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RAASRCP - Respiratory Therapy

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Undergraduate Associate of Applied Science

Degree Designation

Associate of Applied Science

Program Description

The A.A.S. in Respiratory Therapy transfers into a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science (B.A.A.S.) degree program at ENMU.

Respiratory Therapists are highly skilled allied health professionals who work collaboratively with other members of the healthcare team to prevent, diagnose, and treat cardiopulmonary conditions. They provide care to patients of all ages—from infants to older adults—who have acute or chronic breathing disorders. Respiratory Therapists are employed in a wide range of healthcare settings, including hospitals, home care agencies, long-term care facilities, and medical equipment companies.

The Respiratory Therapy program is accredited by the

Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)

264 Precision BLVD Telford, TN 37690

http://www.coarc.com/

Phone (817) 283-2835

Additional Catalog Program Information

Progression into the core Respiratory Therapy curriculum requires a separate application process. Admission to the program is limited, and applicants who have successfully completed the first-year prerequisite courses and completed an interview with the Program Director will be considered for enrollment on a first-come, first-served basis. Certified Respiratory Therapy Technicians (CRTTs) may apply for advanced standing admission, pending space availability.

This is a two-year, full-time program leading to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Respiratory Therapy. To gain hands-on experience, students are required to complete clinical rotations at affiliated healthcare facilities outside of Roswell. These clinical placements may require out-of-town travel and housing, which are the responsibility of the student.

Mandatory Drug Screening and Background Check

All students admitted to the Respiratory Therapy Program are required to complete a mandatory drug screening and criminal background check during the program. These screenings will be scheduled and coordinated by the Division of Health faculty.

Students will follow the full drug screening and background check policies and procedures as outlined in the ENMU–R and Respiratory Therapy Program Student Handbooks .

Credit for Industry Credentials

The Credit for Industry Credentials option allows credentialed, non-degreed Respiratory Therapists to earn credit toward the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Respiratory Therapy degree. Individuals holding the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential are required to complete only the general education requirements to qualify for the AAS degree. The degree is awarded upon successful completion of all general education and Respiratory Therapy curriculum requirements.

Students with a nationally recognized Respiratory Therapy credential may be eligible for college credit toward the AAS in Respiratory Therapy. Eligible credentials include:

  • Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT)

  • Certified Respiratory Therapy Technician (CRTT)

  • Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT)
    as awarded by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC).

Required Documentation

To be considered for credit based on current licensure or certification, applicants must submit:

  • A completed Application for Admission (apply online at www.roswell.enmu.edu)

  • A notarized copy (front and back, if applicable) of a current state license and NBRC credential certificate(s)

Official transcripts from an accredited high school or satisfactory GED test scores (transcripts must be sent directly to:
Eastern New Mexico University–Roswell
ATTN: Admissions

Please note that all awarded credit is subject to approval by the Respiratory Therapy Program Director.

For additional information regarding credit for licensure or NBRC credentialing, please contact the Respiratory Therapy Department at (575) 624-7217 or visit the Respiratory Therapy Program pages on the ENMU–Roswell website.

Students pursuing the Associate of Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy must complete all required general education courses as outlined in the official degree plan.

Respiratory Therapy Program Transfer Credit Policy

  1. Eligibility of Transfer Credit

    • Courses completed at regionally accredited colleges or universities may be considered for transfer.

    • Only courses deemed equivalent to required Respiratory Therapy or prerequisite coursework will be accepted.

    • A minimum grade of “C” or better is required for all transfer coursework. Grades below a “C” will not be accepted.

  2. Course Equivalency Evaluation

    • The Program Director (in consultation with faculty, as appropriate) will review transcripts and course descriptions/syllabi to determine equivalency.

    • Transfer courses must demonstrate comparable student learning outcomes, credit hours, and content to those offered at this institution.

  3. Competency Testing Requirement

    • For core Respiratory Therapy courses transferred from another New Mexico or other institutions, students may be required to complete a competency test to verify skill mastery.

    • Competency testing may include written examinations, laboratory demonstrations, or clinical skill assessments.

    • Students must achieve a passing score, as determined by program standards, for credit to be officially awarded.

  4. Limitations on Transfer Credit

    • At least 50% of Respiratory Therapy major coursework must be completed in residence at this institution.

