................................................................................................................................................... 24
MEDIA ................................................................................................................................................... 24
STUDENTS WHO WORK AS RESPIRTORY THERAPY STUDENTS ............................................ 25
STUDENT CLASS REPRESENTATIVES ........................................................................................... 25
COMMUNITY SERVICE ...................................................................................................................... 25
NATIONAL CREDENTIALING ........................................................................................................... 26
LICENSURE........................................................................................................................................... 26
NEEDLE STICKS / AIRBORNE AND BLOODBORNE PATHOGEN EXPOSURES ....................... 26
ADVANCED PLACEMENT POLICY .................................................................................................. 28
CLINICAL POLICY SECTION ................................................................................................................. 30
CLINICAL OVERVIEW........................................................................................................................ 31
ADMISSION REQUIREEMENTS ........................................................................................................ 31
CLINICAL SAFEGARDS...................................................................................................................... 31
GRADING CRITERIA & GRADE POINT REQUIREMENTS ........................................................... 32
UNSATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE............................................................................................... 32
UNIFORM POLICY ............................................................................................................................... 33
FOOD & BEVERAGES ......................................................................................................................... 35
COMPETENCY LIST ............................................................................................................................ 35
BREAKS AND LUNCH PERIODS ....................................................................................................... 35
PHONES & USE OF HOSPITAL COMPUTERS ................................................................................. 35
GUM CHEWING ................................................................................................................................... 35
LEAVING PATIENT CARE AREA ...................................................................................................... 35
SMOKING .............................................................................................................................................. 35
GIFT AND GRATUITIES ..................................................................................................................... 35
TRANSPORTATION ............................................................................................................................. 36
CLINICAL SCHEDULING ................................................................................................................... 36
ATTENDANCE AND PUNCUTALITY ............................................................................................... 36
CONFIDENTIALITY............................................................................................................................. 38
ATTITUDES........................................................................................................................................... 38
NBRC EXAM REQUIRMENTS............................................................................................................ 38
RECORDS .............................................................................................................................................. 39
PHYSICIAN CONTACT TIME ............................................................................................................. 39
ADVERSE REACTIONS TO THERAPY ............................................................................................. 39
3CRIMINAL BACKGROUND AND DRUG SCREENING .................................................................. 41
CLINICAL SUSPENSION PENDING INVESTIGATION .................................................................. 41
CLINICAL AFFLIATE LIST................................................................................................................. 42
DEMANDS OF A RESPIRATORY THERAPIST ................................................................................ 42
RECEIPT ................................................................................................................................................ 44
4DISCLAIMBER STATEMENTS
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
It is the policy of Kalamazoo Valley Community College not to discriminate on the basis
of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, height, weight, familial status,
veteran status, or marital status in its programs, services, employment or activities. The
following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination
policies: Executive Vice President for Enrollment and Campus Operations, 6767 West O
Avenue, P.O. Box 4070, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49003–4070; 269-488-4434.
HANDBOOK DISCLAIMER
This handbook is intended to supply accurate information to the reader. The College
reserves the right to change the program and course requirements; however, every effort
will be made to inform students of any program changes.
This handbook is a supplement toPOLICY STATEMENT
the Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Catalog
and Student Valley
Kalamazoo Handbook.
Community College policies and the Respiratory Care Program
academic and clinical policies apply to all students and faculty, regardless of site of
Student Handbook can be found on the Student Resource Page:
instruction.
http://www.kvcc.edu/studenthandbook
All activities associated with the program, including personnel and student policies,
Catalog:
student and faculty recruitment, student admission, and faculty employment practices,
https://kvcc.smartcatalogiq.com/2021-2022/Catalog
must be non-discriminatory and in accord with federal and state statutes, rules, and
regulations.
POLICY STATEMENT
Kalamazoo Valley Community College policies and the Respiratory Care Program
academic and clinical policies apply to all students and faculty, regardless of site of
instruction.
All activities associated with the program, including personnel and student policies,
student and faculty recruitment, student admission, and faculty employment practices,
must be non-discriminatory and in accord with federal and state statutes, rules, and
regulations.
