Program Description

The Hartnell College Respiratory Care (RCP) program is a defined group of prerequisite and corequisite courses. The four-semester course of study consisting of classroom, high-fidelity simulation, skills laboratory, seminar, and clinical experiences. Clinical experiences are obtained in Monterey, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and San Louis Obispo counties. Upon successful completion of program requirements, graduates are eligible to take the National Board of Respiratory Care’s Registry Examination (RRT, CRT, CSE). After passing, graduates may practice as respiratory care practitioners in a variety of acute and community-based settings. The Hartnell College RCP program holds continuing accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.

Program Goals

The goal of the RCP program is to 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

Upon successful completion of the Respiratory Care (RCP) program a student will,

1. Comprehend, apply, and evaluate information necessary to practice as a respiratory care practitioner(cognitive) as evidenced by their ability to

a. evaluate data to assess the appropriateness of prescribed respiratory care
b. participate in the development and modification of respiratory care plans in a variety of settings
c.provide patient, family, and community education

2. Perform the skills competently as a respiratory care practitioner (psychomotor) as evidenced by their ability to

a. apply problem-solving strategies in the patient care setting
b. perform respiratory therapeutic and diagnostic procedures and interventions in a timely manner consistent with patient safety and infection control standards.

3. Practice professional attitudes and behavior (affective) as evidenced by their ability to

a. demonstrate ethical and professional behaviors
b. demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills
c. interact effectively with other members of the healthcare team
d. communicate effectively in diverse groups while respecting beliefs and values of all persons.