    • Clinical practice courses are generally not transferable due to differences in clinical site requirements and instructor supervision.

  5. Appeals Process

    • Students who disagree with transfer credit decisions may submit a written appeal to the Program Director within 30 days of notification.

    • The appeal will be reviewed by the Respiratory Therapy faculty and Department Chair. Decisions will be final.

Procedures:

  1. Student submits official transcripts and course syllabi from the transferring institution.

  2. Program Director reviews documentation and determines transfer eligibility.

  3. If required, student completes competency testing.

  4. Program Director notifies student in writing of transfer credit determination.

  5. Records are updated in the student’s academic file.

Readmission Policy – Respiratory Therapy Program

Students who withdraw, are dismissed, or otherwise leave the Respiratory Therapy Program and wish to return must apply for readmission. Readmission is not guaranteed and is contingent upon available space, faculty review, and demonstration of continued competency.

Readmission Requirements

  1. Application for Readmission

    • Students must submit a formal application for readmission to the Program Director by the published deadline.

    • Students may be required to reapply to the college if not currently enrolled.

  2. Review of Academic Record

    • All previously completed Respiratory Therapy coursework will be reviewed.

    • Courses previously passed with a grade of “C” or better may be eligible for acceptance, pending demonstration of competency.

    • Students must complete competency testing (written, laboratory, or clinical evaluations) for each Respiratory Therapy course to ensure retention of knowledge and skills.

  3. Review of Professional Conduct

    • The student’s file, including any academic or behavioral/affective domain write-ups, will be reviewed.

    • Students with unresolved or repeated issues may be denied readmission.

  4. Interview Process

    • Eligible applicants will participate in a formal interview with the Program Director and/or Admissions Committee.

    • The interview will assess academic readiness, professionalism, communication skills, and commitment to successful completion of the program.

  5. Program Standing

    • Students approved for readmission will enter the program at a level deemed appropriate by faculty, based on competency testing results.

    • Additional coursework, remediation, or repeating previously completed courses may be required.

  6. Limitations

    • Readmission is offered one-time only. Students who are dismissed or withdraw from the program a second time will not be eligible for readmission.

    • Readmission is subject to clinical site availability and program capacity.

Final Approval:

The Program Director, in consultation with program faculty and the Department Chair, will make the final decision on readmission.

Pre-Admission Courses

Note: All pre-admission courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher prior to entering the core Respiratory Therapy curriculum. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in these courses is required for program progression.

  1. Lab Science General Education

a)      Recommended: BIOL1110 and BIOL1110L General Biology with Lab (4 credits) OR CHEM1110 and CHEM1110L Chemistry in our Community with Lab (4 credits)

  1. Communications General Education

a)      Recommended: ENGL2210, Professional and Technical Communication (3 credits)

  1. Social and Behavioral Sciences General Education

a)      Recommended: PSYC1110, Introductory Psychology (3 credits) OR SOCI1110 Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)

  1. Mathematics General Education

a)      Recommended: MATH1130, Survey of Mathematics (3 credits)

  1. Communications, Mathematics, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Humanities, Creative and Fine Arts, or FLEX General Education

a)      Recommended: PHIL2110, Introduction to Ethics (3 credits)

Students seeking advanced placement—including those transferring from another Respiratory Therapy program or currently licensed as an RN, EMT-P, CRT, or other qualified healthcare provider—must meet all standard admission requirements for entry into the Respiratory Therapy Program. Additional requirements include transcript submission, validation examinations, course repetition as recommended, completion of university and program applications, and an admissions meeting with the Program Director.

Submit all official transcripts, including those from their program of study. A grade of “C” or higher is required in all previous RCP or general education courses.

  1. Complete validation exams, as required, in the cognitive, psychomotor, and clinical areas to determine the level at which the student may enter the program (additional fees may be required).

  2. Repeat selected Respiratory Therapy courses completed five or more years prior to reapplication for advanced standing as recommended by the Respiratory Therapy Admissions Committee, the Respiratory Therapy Program Director, and the Respiratory Therapy Program Medical Director.

  3. Submit a university application and separate Respiratory Therapy application.

  4. Meet with the Respiratory Therapy Program Director.

Students not admitted to the Respiratory Therapy program under advanced placement do have the right to appeal admission decisions through the University appeal process.