5CONTACTS
CAMPUS DIRECTORY
Resource Contact Information
Bookstore Texas Township Store (TTC)
6767 West O Avenue
269-488-4030
Provost & Acting Dean Dr. Paige Eagan (TTC 3392)
Peagan@kvcc.edu
Dean of Instruction for TBD -
Health Careers & 269-548-3210
Sustainable Foods CAH 2nd Floor Office area
email
Office Manager Faith Bentley
CAH 2nd Floor Office area
269-548-3251
fbentley@kvcc.edu
Library TTC Library
Rooms 3210 & 8420
269-488-4328
Arcadia Commons Campus Library
Anna Whitten Hall room 321
269-373-7848
Student Services Centers TTC (North “flag” entrance)
269-488-4100
Arcadia Commons Campus
Rose Street entrance to Anna Whitten Hall
269-373-7800
Student Success Services Texas Township Campus
Room 9200
269-488-4040
Arcadia Commons Campus
Room 109 (AWH)
269-373-7800
Bronson Healthy Living Campus
Room 211 (CAH)
269-548-3300
RESPIRATORY PROGRAM FACULTY DIRECTORY
Program Director Susan Pearson, MPA, RRT, NPS
CAH 316
269-548-3232
spearson@kvcc.edu
Director of Clinical Megan Roe, RRT, NPS
Education CAH 317
269 548-3252
mroe@kvcc.edu
6SERVICES AND RESOURCES
Health Careers Admission Amy Murray Processes health program
Coordinator TTC 7464 applications, health forms &
269-488-4144 immunizations, Livescans and
healthcareers@kvcc.edu drug screens
Student Services Specialist Terri Zirkle-McDonald Schedule student appointments
CAH 2nd floor office area with support staff (counsellors,
269-548-3205 advisors, etc.)
tmcdonald@kvcc.edu
Office Specialist, Yvonne Cooley – a.m Receive homework, help with
receptionists ycooley@kvcc.edu parking passes, and schedule
rooms for study sessions.
Villo Denke-Zomer- p.m
vdenkezomer@kvcc.edu
CAH reception desk, main floor
269-548-3203
Director of Student Life Coty Dunten Student Life and Student Clubs,
TTC and help connecting students to
269-488-4825 community resources (housing,
cdunten@kvcc.edu childcare, etc.)
Academic and Career Ana Abenschein Advises health care students on
Pathway Advisor TTC pre-requisite courses and works
269-488-4732 with counselors
aabendshei@kvcc.edu
Academic and Career Kelly Reed Advises health care students on
Pathway Advisor 269.488.4436 pre-requisite courses and works
kreed1@kvcc.edu with counselors
Academic Advisor & Christopher Stroven Counsels students who are
Counselor 269-488-4040 struggling with stress, pressures,
cstroven@kvcc.edu anxiety. Help with F.A. appeals.
At CAH 2/week
Student Employment Tracey Corbett Resume, interviewing, job skills
Liaison 269 488 4676 and employment help.
tcorbett@kvcc.edu
careercenter@kvcc.edu
Financial Aid Advisor Don Florinchi Help with FA and Scholarships
269.488.4820/ dflorinchi@kvcc.edu
269-488-4340/ finaid@kvcc.edu
7GENERAL OVERVIEW SECTION
8ACCREDITING AGENCIES
FOR THE RESPIRATORY CARE PROGRAM
The Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Respiratory Care Program #200239 is accredited by the
Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)
www.coarc.com
(817) 283-2835
(817) 354-8519 (fax)
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. The Accreditation Programmatic Outcome Data can be
found: https://coarc.com/students/programmatic-outcomes-data/
Kalamazoo Valley Community College is accredited by
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
230 South LaSalle St., Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois 60604-1413
https://www.hlcommission.org/
Phone: 800-621-7440 / 312-263-7462
Fax: 312-263-0456
9PROFESSIONAL OVERVIEW
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), the need for respiratory therapists is growing
faster than the average for all job growths. It has the projected growth of 19% from 2019 to 2029. The
national annual median salary of a respiratory therapist is $62,810. The median annual salary in
Michigan is $60,260, May 2020 (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/respiratory-therapists.htm).
The increase demand for respiratory therapists, according to the BLS, is due to the middle-aged and
elderly population with respiratory conditions such as pneumonia, chronic obstructive lung disease, and
other lung disorders that permanently damage the lungs. Advances in preventing diseases, improving
medications, and sophisticated technology and treatments requires more respiratory therapists. Also,
according to the BLS, growth in demand is a result from the expanding role of respiratory therapists in
case management, disease prevention, emergency care, and early detection of pulmonary disorders.
Respiratory therapists are members of the health care team who work in collaboration to evaluate, treat,
and manage patients from birth to end of life with illnesses and cardiopulmonary disorders in a wide
variety of clinical settings. Respiratory therapists are involved in clinical decision-making (such as patient
evaluation, treatment selection, and assessment of treatment efficacy) and patient education. This is a fast
paced career that requires therapists to critically think, make rapid decisions and communicate effectively.
The scope of practice for respiratory therapy includes, but is not limited to:
Acquiring and utilizing data to assess patients, develop treatment plans, and evaluate
appropriateness and effectiveness of therapy, and assess outcomes.
Performing and/or assisting with diagnostic procedures such as pulmonary function testing,
bronchoscopies, blood gas analysis, etc.
Implementing case management for patients with cardiopulmonary and related disease.
Managing life support equipment (ventilators) and airway management.
Treating patients using oxygen, specialty medical gases, bronchial hygiene techniques, lung
inflation techniques, airway clearance therapy, and inhaled medication therapies.
Promoting cardiopulmonary health and wellness through patient education and disease
management.
Providing lifesaving interventions such as CPR
Career opportunities for program graduates include respiratory therapist, shift supervisors and clinical
supervisors in the hospital setting. Additional career opportunities exist in extended care facilities, home
care facilities, physician’s offices, rehabilitation centers, equipment sales, land/air transports, emergency
rooms, adult intensive care units, pediatric intensive care units, and intensive care units for premature
babies. Respiratory therapists may also find employment in chronic disease management, conscious
sedation, etc.
Graduates of the program must complete the Therapist Multiple Choice exam (TMC). Graduates who
take the TMC exam and score between the entry cut score and the higher cut score will be awarded the
Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential. Graduates who successfully complete the TMC exam at
or above the higher cut score will be eligible to take the clinical simulation exam, and upon successful
completion of the simulation exam will be awarded the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
credential.
10AARC STATEMENT OF CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Effective 12/94; Revised 7/18
The AARC professional community embraces diversity and multi-culturalism in all of its forms and
promotes respect, cultural competence, and inclusion in every facet of its mission
The AARC is enriched by the unique differences found among its diverse members, their patients/
clients, and other stakeholders. The AARC values and embraces equal opportunity, and promotes the use
of personal and cultural backgrounds to enhance our profession. The AARC accomplishes this by:
Demonstrating sensitivity to all forms of diversity and multiculturalism including, but not
limited to: age, gender and gender identity, race, color and ethnicity, nationality and national
origin, ancestry, religious affiliation and creed, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status,
political affiliation, physical and mental abilities, veteran and active armed service status, job
responsibilities and experience, education and training.
Acknowledging the varied beliefs, attitudes, behaviors and customs of the people that constitute
its communities of interest, thereby creating a diverse, multicultural, and inclusive professional
environment.
Promoting an appreciation for communication between, and understanding among, people with
different beliefs and backgrounds.
Accommodating the needs of the physically disabled at events and activities. • Using
multicultural content and gender-neutral references in documents and publications.
Promoting diversity and inclusion through education and cultural competence in its education
programs.
Actively recruiting candidates from under-represented groups for leadership and mentoring
programs.
11AARC STATEMENT OF ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
Effective 12/94; Revised 04/15
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.
Promote and practice evidence-based medicine.
Seek continuing education 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 as 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.
Work to achieve and maintain respectful, functional, beneficial relationships and communication
with all health professionals. It is the position of the American Association of Respiratory Care
that there is no place in a professional practice environment for lateral violence and bullying
among respiratory therapists or between healthcare professionals.
Respiratory Therapy Students will be held to the AARC statements as stated above. These
statements provide a working guideline for how each and every respiratory therapist should conduct
themselves throughout their career. If any of these AARC statements are broken, the student will be
counseled and written documentation placed in their file and may result in further disciplinary
actions.
12PROGRAM POLICY SECTION
13INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Respiratory Care Program located at the Culinary
and Allied Health Building (CAH), 418 E. Walnut Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
The Respiratory Therapy faculty and staff of Kalamazoo Valley Community College are pleased to have
you in our Respiratory Care Program. Since you will be new to the program and perhaps to the clinical
and hospital environments, it is our desire to provide you with answers to many of the questions
frequently asked. This handbook is designed to provide a framework within which the faculty and
students can function to meet your educational goals. All policies herein are in effect for the duration of
your student respiratory career. However, if changes are made you will be notified in writing and be
required to sign a form signifying that you received the new information.
Faculty are here to assist you in achieving your educational goals. They will provide academic guidance
and support to you for successful completion of the program. A positive attitude toward study,
classmates, patients and yourself, will be necessary to successfully complete the educational process.
FULL TIME COMMITMENT
The respiratory program is a full time program. You will need to budget a minimum of 40 hours/week
for attending classes, labs, clinical, studying and completing assignments.
TECHNICAL and CLINICAL FACILITIES
The facilities and resources of Kalamazoo Valley Community College are available to all respiratory
therapy students. Students may use any Kalamazoo Valley Community College library, open computer
lab, Library, Student Services and other academic services. All courses are taught by faculty with
advanced degrees in the appropriate fields of study.
Clinical experience is an integral part of the educational experience for all respiratory therapy students.
In clinical, students are there for the educational experience, and will not be considered as part of the
hospital staff. When attending clinical, students will be dressed in appropriate uniform and wear a
clinical ID badge. The Respiratory Care Program has affiliation agreements with their local hospitals,
clinics etc, to provide student-learning experiences.
Professional liability insurance coverage is provided to all students enrolled in clinical/externship courses
with the Respiratory Care Program as part of their paid tuition. This insurance only extends to
clinical/externships while the student is onsite for a specific clinical training experience. Each student
may obtain additional individual liability insurance.
Students must be appropriately supervised at all times during their clinical education coursework and
experiences. Students must not be used to substitute for clinical, instructional, or administrative staff.
Students shall not receive any form of remuneration in exchange for work they perform during
programmatic clinical coursework.
PROGRAM GOALS AND PURPOSES
The goal of the Respiratory Care Program is “To prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the
cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of respiratory
therapy practice as performed by registered respiratory therapists (RRTs).” Kalamazoo Valley
Community College is able to meet these goals by offering the Respiratory Care Program as a first-
14professional degree program and providing the knowledge and clinical skills necessary to function as a
registry-eligible respiratory therapist.
Graduates of the Respiratory Care Program can fulfill the following:
1. Recognize, adapt to and assist in fulfilling the changing health requirements of the community.
2. Develop capabilities and potentials to function as a contributing member of the health care team
and society.
3. Appreciate the inherent worth of human life and the role that the respiratory therapist plays.
4. Establish effective relationships with respiratory therapy colleagues, patients and their families
along with other health care disciplines.
5. “Aid the supervising physician or osteopath in the treatment, management, diagnostic testing,
control and care of patients with deficiencies and abnormalities associated with the
cardiopulmonary system," as defined in the state of Indiana licensure laws.
PROGRAM METHODOLOGY
The Respiratory Care Program is a two-year associate of applied science degree program.
The philosophical base of the educational program for respiratory therapy is that education is ongoing and
continuous; that education creates change in the affective, cognitive, and psychomotor domains of the
learner; and that education, as learning proceeds within a simple to complex framework. The Program is
competency-based and follows the current National Board for Respiratory Care‘s (NBRC) detailed
content outlines.
The curriculum is designed to provide opportunities to develop skills in communication, professionalism,
analytical thinking, inquiry and information gathering, practical application of respiratory therapy
modalities, and psychomotor skills.
The Respiratory Care Program involves motivation, curiosity, professional fulfillment and personal
satisfaction. The program is both challenging and rewarding.
Communication with faculty, fellow therapists, physicians, nurses and members of the health care team is
an essential element of the program. Students engage in seminars, intensive classes, laboratories, and
clinical training in hospitals. The result is an outstanding education in respiratory therapy.
The faculty is committed to excellence in teaching and community service by promoting lifelong
learning, scholarship, and service.
FACULTY RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
An effective faculty-student partnership is an essential component to achieving student academic success.
As is true in any partnership, both parties are expected to contribute. Faculty brings knowledge and
expertise to the partnership. Their responsibilities are to create an environment conducive to learning and
to promote opportunities for student learning, while respecting the diversity of the student body. Faculty
has a professional responsibility to plan and deliver quality instruction as defined by course objectives
and to clearly outline expectations. The program must ensure that course content, learning experiences
(didactic, laboratory, and clinical), and access to learning materials are equivalent for each student
regardless of where that experience was acquired, (CoARC 4.08). This includes, but is not limited to:
Ensuring all activities associated with the program must be non-discriminatory and in accord with
15federal and state statutes, rules and regulations, (CoARC 5.04);
Ensuring the health, privacy, and safety of patients, students, and faculty associated with the
educational activities and learning environment of the students must be adequately safeguarded,
(CoARC 5.08);
Evaluating student work in a fair, objective, and timely manner;
Respecting opinions without demeaning the student;
Giving help and clarification when needed;
Being accessible and approachable to students (i.e. maintain posted office hours and arranged
appointments);
Having a positive, caring attitude toward teaching and learning;
Presenting facts and skills in an organized manner that respects various learning styles;
Assures appropriate supervision for students in all locations where instruction occurs;
Ensure learning experiences and access to learning materials are substantially equivalent for each
student regardless of location;
Ensure guidance is available to assist students in understanding and abiding by program policies
and practices;
Ensure that students have timely access to faculty for assistance and counseling regarding their
academic concerns and problems.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
Students contribute effort and potential to the partnership. Students are responsible for participating in
the learning process in a conscientious manner while taking full advantage of educational opportunities
available. Students are also expected to conduct themselves in such a matter as not to interfere with the
learning of others. The following list, not meant to be inclusive, further defines the student role:
Come to all class sessions prepared and on time;
Display interest in the subject matter through participation, questions, etc.;
Bring forth concerns to appropriate individuals;
Seek help and clarification when necessary (i.e. tutoring, study groups, questions);
Engage in accurate, objective self-assessment of own work and continually be aware of class
standing/performance;
Understand the instructor’s expectations and methods of assessment; (see course syllabus).
Initiate all paperwork necessary to enroll in and exit from the course, including financial aid
documents.
ACCOMODATIONS
Student needing accommodations should make an appointment with the Office for Student
Access at (269) 488-4397. Please have a letter sent each semester to the appropriate course
faculty. This will be the student’s responsibility to request that such notification is sent and to
notify the current course faculty. Accommodations will only be made when appropriate notice is
received by the faculty member.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND HONESTY
At Kalamazoo Valley Community College, learning is valued and honored. Our learning community
cannot thrive if its students copy the work of others, known as plagiarism, and seek an unfair advantage
over their fellow students by cheating. The academic standards of Kalamazoo Valley Community College
are based on a genuine pursuit of knowledge and demand a high level of integrity from every one of its
students.
16Honesty is an integral characteristic for all health care professionals. With your decision to enroll in the
Respiratory Care Program, you have committed yourself to uphold this standard. Furthermore, it is your
responsibility to maintain peer group control of dishonesty by reporting any alleged acts of misconduct to
the instructor.
When this trust is violated the learning process suffers injury and steps must be taken to ensure that
learning standards remain meaningful. Any student caught cheating will forfeit his/her grade and will
receive zero (0) for that test or assignment. Cases of student misconduct and/or lack of academic integrity
will be referred to the Dean, who then notifies the Provost/ Vice President for Instruction and Student
Services. The student may be subject to disciplinary actions and are grounds for dismissal as deemed by
the College. See Student Handbook. http://www.kvcc.edu/studenthandbook. All students are encouraged
to avoid dishonest behavior and seek available tutorial and counseling services to help them succeed.
PATHWAY FOR STUDENT COMMUNICATION
It’s important for you to follow the communication sequence listed below to address any questions or
concerns you might have.
Student
Clinical Instructor Course Instructor
Director of Clinical Education
Respiratory Program Director
Dean of Instruction for Health Careers and Sustainable Foods
Provost/Vice President for Instruction and Student Services
COMMUNICATION & CORRESPONDENCE
All communication whether verbal, voicemail, text messages or email, is expected to be respectful and
professional. With regards to email, students should avoid slang and abbreviations. All email messages
must be sent through your KVCC email account. Instructors may not respond to emails that are not
signed. Any communication that is deemed unprofessional, the student will be counseled.
INTEGRITY & RESPECT
Students are expected to respect their fellow students by listening to lectures and discussions quietly, by
participating without anger or sarcasm, and respecting others’ thoughts, ideas, heritage, and culture.
Good class citizens contribute actively to the learning of their classmates by initiating interesting
discussions in class or helping students understand material outside of class. Poor citizenship behavior
includes “hogging air time” with comments that are too long-winded, repetitive, irrelevant, or not
allowing others a turn to talk.
DIDACTIC COURSE WORK POLICIES
Students must abide by the criteria stated in the syllabus for each course. Students will be required to
purchase program course textbooks and are responsible for preparing for lectures in advance.
17CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
This is a professional program and unparalleled professional behavior is expected during all classroom,
laboratory sessions, and all interactions and communications with students, faculty, and staff. As future
health care providers, it is imperative that students embrace different cultures, ideas, opinions openly and
without ridicule.
Any behavior that is disruptive to the teaching-learning process is prohibited. This includes, but is not
limited to using electronic devices and phones for conducting personal business during class time,
sleeping during class, coming to class late, or talking and disrupting your classmates while the instructor
is lecturing. Restroom breaks are to be taken during the scheduled break time. Cellular phones and
electronic devices must be turned off during exams and on silence during class. See course syllabi.
It is highly recommended that you have a calculator for in-class activities
Students using personal electronic devices for non-academic purposes will be counseled.
Students training for the respiratory therapy profession are bound by the AARC Statement of Ethics and
Professional Conduct. The student must conduct himself/herself in a manner consistent with this code
during classroom, laboratory, at hospital affiliates, as well as any off campus program related activity.
PROGRAM ATTENDANCE POLICY
The program expects students to attend every class, scheduled laboratory and clinic. The student is
responsible for obtaining missed notes, assignments or handouts. Any missed clinic must be made up.
Students who miss more than 1/8 of laboratory or classroom sessions may be withdrawn from the course
by the instructor. For example, if a course meets 18 times for class and lab and misses 3 sessions, the
student may be withdrawn from the course by the instructor. See individual course syllabi. COVID
related absences will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
PUBLIC SAFETY EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM
It is recommended that you sign up for the KVCC Emergency Alert System. You will be notified of
emergencies and college closings. https://www.kvcc.edu/services/safety/ps_emergencyalert.htm
Notification of College closure may be obtained by calling KVCC and/or through radio and TV coverage
after 6:00 a.m.
o Weather number (college open vs. closed) 269-488-4750
o www.kvcc.edu generally has college closings listed in the banner
See Clinical Policy Section of this handbook for further weather for listings of radio stations.
EXAM POLICY
Policies that apply to all exams:
All assessments and exams will be taken as scheduled. If an exam is not taken as scheduled or by the
deadline established, the score may be recorded as a zero.
All exams and assessments will be proctored and monitored either by a college designated proctor or
instructor, a third-party proctoring service (fees may apply), or through a remote secure system, such as
Lockdown Browser with camera. Students will be notified in advance if there are fees associated with
proctoring. All electronic devices including cell phones and smart watches must be powered off
during exams. Leaving the room during exams (example to use the phone or restroom) is prohibited.
18In extenuating circumstances, a student may be allowed to take an exam early or late at the discretion of
the instructor. When there is an extenuating circumstance, it is important that the student call or email the
instructor prior to the start of the exam. If a student is allowed to take an exam late, a 10% reduction in
the percentage score may be assessed. (For example 83% = 73%). Only the use of approved calculators
may be used during exams.
Online Exams and Assessments:
All materials, notes, and textbooks must be removed from the student’s testing area. The only materials
that are permitted is a glass of water and an approved calculator. Before starting the exam, the student
will be required to show their student ID and span the room to show their surroundings. Leaving the
room during the exam or assessment is not permitted. Acts of questionable academic dishonesty will be
reported to the appropriate administrator for further review (see the Academic Integrity and Dishonesty
section of this handbook).
GRADING
A minimum grade of 2.0 must be maintained for continuance in the RCP Program. Any average grade
falling below 2.0 will result in the appropriate failing grade. See individual course assignment schedules
(syllabus) for grading criteria.
Grade distribution will be based on the following:
Percentage Grade
100 - 90 4.0
89 - 85 3.5
84 - 80 3.0
79 - 75 2.5
74 - 70 2.0
69 - 65 1.5
64 - 60 1.0
Less than 60 0.0
ASSESSMENT AND REMEDIATION
Tests/quizzes are placed within each course at strategic times to assess learning objectives that has
occurred to that point; tests/quizzes may be cumulative. Faculty will review with the class commonly
missed questions within one week of test/quiz. It is the expectation that students will review their
individual tests/quizzes and set an appointment with faculty to address their concerns.
Laboratory skills will be assessed through competency check–offs and lab practical exams will be
scheduled throughout the semester for courses with laboratory component (see syllabi).
Grading Lab Practical Exams: Lab practical exams are an opportunity for the student to demonstrate
proficiency in a set of related skills. Students must attain a minimum of 70% on each of the related set
of skills in the lab practical exams to pass the course. If a student does not attain a 70% on the individual
sections of the lab practical exam, the student will be given one remediation session followed by one
retest date. The retest must occur before the next regularly scheduled lab session. If the student passes
the retest, the score for the lab practical exam will be entered as 70%. If a student does not pass during
the 2nd testing attempt, the student will not have demonstrated proficiency in required skills for the course
and therefore will not pass the course.
19Students wanting additional lab practice time are to contact the learning assistants in advance to schedule
a time. During the timeframe where the college is operating with limited access to the campus, lab
practice time will be limited to small groups of students (ten or less) and require advance approval.
Non-Academic technical standards for the program are assessed at the beginning of the program
utilizing the Student Vaccination and Physical Examination Form, specifically the portion Review
of Essential Functions. Academic technical standards for the program are assessed near the end of
the program through the use of NBRC Self-Assessment Examinations; each students will be
required to pass the Therapist Multiple Choice examination and attempt the Clinical Simulation
Examination.
WITHDRAWING FROM COURSES
Due to sequencing and limited seat availability, students are encouraged to talk with the course
professor or director before making a decision to withdraw from any respiratory course.
When considering whether or not to withdraw, the student should understand that having
withdrawals may have financial implications. Students who are receiving financial aid should
contact the financial aid office before withdrawing from courses. Withdrawing form a course
does not affect student’s GPA. Tuition charges may apply.
PROGRAM PROGRESSION
Program faculty need to ensure demonstrated retained competency of the student, to maintain the safety
of patients/clients of clinical affiliate organizations, and to promote student retention and completion. All
respiratory care courses must be taken in a sequential order. A final course grade of 2.0 is needed to
successfully pass each program course. A student not successfully completing a required programmatic
course(s) will not be able to progress to the next semester.
Respiratory Care Curriculum
Professional Course Sequencing* – 48 credits
Course Title Credits Contact Hrs
Fall Entry:
RCP 100 Basic Respiratory Procedures 4 6
RCP 106 Pharmacology for Respiratory Care 3 3
RCP 107 Cardiopulmonary Pathophysiology I 5 5
Semester total 12 14
Winter Semester:
RCP 112 Cardiopulmonary Pathophysiology II 3 3
RCP 130 Respiratory Care Seminar/Clinic I 9 23
Semester total 12 26
Fall Semester:
RCP 200 Advanced Respiratory Procedures 4 7
RCP 210 Respiratory Care Seminar/Clinic 8 18
Semester total 12 25
Winter Semester:
RCP 225 Respiratory Care Seminar/Clinic III 9 23
RCP 230 Contemporary Respiratory Topics 3 3
Semester total 12 26
20*The Professional Course Sequencing list above represents only the professional respiratory care courses
and does not include the required pre-requisite or general education needed for the degree. For complete
and current list of all required courses, see the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Respiratory Care
Information Page, under the Program Information Link:
https://www.kvcc.edu/programs/health_careers/rcp.php
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
College graduation requirements can be found in the Catalog:
https://kvcc.smartcatalogiq.com/2021-2022/Catalog
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES
The program follows the college’s grievance procedure which can be found in the Student Handbook:
http://www.kvcc.edu/studenthandbook
REINSTATMENT POLCY
Reinstatement is a provision of allowing a respiratory care student who has recently stopped out of the
program for academic or personal reasons, to petition to return. Stopping out is defined as not being able
to progress in the course sequence due to a drop, a withdrawal, or a final course grade less than 2.0.
Reinstatement considerations for students who stop out for professional behavior issues will be evaluated
on a case-by-case basis.
Following the reinstatement procedure in a timely manner, will allow the respiratory care program the
maximum opportunity to plan for reinstatement seats.
Reinstatement Criteria:
1. The student seeking reinstatement will need to submit an Intention to Seek Reinstatement Letter.
The Intention to Seek Reinstatement Letter should:
1.1 Be type written in a business letter format or email; and submitted to the program director
within 6 weeks after stopping out of the program.
1.2 Identify obstacles, barriers, and personal behaviors the student feels impaired their ability
to succeed during their first attempt in the program.
1.3 Explain an action plan for success. Address personal behavior changes or identify
barriers that have been resolved.
2. Prior to returning to the program, the student will need to document that they have met all the
entry requirements that are applied to the next cohort of students seeking program admission.
These may include but are not limited to:
2.1 Drug Test Authorization Form and Affidavit Regarding Criminal History
2.2 Students will need to complete a drug screen(s) that is acceptable to the program.
2.3 Students will need to complete Live Scan Fingerprinting and the results must be
acceptable to the program prior to re-entering any clinical course.
2.4 All of the items on the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Immunization and
Diagnostic from must be current. The date of the provider signature on the form must be
within 6 months of re-entry to the program.
2.5 Returning students must attain required scores in reading, math, and writing. (See the
current application packet.)
2.6 Returning students must have a minimum grade point average in prerequisite courses of
2.0 and a minimum college grade point average of 2.0.
2.7 Students must document and demonstrate understanding of previously learned material.
(Details of this requirement are described items 5 through 10 below.)
213. A student may repeat a respiratory care course once. A student may repeat a maximum of two (2)
different respiratory care courses in the program. Students, who stop out, withdraw (failing), or
fail more than twice, will generally need to complete their respiratory therapy education at
another college.
4. A student who has withdrawn due to an issue that is not related to academic performance, clinical
performance, affective behavior, and/or clinical policy issues, and has exceeded the maximum of
two (2) different respiratory therapy courses will be expected to meet with the Program and
Clinical Director to further discuss the matter. Any decision to reinstate the student in this
circumstance will be by consensus of the Program Director and the Clinical Director. The student
will generally need to provide evidence that the issue leading to the withdrawal has been
overcome. Students will generally be required to provide evidence that they have support
systems in place to overcome the challenges associated with the issue leading to the withdrawal.
For students reinstated under these circumstances, any additional failure, or withdrawal, from a
program course will generally require that the student complete their respiratory therapy
education at another college.
5. Students are accountable for the content taught in all previous theory, lab, and clinical courses in
the respiratory care program. Students are responsible for reviewing this content, as needed, in
preparation for subsequent courses, National Board for Respiratory Care exams, and prospective
employers.
6. Students must reinstate within one calendar year of stopping out, regardless of reason.
7. Students that have been out of the program more than one year will generally be required to
complete all previous respiratory courses.
8. Students must complete all identified prerequisite courses and conditions before reinstatement
into the program. If students have prerequisite conditions identified, it is the students’
responsibility to complete the conditions by the specified date(s). Students should submit
documentation of completion of prerequisite conditions to the program by the specified date(s).
If a student fails to do so, their reinstatement application will be withdrawn.
9. Permission to reinstate is dependent on:
9.1 completion of the reinstatement procedure according to the defined time lines
9.2 completion of prerequisite courses and conditions (as specified) and submission of the
appropriate documentation
9.3 completion of required refresher courses
9.4 seat availability for the course(s) seeking reinstatement
9.4.1 Reinstatement is also dependent on available seats in the following clinical
semester.
9.4.2 A student may be given provisional permission to reinstate in pre-clinical courses
pending open seats in the clinical portion of the program.
9.4.3 Successful students in the current cohort of students will be given clinic seats
prior to clinical seats being assigned to reinstated students.
2210. Students will be required to take refresher courses and exams if they stop-out in a clinical
semester.
10.1 Students stopping out after successfully completing RCP 100 (minimum grade 2.0), but
prior to completing the all RCP courses in the second semester of the first year, must take
RCP 291. The RCP 291 course reviews all the content and skills offered in RCP 100.
10.2 Students that have successfully completed RCP 130, and do not enter second year will be
required to complete both RCP 291 (see above) and RCP 292. The RCP 292 course
reviews the content of RCP 130.
10.3 Students seeking clinical reinstatement must also complete the current essential drug
examination with a score of 95%.
10.4 Students stopping out after successfully completing RCP 200 (minimum grade 2.0), but
prior to successful completion of RCP 210 or 225 will be required to take RCP 293 which
reviews all the content and skill offered in RCP 200.
10.5 Students stopping out after successfully complete RCP 210 will be required to complete
RCP 295, which reviews the content of RCP 210. As indicated, RCP 293 will also be
required as a refresher course.
11. Clinical Course placement:
11.1 RCP 292 and RCP 295 are clinical courses.
11.2 Students must complete current net learning pre-clinical modules.
11.3 Students must complete any requirement mandated by the clinical affiliates prior to
reinstatement. These could include but are not limited to
11.3.1 Additional health care training on personal protective equipment – N95
Respirators or Powered Air Purifying Respirator training
11.3.2 Electronic Medical Record Orientation
11.3.3 Clinical Affiliate orientation
11.4 Students who are required to enroll in refresher courses (291, 292, 293, and 295) will be
given an outline of course completion requirements. These expectations will be based
strength of the student’s previous performance and may vary by student. The student will
be required to sign the outline indicating that they understand course expectations.
12. Students will be notified as to their reinstatement status as soon as possible prior to the beginning
of the course.
13. Once reinstatement is granted, students are expected to contact the instructor and program
director before the beginning of courses to discuss expectations.
14. Students must notify the respiratory care program of their intent to accept a seat in the respiratory
care program according to the time lines specified by the program.
15. Once students have accepted the seat, failure to utilize their seat will be considered a withdrawal
and may jeopardize any future application for reinstatement.
16. Should a student decline to accept their seat or if a seat is not available, the student will be
required to submit a new reinstatement application.
23HIPAA
All students in the program will complete Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996
(HIPAA) training prior to attending clinical. Below is a summary of the HIPAA policy intended to
supplement the complete HIPAA laws and hospital policies.
As a student in the program, you will be privy to patient/client names, health status, medical treatments,
and any knowledge gained through conversation, records, or by other means which are all confidential.
Maintaining patient confidentiality which includes not speaking, writing about, or divulging by any other
means a patient (client) by name. Further, students must not discuss any patient cases outside the clinical
classroom setting or with anyone other than their instructors. When patients request medical information,
students must follow hospital policy.
Patient/client records are only to be accessed for use with program business and with the permission of
the hospital in accordance to hospital policies. Students may only access certain information in the
patient record that is pertinent to the cardiopulmonary care. Records may not be reviewed for personal
use or to review information that is not necessary to provide respiratory therapy. Duplicating patient
records and/or removing patient records from the facility is strictly prohibited.
Safeguards must always be taken to protect patient information, such as safeguarding computer screens,
logging off computers, not sharing passwords, keeping notes and records private, and not discussing
patients in public spaces.
Violating patient (client) confidentiality can result in dismissal from the Respiratory Care program and
may result in legal reprisal.
MEDIA
Social Media or Social Networking would include but not limited to personal email/websites, Facebook,
Twitter, You Tube, My Space, any blogs, message boards, and chat rooms.
If you identify yourself as a student at Kalamazoo Valley Community College in the Respiratory Care
Program, you should act responsible at all times and uphold the standards of the college and Respiratory
Care Program.
Always maintain professional standards as described by the AARC.
Remember that everything you post online is public. Be aware of your conduct online. Unprofessional
behavior, language or subject matter could jeopardize your ability to remain in the program or endanger
any future employment.
Social Media or Social Networking should not be used to carry out clinical-related duties or share
clinical-related documents or experiences with anyone. You must uphold HIPAA standards in all
situations. Do not discuss clinical related issues online. This includes but not limited to conversations
about patients, or patient’s family, discussion about a particular facility and employees or fellow students
and instructors. Do not “friend” a patient or patient’s family on Facebook. Never post pictures of patients
or staff/faculty on any social media.
Students may not use the Hospital’s hardware, software, network, blog, posting board or any other Social
Media to create, send receive download, transmit store display or otherwise access or control personal
Social media/Social Networking communications. Students may not use any property, logos, and
trademarks of any clinical affiliate on Social Media/Networking.
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